We are preparing to open registration for our three one-day United at the Font: Partnering for the Future events this fall. As I wrote in our grant application to Wartburg Seminary, these three locations were chosen in conversation with ecumenical partners. However, I see no reason why the entire synod cannot join in on the learning and growing.
Summary - 2025 Churchwide Assembly
God cares about our labors
I think people need to be reminded, now more than ever, that God blesses them outside of our hour of communal worship, that God cares about our labors (volunteer and compensated). Equally important, we all need reminders that united with Jesus Christ, we each can bring gifts of empathy, connection, and presence to our laboring, no matter what it is.
Pentecost and Holy Trinity Sundays
As you make final preparations for the festivals of Pentecost and/or Holy Trinity, I commend to you the Lutheran-Orthodox Joint Statement on the Filioque: A Study Guide from the ELCA. In addition to history, theology, and a Bible Study, the resource contains suggestions for hymns and language for liturgy.
Wellspring of God's Love from Bishop Meggan Manlove
Time For Stories
Stories and storytelling can be tools for so many facets of ministry. Stories can help people heal from wounds, even trauma. Stories can help with financial stewardship. Stories can help us teach lessons or learn. Stories can be incorporated into the proclamation of the gospel. Stories can help us build new relationships and strengthen old relationships. Stories can give us hope and help us in imparting hope. Stories invite us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Grief and Gratitude
My deepest gratitude comes from the well of faith, sometimes my own and sometimes the faith of another human. Memory is powerful--memories of and stories about God who is faithful, who keeps showing up with grace and mercy for the entire world. The psalmist’s words become my own again, “I trust in your unfailing love…I will sing to the Lord, who has dealt with me richly.”