Joyful. Inspiring. Hopeful.

These are the three words that Bishop Wollersheim has used to describe this year’s Synod Assembly. Joyful. Inspiring. Hopeful.

I think a joyful, inspiring and hopeful synod assembly is just what we needed. The past year has been very challenging for the synod. As a staff, we have ventured into uncharted territory as we have sought to help congregations in whatever circumstances they found themselves.

It has been a stressful year for congregations. Some faced conflict and division over the 2010 Churchwide Assembly decisions regarding sexuality and the rostering of gay and lesbian persons in committed relationships. Two of our congregations have suffered major losses of membership following unsuccessful votes to leave the ELCA. A small number of congregations have either already voted to leave or plan to vote. It is a painful process in every case. As a synod, we grieve every loss.

There have been other congregations in the synod who have been patiently waiting to celebrate the Churchwide Assembly decisions. Out of respect for those who disagree, those celebrations have either been muted or postponed.

The general state of the economy has been a cause of stress in virtually every congregation.

Such grief and concern, at times, has overshadowed the good news, yet there is much of it throughout the synod.

So we came to the assembly ready to be together to experience joy, to be inspired, and to be filled with hope for the future. I cannot describe the electricity in Centennial Hall as we received GPS (God’s People Serving) as a new congregation. It feels like a long time since we have celebrated an event like this. We were inspired in strong preaching in worship and in the various Bible studies led by the executives of our agencies and institutions.

The first ballot re-election of Bishop Wollersheim was also a positive sign. A spirit of unity pervaded the entire assembly. It was a great to hear the Rev. Sherman Hicks present our ELCA report with joy for who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

I always ask new voting members for their impressions of the assembly. I think it is easy for those of us who have experienced lots of them to become somewhat blasé. What I hear from these new folks are stories of how much they have learned about the synod and the ELCA. I hear about the joy of experiencing an ordination service. I hear about our bishop’s graciousness in leading discussions. I hear about the importance of the resolutions. I hear about how they wish everyone back home could experience the assembly.

I agree with our bishop. The Northern Illinois Synod has a bright future. I am anxious to see what God has in mind for us to do next. Whatever it is, we will be walking together.

Read Bishop Wollersheim’s thoughts and see Synod Assembly highlights at: http://www.nisynod.org/.

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