Worship Christ, the Newborn King

When my brother and I were young, our celebration of Christmas was somewhat compartmentalized. Christmas Eve was for church. My parents, the two of us, and my grandmother (who lived with us), would bundle up and head to church for an early evening candlelight service. In those days, before the advent of children’s sermons and early communion, Christmas Eve was the one time when Brant and I felt equal to everyone else. We were not excluded as the ushers distributed candles or when the candles were lit! On Christmas Eve, everything in worship seemed so familiar, from the gospel to the carols. It was also beautifully different with the Christmas tree, wreaths and candles in the windows. Once we got home from church there was only one thing left to do—get to bed and try to sleep as Mom and Dad wrapped presents right outside our bedroom door.

I do not even know if our congregation had worship on Christmas Day. For us, Christmas morning was devoted to exchanging gifts. Around noon, my other grandparents, my uncle and my great-grandfather would arrive. It was Mom’s job to cook Christmas dinner since we had been at my grandparents for Thanksgiving. Ham and scalloped potatoes were on the menu each year. There were nine of us at the dinner table in our tiny house. As I recall, a folding table was set up diagonally in the living room to accommodate us all. Christmas evening, after the dishes were done and our guests had gone home, the four of us would get in the car and spend the evening with my parents’ closest friends and their two boys.

There seemed to be a division between the sacred and secular in our celebration of Christmas. Christmas Eve was about Jesus. Christmas Day was about gifts, family and friends. But as I think about now, there was nothing secular about our celebration of Christmas. Our celebration simply began with and was undergirded by worship.

That is how it still is for me. My celebration of Christmas begins in worship. In fact, Christmas does not even make sense to me without worship. I trust the same is true for you. “Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King!”

I join our bishop and the entire synod staff in wishing a Merry Christmas to all.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Image from http://freechristimages.org/. --JC

"I Don't Read Blogs"

“With all due respect to Jeff and his blog, I don’t read blogs.”

These words were spoken by a pastor, a friend and colleague of mine, at a meeting of our synod’s interim pastors. I was not offended. I will happily admit that I do not spend much time reading blogs either. There are a couple out there that are of interest to me, but, truthfully, I find most of them to be a waste of time.

One of the greatest strengths of a blog is also its greatest weakness. In a blog, the author is free to write anything that he or she wants, true or untrue, kind or unkind, fact or fiction, solicitous or slanderous.

The purpose of this blog has been to raise issues in a non-controversial way. I hope some of what I have written has stimulated deeper thought and discussion. Of course, that means that I have steered clear of the hottest topics in the life of the church. As a synod staff member, I do not want my personal opinions to get in the way of working with individuals or congregations that think a different way than I. If asked, I always answer, distinguishing between what this church teaches and what is my opinion. Unfortunately, too many folks end discussions before they begin.

Much has been written about the state of our ELCA since the Churchwide Assembly in August. I have been disappointed, perhaps even horrified, by some of what I have read. I have seen opinion stated as fact and simply awful things said about leaders in the church.

The pastor who said, “I don’t read blogs” does not allow anyone else to think for him. He is happy to engage in dialogue, seeks out opportunities to learn from others, and engages in theological reflection. That sounds healthy to me.

If you choose to read blogs (and I hope that you will continue to read this one), do not accept everything at face value. Dig a little deeper to find if it states the truth. Do not be too quick to agree or disagree. Engage in some theological reflection and good old-fashioned conversation. We live in a world where we engage less and less in anything face-to-face. Your congregation is a place where that kind of discussion can and should take place.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Advent

Autumn was busier than usual for the synod staff. The professional staff did a lot of traveling as we met with individual congregations, attended conference meetings of rostered leaders, and the Bishop’s Coffees. Our support staff has worked hard to keep the rest of us organized, allowing us to show up at the right place at the right time. We have done our best to make sure that nothing fell through the cracks, though I am sure there must have been some things. If we missed anything, please let us know!

The latter half of December is typically a quiet time in the synod office. As life in our congregations gets busier and busier with Advent and the approach of Christmas, the office phones ring less, requests for meetings dwindle, and I (along with others) try to sneak in a few vacation days before the end of the year.

I participated in a midweek Advent worship last evening (Wednesday). It was a wonderful hour-long respite from the bustle of our consumer oriented world. During December here in Rockford, traffic near my home becomes ridiculously congested as people race to the mall or to Target, Best Buy or Toys R Us. The economy may be bad, but from what I judge by the traffic, there will still be plenty under most trees.

Have you taken a look at some of the people around you? I have not noticed too many outwardly happy people in the stores. People seem so stressed, even in the grocery store. The folks at church last evening were smiling and relaxed as we sang “Holden Evening Prayer.” Later, there was laughter at the tables as we enjoyed coffee and cookies while we addressed and signed Christmas cards for homebound members.

Advent is one of my favorite times of year, not just because it gives us a chance to catch up in the office, but because I can go to church and be reminded of what is truly important. The world tells us that spending money and stressing out is what we are supposed to do at Christmas. The church tells us that Christmas is about Jesus and God’s inestimable love for us. That’s part of the Advent message. I kid you not when I say, I cling to it while I am fighting traffic. Give me Jesus.

“Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You may have all the rest, give me Jesus.”

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Heart Condition

My heart aches.

In recent conversations with rostered leaders across the synod, I have been made aware of the financial stresses that many congregations are experiencing. These stresses appear to be the result of a number of factors. First, the impact of a poor economy has made its way into the lives of our parishioners and is being reflected in the offering plate. Second, the decisions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly have angered or disappointed some members who have chosen to leave their congregations or withhold their offering. Many of these members have traditionally been very generous. A third factor now coming into play is the anticipation of a poor harvest for many farmers in our synod. Thus, income in many of our congregations has declined. My heart aches for congregations that have been forced to cut back on their ministries.

I am sure that most of you are aware of the financial impact similar factors have had in the life of the synod. When congregational income drops, giving to the synod for Mission Support drops proportionally. A few congregations have chosen to withhold Mission Support in protest of the Churchwide Assembly decisions. (It must be noted that some congregations have made special gifts or increased their giving in an attempt to offset this.) There has also been a general decline in the amount of money shared with ELCA synods over the past 30 years or so. My heart aches as we are not able to fully fund synod ministries that have been so highly valued during our history.

You may also have heard of the negative effects that the decline of Mission Support has had on our ELCA ministries. As giving to synods has dropped, the ELCA income has dropped proportionally. (Fifty-five percent of our synod’s income continues to be passed along for churchwide ministries.) Just this week the Church Council reduced the 2010 spending plan by eliminating $7.7 million from the budget adopted by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. To protect as many ministries as possible, 40 churchwide staff positions were cut. My heart aches for those who have lost their jobs, including some of my personal friends, and for the need to curtail some of the work that we have done so well together.

My heart also aches for congregations that find themselves embroiled in conflict and controversy. This number is not large in our synod, but I would say it is significant. We, of the synod staff, pray for each and every congregation of the synod. We will continue to walk with you, serving you in your needs, whatever they are.

Yes, my heart aches for the church I love, but I am not discouraged. As our bishop always says, this is God’s church. I rest each night knowing that God is watching and guiding, loving and giving. In the morning I arise, remind myself of whose I am, and then set out to fulfill God’s call. It is hard work, but I am privileged to be your partner in ministry.

Where does one's passion lie? It is where the heart aches.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

All Saints Ordination

I have been thinking a bit about last Sunday’s synod-wide ordination celebration. We typically have the ordination service on Reformation Sunday, but Bishop Wollesheim’s schedule did not permit that this year. So, we gathered a week later on All Saints Sunday to ordain three new pastors, Carrie Smith, Terrie Wilder and Sarah Wilson. Bill Bartlett was also installed as vice-president of the Northern Illinois Synod.

In the synod office, in the days leading up to the services, we wondered aloud about the possible attendance. Would people stay away for fear of the flu? What would we do if the bishop were sick? How many bulletins should we print? How much communion bread will we need? How many pews should we save for rostered leaders?

As it was, attendance was very good. There were many representatives of the ordinands’ congregations. We had printed an ample number of bulletins, we had a good supply of bread, and we almost saved enough space for rostered leaders. Best of all, no one was sick.

As I listened to the new pastors make their vows to God and the church, I could not help but think about what an interesting and critical time it is to enter ordained ministry. The church is in need of courageous leadership in these days. The church also needs leaders who recognize the great diversity within their own congregations.

In recent weeks, Bishop Wollersheim and his staff have traveled around the synod for conference meetings, Mission Gatherings and Coffees with the Bishop. The bishop has discussed and we have experienced the diversity of the synod in each of these settings. Sometimes leaders fail to recognize that the same diversity exists within each congregation. Individually we differ in so many ways, not just in how we think about human sexuality. There are those who feel marginalized in their own church homes because of their minority views.

My personal prayer list is as long right now as it has ever been. I have added three new pastors this week. I am praying that God will bless their congregations and communities through their work and that they will prove to be faithful witnesses to the gospel.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Communion and the Flu

The following message was distributed to the members of Christ Lutheran Church in Belivdere by Pastor Tim Olson. Bishop Wollersheim thinks it is a good example of what a congregation might communicate. I reprint it with Pastor Olson's permission.

For more information on "communion in one kind," that is, receiving only one element and how that is sufficient, please see the ELCA's "Use of the Means of Grace" at http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship/Learning-Center/The-Use-of-the-Means-of-Grace.aspx. We can be assured that Christ is fully present for us in, with, and under one element, either the bread or the wine. --JC

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Concerns about the H1N1 flu virus have become part of our everyday lives. Government health authorities are calling on all citizens to exercise reasonable precautions to both avoid personal illness and contain the spread of the virus as much as possible. We have developed a plan for addressing this health concern which will be implemented progressively, with some actions taken immediately and others as soon as necessary and practicable.

Healthy Practices During Flu Season
Whether you have contracted the seasonal flu, H1N1, or a common cold, the following practices make sense for limiting the spread of the contagion. Only a medical professional can tell you for sure if you have H1N1. See your doctor if you have a combination of some of these symptoms: cough, chest pain, fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, or vomiting.

· Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water. If not available use an alcohol hand sanitizer. There are also non-alcohol versions available if needed.
· When you are sick, stay home and rest. If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms above, please think twice before coming to church. We will miss your presence, of course. Your act of Christian love, however, is expressed in not exposing others to what you carry.
· When you blow your nose or sneeze do it into a tissue and dispose of the tissue, and then remember to wash or sanitize your hands.
· Cough into your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands. If you use your hands then wash them.
· Don’t return to public life until your fever has been gone for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications.
· Keep a good food supply and over the counter medications on hand. Also keep prescription medications from running low. If you do get ill you will have these important supplies.

Our Life Together
· There are bottles of hand-sanitizing gel around the building. Please use them. Bring your own and use it after sharing the “peace of the Lord” and before receiving Holy Communion.
· During worship you may choose to share the peace with a verbal greeting and a brief bow or nod of the head, instead of a handshake, which still physically acknowledges the other person. If you intend to do this, simply fold your hands in front of your chest so others know not to extend a hand.
· Wash your hands when you get home (just like you would if you had been to the grocery store or any other public place).

Interim Holy Communion Practices
Changes to communion practices can be, at times, emotional and stressful. We ask for your patience and understanding as we try to deal faithfully with the challenges that H1N1 presents. The plan developed is informed by the direction from the ELCA and information from the CDC. Both resources can be accessed on the web at: http://www.makingchristknown.org/clc/h1n1_flu_infomation. Studies that assess the various methods of communing from a health perspective and a review of what other denominations who have similar worship practices are doing were also consulted.

Our past practice has been to offer wine and grape juice in ceramic vessels. The method of distribution has been intinction (bread dipped in the liquid). The problems with current practice are: 1) ceramic vessels are porous and allow the germs to settle in and grow, 2) low alcohol content wine and especially grape juice are also breeding grounds for germs, and 3) intinction allows the finger tips of each person to potentially enter the wine or juice bringing a host of bacteria and viruses to the cup and wine or juice. To distribute communion in a way that both addresses health concerns and is faithful to the sacrament of the Church, the following changes are being made to our communion practices and will be implemented as soon as this coming Sunday, November 1, and no later than November 8th:

· We will change from ceramic chalices to metal ones. The properties of the metal do not absorb or retain germs and are shown to be germ inhibiting.
· We will suspend the use of grape juice until the heightened flu concerns are behind us.
· Pastors and assisting ministers serving the bread will continue the practice of sanitizing their hands before distributing communion.
· We will begin using a wine with higher alcohol content.
· We will offer this wine to be taken in one of two ways: 1) we will continue the practice of intinction; 2) we will offer the common cup (the participant takes a sip from the chalice). The person holding the common cup wipes the rim with a cloth (purificator). While it may seem contrary to logic, this later way of receiving the wine is actually more sanitary than intinction. We recognize that people have preferences, so we offer both methods. Intinction may still be the most practical way for young children to receive the wine versus sipping wine from the common cup. That decision is left to the parents.
· A third option – especially to be used if you have any symptoms at all – is to receive communion in “one kind” which means that you only eat the bread. Please note that you still should hear two pronouncements of grace. So, stand in front of the intinction cup with hands folded and hear the words, “the blood of Christ shed for you,” and return to your seat.
· When you come forward for communion there will still be two cups at each station. The first cup will be the intinction cup and the cup to hear the blessing if you are communing in “one kind” (just bread); the second will be the common cup from which members may sip the wine.
· If you are involved in communion preparation, take care of linens, serve as an assisting minister or communion assistant, you will be receiving an update to procedures under separate cover. We will also plan some training time to address questions as soon as possible. (Pastor Timothy Olson)

H1N1

I was waiting to be seated near the front door of the restaurant. From the kitchen I heard as loud a sneeze as I have ever heard, followed by “Wow!” It wasn’t the most appetizing moment. I briefly thought of turning around and heading out the door, but I stayed, hoping that good hygiene and sanitation practices were being observed by the kitchen staff.

Flu season is upon us once again. I got my seasonal flu shot a couple of weeks ago. Since then the vaccine has been in short supply and flu clinics in Winnebago County have been suspended. I am faithful in getting a shot because the last time I had a diagnosed case of influenza I was very sick. I didn’t recover quickly or without complications. I would like to avoid having that happen again.

The H1N1 swine flu virus is now widespread throughout most of the United States including Illinois. Many of us are not included in a high risk category, so we will not be receiving H1N1 vaccinations anytime soon. Since I come in contact with so many people during the course of a week, I am trying to be diligent in hand washing and avoiding people who are obviously contagious. I try to sneeze and cough into my elbow, although I think I may have pinched a nerve in my neck doing that. Please forgive me if I sneeze into a Kleenex.

The church has a role to play during this pandemic flu season. Part of it is educational. In many congregational newsletters I see good advice being shared by the parish nurses. They say, “If you’re sick, stay home.”

The church has a practical role to play as well. In most places, pastors and communion servers either wash or sanitize their hands before handling the elements. I have noticed that some congregations have placed hand sanitizer in the pews for people to use following the passing of the peace and before Holy Communion. I heard of one congregation in which the ushers dispense a squirt of hand sanitizer to everyone as they exit the pew.

I have not heard of any congregation dropping the passing of the peace from the liturgy. Some congregations are sharing the peace without the customary handshake. I’m not sure that an elbow bump is the way to go, but I have heard it suggested!

Serving communion by intinction is not all that sanitary. You might be surprised to know how many fingers actually end up in the wine. Common cup is not too bad since mouths tend to be less germy than hands. The wine has some antiseptic qualities (grape juice and non-alcoholic wine do not), but it would be best for those who are sick to either not receive the cup or to commune by intinction (without the finger dipping). There is nothing wrong with washing up those little communion cups we all used to use, preferably pouring the wine from a single chalice.

This is a time for common sense to prevail. Great resources are available from the ELCA (http://tinyurl.com/dfu3s2) and from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://flu.gov/professional/community/. There you will find “H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community & Faith-based Organizations.”

Comments? Ideas? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Thanks for reading! --JC

As Seasons Change

I took advantage of a sunny afternoon and mowed my lawn today. The grass was as long and lush as it has been all summer. This, however, was the final mowing of the season and the lawn mower has now been tucked away in the garage for the winter. I cannot say that I will miss mowing for the next few months. This year the lawn has needed attention every week. Even during the usually hot and dry month of August, the grass continued to grow in the ambient cool and wet conditions. There was no break. I wonder where the snow shovel is.

In most parts of the synod we have now had a “good” freeze. There was little good about it, although allergy sufferers may be happy. The farmers’ growing season has been cut short in a year when the longest possible season was necessary. Planting was late across northern Illinois. Our farmers are dealing with crop diseases related to wet conditions and face lower yields due to immature crops. Our prayers are with all who tend the land as their occupation and source of livelihood for a safe and bountiful harvest.

On Sunday, I was out at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center for Autumnfest. It was cloudy and very cool, but it looked like everyone was having a good time. Many people have thought of Autumnfest as the celebration at the end of the camping season. It does, indeed, celebrate the completion of another successful summer program. However, LOMC is a year-round facility, which is capable of accommodating church groups in their diverse needs and desires. Freedom Tree Village continues to be a wonderful asset for adult ministries. If you have never been to LOMC, please make a point of it! This is our ministry, shared with the Metro Chicago, Central/Southern Illinois and Central States Synods. I would be happy to show you around myself. I look for any reason to spend some time there. (http://www.lomc.org/)

The series of four “Coffees with the Bishop” begin this weekend in Dixon, as we continue to engage in conversation about the decisions of the Churchwide Assembly. (www.nisynod.org/bishop/coffee.html) Bishop Wollersheim has been widely using the illustration of the Lutheran Church as a big, old boat. (www.nisynod.org/bishop/five-affirmations.pdf) I had never heard the illustration before, but I like it a lot. It provides a picture of the church that I have always known. It was probably my first week of seminary when I discovered that there was a lot of variety of beliefs and pieties in our church. We are truly richer for that variety.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ --JC

Professional Leaders Conference

Your pastor will be back in the office tomorrow!

For the past three days, 160 rostered leaders, interns, professional congregational leaders and spouses gathered together at Bishop Lane Retreat Center just outside of Rockford for this year’s Northern Illinois Synod Professional Leaders Conference. This annual conference is part retreat, part continuing education and part time spent with colleagues.

Bishop Lane was a new location for us after many years at Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. We seemed to adjust to the new venue fairly easily. I will be anxious to hear what the evaluations have to say.

We had two presenters this year. Dr. Richard Bliese, president of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota shared his thoughts and experiences regarding evangelism. Dr. David Cherwein, cantor of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis was our musician and engaged us in a lively discussion of music in worship. Both of our presenters were wonderful resources for us.

Each year, our bishop also addresses us. Bishop Wollersheim had a number of things to share, which will soon be posted on our synod’s Web site. I believe that we all paid a bit closer attention this year, since there is significant anxiety in some of our congregations and new stresses being experienced by many, if not most, of our rostered leaders.

It was really good to be together with colleagues for these three days. We learned together, ate together, played together (some played golf in the wind on Monday) and most importantly we worshiped together. We gathered around the Lord’s Table each day. We heard God’s Word read and powerfully proclaimed. We confessed our sin, were reminded of our baptism, and shared the Holy Communion.

Before I became part of the synod staff, I always made PLC a high priority. I have long been a proponent of good collegiality. Yes, in my current call I have to attend. But I want you to know, I would not have missed it. I thank all of my colleagues for the gifts they bring to our church and to my life and ministry. I also thank our congregations for allowing their leaders to make this event a high priority each year.

Your pastor will see you tomorrow!

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Busy Days

Autumn is almost officially here, but the fall schedule for the synod has already begun, just as it has in your congregation.

Mission Gatherings have been an autumn tradition for many years in the Northern Illinois Synod. This year the gatherings are focusing on the practical aspects of implementing the Book of Faith Initiative in our congregations. Elizabeth Martin, an Associate in Ministry serving Christ Lutheran Church in Belvidere, and Pastor Kurt Nordby, our synod’s Director for Evangelical Mission, are sharing the role of presenter. Elizabeth has done a wonderful job in leading the first two. One gathering is scheduled for each of our eight conferences. Bishop Wollersheim, his full-time staff, and the conference assistant to the bishop are all in attendance, so it is a great time to make some contacts.

The remainder of the Mission Gathering schedule is available at http://www.nisynod.org/missiongatherings/index.html. Gatherings are intended for all interested members and rostered leaders. We are hearing creative stories of how Bible study is growing in our congregations. Keep up the good work!

Bishop Wollersheim and his staff are also attending conference meetings with all rostered leaders to discuss the actions of the Churchwide Assembly and their implications for our congregations and for our work together as a synod. Attendance has been good so far and I hope this will continue. Open communication is more important than ever right now. It will also be good for rostered leaders to be together at our annual Professional Leaders Conference later this month.

If you are a lay person, you will want to know that at the conclusion of each Mission Gathering, Bishop Wollersheim is offering an additional 30 minutes for discussion of the Churchwide Assembly. He makes a short presentation and then provides time for questions. “Coffees with the Bishop” have been scheduled as well for four Saturday mornings. The times and locations may be found at: http://www.nisynod.org/bishop/coffee. Please join your synod brothers and sisters so that your questions can be answered.

Last Saturday, our Synod Council met for the first time with its newly elected members. A rite of installation was held prior to our sharing Holy Communion. Our new vice-president, Bill Bartlett, will be installed on Sunday, November 1 at the synod-wide Ordination Service. This service will be at 4:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Rockford. If you know First Lutheran, you know there will be a seat for you!

Yes, these are busy days, but I really look forward to seeing so many folks at all of these events. As always, if we, the synod staff, can be of service to your congregation, please give us that opportunity.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Underscoring a Life of Faith

I had the privilege of attending the funeral of the father of one our rostered leaders this past week. Even though I was representing the office of the bishop, I would have made an effort to be present since I consider the rostered leader a friend and I had met her father on at least two occasions.

It is unfortunate that someone from the synod office cannot be at every funeral of a rostered leader’s family member. Sometimes distance is the factor and at other times we are just stretched too thin. I have always felt that attending funeral services is important and I know how much my family appreciated as the Church gathered for my dad’s funeral.

In this funeral worship, I witnessed something that I had never seen before. Prior to the reading of the Scripture lessons chosen for the day, the grandchildren (including a couple of grandchildren-in-law and great-grandchildren) read passages from their grandfather’s Bible that he had underlined.

This gave us a wonderful glimpse into this man’s life of faith. It felt like a gift as these verses and short passages were read. It was a deeply personal witness spoken in the voices of his family.

When I got home, I went straight to the Bible that I use most often for my personal devotions. I wanted to see what I have underlined. One would certainly get a different picture of my faith by looking at this Bible rather than one of my study Bibles! I find that I have underlined verses that give me comfort, strength, and courage. Surprisingly, I found another pattern as I looked for my ink. I have many highlighted verses that relate to God’s call on my life.

What patterns would one find if your Bible were examined? What verses might be read at your funeral? I do not tend to do a lot of underlining, but I am going to consider getting a new colored pencil and marking my own “funeral verses”—passages that are important to me today and might become a witness even after I am gone.

Comments? Please go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/.

Covenants

I was recently reminded that it was 40 years ago this month that a group of 130 of us came together to worship for the first time as a new congregation in Fairfax, Virginia. I do not remember the exact timing, perhaps it was when we were officially organized as a congregation, but at some point each and every member signed a covenant. By signing the covenant we were committing ourselves to supporting the mission and ministry of the congregation. The covenant was framed and displayed prominently inside the front door of the church building. It was a visual reminder of the promises we made. New members were invited to sign it as they joined.

The act of signing that covenant made quite an impression on me as a 14-year-old. In my years of ordained ministry, I have made a few people nervous along the way by suggesting that membership in a congregation should be for a period of one year and that a covenant be signed annually. Most congregations ask members to pause each year to consider their financial support of the church. Some congregations have members periodically participate in affirmation of baptism. I think it would be a great idea to stop each year to recommit ourselves to the mission and ministry of the congregation, pledging our time, talents and finances, and to sign on for another year.

It was my joy to preach for the 115th anniversary of Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere this past Sunday. Imagine my delight as Pastor Karl Otto invited his congregation to come forward to sign a covenant. This covenant calls for a recommitment to Christ and the mission of the Christian church. By signing it, the people of Zion were also committing themselves to add “one more action to my faith life.” It was such a joy to watch as young and old alike affixed their names!

Comments? Go to: http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Gossip

A Bible study leader at last week’s Churchwide Assembly mused that the book of Proverbs is the Twitter of the Bible. How true!

Consider this: “A gossip goes about telling secrets, but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.” (Proverbs 11:13) That sentence is well under the 140 character limit.

Or this: “A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler.” (Proverbs 20:19)

I have been thinking a bit about gossip since last Sunday. My son and I were on the train headed back downtown from the Mall of America. At one of the stops, a man and a woman sat down in the seat directly in front of us. They were together but were not a couple. They conversed with each other loudly and clearly enough so that we did not have to strain to hear them. In fact, they were loud enough to interrupt our own conversation.

As they talked, it became obvious that they were members of a Lutheran congregation. For the several minutes that we were treated to their company, they talked disparagingly about everyone they had seen in church that morning. The pastor was not spared.

I wondered what they had actually gotten out of going to church. What had the sermon said? Had they engaged in confession? What in their minds could justify this kind of gossip anywhere, let alone in a public place?

I have confronted gossipers, but never strangers nor publicly. I really should have this time. My hope is that if I had confronted these two that they would have been mortified by their behavior. They were so loud and mean-spirited, however, that I doubt that I would have made an impression. We got off at our stop and left them to babble on.

Interestingly enough, they did not mention the actions of the Churchwide Assembly even once!

Comments are always welcome. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Farewell Minneapolis

I arose early this morning, packed my bags, and watched the sun rise above the impressive skyline of downtown Minneapolis. I checked out of the hotel and walked outdoors to the convention center, rather than use the skyways. It was a beautiful morning.

I enjoyed coffee with Ron and Carla Vanatta, and Robert Franek joined us before we walked to the worship space. The mood in worship was subdued, but lightened as we sang and prayed. For those who gathered, some of yesterday’s heaviness had lifted. The assembly was over. No remaining business items loomed over the Holy Communion. It was the Sabbath; truly a time to be spent with God.

As we left worship, I noted the long line of people waiting to have a word with Bishop Mark Hanson. I was not close enough to hear the words that were spoken to him. I am sure there were many words of gratitude and support. I am also sure that were others who wanted to share one more word of concern.

I bid farewell to some of our Northern Illinois Synod folks before taking a leisurely walk northeastward on Nicollet Mall. I stopped along the way to take some photos and say hello to the statue of Mary Tyler Moore. It was a time to allow the words of worship to sink in and for some of this week to drain out.

I met my son and we rode the light rail train from one terminus (downtown) to the other (Mall of America). I had received a free ticket to ride the train or a bus, but I never got it to work. I paid the $1.75 with a ten dollar bill and received a quarter and eight dollar coins in change. I suppose I will have to explain what they are to some people as I spend them along the way home. Today’s goal was to ride the train and not necessarily end up at the Mall of America. The only thing I bought there was lunch.

I jokingly told our voting members last night that my cell phone number would expire at noon today. It was about 4:15 p.m. when I received a call from one of our group, who was on the road to home, seeking advice on how to handle the reporter who was calling her home. Others of our group have also been contacted. We have also seen and heard that Bishop Wollersheim’s comments have been widely quoted.

I spent this evening with some of my oldest friends. It has been a challenging week for their family. Their concerns had nothing to do with anything related to my week, the Northern Illinois Synod, or the ELCA. Their concerns have everything to do with my prayer list, a list of people and petitions that are important to me.

While we have all been away this week, life has gone on in our parishes. New Christians have been baptized, the dead have been buried, the sick have been anointed, the homebound have been communed, the gospel has been preached. By this hour, most of our NIS voting members are safely home. Their challenge will be to integrate what they have seen, and heard, and done, into the life of their congregations and the synod. We will all be glad to be home.

As for me, I will travel tomorrow after a good night’s rest. God is with you. --JC

Saturday at the Assembly

It became apparent sometime this afternoon that the Churchwide Assembly could complete its business today. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Bishop Hanson declared that a plenary session would not be necessary tomorrow morning. All that is left for the assembly is to gather together for the closing Eucharist.

Today’s worship was held across the street from the convention center at Central Lutheran Church. I could not help but think that on my first Sunday in the Twin Cities, when I came here to go to seminary, I worshiped at Central. Four years later, my seminary commencement was also held in this space. It was good to be back. As we entered the massive church today, the 47 bells in Central’s new bell tower were ringing. What an incredible, joyful sound.

This evening, voting members and visitors from our synod joined together for something of a farewell dinner. Bishop Wollersheim hosted us at the pizza restaurant that we had hoped to visit earlier this week. We also had some guests with us including the Rev. Susan Johnson, the national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. We were honored by her presence and the words she shared.

Everyone is glad that the assembly is over. It has been a tough week. But all of our voting members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the assembly. I hope that they will be thanked once they are home for their hard work and commitment to the church.

Just as Bishop Hanson asked the church to pray in preparation for the assembly, he is asking the church to pray now that it is over. I am pledging myself to this task. I love this church too much not to do so. --JC

The Day the Church Changed

This day has been so long and full I hardly know where to begin or what to write. Perhaps I should start at the beginning.

At 7:22 this morning, Pastor Steve Dow and Kevin Rogers, two of our voting members, were kind enough to meet me at the front door of the convention center to carry the gift bags for our friends from Pennsylvania from the trunk of my car into the assembly hall. We can all rest easy now that our partner synod has its gifts. By the way, we gave each of their voting members an official Northern Illinois Synod coffee mug and a package of fair trade coffee.

Throughout this week the assembly has viewed videos that were submitted by congregations across the ELCA, which highlight “God’s work. Our hands.” Today we saw the work of our own Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford. It was great! I must say that most of the videos we have seen have been very, very good and each one has been unique.

The assembly worked very hard today on the four ministry recommendations. As you know, fifty days of prayer preceded this assembly. In the discussion of the recommendations, Bishop Hanson paused every 20 minutes for prayer. Also, before each significant vote, the assembly was either led in prayer or invited to pray with someone close by. I have to believe that the Holy Spirit was at work.

In the end, all four ministry recommendations were adopted. I did not have a good sense of how any of the votes would turn out beforehand. Good arguments were made by faithful folks on both sides. Bishop Hanson guided the discussion in a fair and gracious way. I beg you to read, or better yet,view his pastoral remarks at http://blogs.elca.org/assembly/2009/08/21/bishop-hansons-message/.

The adoption of these four recommendations was a source of great joy for some and deep pain for others. It was, no matter how you look at it, a momentous day for the church. As a pastor of this church, I invite and encourage you to continue praying. Your bishop and synod staff will need God’s help in the work that lies ahead. Some congregations and pastors will need God’s guidance as they live into a different way of thinking. Most importantly, we must respect each other and our individual points of view.

At one point this afternoon, I was standing against a side wall with a seminary classmate of mine, who happens to be a member of the Church Council. As I looked around the room, I told him that I was looking at 1,700 exhausted people. He agreed.

I needed to speak with our bishop before going to the ballroom for dinner, so I was just a little late arriving. After I got my plate, I walked to the far end of the room and sat down with a man I did not know. He was sitting alone so I thought I would befriend him. He had actually chosen to sit alone, needing to have some quiet time to ponder the implications of this afternoon’s actions. He was solemn; deeply troubled; perhaps even fearful. He did not agree with the majority. John and Esther Prabhakar joined us at the table and we all had a good conversation. The Holy Spirit was at work here too. This pastor thanked us for the company we had provided.

Peter Mayer was in concert this evening. He is the lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett, but he is also well known in Minnesota and does Christian solo work. The concert was wonderful, but I did not stay to the end as I had some other work to do. Bishop Wollersheim offered to meet with any of our voting members who wanted to have some time with him tonight over at his hotel. I know at least a few took him up on his offer.

Now it is time to rest. If there is anything that we have heard consistently in our synod, it is our bishop’s words, “This is God’s church.” I will rest tonight in the certainty that this is God’s church. I pray that our voting members have a restful night too. May God bless us all.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/.

The Best Laid Plans

One of the joys I have as assistant to the bishop is arranging for a dinner for the voting members of the Northern Illinois Synod and our partner synod, the Lower Susquehanna Synod (Pennsylvania) on a free night of the Churchwide Assembly. This year was particularly easy. I did not even have to choose the restaurant. Since we are in the hometown of our bishop, he and Polly had a favorite spot they wanted us all to share.

A few weeks ago I reserved the room for our group. Yesterday I called in the final reservation number, confirmed the price and the menu. It was to be a pizza feast with salads, pasta and hoagie sandwiches. I also managed to figure out transportation for all 57 who were going to attend. We had just enough seats in the cars that were available to us! I met the bishop this morning with photocopies of a letter, complete with driving instructions and the car assignments.

By 10:30 a.m. it had become obvious that our reservation had to be cancelled. The assembly was going to run later than the original agenda and dinner was being arranged for everyone at the convention center. I am going to put in a plug for Broadway Pizza in north Minneapolis for their kindness to us. They did not charge us anything and said they would look forward to serving us in the future.

Our two synods did manage to dine together at five or six adjoining tables in the ballroom. Bishop Penrose Hoover greeted us all and our voting members were each presented with a woven gift. Our friends from Pennsylvania will receive gift bags from us tomorrow morning. The gift bags were in the trunk of my car back at the hotel. It was not possible for me to transport them earlier. No, really! But, the bishop was kind enough to explain exactly where the gifts were and who was responsible. Bishop Wollersheim greeted everyone and then offered a benediction.

Today, the assembly adopted a full communion agreement with The United Methodist Church. It was a wonderful moment. The impact in Northern Illinois might be quite profound. Almost every town in which we have a congregation has a United Methodist congregation as well. Our pastors enjoy good relationships. Perhaps this agreement simply catches up to where our congregations have already led the way.

We heard a powerful sermon preached by Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, the president of the UMC’s Council of Bishops, during worship. During a two-part quasi-committee of the whole, voting members respectfully debated the ministry policy recommendations, a discussion that will continue tomorrow.

Our voting members are doing a great job. I do know some are very tired, but they are taking their responsibilities seriously and are participating fully. They still have 2½ days ahead of them, with some difficult decisions to make. Please continue to remember them in your prayers.

Thanks for reading. Do not forget that you can watch the proceedings online at http://www.elca.org/. To comment on this blog, go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. I will be off to bed soon. Oh, here is another plug. Hyatt Hotels have the most comfortable beds on Earth. --JC

The Big News of the Day

What was the big news of the day? The answer would depend upon whom you asked and when you asked it.

This morning, all of the local news focused on one item. Brett Favre signed with the Vikings. At midday I found myself speaking with a Rockford TV news director regarding a tornado. By late afternoon our ELCA had adopted a social statement on human sexuality. This evening it was our colleges’ moment in the spotlight as they hosted a number of receptions. It was a big day and our voting members are tired this evening with much more hard work ahead.

From what I can tell, Minnesotans have mixed reactions to the Brett Favre story. About 2:00 p.m., the local news suddenly shifted to coverage of tornado damage in downtown Minneapolis. The tornado touched down just two or three blocks from the Minneapolis Convention Center where the Churchwide Assembly is meeting. Assembly participants were largely unaware of any problem before Bishop Hanson interrupted Dr. Diane Jacobson’s Bible study to announce the tornado warning. No evacuation of the plenary hall was necessary as it is one of the safest spots in the building. Dr. Jacobson met the challenge of teaching even while tornado sirens were sounding and PA announcements were being made. We were later informed that there had been some damage to the roof of the convention center, but nothing that would interfere with assembly business. There was also some damage to Central Lutheran Church, which lies across the street from the convention center. If you enlarge the top picture, you will see the damage to the 90 year old steeple. Paula Larsen and Mary Howe later checked out the damage.

Kurt Nordby and I happened to be at the right place at the right time to see lots of debris swirling through the air as we were returning to the convention center after lunch by way of skywalks. We were not terribly alarmed, but we wasted no time getting back to ground level! No severe weather had been predicted today, so this tornado surprised everyone. As I look out of my hotel window tonight, I see that the rain has resumed.

Our voting members took a moment following worship to have their picture taken as a group. We will have to find time to do it again because we were missing a few of the 19.

The assembly undertook a lot of very important business today, including immigration reform, beginning the election process for vice-president, the HIV/AIDS strategy, and of course the sexuality statement. Be sure to read all of the press releases on these actions. I do want to note the enthusiastic response given by the assembly to presentations made by the Rev. Harry Griffith, who represented military chaplains, and the Lutheran Youth Convocation.

Tomorrow promises to be another intense day for our voting members. Personally, I am hoping that assembly business does not run late so that we can keep our plans for dinner with our partner synod, the Lower Susquehanna Synod.

Continue to remember this assembly in your prayers. Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

A High and a Low

Another action packed day of the Churchwide Assembly came to a close at 8:00 p.m. this evening. There were a lot of sleepy looking folks entering the plenary hall twelve hours earlier, but it looked as if many had caught a second wind as they were venturing forth into downtown Minneapolis on a picture perfect evening.

I have now had a chance to check-in with all of our Northern Illinois voting members. There are quite a few visitors from our synod too. I know there are more than 10. There are at least two that I have not even seen yet, but I have heard rumors of their presence!

Today the assembly spent some time in a quasi-committee of the whole in order to discuss the sexuality statement. All of the discussion was polite and impassioned. For me, today’s high and low points came at other times.

The high point came when the assembly endorsed the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. Malaria is a critical health issue in many parts of the world. This initiative seeks to raise $75 million and will create a shared effort with the United Nations Foundation and Lutheran World Relief to combat malaria in Africa. The presentations made it clear that we can make a huge difference and be God’s hands in this important work.

The low point (again, in my opinion) came in the presentation of the proposed budget with its anticipated loss of mission support income in 2010 and 2011. As a parish pastor, I always worked hard to keep congregations connected to the mission of the wider church and I encouraged generous mission support giving. While I was doing stewardship work on the synod level, I challenged congregations to do the same—to stay connected and be generous. It is somewhat disheartening to me to see decreasing trend in the ELCA. I do not believe this should all be attributed to the poor economy or to some congregations’ displeasure with the ELCA. I think congregations simply do not have a good sense of what we do together.

Bishops’ assistants had lunch together today with a brief visit from Bishop Hanson. He was in good humor and thanked us for the work we do. I am so impressed by his faith, piety and leadership.

I should mention that Bishop Hanson presented his report to the assembly today as well. Focusing on the ELCA’s tagline and the theme of this assembly (God’s work. Our hands.), he asked us all to think of our hands. If you were to view a video of your hands over the past few weeks, how would you see your hands doing God’s work? I wondered if helping my son and daughter-in-law move would count?

You may want to read the ELCA and NIS press releases on all of today’s business and action. My photos show a disproportionate amount of eating. Unfortunately, meals times are one of the times I can find our people and snap some shots. One of our voting members told me at dinner that he has avoided the thought of coming to a Churchwide Assembly for years. He seems to be having a great time being engaged in the work of the church.

For those of you who receive these updates by email, please know that there is often a considerable delay from the time that I post. I update in the evening and my thoughts are immediately available at http://niselca.blogspot.com/. If you care to comment, I would be glad to hear from you. --JC

Day One in Minneapolis

The first day of the Churchwide Assembly is always a long one, especially since so many voting members travel early in the day. Today was no exception. I returned to the hotel shortly after 11:00 p.m. The second plenary session begins tomorrow at 8:00 a.m., so it will be a short night for everyone.

All of our voting members from Northern Illinois arrived safely. I have managed to speak to most of our voting members and many visitors from the synod, but not everyone yet. Synod staff members are seated in their own section and I do not have access to the voting members’ area, so a quick “hello” is not always possible. By tomorrow I am sure that I will have spoken to everyone!

I drove to the Twin Cities yesterday and spent the night with friends. This morning I turned on the radio and one of the lead local news stories had to do with the tough decisions the assembly will make this week. The person whom they chose to interview was predicting schism for the church. It was not the best start to a morning.

The assembly began this afternoon with worship. Bishop Mark Hanson preached a powerful sermon in which he said, “The story is not yet written.” He said that he has heard of the anxiety, dissension and predictions of division. Bishop Hanson asked the voting members to let God hold their fears rather than allowing their fears to hold them.

I watched as faithful members from across our ELCA received the bread and wine of Communion. It was good to see people, who may vehemently disagree with each other later in this week, come with open hands.

After supper, it took a while to work through the rules for the assembly and the agenda, but that work got done and the assembly is off to a good start.

Our voting members do appreciate your prayers. Remember to follow the assembly at http://www.elca.org/. There are lots of options for you to choose. --JC

Churchwide Assembly 2009

Next Monday, August 17, 1,045 voting members from across our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the Churchwide Assembly. They will be joined by a host of others including congregation observers, staff of the churchwide organization, synod staff members and visitors.

The Northern Illinois Synod is allotted 19 voting members (including the bishop), who have been elected by our Synod Assembly or by our eight conferences. Our voting members have already met with Bishop Wollersheim twice in preparation for their experience. The assembly requires quite a commitment. By the assembly’s closing at noon on Sunday, August 23, our voting members will no doubt be tired. It is an exhilarating yet exhausting time.

In addition to our voting members, our synod always has a good representation of observers and visitors. (Be sure to let me know if you are there!)

Following the action of this year’s assembly will be easier than ever before. A live video feed will be available along with recorded videos, an assembly blog, tweets, and Facebook updates. Just check the ELCA Web site or go to: http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Multimedia.aspx for more information.

A lot of attention has already been given to the votes on the proposed social statement on sexuality and the recommendations on ministry policies. Other significant business will include action on full communion with the United Methodist Church, funding of the HIV and AIDS strategy, and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. Of course, each day will be grounded in worship. There will also be lots of routine business to which to attend.

I will plan to update this blog daily from the assembly. There is no need for me to report the actions taken by the assembly since the information will be so readily available. Instead I will try to focus on our voting member’s experiences, provide an Illinois perspective, or offer some random observations.

If you wish to comment, please go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Thanks for reading. --JC

As the Interns Pack their Bags

Traditionally, the third of four years of seminary is spent on internship. Our son has just completed his pastoral internship in a congregation in Nebraska. The congregation bid him and my daughter-in-law farewell yesterday in worship, during a cake and punch reception between the two worship services and with a potluck dinner at noon. There were hugs and tears, cards and well-wishes. It was all very nice.

Each year I have the opportunity to visit with an intern cluster here in Northern Illinois. Generally I speak to the pastoral interns about the call process so they will know more of what to expect as they prepare for their first call. I usually ask each one how their internship experience has been so far. I must say that we have had some extraordinarily gifted interns in the past few years. It is fun to see the energy and passion they bring to ministry.

I am not sure that all internship congregations fully appreciate just what an important service they render to the church at large. They serve as the training grounds, providing practical experience so critical to the success of a first call.

When I completed my internship year, I no doubt thanked the congregation from the pulpit and at the dinner they had in my honor. (It was actually a roast—I must have made quite the impression!) As part of their 50th anniversary this year, I was invited to return to my internship site to preach for the first time in 27 years. It was a joy for my wife and me to go back and say thanks again, this time fully comprehending what the internship experience has meant to my ministry.

I was also able to thank the pastor who had served as my supervisor. I have expressed my appreciation to him many times through the years, but there will never be a sufficient number of opportunities.

Today I wish to thank all of our Northern Illinois Synod congregations that serve as internship sites. Your patience and love provide a healthy environment for learning. I also thank the pastors who serve as supervisors. Your guidance and coaching is invaluable.

What is my message to the interns? Give thanks! Use what you have learned. Honor your congregation and supervisor by becoming faithful and tireless servants of the church of Jesus Christ.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Click on comments at the end of the message. --JC

JJJ09

Is envy always a sin? I am feeling a bit envious today.

Today and tomorrow more than 700 youth and their adult leaders from Northern Illinois Synod congregations will begin their trek to the ELCA Youth Gathering. They will be joining others from throughout our ELCA, July 22 through 26, in New Orleans. Approximately 35,000 teenagers and leaders will come together under this year’s gathering theme, “Jesus Justice Jazz.”

During this gathering, each and every participant will have the opportunity to engage in service and recovery projects throughout New Orleans. Heidi Hagstrom, the director of the ELCA Youth Gathering has said, “We have done some research and have determined, to the best of our ability, that the ELCA’s service effort in New Orleans is likely to be the largest servant ministry ever attempted in a three-day period of time.”

I am not terribly envious of the lengthy bus ride to New Orleans. But I am envious of the experience that our young people will have. They will worship, learn, work and bond. They will experience the church in a new way. They will find that there are Lutheran youth from throughout this country with whom they share a common faith. I am also envious of the opportunities that the leaders will have to make a difference in the lives of our youth.

Please remember the gathering in your prayers. Pray for all as they travel to and from New Orleans. Pray for the youth that their faith may be strengthened in their service. Pray for stamina and good health for adult leaders.

More information may be found at: http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Youth-Ministry/Youth-Gathering.aspx. --JC

Why Is That?

Last Sunday on my way home from church, I was pondering the question I posed last week. “Why is that?” Why are we not more excited about worship? Why are we not excited enough to invite our family, friends and neighbors?

Back in January I received an email message in response to a blog entry. This former parishioner said, “I think a topic for discussion might be getting EXCITED over the many possibilities for the church.” I agree.

Growing up, ours was a three generation household. During my high school years, we were members of a mission congregation in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. We were in church every Sunday. Yes, that had been the pattern in our family for a long time. But, during these critical years, while my brother and I were teens, we were all really excited about being a part of this congregation.

There are at least two reasons for this excitement. My parents, my grandmother, my brother and I continued to worship each and every week because we knew that if we were not there we would miss something important. Thinking back, the worship we experienced was both innovative and traditional. Today we might call it blended worship. We sang old hymns and new songs. We experimented with some different liturgies. Visual arts were used. We were subjected to some guest preachers with differing viewpoints. We also had a terrific pastor. We did not want to miss a single week, especially knowing that worship in our congregation would be a topic of discussion, even at school on Monday morning.

The second reason we were excited about being members of this congregation was that each of us knew we were individually important to the ministry of the church. I am so fortunate. As a 16 year old, I knew that I mattered to the mission of the church of Jesus Christ. My parents, my grandmother, my brother and I each had an important role to play, along with every other member.

Are you excited about your congregation? If you miss worship, will you be missing something important? Is worship a topic of discussion at your dinner table or at school on Monday? Does your congregation value the role of every member? Do you have an important role to play? Why should a newcomer be excited about your congregation?

Comments? http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Sunday Morning Twitter?

Our bishop will often ask people to introduce themselves to a group by stating their name, their congregation and then something personal. I always cringe when he asks for us to tell about a hobby. I have never been very good at hobbies.

When I completed my original mobility forms, prior to my first call, I had a list of hobbies from which to choose. I remember choosing two, so that must have been the minimum. I chose nature hiking and photography. I do have a great appreciation of the outdoors and have always enjoyed hiking. I vowed to buy some hiking shoes. I also love photography. When I submitted that form I promised myself that I would someday get a decent camera.

After fumbling a few times in those group introductions, I made a list of my interests, which may or may not qualify as hobbies. I was not going to be caught unprepared the next time the bishop asked. Bishop Wollersheim knows I do not like the question, so he does not seem to ask it as much anymore.

Something even the bishop may not know about me is that I love trains. I love riding trains and I love watching trains. In fact, if I can possibly make it work, on a Sunday afternoon on my way back to Rockford after preaching somewhere in the synod, I will buy a sandwich at Subway and then eat my lunch and watch trains go by at the Rochelle Railroad Park. The only way I can have a better time is if the Cubs are on the radio at the same time!

Yesterday, the managing editor of the Williston [North Dakota] Herald began his story with these words: “Despite no formal advanced notice, the historic steam locomotive Engine #4449, otherwise known as “The Daylight” was greeted Tuesday afternoon by a throng of spectators at the Williston Amtrak Depot.”

How I wish I could have been there! I have spent countless hours on that station platform watching passenger and freight trains pass by. Williston, North Dakota is where my wife’s parents lived. Had I been in town, I would have dropped everything to go see that steam engine.
Today’s instant communications allowed a “throng of spectators” to gather in Williston as the train crossed into North Dakota from Montana. Excited people made cell phone calls and no doubt sent instant messages, text messages, and twitters to spread the news.

I must admit to you that as exciting as it is for me to watch trains, it is more exciting for me to be in worship each and every Sunday. Last Sunday I could feel the adrenaline pumping as we sang our hymns. My heart was filled with joy as I distributed the Holy Communion elements. But I seriously doubt that anyone had messaged, texted or tweeted a friend saying, “I’m on my way to church and something exciting is about to happen.”

Why is that?

By the way, I still do not have a great camera, but I did take the picture above. I also want you to know that this train was moving at the time!

Thoughts? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ and click on comments. --JC

A Family Reunion

This year’s synod assembly is now history. The “Gone Fishing” sign has been posted on the bishop’s desk. Sandy and I are tired, but recovering. I had a great day off on Monday, which helped. Our support staff seems to be recovering too. I cannot begin to tell you how busy the assembly was for Nancy, June, Julie and Judi. They did a great job of taking care of everyone’s needs while we were in Rock Island.

We took a first look at the assembly evaluations on Tuesday and we were pleased to see that for most people the assembly was a great experience. It looks like all the planning paid off. We also received important feedback that will allow us to make improvements for next year.

For me, this assembly felt something like a family reunion. I have served my entire career on what is now the territory of the Northern Illinois Synod. That means I have gotten to know a lot of people along the way. In my current call, I am fortunate to meet new people on a regular basis. I know this cannot be true for everyone, but the assembly had a familiar, family-like quality to it for me. I got to catch up with family members I had not seen for a while. We were able to work together, worship together, laugh together, struggle together, talk together, eat together, study together, sing and pray together.

My brother commented on how curious it is to be able to have such deep philosophical differences with people he likes and counts as friends.

When the assembly was concluded and Bishop Wollersheim sent us all out, I was left with an overwhelming sense of pride (hopefully not to the point of sinfulness!) in our synod. Not every synod is able to discuss as calmly as we do. The synod did not let me down in my belief that this year’s assembly would be much like all of our previous assemblies. We were respectful of each other and treated each other as brothers and sisters.

We are not all of one mind. We would not even want to be. But, we all do have one common mission. As Bishop Mark Hanson reminded us, “Marked by the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world.” I am filled with joy as I walk with you in this journey.

Behind the Scenes

Each year one congregation of the West Conference is invited to serve as the host congregation for the Synod Assembly. Occasionally, two smaller congregations may be asked to work as a team. We alternate between congregations right in Moline or Rock Island and congregations in outlying areas. This year we invited First Lutheran Church in Geneseo to be our host congregation. Pastor Arthur Bergren and the Congregation Council readily accepted the challenge. I learned that it has been ten years since First last served in this capacity.

Synod Assembly participants may notice the name of the host congregation on the front of each year’s agenda but give little thought to what this entails. Here is a look behind the scenes.

First, a volunteer coordinator and/or the pastor meets with Nancy Corey, our synod support staff member who works most closely with Sandy and me on assembly logistics, to discuss the process and expectations of the host congregation.

For several weeks prior to the assembly, the church office receives materials for inclusion in the Synod Assembly packets. About a week before the assembly, volunteers come to the synod office in Rock Island to transport any materials that have been delivered there to the church. Then, volunteers work with Nancy and me to set up and organize materials for the actual packet stuffing.

On the Friday before the assembly, about a dozen volunteers come together and work with Nancy and me to pack the assembly packets and folders. This year the task required handling 36 separate items for each of the 700 folders and packets. We worked from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. The folders and packets are stuffed into individual bags and then set aside until they are transported to Augustana College, the site of our assembly, on Thursday, the day before the assembly begins.

Bright and early on Friday morning, the opening day of the assembly, about 10 volunteers from the host congregation help our synod support staff in the registration process. Additional volunteers drive the golf carts, which help our assembly participants get around the campus. Have you ever wondered where the ushers come from, or who counts the offering for our Friday worship? Yes, those are members of our host congregation too.

Please join me in thanking First Lutheran Church at its volunteers at this year’s assembly. Serving as host congregation is a big job, but each year we have great volunteers who give freely of their time for the sake of our assembly.

Do you have any questions about the Synod Assembly? If so, please click on “Comments” below if you are on the blog Web site, or go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Pentecost 2009

Just before the dismissal, in a service that had already spanned an hour and 45 minutes, Pastor Loren Nielsen asked, “Pastor Clements, have you ever before experienced a Pentecost like this?” I was a worshiper in about the fifth pew on Pentecost Sunday in the congregation of which I am a member. It seemed as if Pastor Nielsen was looking for a second opinion. My response was a hearty and sincere, “Never before!”

I am sure that the first Pentecost was more exciting. Just consider all of the chaos, and different languages, and tongues of fire! The Holy Spirit was blowing everywhere and the people did not know what to make of it. Then Peter preached a sermon and 3,000 people were moved to be baptized.

I am sure that all of our congregations celebrated Pentecost in some fashion. Some probably gave it a nod with red paraments, engaging in dramatic readings and a sermon about the Holy Spirit or the birthday of the church. Others may have placed red candles on the altar (representing either the gifts or the fruits of the Holy Spirit), arranged 50 red roses in the altar vases (one for each day between Easter and Pentecost), or hung a descending dove from the ceiling.

In my church, we had just one service instead of the normal three. Pastor Jerry Peterson shared a terrific sermon, complete with red balloons; the choir sang a beautiful anthem; and, we celebrated Holy Baptism. Pastors Nielsen and Peterson (our interim pastors) baptized a number of Burmese refugees and their children. I lost count at 12. I am told that 17 were baptized. After the baptisms, the Burmese families were received as new members. They came to Zion through our Laotian members and an ESL (English as a Second Language) class taught by other members.

When it came time to share the peace, it sounded something like that first Pentecost. When I joined in the line of saints to receive Holy Communion I realized that we were white and African American, Hispanic, Laotian and Burmese. We were rich and poor, old and young. In that moment I thought about how God must surely be smiling on us. I also thought about how fortunate I was to be in this particular place at this particular time.

No, I had never before experienced a Pentecost quite like this one; neither had either of the pastors, and that is with 80+ years of experience between them! It was a great day and everyone left happy in the chaos.

I invite you to share your Pentecost story or the story of how your congregation is fulfilling its mission. There are so many stories to share. We need to hear them. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ to comment.