Friends, I had the privilege of attending last weekend’s Synod Assembly as a voting member from First English, along with Holden Fuerst. Thank you for that opportunity!
The Assembly celebrated Camp Chrysalis’ 75th anniversary with a wonderful slide show of the many years in operation. The Assembly Offering was dedicated toward helping
purchase equipment for the new dining hall that is planned.
My purpose here is to share with you just what I consider the highlights of the event. This was the first attempt to squeeze all of the business into a one-day meeting, and it was quite successful. That wouldn’t be possible when the agenda is heavier with issues and elections. There was no formal worship service, but things such as a reminder of our baptism and communion were tucked in. The Assembly theme was “More Than Enough”, taken from Mark 4:30-44, the parable of the loaves and fishes. “With God, what we have will be sufficient.” Bishop Sue Briner’s “State of the Synod” presentation highlighted the many fresh initiatives being embarked upon to support and resource congregations and their leaders. Titles such as “Latina Collective”, “Camp Hope”, “Ministry 360”, “Fresh Expressions”, “Justice Work” and “Growing More Fully into Being the Beloved Community” caught my attention.
The synod budget report was very encouraging. It was described as a “narrative budget”, or one that will support all of their major priorities. Generous support for campus ministry as well as grants for innovative projects is included.
Daniel Kirschbaum, director of Young Adult Ministry was our representative from the ELCA for the event. He offered a report on the added emphasis being placed on young adult ministry in the ELCA, with even their own national gathering this year, and provided a sermon for the Assembly.
Bishop Briner spoke of our partnership with the Episcopal diocese of West Texas and the fruit that it is bearing – such things as a “Small Churches Big Impact Collective” – small churches that say “yes” to meeting community needs. There was also a report from our sister synod – the church of Costa Rica.
What impacted me the most was the growing awareness that the First English model of a lay led/pastor supported congregation is actually a model that is becoming more talked about throughout the ELCA and beyond. Who knew that we are on “the cutting edge”?
Submitted by Barbara Schutz