Showing up is a spiritual practice. As such, it will look different for each of us. Some of us will go downtown with posters, some of us will stock the food banks or bring bottled water to a sit-in, some of us will be ready to bandage wounds, some of us will do research and gather information.

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.

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.

As people of faith, we are called to give of our time, talent, and treasure for a Greater purpose. Bread for the World invites you to use your voice to help end hunger.