|
Events Registrations
|
Iowa's IPL's "Faith in a Changing Climate" Conference
August 29, 2013
10 am - 3:30 pm
Retirees' Luncheon
September 10, 2013
9:30 am
|
|
|
Synod Calendar
|
September 2, 2013
Southeastern Iowa Synod
Center for Ministry
Iowa City, IA
Closed
September 10, 2013
Retirees' Luncheon with Conference Deans
Christ the King
Lutheran Church
Iowa City, IA
9:30 am
September 10, 2013
Evening with the Bishop
Zion Lutheran Church
Iowa City, IA
6:30-8:00 pm
September 12, 2013
Evening with the Bishop
All Saints Lutheran Church
Davenport, IA
6:30-8:00 pm
September 17, 2013
Evening with the Bishop
St. James Lutheran Church
Johnston, IA
6:30-8:00 pm
September 21, 2013
Synod Council Meeting
Southeastern Iowa Synod
Iowa City, IA
9:30 am-3:00 pm
September 22-24, 2013
Tri-Synodical Fall Theological Conference
West Des Moines, IA
|
|
|
|
2013 Churchwide Assembly: A message from Bishop Burk
First, a word of thanks to the eighteen people from the Southeastern Iowa Synod who joined me and more than 900 other voting members in Pittsburgh for the 2013 Churchwide Assembly. They were prepared, constructively present, and fun to be with as the church in assembly made decisions that have set a new and exciting course for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. See below for some of their reflections on the experience, and you can find a summary of actions from this gathering on the ELCA website.
I have participated in a number of Churchwide Assemblies and I know there have been a variety of surprises as our 25years in the ELCA have unfolded. But the election of a new presiding bishop, when the current and highly regarded presiding bishop had expressed a desire to continue in that call, is in so many ways, something new.
I worked closely with, and reported to Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson for seven years prior to being called to serve as bishop of this synod. But you don't have to see him day after day to recognize that his commitment to this church is unambiguous. His passion for the gospel is contagious. His love of being with people, toward the goal of building up the Body of Christ, is evident. His twelve years of service as the leader of the ELCA has been such a gift to so many, including me.
Still, the church in assembly called Bishop Elizabeth Eaton to take on the responsibilities of presiding bishop. How it happened and why will be discussed and debated for some time. For those of us in the hall-listening intently, praying fervently, and casting our ballots,-that it happened is not so surprising. It seemed to be "of the Spirit." Without wallowing, she acknowledged pain associated with 2009 actions. Without compromising her own views, she thanked those who have disagreed with ELCA decisions, but chose to remain in the body. She lauded Bishop Hanson for his commitment to making this a church where "all are welcome." She deepened that commitment, insisting that we can disagree on many things as long as we agree on the cross of Christ. And she called us to be more intentionally Lutheran in our witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
I am biased in that she is such a dear friend so I will share a description provided by Bishop Peter Rogness, who serves the St. Paul Area Synod. "She (Bishop Eaton) is regarded by her synod and by her colleagues in the Conference of Bishops with deep respect and sheer delight in her presence. She is a breath of fresh air, witty and engaging, theologically take-your-breath-away deep, confident, straightforward."
But do not rely solely on what others say about Bishop Eaton. Read some of the interviews she's done since her election. Go to the ELCA website and view her comments in the midst of the election. And pray for her as she takes up this new call. Bishop Eaton's installation will be Saturday, October 5, at Rockefeller Chapel on the campus of the University of Chicago. In fact, just as you were invited to participate in 25 Days of Prayer leading up to the assembly, I hope you will commit 25 days and then some, to praying for the leaders of this church. For Presiding Bishop - elect Elizabeth Eaton and Secretary - elect Wm. Chris Boerger as they prepare for taking on new and demanding responsibilities. For Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and Secretary David Swartling as they complete their service. For our colleagues in churchwide ministries as they transition toward and respond to new leadership. And for this whole church as, together, we strive to be faithful to the God, who in Christ makes all things new. Bishop Michael L. Burk
Reflections on Churchwide Assembly
"I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my church as a voting member. I was exhilarated to witness the election of our first female presiding bishop, Elizabeth Eaton. I was enlightened by the passion those around me had for the Gospel, for their neighbor and for the world." Rev. Robin Coughennower, Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, Windsor Heights.
"Being part of the assembly reinforced my awareness of how effective and vital the work of the churchwide organization is. Our mission support dollars to the synod and Churchwide could not be better utilized. The ELCA is doing great works throughout the world, and I could not be more proud to be an ELCA Lutheran." Mark Lyon, First Lutheran Church, Maquoketa.
"The one amazing aspect of this assembly was seeing the Spirit at work. Within the elections, conversations, discernment, worship, fellowship and every facet of the assembly one could see and feel the Spirit moving, guiding, and empowering the Church. God has some amazing plans for the ELCA and I am very excited to see where it takes us. Thanks be to God." Pastor Josh Martyn, Zion Lutheran Church, Clinton.
"The Churchwide Assembly was both interesting and inspirational! The process, attempting to allow for a great disparity of viewpoints and perspectives, was rewarding and interesting to see. Viewpoints shared and statements by candidates running for offices were well thought out and stated with passion. The times of worship, and the prayers during our deliberations, were very moving! I'm thankful for the experience, and proud to be a member of the ELCA." John Strand, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Ankeny.
"What was evident to me at the Churchwide Assembly is that we are a faithful church. The speeches, the conversations, and the voting reflected a community in Christ that knows the importance and the need for finding and providing a place for all voices to be heard. I left the assembly with much hope and anticipation in how our church will continue to be made new." Pastor Cathy Daharsh, Gilbert Lutheran Church, Gilbert.
"This is not an experience easily summed up in a few sentences. So I offer instead a few words to scratch the surface of a description: prayer, discernment, pages and pages of reading, iPads, cookies, Spirit-led, grace-filled, faith-forming, debate, struggle, compromise, relationships old and new, always being made new, God's work our hands, historic, rooted, worship, youth and young adult leaders, dwelling in the word, hospitality and finally hope, yes lots and lots of hope." Pastor Trish Decker, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids.
|
"A Place at the Table"
As part of being an anti-hunger synod, the Hunger Working Group has purchased several copies of the documentary, "A Place at the Table" for congregations to borrow and show in their community. "A Place at the Table" tells, in a direct and gripping way, the story of three families who maintain their dignity even as they struggle to eat. If you are interested in borrowing a copy of this documentary, contact Julie Honsey, a member of the Hunger Working Group, at jlhreader@aol.com for more information.
Remember in Prayer
Pastor Julie Higgs will be installed as Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Adel, Iowa, on August, 25, 2013.
Pastor Karen Ullestad will be installed as Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa, on August 25, 2013.
Pastor Jeremy McElvain will be installed as Pastor at First Lutheran Church, Centerville, Iowa, on September 1, 2013.
Pastor Dan Kukkuck will be installed as Pastor at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Urbandale, Iowa, on September 21-22, 2013.
Pastor Timothy Olson as he and his family grieve the death of his brother.
|
|
|
|
|
