Lutheran Day 2009

A couple of weeks ago I attended the installation of the Rev. Dr. Denver Bitner as the new president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. The service was held at Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Luke in Chicago. Even though I am still enjoying my sabbatical leave, I made an effort to attend. Pastor Bitner has been my friend and pastor for the last seven years. I did not attend in any official capacity. In fact, I chose to sit with other members of Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford rather than with the rostered leaders who were in attendance. The worship was beautiful and the prayers of the whole church were offered on behalf of Pastor Bitner and the ministries of LSSI. Bishops Freiheit, Miller and Wollersheim, the bishops of the three Illinois synods, all participated in the installation.

At the reception that followed the service, I had a chance to visit briefly with Pastor Dan Schwick, assistant to the president and director of Church and Government Relations for LSSI. I asked him how plans were coming for Lutheran Day 2009. He said things were falling nicely into place and they were planning for a great day with (hopefully) over 200 people participating.

I just filled out my registration form to participate in Lutheran Day in Springfield on May 6. I have not seen much publicity about Lutheran Day in congregation’s newsletters or on their websites. I would encourage you to spread the word!

The theme for this sixth annual event is “Here We Stand.” It is sponsored by a number of Lutheran service organizations that are affiliated with the ELCA and/or the LC-MS, including LSSI.

The church’s voice is often not heard in advocacy and state issues. The reason is not because we have not got anything to say. The reason is not because our political leaders will not listen. Too often I believe the reason is that we just do not say anything at all. This is your opportunity to be an advocate for people in need right here in Illinois.

For complete information go to http://www.lutheranday.org/. There you will find the goals and agenda for the day, registration information and resources for preparing for your visit to Springfield and your state legislators.

I hope to see you in Springfield on May 6!