St. Paul Area, May 20-21, Burnsville, Minn. (www.spas-elca. org). Under the theme “We Are Lutheran: Bold & Hopeful,” keynote speaker Anthony Bateza of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., spoke about what it means to be bold and to be hopeful under the context of Martin Luther’s works as well as questions of race, identity and social justice. —Chloe Alf
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
Nebraska. June 2-4, Kearney, Neb. (
nebraskasynod.org/ assembly). The highlight was a ministry fair that featured educational and interactive exhibits produced by the synod’s ministries, committees and serving arms. ELCA pastor Peter Marty discussed the loss of “the middle” in the church and society, urging participants to live together as sisters and brothers in Christ. A resolution calling for local discussion on the death penalty in Nebraska was adopted. —Mitch McCartney
Central/Southern Illinois, June 2-4, East Peoria, Ill. Voting members approved a resolution
to reduce seminary education debt carried by rostered leaders, with the goal of raising funds sufficient to expend $100,000 over the next five years. Bicyclists rode more than 300 miles to the assembly, raising $17,668 for this effort. The opening worship offering of $6,625.57 will benefit the synod’s companion synods in Madagascar. —Bob Dealey
North Carolina, June 3-4, Charlotte, N.C. (
nclutheran.org/ about/
assembly.php). Bishop Timothy M. Smith led a Bible study exploring the theme “We are Church.” ELCA pastors Tim and Sharon Taylor led a forum looking at “isms” that create divisions in our culture. Voting members passed a resolution calling on state government leaders to repeal House Bill 2. which “discriminates against the working poor” and “targets and discriminates against the LGBTQ community ...” —Bob Shoffner
South Dakota, June 3-4, Watertown, S.D. (sdsynod. org/16assembly). The assembly included Bible study, conversation and a series of three “Table Talks” around the theme “The Future of the Reformation” from differ- ent global perspectives. Voting
members passed resolutions on topics including predatory lend- ing, the doctrine of discovery, and support for military personnel, vet- erans and their families. A special guest was Bishop Ruben Ngozo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon. — Kevin Stillson
Lower Susquehanna, June 3-5, Grantham, Pa.(
lss-elca.org/ hungry-for-justice-mercy). Under the theme “Hungry for Justice & Mercy,” more than 1,000 volunteers packed 415,876 meals for the Central PA Food Bank. Volunteers also wrote 500 letters to Congress seeking action on hunger issues. Using the story of the Good Samaritan and four “gospel calls to action,” voting members were encouraged to “go and do likewise.” Voting members adopted a resolution seeking Reconciling in Christ (publicly welcoming of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)recognition for the synod. —Sharron R. Blezard
Sierra Pacific, June 3-5, Reno, Nev. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton was keynote speaker and Luke Hanson, a former volunteer in Rwanda with the Young Adults in Global Mission, was Bible study leader.
Volunteers wearing their “God’s work. Our hands.” T-shirts help pack 415,876 meals for the Central PA Food Bank during the Lower Susquehanna Synod Assembly.
RELIGIOUS NEWS & SOCIAL ISSUES •
LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG 39
Photo: Sharron R. Blezard
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