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