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"What is God's Purpose for us as the New England Synod?"
The final "Doing What Matters" Mission Assembly gathering took place at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holden, Mass., on April 2. As in past events, attendees from Central Massachusetts wrestled with this provocative question, which matters to all of us in the New England Synod. Here were some of their answers, which have been combined with those from previous events:
"God's purpose for us as the New England Synod is to"...
"Be God's faithful people and see what happens!"
"Encourage congregations and people of the synod to take risks in our communities to transform lives."
"Invite others in at every opportunity. Support each other in faith. Support our neighborhood and larger communities. Publicize all that is good in our houses of worship. Spread the news. How are you known? Share God's love, His Word and forgiveness."
"Use our gifts and blessings to further his kingdom within and beyond the synod."
"Serve God via outreach, prayer, service and thanksgiving."
"Bring us together to share, getting busy doing what matters to GOD.
"Listen, care, serve, love all people. Just do it! By the power of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
"Keep our doors open, welcome others to believe, be blessed and gather in his church that is our beautiful world."
"Be God's hands and feet, serving others and sharing the good news of God's love for all."
"Remind us that we are more than one, we are many, and - through the power of the Holy Spirit - we can be transformed so we can transform others.
"Share God's grace through service."
"Equip, empower and encourage us to leave the building and be in the world with God."
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"Who's Who" at 2011 Synod Assembly:
The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman
The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman is the Executive Director of Congregational and Synodical Mission for the ELCA. Before his election to this position by the ELCA Church Council, Bouman served as the bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod. As their spiritual leader, he saw the people of this synod through some very challenging times. "We went through Ground Zero together," he said, "we buried our dead and re-imagined church in the wake of that tragedy." Bouman's passion for mission and ministry continues to fuel his leadership in the wider church. "It is my joy to advocate and agitate for the missional heart of this church."
When he announced the ELCA Church Council's unanimous selection of Bouman, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, said, "Bishop Bouman has a passion to proclaim Christ, make disciples and build up the church for the sake of the world. He has accompanied those who live in poverty, work for a more just society, extend hospitality to the immigrant, and strive to lead a multicultural, diverse church while building upon our strong global and ecumenical partnerships." The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman will be present at the 2011 Synod Assembly on Saturday morning, providing inspiration before sending us out into the Springfield community to "do what matters" to God.
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"Faith Stories"
There's a new page on the synod website that highlights people of faith in our synod who are doing what matters in the world, such as Janet Buehler, an English teacher at Dartmouth (Mass.) High School, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. Janet's exceptional strength and incredible passion for teaching during her struggle with cancer so inspired her students that they nominated her as the 2010 South Coast Teacher of the Year. She is married to the Rev. David Buehler, pastor of Advent Lutheran Church, Middleboro, Mass.
Read her story and other's stories.
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Connecticut congregation sponsors missionary serving ELCJHL
St. Michael's Lutheran Church, New Canaan, Conn., is sponsoring a missionary serving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), one of the companion relationships of the New England Synod. The Rev. Elizabeth Carson McHan serves as communications consultant for the ELCJHL in the office of Bishop Munib Younan in Jerusalem. She lives on the Mount of Olives. McHan feels "deeply called to walk with the people of the ELCJHL" and is passionate about hearing and sharing their stories. Learn more about her ministry and experiences in the Holy Land by visiting her blog
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Opportunities and Resources
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Immersion Opportunities for Students
Project Connect Immersions provide an opportunity for students to experience what it's like to serve in public ministry in the context of a congregation. You work for 40 hours per week, usually in the summer, in a congregation with the support and supervision of the pastor of that congregation. Project Connect provides a stipend of $3,000.
The application deadline is quickly approaching - April 10.
Click here for more detailed information
Questions, contact Don Johnson, director of Project Connect at don@projectconnect.org or 603-539-7257.
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New England Synod's Companion Synod Mission Trip to The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)
Space is limited! Please indicate your interest to Pastor Keyl, and secure your space by making a deposit of $500 (checks only, please) payable to New England Synod, memo: "2011 Holy Land Trip" by April 25, 2010.
For more information contact Pastor Tim Keyl at 203-787-2346, Email pastorkeyl@snet.net
Click here for more information
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"Lost and Found" Christian rock duo to appear April 28 in Foxboro, Mass.
"Lost and Found," an LCMS Christian rock duo that has performed at Hammonasset, will appear in concert Friday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. at The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Foxboro, Mass. A free-will offering will be received to support the band. For more information, call Pr. Rick Schlak at 508-543-4071 or http://www.lcor.org. Learn about the band at http://www.speedwood.com/.
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It's not too late to register for "Living Liturgy"
at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, May 5-7, 2011!
Registration for Living Liturgy is now just $100, which includes lunch on both Friday and Saturday. The Best Western Airport Inn is offering a reduced nightly rate of $72 for attendees of the event. To register or obtain additional information, contact Elisabeth Remming Vergun at: parishasst@pilgrimlutheranri.org
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LSS to auction street rod to benefit GNG
Interested in street rods? Check out this donation to Good News Garage (GNG) - a '36 Chevy truck, which you could win! Lutheran Social Services (LSS) will auction these vintage wheels this fall to benefit GNG, which is observing its 15th anniversary. Watch for more details. Learn more about GNG at www.goodnewsgarage.org or friend GNG on Facebook. GNG is a nationally recognized program established by LSS in 1996 to help qualified low income families move from welfare to work by proving them with low-cost automobiles that have been donated by generous friends of the agency.
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