The first draft of the social statement on genetics is now available for study and comment.

The 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly requested that our church develop a social statement on genetics. The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will discuss and make a determination about the social statement.

After a period of study and comment, the ELCA Task Force on Genetics has prepared a draft of the social statement for feedback and response. This draft was made available to the ELCA and the public on March 18 at www.elca.org/geneticsdraft. On that Web site there is also an executive summary and frequently asked questions (FAQs) available for download.

The release date was chosen after careful deliberation considering both the parameters of the ELCA social statement process and the church calendar. Policies and Procedures for Addressing Social Statements requires that a draft be shared with the whole church approximately 18 months before the assembly.

Following an extensive review and comment period, the draft will be revised by the task force. A proposed social statement will be prepared by the task force one year from now. It will be reviewed by the ELCA Church Council in April 2011 for recommendation to the 2011 Churchwide Assembly.

Please keep in mind these points about the draft and the response process:

1.      This document is a draft, and is subject to change.

2.      In the coming months, the task force seeks response from this church. The means of response include the comment form attached to the draft booklet and reports from synodical hearings. 

The Rev. Rebecca S. Larson, Executive Director, ELCA Church in Society, encourages congregations to study the draft statement and to make comments for consideration in the final version. 

2010 NAAC GATHERING FEATURES LATHROP AND RAMSHAW

The  annual gathering of the North American Association for the Catechumenate (NAAC) will be held at the beautiful Duncan Conference Center in Delray Beach, Florida-a mile from the beach and only two hours south of Disney World. The theme of the 2010 event is "When Heaven Touches Earth: Reclaiming the Mysteries of Faith for Baptismal Living Today". Special focus will be on the Triduum, especially the Easter Vigil as, a highpoint of the catechumenal journey.

The event features Dr. Gail Ramshaw, Professor of Religion at LaSalle University and author of the new book, Christian Worship: 100,000 Sundays of Symbols and Rituals. A sample of topics for her sessions include: "2000 Years of Easter: The Vigil In, Out, and Back Again" (A Christian History of the Triduum and why it is returning in the 21st century) and "12 Readings: Are You Kidding!?" (focusing on the meaning and importance of the readings appointed for the Vigil). Dr. Gordon Lathrop, faculty emeritus at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, will serve as our preacher and presider. Dr. Mark Mummert, ELW composer, and organist at Christ the King in Houston, and former faculty at Lutheran Theological Seminary, will head up our Music and Worship Team.

There will be a number of workshops, including a track for those who are new to the catechumenate, and how to begin ministry with seeking persons.

A special pre-conference gathering is also being planned for denominational leaders over lunch and early afternoon of July 29. Limited travel assistance is available.Mark your calendars NOW for July 29-August 1, 2010 in Florida!

Holy Cross, Hiram, Georgia, issues challenge to synod's congregations

Holy Cross, Hiram, Georgia, recently sent a check for $1000 to the synod office, designated for deficit reduction. In a letter from Council President, Mr. Dick Donovan and Pastor Earl Schafer, the congregation has challenged each of the synod's 170 congregations to do the same, pointing out that such donations would eliminate the current spending deficit. 

As a result of decreased mission support from congregations, the Southeastern Synod ended the 2009-2010 fiscal year with a spending deficit of $145,000 and a budget deficit of $548,000. The reduced giving has resulted in the synod's reducing significantly our program spending and our support of synod agencies and institutions, cutting staff salaries, and initiating staff lay-offs. 

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Pr. David Hart recognized for service to LLMI Board

The Board of Directors of Lutheridge Lutherock Ministries, Inc., recently recognized two board members who have served two terms and whose eligibility for service has ended. One of the recognized board members is the Southeastern Synod's own Pr. David Hart of Athens, Georgia. Pr. Hart recently retired as long-time pastor of Holy Cross, Athens, and most recently served as transition pastor of Holy Trinity, Elberton, Georgia. Thanks for your service to LLMI and to the synod, David. 

Pictured above are outgoing LLMI Board members Ms. Leslie Elza and Pr. David Hart.