Bishop Hoover with Pr. Joel Folkemer, Pr.Dana Blouch-Hanson, and Pr. Cheri Korte

As part of a deep and meaningful Lenten journey, nearly 100 rostered leaders from around our synod gathered yesterday for a service of Word and Sacrament, for blessing of oil, and renewal of ministry vows. Bishop Hoover preached and presided at the service which was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Carlisle. This liturgy of Holy Eucharist is a time for pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers to revisit and renew promises made at ordination, consecration, and commissioning.

 "It was a spiritually moving worship and a refreshing time of fellowship with colleagues," said Pastor Rob Blezard, who serves Trinity in Arendtsville. "Pastors don't often get a chance to be worshipers in the pews. It was nice to be spiritually fed."

After worship, the congregation of St. Paul served a delicious luncheon. Pastor Dana Blouch-Hanson (Zion, Newville) said, "I am excited to renew my vows and be a part of this day with other rostered leaders in our synod."

At a meeting of synod leaders recently, one pastor shared something that was deeply troubling to him: why can't the church speak with one voice about guns?

As a group, we had just finished hearing about the Conference of Bishop's letter on gun violence, in light of the Sandy Hook shooting among others. (Click here to read letter) We had finished sharing opinions about what concerned us more: prevalent use of guns in our communities, desensitization to violence as part of our culture, or the impossible balancing act of political appeasement.  As leaders of faith communities many of us serve in contexts where opinions for or against guns would have our congregations running us out of town. Read more...