It was evident that God’s Spirit was at work bringing the refreshing waters of life. It was good to be together for worship and prayer. It was good to hear reports about the work of the Synod and about where Synod is moving in the future. It was good to elect council and committee members; to approve the proposed budget; to amend the constitution and bylaws. And the NWIM Synod got a little be larger as we received Christ the King Lutheran Church, Milton-Freewater, OR into the Synod.

As we commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Nicaea, and celebrated a common date for Easter this year, “The Common Statement on the Filioque” presents us with an opportunity to move toward healing age-old divisions within Christ’s church, in light of our common affirmation that the filioque is no longer church-dividing.

Some “may rubrics” you might be familiar with are confession and forgiveness, or remembrance of baptism. These may happen, or they may not. Or the recitation of the creed. It can happen in worship — it may happen or it can be omitted.

But did you know that the offering is not a “may rubric?”

The moment I discovered the profound impact of asking — or being asked — the right question was during my first experience with a clearness committee. 

For the past 9 months, the ELCA Research and Evaluation team has been hard at work to produce this important new study on The Future Need for Pastoral Leaders in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.