Dear Friends,
In the past few weeks I have mentioned a few of the actions of the Churchwide Assembly in mysermons. I hope that you will visit the ELCA website for more information about the important work done at those meetings. You can also read the National Bishops comments there. If you do not have access to the internet and would like more information let me know and I will provide copies.
It is important during a congregational transition to be linked to both the ELCA and to the Synod. The candidates for call come from those bodies and have been trained and served in them. Being linked means having an idea of what the ELCA and our synod are about. What do we teach, what do our church documents say, how do we talk about social issues like racism, justice, health care, immigration, gender and sexuality, among others? I know that there is significant interest about many of these issues in our congregation.
To help in our congregational understanding of how the ELCA forms policy and social statements, and to give us a place to talk about the ELCA stance on issues - particularly issues of sexuality - I would like to invite all of you to Adult forum this fall, where I will lead a discussion/bible study to open up our knowledge and conversation regarding these challenging issues, the ELCA, and our self-understanding.
We have planned 6 weeks beginning September 8th, 9:15-10:15am. We will meet in the "round room" upstairs.
I know that there are often strong feelings when social issues and issues regarding sexuality are discussed. I ask that you come with an open heart and spirit, and with an attitude of respect for the varied opinions and experiences that people have. I am confident that when there is open study, conversation, and exploration of a topic, we all learn and grow.
I look forward to your participation in the Christian Education opportunity.
Blessings,
Pastor G
In the past few weeks I have mentioned a few of the actions of the Churchwide Assembly in mysermons. I hope that you will visit the ELCA website for more information about the important work done at those meetings. You can also read the National Bishops comments there. If you do not have access to the internet and would like more information let me know and I will provide copies.
It is important during a congregational transition to be linked to both the ELCA and to the Synod. The candidates for call come from those bodies and have been trained and served in them. Being linked means having an idea of what the ELCA and our synod are about. What do we teach, what do our church documents say, how do we talk about social issues like racism, justice, health care, immigration, gender and sexuality, among others? I know that there is significant interest about many of these issues in our congregation.
To help in our congregational understanding of how the ELCA forms policy and social statements, and to give us a place to talk about the ELCA stance on issues - particularly issues of sexuality - I would like to invite all of you to Adult forum this fall, where I will lead a discussion/bible study to open up our knowledge and conversation regarding these challenging issues, the ELCA, and our self-understanding.
We have planned 6 weeks beginning September 8th, 9:15-10:15am. We will meet in the "round room" upstairs.
I know that there are often strong feelings when social issues and issues regarding sexuality are discussed. I ask that you come with an open heart and spirit, and with an attitude of respect for the varied opinions and experiences that people have. I am confident that when there is open study, conversation, and exploration of a topic, we all learn and grow.
I look forward to your participation in the Christian Education opportunity.
Blessings,
Pastor G
