For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:4)
Dear Friends in Christ,
The 2009 Nebraska Synod Assembly which took place on June 5-7 at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont offered an inspiring and thought provoking series of speakers, workshops, music, worship, and fellowship opportunities. Throughout the three days, discussion focused on mission, evangelism, and stewardship as we talked about what it means to be the church in Nebraska in 2009. Thank you to Amie and Clint Clausen for attending as St. John’s representatives this year. A recap of Assembly highlights and resolution results follows this brief letter.
May God bless you on the journey, give you hope and joy in believing, surround you with grace, and bring you peace.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Fallon
Assembly Headlines
Bishop Dave defreeze challenged Assembly participants not to let fear govern them. “Will we be different?” he asked. He suggested congregations exit survival mode and focus on mission and ministry. He asked each mission center to send him a paragraph outlining its ministry to the poor.
The Rev. Dr. Cynithia Hale asked participants, “What are you compelled by?” She reminded everyone that “God did not bring us here by accident. God brought us here by assignment.” She also said “its not complicated” because Christ gives us lessons of how we should walk with Him and love others.
Rev. Michael Housholder stressed unity in the church focused on the love of Jesus Christ. He cited surveys that demonstrate the challenges facing Christianity in America today. But he said, “People are starving to hear about God’s grace…Give them the word of God.”
A “Sense of the Assembly” survey on human sexuality indicated a split among participants regarding the church’s view on same gender relationships. Similar division appeared to exist relative to the issue of rostering individuals involved in same gender relationships. Most notably, however, was the tone of discussions surrounding the issue, which by all accounts was respectful and carried out in Christian love.
The Assembly received an update on the Synod’s capital campaign, which has raised $3.6 million of the $7.5 million campaign target. Much work is yet to be done as the campaign enters its second phase.
The Assembly unanimously adopted the 2009 and 2010 budgets, maintaining its 57 percent mission share with churchwide, something in which the Nebraska Synod has been a proud leader on the national level.
The Assembly adopted seven resolutions and rejected four, three of which were related to the human sexuality issue.
The 2010 Synod Assembly will be held June 4-5, 2010 at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. The theme will be “Joy in the Journey.”