I am thankful for the gift of continuing education.  Last week I was able to participate in the ELCA Worship Jubilee. Not only was I invited to think deeply about worship but also to ponder how we will observe the coming 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Every evening we had a rich feast of worship and music in a variety of cultural forms in different locations. The presentations and workshops had my imagination cooking. I am still humming songs. It was a rich feast in many ways. I also had the surprise gift of catching up with people I have known, loved, and appreciated in my life journey. Amazing grace.

I don't know if you have had the chance to do continuing education this summer or have plans for the fall. If money is holding you back remember you can request funds from our synod's wellness fund to deepen your capacity to proclaim the good news, serve and lead, click here for Stewards of Our Health Wellness Grants. The Intellectual-Wellness Grant has 35 available grants for up to $250 for continuing education. These are dollars to help our synod care for its leaders, please receive the gift of grace.  

Finally, if you are looking for a new song that will work between prayer petitions here is one from Jonathon Rundman that you can request song sheets from on the net and use with a CCLI license. 

In this video below, they are teaching the song "For Such A Time As This". Trust me it is a powerful refrain song for a prayer or other uses. (Short summary - even I could play the guitar chords.) 
 

"For Such A Time As This" by Jonathon Rundman

Synod Minister Search

+Bishop Jon V. Anderson

This week we are working on laying out timelines and revising job descriptions for the "Engage Rostered Leaders" position on our staff as synod minister.

I am thankful for Pr. Joyce Piper's service.

If you missed Pr. Joyce's transition article please click here to read, Alive and Called! I invite you to join me in praying that God will guide our search to call the next synod minister.  If you are sensing a call or if you know someone who might serve well, watch for next week's posting of our job description to help in your discernment. We will be in touch with more information.

Youth Ministry and Gathering

+Bishop Jon V. Anderson

I know that summer is a time when congregation's youth are often on the road traveling and experiencing the gift of service, worship, learning, and fun. It has been great to watch the Facebook posts from people traveling to many places this summer. I am thankful for the ways our congregations invest in young people. I am grateful for all the people who are wrapping up their service at camps.

It was a gift to be able to travel to Detroit to be with many of you there. Around 900 youth and adults were there. I loved the chance to visit, learn, worship, serve, and have fun with many groups during the gathering. My favorite part of the gathering would be the two and a half hours I blessed young people and adults in the Proclaim Community interactive center. Under the cross in the center of the room I was able to talk and offer a baptismal reminder. Blessing others was a powerful blessing to me. There are days that are not so fun in this call and there are other days that are priceless. There were many priceless experiences and moments for me in Detroit I give thanks for all the people who made this event happen.

Our next gathering will be in three years in my old home, Houston, Texas on June 27 - July 1!