Synod assemblies: Gatherings focus on hunger, diversity, service


Editor’s note: Synod communicators were asked to share a highlight from their assemblies. What made a difference to participants? What was the most important part of the assembly? Responses received by presstime are included here. When provided, there is a web address for more information.


South-Central of Wisconsin, April 29-30, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (scsw-elca.org). ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton led participants in an exploration of God’s story and how the Lutheran story is re-forming by discussing such questions as “What makes us distinctly Lutheran?” and “How do we become diverse, inclusive and relevant?” Voting members resolved to seek justice in the Holy Land by encouraging responsible investments. They also established a synodwide day of observation for ELCA campus ministries and Lutheran social services. —Vickie Hanrahan


Northeastern Minnesota, April 29- May 1, Breezy Point, Minn. (nemnsynod.org). At an evening prayer service, keynote speaker Anna Madsen of the OMG Center for Theological Conversation, Sioux Falls, S.D., preached on forgiveness, contemplative


hope and healing, beer and hymns, and campfire fellowship. Guests included deacons from the synod’s companion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iringa in Russia. Offerings were designated for the Seminary Scholarship Fund and the Seminarian Debt Relief Fund. Proceeds for ELCA World Hunger totaled $23,480.25. —Tammy Segel-Crilly


Southeastern Pennsylvania, May 6-7, Telford, Pa. Emerging generations disregard religion, value pluralism and distrust authority, yet “the Holy Spirit is bringing a new dawn for Christ’s church,” Bishop Claire Burkat told the assembly. “To reach this young culture we need to change our old church culture now.” The synod is facilitating change through its Forward Together in Faith campaign, which stresses equipping, innovation,


networking and interactive communications. “We can’t be in a bubble or our tradition will die,” added Reformation scholar Kirsi Stjerna of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif., so the church must be “driven by God’s grace into the world.” —Robert Fischer


Northwest of Wisconsin,May 21, Eau Claire, Wis. (nwswi.org/ home/synod-news). Giving attention to Matthew 19:16-26, participants focused on the theme “With God, All Things are Possible.” Participants heard a hope-filled message about generosity and hospitality by Adam Copeland of Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. Among the resolutions approved was “Bold Generosity: Inspired. Intentional. Impactful,” a synodwide, three-year fundraising appeal to raise $1.2 million for technology, the Walking Together event, leadership development, support for seminary graduates, partnering with Malawi and tithing. —Laura Ramlow


Meeting under the theme “For the Healing of the World,” participants at the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod Assembly wrote prayers on hand cutouts and placed them on a tree display during opening worship. At closing, they took a hand to add the petition to their prayers.


38 AUGUST 2016


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