NIS Blog

Nothing New to Report

2012-01-10T19:51:00.000-06:00

Do you read your church newsletter?

Don’t answer that question outloud. Your pastor and church officestaff will be terribly disappointed if your answer is no. Newsletters take quite a bit of time andeffort to produce.

We receive a great many churchnewsletters in the synod office. BishopWollersheim reads a sampling of them. Iread all those of the North Conference congregations and any others that areaddressed directly to me. The conferenceassistants keep up on theirs too. Mostcongregations still produce a print newsletter, but I read my owncongregation’s online.

Newsletters are an important part of acongregation’s communication. I thinkthey should inform and inspire. Here’swhat I look for in a newsletter: amessage from the pastor, a calendar of events, a summary of congregationcouncil actions, opportunities for service and thank-yous. I also really like stories of how myofferings are making a difference in the lives of others. I like stories of local, synod and churchwideministries. Here’s my disclaimer: I am not an expert in parish communication,but I have been around the church for a few years.

With the exception of one, I read all ofthese newsletters as an outsider. Newslettersoften serve as an introduction to your congregation to newcomers. Some potential visitors will check out yourcongregation’s newsletter if it is posted online. Many congregations will stay in touch withprospective members by mailing a newsletter.

As one who is concerned about the healthand mission of congregations, I sometimes find newsletters to bedisconcerting. Consider one January newsletterI received in recent days. No need toguess—it is not a Northern Illinois Synod congregation. The council minutes reported:

PropertyTeam – Nothing new to report.

WorshipTeam – Nothing new to report.

YouthTeam – Went bowling.

ChristianEducation Team – Preparing for Christmas program.

ShepherdingTeam – Nothing new to report.

MissionsTeam – Nothing new to report.

StewardshipTeam – Nothing new to report.

Nothing new to report? To be fair, December council meeting agendasare often light, especially if the budget work is done. But, these team reports suggest to me thatthis is a congregation that has lost its focus. It may be unclear of its mission. I wonder what a potential visitor would make of this newsletter.

Take a look at your congregation’snewsletter. Take an objective look. What do you see? Does it tell the story of your congregation’smission? What other messages does itconvey?

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com or comment on Facebook. --JC

Best Christmas Gift Ever

2011-12-24T13:23:00.000-06:00

As I think back, one Christmas morning was different. Too large to fit under the tree, there was asingle large gift standing in front of our family Christmas tree with a tagindicating that it was just for me. Thatwas remarkable in itself. My brother andI almost always received identical gifts, but not this time. There was only one massive gift in our smallfront room.

I knew what it was before I opened it. From its size and shape it could only be one thing. My very own bicycle. My first two-wheeler. It seemed just too good to be true.

I unwrapped the bike with unbridled glee. It was the most beautiful bicycle I had everseen. It was shiny black and had flamedecals on the front and back fenders. The bike was just my size, smaller than an adult model. The training wheels had already beeninstalled. It was ready to go.

It was not a snowy Christmas in Detroit that year, so I rode that bikefor the first time dressed in a snow suit, knit cap and mittens. At that tender age, I could imagine no betterday in my life. It was a wonderfulChristmas.

There is actually a little more to the story. What I didn’t know that day was that bicyclerepresented a great deal of effort and love. My parents knew that I wanted a bicycle more than anything and eventhough they didn’t have enough money to buy one, they made it happen. They bought that little bike used. My dad sanded down the frame, repainted it inglossy black, applied the decals and greased the chain, all in a neighbor’sgarage. Christmas Eve, after Brant and Iwere safely asleep, Dad retrieved the bike from the neighbor’s house and he andMom wrapped it up.

I don’t think that I was ever supposed to know the rest of thestory. I found out years later, whenthat bike, which had been so special to me, was long gone. The memory of that little black bike becameall the more important to me.

I cannot imagine celebrating Christmas today without knowing the restof the story. Oh, the story of the babyin the manger, the shepherds in the field and the wise men with their giftsstill moves me. Deeply. Profoundly. Advent prepares me to the point of being desperate to hear the ChristmasGospel proclaimed. But, it’s the rest ofthe story that really gets me. It turnsout that the baby Jesus is a gift that seems just too good to be true. Mary and Joseph may have thought that Jesuswas theirs. If they had looked closely,there was a gift tag addressed to me. And you. And the whole world.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyonewho believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). What an incredible gift. We dare not forget the rest of the story. That precious baby born in Bethlehem so longago, was born for us to die for us.

For me, every Christmas is wonderful. I can imagine no better day. Ijoin Bishop Gary Wollersheim and the entire synod staff in wishing you a veryMerry Christmas. --JC

Rostered Leader Gatherings

2011-12-17T21:00:00.001-06:00

In December, life in the synod office generally gets progressively quieteras we approach Christmas. With parishlife operating at a frenzied pace, the number of meetings and the volume ofemail and phone calls in our office goes down. This allows synod staff members to catch a few last vacation days beforethe end of the year. Perhaps I should saythat is what I do.

The light schedule of this past week allowed me to attend threeconference meetings. The NorthernIllinois Synod is divided into eight geographical conferences. The rostered leaders of each conference gettogether once a month. The meetings areall similar in nature. The dean, arostered leader elected by the conference, chairs the meeting. There are coffee and goodies to eat. The Eucharist is celebrated and a sermon ispreached. Announcements are made. Some conferences have a program with a guestspeaker. Other conferences use theirtime for mutual sharing. Lunch mayfollow at the church or at a local restaurant.

I am a big believer in collegiality. Attending conference meetings is one way rostered leaders can be goodcolleagues to each other. During thecourse of a year, I try to attend at least one meeting in each conference. It helps me keep in touch with what is goingon all across the synod. It also givesme the opportunity to see some folks I do not see often.

I am the synod staff liaison to the North Conference, so I regularly attendits meetings. Each December the rosteredleaders of the North Conference gather at P.A. Peterson Center for Health, anLSSI facility in Rockford. This pastweek, we were the guests of Pastor Chuck Olson, P.A. Peterson’s chaplain. Pastor Denver Bitner, president of LutheranSocial Services of Illinois, gave us an update on LSSI. Following our meeting, we divided into twogroups and did a little Christmas caroling for the residents. I am always surprised at how little effort ittakes to bring joy to so many faces. Oursinging was, well, let’s say, not of professional quality. But, residents took a break from their mealto sing along. Afterwards, we enjoyeddinner together, as you can see.

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

NIS Youth Ministry

2011-12-11T19:01:00.001-06:00

Mary Lasits recently resigned her part-time position as youthcoordinator for the Northern Illinois Synod. Her leadership over the past four years has been well appreciated acrossthe synod. Mary felt God calling her todo something else in the church, so she is now working with Lutheran SocialServices of Central Ohio as the director of congregational relations. While we miss Mary, we know that she isserving the church in a significant way.

With Mary’s departure, the synod had an opportunity to reexamine how wedo youth ministry. As we began thatprocess, the leadership team of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center approachedme with an intriguing proposal. LOMCoffered to assume the responsibilities of the youth coordinator, maintainingcurrent programs and expanding the possibilities.

I am very pleased to officially announce that we accepted LOMC’sproposal. From LOMC’s existing staff, AudreyAdams will serve as youth event coordinator and Amy Hoening will be leadershipmentor. George Davis will also bedirectly involved in providing leadership.

Our LYO board will continue to function as it has been. Rosemary Sibley (First, Prophetstown), leadLYO adult advisor will continue to serve in that capacity.

For several years, Bishop Gary Wollersheim has sought to strengthen ourrelationships with our agencies and institutions. Our youth ministry has already experienced abeneficial relationship with Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northern IllinoisUniversity (now Grace Place @ NIU). This arrangement with LOMC is another greatstep.

Youth ministry questions may be directed to Audrey and Amy at LOMC,(815) 732-2220. LYO Board and ELCA YouthGathering questions may be directed to Rosemary, (815) 537-2758. Questions or concerns regarding thisarrangement may be directed to me, (815) 964-9934. –JC

www.nisynod.org

www.lomc.org

www.graceplaceniu.com

Sunday, December 25, 2011

2011-10-31T18:43:00.002-05:00

I have been amused and somewhat bemused recentlyby the discussion that has been taking place in many congregations. Since Christmas falls on Sunday this year,pastors and worship committees are wondering what to do about worship serviceson Sunday, December 25.

I don’t have any proof of this, but itseems to me that over the past generation there has been a movement away fromChristmas morning services in favor of Christmas Eve exclusively. Christmas Eve services are plentiful andoffered at a variety of hours. ChristmasDay services are harder to find. Thus,the question of what to do this year is more significant than it has been inthe past.

I served a congregation where theemphasis was on Christmas Eve. In fact, Iused to write two sermons for Christmas Eve because we had an early Eucharisticservice (more oriented toward families) and a late candlelight service. Two unique sermons were necessary because somany of the same faithful folks attended both services. I would get home well after midnight. Selfishly, I was glad that I did not have toget up early on Christmas morning to get back to church.

However, in those years when Christmasfell on Sunday, it was simply a short night. We worshiped as we did every Sunday. Although it was always a smaller group than a normal Sunday morning, Ifound that those who came for worship on Christmas morning made for a highlymotivated group. We had the opportunityto sing Christmas morning hymns that don’t make as much sense after dark. We stepped out of the romantic glow of themanger into the light of a new day in Christ.

Certainly, multiple Christmas servicesare exhausting for pastors, musicians, choirs and sextons. They are also taxing on worship committeesand altar guilds. There is a certainprice that is paid by the families of those who are in leadershippositions. It is a bit tricky toschedule family activities in between trips to the church. Christmas morning worship does add to theburden.

Congregations that do not normally haveChristmas morning worship are considering whether it is worth the effort tohave worship services on Sunday, December 25. They are wondering if anyone will show up. Congregations that normally do worship onChristmas are deciding whether to go ahead with their normal schedule for a Christmasmorning or to maintain their normal Sunday morning schedule.

Whatever decision your congregation makes,it must be made soon and then well publicized in multiple ways. Finding alocked church door on Christmas morning, Sunday, December 25, would not make avery good gift.

In case you’re wondering, Christmas hasfallen on Sunday most recently in 1994 and 2005. Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com or comment on Facebook. --JC

Funeral Liturgy

2011-10-25T19:07:00.000-05:00

I attended a memorial service this week at a United Methodist congregation. As an outsider I felt pretty comfortable. The guest book was in a prominent location. A representative of the funeral home told me where to sit. In the service itself, the only thing that was not printed in either the bulletin or the hymnal was the Lord’s Prayer. The pastor began, “Our Father, who art….” I quickly thought to myself, Methodists don’t say the emphatic “and ever” before the “Amen.” It was a beautiful service followed by a bountiful lunch.

My personal expectations for a good funeral or memorial service were met. Hymns were sung, the Scriptures were read, the Gospel was preached and Holy Communion was celebrated. Hospitality at lunch was gracious.

My own expectations have been formed by a lifetime in the church and years of experience as a pastor. I have officiated, been part of, or attended countless funerals. I know what seems right and fitting to me.

I am sure that everyone carries his or her own expectations into funeral worship. Those expectations may have been formed from their own church traditions or they may have been influenced by other sources. Once in a while the funeral of a celebrity or a dignitary may be televised. I watched Ron Santo’s funeral. From it one might surmise that all Roman Catholic funerals include eulogies and assigned seating.

People are also influenced by fictitious portrayals of funerals on TV and in movies. It is fairly easy to picture a grim-faced preacher in a flowing gown standing next to an open grave solemnly intoning the King James Version of the Twenty-third Psalm. In sitcoms the casket is always open and is surrounded by mountains of flowers and candles enough to resemble a forest fire. Think about the TV funerals that you can recall. Do any of them resemble what you have witnessed in the church?

We need to remember that many folks who attend funerals in our congregations come from other churches or have no experience with the church at all. They come out of respect for the deceased not knowing exactly what to expect, though they may have some preconceived notions. We need to be explicit in our instructions during worship and maybe even offer some commentary as we move through the liturgy.

Most people, including active church members, are not familiar with the funeral liturgy that we use. I think that is unfortunate. The funeral liturgy can and should be a source of comfort for those who mourn. But, it is hard for the liturgy to accomplish that goal if we are not familiar with it. As useful as funeral planning classes are, they never attract many people. I am wondering if it might be possible to incorporate portions of the funeral liturgy into what we do on an occasional Sunday. I might even be tempted to adapt the whole funeral liturgy for use on a Sunday. I think a congregation would hear the prayers and the Scripture readings much differently on a Sunday morning than it would at a funeral. The Good News can be hard to hear through the grief associated with a loved one’s death. However, I think we would all be better prepared if we went in knowing what to really expect.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

Faith Stories

2011-10-19T20:55:00.002-05:00

Pastor Chuck Steinke was the synod’s stewardship director prior tome. At the time, I was glad that Ididn’t have to do all that stewardship preaching. Besides the occasional pastor’s installation,it seemed like preaching and teaching sound stewardship practices was all thathe did. I liked the greater variety thatmy portfolio afforded me.

When Pastor Steinke left the synod staff, Bishop Wollersheim tapped me to takeover as stewardship director. Soon I waspreaching and teaching stewardship most of the time. It’s not that stewardship wasn’t a passion ofmine. I was just afraid that serving asstewardship director would be somehow limiting.

After I had been preaching and teaching stewardship for four years, theELCA created the position of Director of Evangelical Mission, with a jobdescription that included stewardship. Pastor Kurt Nordby joined our staff as our DEM and I passed the stewardshipbaton to him. My job description onceagain included a lot of variety. To mysurprise, I missed the stewardship work! I had found it to be much more fulfilling than I had anticipated. I told Kurt that he could count on me to help in any way I could.

Fortunately, I am still called upon throughout the year and especiallyeach fall to do some stewardship preaching. In my preaching, I often tell thestory of how I learned to be a good steward. It began humbly in Sunday school and has continued to the presentday. I am still learning how to begenerous. In fact, I think a lot aboutwhat it takes to actually be generous. Forme, generosity is marked by unselfish, sacrificial giving.

I have learned to tell my stewardship story by listening to the stories ofothers. We need to hear those stories inworship on Sundays. As a pastor, I havehad the privilege of hearing faith stories around kitchen tables, in circlemeetings, in small groups, and in my office; but I have heard precious few inworship. Whether we call them templetalks, testimonies, faith stories, or something else, we need to hear eachother’s stories. We would benefit fromhearing how God is at work in the lives of others. I think we would all become much morecomfortable in talking about our faith if we just practiced a little. What better place than in the midst of yourown congregation?

Can your congregation make room in its worship for faith stories? Are you willing to tell your own story? Are you willing to hear the stories of others?

Comments? Please go to http://niselca.blogspot.com or commenton Facebook. --JC

Farewell to Summer

2011-09-17T16:22:00.000-05:00

Count me among the unwilling. Autumn is arriving without my full endorsement.

I may be among the last to give up on summer. After all, school is back in session and congregations are well into their fall routines. The first of the trees are changing color, we are experiencing cooler days and artificial Christmas trees have appeared in the big box stores.

It is hard to deny the change of seasons. Even in the synod office we have shifted into the busier days of autumn. We have had the first of this year’s Discipleship Gatherings and the normal schedule of meetings has resumed. Only the calendar is on my side, but summer will officially give way to autumn on September 23.

I think that I am autumn resistant for a couple of reasons. In spite of the incredible beauty of the season, I know what’s coming next. I much prefer being warm to being cold. But, that’s minor. I know I would appreciate the other three seasons less if we didn’t have winter. I think my real problem is that I really enjoyed this past summer.

There was much to enjoy. Our Synod Assembly was fun. The Churchwide Assembly was another great experience. It is always reassuring to see the way the church takes care of its business. It was a joy to make a personal commitment to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Our Synod Council has gotten back to work with its new members. We’re in good hands.

Mackinaw City Lighthouse

I also enjoyed some vacation time. I spent a few of my days off at Wrigley Field. My wife and I spent a great week in North Dakota with my son and daughter-in-law. Another few days were spent in Michigan exploring my childhood memories. These were relaxing and joyful times for me and my wife.

As a parish pastor, I always thanked the congregation for the vacation time that I was granted as a part of my call. The recommendation to congregations is that pastors receive four weeks with four Sundays of vacation each year. This sometimes seems generous to a call committee or council, but the four weeks is given in recognition that pastors are on call 24/7 and often a missed day off is difficult to reschedule even in the smallest of parishes. Pastors really never lack for something to do.

If you are a member of a mutual ministry committee or of your congregation council, I hope that you encourage your pastor to use his/her vacation time and to use all of it. I have not always been good at that myself. Make sure that your pastor is taking days off too. At least one day per week is required to keep some sense of balance and two is preferable, though I do not know of many pastors who are able to take two.

This past week I saw a survey that reported that clergy have the highest job satisfaction of any profession. That’s not surprising since most of us are doing what we believe God has called us to do. What could be better than that? But clergy also suffer burnout and stress at alarming rates. It’s tough work. At times, it is physically tiring and emotionally exhausting. Time off, which today means time without cell phone or email, helps combat those symptoms.

So, as my congregation, I thank you, the synod, for my vacation time. This summer’s vacation was wonderful. I’m just sad to see summer go.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. –JC

Churchwide Assembly, August 19

2011-08-19T13:54:00.003-05:00

Nicole Bilips addresses the assembly

A short report to conclude my experiences at this assembly.

The Churchwide Assembly ended today with Bishop Hanson thanking the assembly for its good work. The assembly reciprocated by thanking Bishop Hanson for his leadership with a standing ovation. Secretary David Swartling announced that the 2013 Churchwide Assembly will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which will be the first assembly held in Region 8 of the ELCA.

In case you’re wondering, as of this morning, 180 pledges had been received for the ELCA Malaria Campaign representing gifts of $165,100. While this is a very good start, I had really hoped to see at least 750 pledges. I know the economy is still bad. In fact, yesterday’s drop in the stock market was probably scary for many. But, we cannot let fear stand in the way of generosity. This is true in our giving to our congregations, in our Mission Support and in the special gifts we give.

The singing in today’s worship was robust even though some participants were looking a bit tired. The assembly was well engaged. I sang and clapped along as we sang one of my least favorite hymns. Pastor Janet Hunt suggested that judging by how people were singing, I must be the only one who doesn’t like it. Rather than risk offending you, I’ll just keep the hymn title to myself. By coincidence, I sat in the section of the worship space where our own bishop was distributing bread for Communion.

This was an easy assembly for me. I go along mostly to help the bishop and our voting members in any way that I am able. Our voting members had very few needs, which gave me more time to network and enjoy the company of some colleagues from across the church whom I see infrequently. I also go to be as well informed of the work of the ELCA as I can possibly be, so that I might serve the congregations of our synod better.

As I write this, I am at Orlando International Airport with about two hours to sit at the gate. I am reflecting on the positive end to the proceedings. I am fortunate to be a pastor of a church that is committed to making an impact in the world. I am privileged to serve a synod that is committed to outreach. God’s work. Our hands. It’s more than just a catchy slogan. It describes what we do as members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are claimed by Christ and given a mission. I am happy to be walking with you as we journey together.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

Churchwide Assembly, August 18

2011-08-18T20:24:00.002-05:00

At the end of business today, Bishop Wollersheim had a few words with our voting members. He said, “Today was an historic day for the church.” With all of today’s long business sessions and hours of sitting, it would have been easy to miss that fact. Here’s a recap.

I awoke this morning to the sound of something falling onto the floor of my hotel room. I thought it was odd but didn’t bother to look to see what it was. As my head cleared, I did get curious. It was my cell phone. I had set the alarm on my phone to wake me but I had left it in the “vibrate” mode. My phone had finally buzzed itself right off the table next to the bed. I guess it’s good that it hit the floor.

The first historic moment came when Sayyid Sayeed, the secretary general of the Islamic Society of America greeted the assembly. This is the first time a Muslim has addressed an ELCA assembly. He was gracious in his remarks and spoke of the importance of the work we can do together as a witness around the globe.

Another greeting came from Bishop George Walker Sr., Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, one of the historic African American denominations. This was also a first.

History was also made when the Social Statement on Genetics was adopted by a vote of 942 to 34. Before getting here I was not sure if the assembly would be in a mood to adopt this social statement. As I listened, it became evident that the voting members of this assembly felt this was important work. Geneticists and other scientists, farmers and pastors, all voting members from their synods, spoke in favor of the statement. Pictured above is Pastor Vicki Sauter as she spoke to the assembly.

Today’s worship concluded with an anointing for service. The sign of the cross was made with oil on the palms of our hands with the words, “May you be blessed, and may you be a blessing.” I’ve seen this done in congregations and I think it is a great idea. The presiding minister for the service was the Rev. Susan Johnson, national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Bishop Johnson has been a friend of the Northern Illinois Synod for quite some time, so it was nice to see her again.

A budget was adopted for 2012 and 2013. Constitutional amendments were approved, one of which requires a congregation that has taken an unsuccessful first vote to leave the ELCA to wait six months before taking another vote. From our experience in Northern Illinois, this will be a healthy change that will benefit a congregation no matter what its final decision is.

The Churchwide Assembly will close tomorrow with a final business session followed by worship and then the exodus from Orlando will begin. Now, I need to pack my suitcase and see if I can squeeze everything I brought back in!

Be sure to check http://www.elca.org/ for a summary of all assembly actions. Comments? Go to the blog site: http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

Churchwide Assembly, August 17

2011-08-17T20:10:00.003-05:00

The day began on time at 8:15 a.m. and then it wasn't long before we were behind schedule. I must say that Bishop Mark Hanson is a master at running a meeting. He is very fair and helps people say and do what they want to when they’re at a microphone. For anyone unfamiliar with parliamentary procedure, today’s proceedings might have seemed cumbersome. In reality, we witnessed the importance of rules of order to deal with memorials, amendments, amendments to amendments, etc.

The time of each session was lengthened to accommodate as much as possible. Highlights of the day include a change from a two year cycle for Churchwide Assemblies to a three year cycle beginning after 2013. The secretary, treasurer and vice-president of our ELCA each gave their reports. Christina Jackson-Skelton was honored for her service as treasurer as she leaves that post to become executive director of the Mission Advancement unit. Secretary David Swartling gave, what I believe to be, a terrific report. In it he had the assembly repeat after him, “My congregation’s constitution is a missional document.” Have you ever thought of your congregation’s constitution that way? If not, I invite you to do so!

I enjoyed the greeting from the general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation. The Rev. Martin Junge (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chile) reminded us of the important work we do together with Lutherans throughout the world. We also heard from Lutheran Disaster Response and our ministry partners, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Services in America, and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.

The preacher at today’s worship was Pastor Livenson Lauvanus, president of the Lutheran Church in Haiti. He proclaimed, “There is no gospel without transformation.” The message of the gospel changes everything. One hymn in worship was unfamiliar to me. I believe it is French in origin. One stanza begins, “Lord, Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.” My heart was wholly engaged in worship today.

Just prior to worship, Bishop Wollersheim gathered our voting members for a group picture. I’ll post the one I took, although it isn’t very good. Karin Graddy will have a better one for us.

Each day I am posting some quotes from our voting members on the synod’s Facebook page. I do want to share what voting member Bob McVinnie said here. Bob said, “The assembly is just exhilarating. I have been emotionally moved to tears a few times.” Me too, Bob.

As the assembly gathered for lunch, the assistants to the bishop who are present from a number of synods joined together at the invitation of the churchwide organization. It was good to have conversation with old friends and get caught up on what we need to know. I don’t know what everyone else had to eat, but the salmon we had was delicious.

I told you yesterday that I had made my pledge for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. So far at this assembly, there have been 111 pledges made which represent a total commitment of $106,785. That’s great, but there are about 1,200 people here. I’m hoping the total goes much higher. I can’t wait for you to have an opportunity to make a commitment too.

This evening there was a reception for everyone hosted by seminaries and colleges. I spoke with one seminary president and a representative from one of our collges in California. It is hard to not be impressed with what our colleges and seminaries are doing.

Now a long day has come to an end. Since we’re a bit behind schedule, the assembly will begin 15 minutes early tomorrow. There’s a lot of work left to do. We thank God for a good day.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

Churchwide Assembly, August 16

2011-08-16T19:57:00.006-05:00

Today’s business at the Churchwide Assembly was taken care of this morning. The assembly worked on the LIFT (Living into the Future Together) implementing resolutions and constitutional issues related to LIFT and program committees. While the assembly tended to their business, I filled out my Leadership Circle commitment to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Everyone at the assembly has been invited to consider a four year pledge to help eradicate malaria. I am hoping that many here will make significant commitments. Can you imagine the impact of 1,000 to 1,200 people leaving this place and going home to tell the story having already made their pledge? I later placed my commitment into a basket with many others. Fair warning…we’ll be talking about this in Northern Illinois!

The day took on an international flair as soon as we entered worship. The gathering song was a stunning solo sung in Japanese. The first hymn, sung in English, was of Japanese origin. We heard a compelling sermon delivered by the Rev. Marysol Diaz Feliciano, an ELCA pastor serving a congregation in Puerto Rico. Her sermon was based on Luke 24:13-25, which she had read in Spanish. Today’s offering was designated for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. We celebrate Holy Communion each day.

This afternoon was devoted to a Bible study followed by a Mission Encounter, which is something new to this assembly. In two sessions, participants learned of how ELCA ministries are impacting immigrant populations in the U.S and churches throughout the world. I was particularly interested in learning of the work we Lutherans are doing as we accompany the church in China. I think a few people must have skipped out on the second session in the tired hours of the late afternoon. I saw some empty chairs.

This evening’s dinner would have enlivened even the sleepiest soul. The musicians, perhaps the most ethnically diverse group I have had the privilege to hear, provided a great variety of international music. I was unable to sit still in my seat as they sang, and that’s saying something. I wish my wife could have heard them; she would have loved every note and every word. They sang from a number of traditions and in differing styles.

Our dinner was also made up of international flavors. While I loved the hummus, I just took a polite serving of the herring. I can honestly say that I have never had sushi for dessert before. Mango sushi is OK if you don’t mind the seaweed.

So, it was not an overly taxing day for our voting members, but it was tiring nonetheless. It’s back to business tomorrow morning at 8:15 a.m. Don’t forget to check the ELCA website (www.elca.org/assembly) for news releases, legislative action, and live streaming of plenary sessions and worship services. Be sure to check out http://livinglutheran.com/contest to see the videos that have been submitted from across our church. Some are simply terrific.

Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for this assembly and the voting members from our Northern Illinois Synod. Pictured above is the assembly at work this morning. The cross is the backdrop for our worship. Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Shots from Churchwide Assembly, August 15

2011-08-15T21:58:00.004-05:00

Polly Wollersheim is pictured with Pastor Janet Hunt who is a voting member.

Leona Peterson Spear is attending as a congregational observer and George Sanchez is a voting member.

Pastor Robert Franek is seated in the section for congregational observers.

Pastor Ralph (voting member) and Gayle (visitor) Kuespert enjoy conversation with a new friend.

Three voting members from three congregations in Rockford, Pastor Michael Thomas, Pastor Jay Quinn and Lori Mueller.

Churchwide Assembly--The Work Begins

2011-08-15T21:55:00.002-05:00

The first day of the Churchwide Assembly has come to an end. All of our Northern Illinois folks are doing just fine. By now everyone is oriented and can find their way from their room down to the assembly hall, worship space and dining room.

Host Bishop Ed Benoway of the Florida-Bahamas Synod greeted the assembly. Referring to both hurricanes and controversy, he said that his synod has had to withstand some heavy storms in the past few years. “But,” he said, “the church is designed to withstand strong forces. We are a resilient church and a resilient people of God.” These were good words to hear as the assembly began its work.

Bishop Mark Hanson preached and presided at this afternoon’s Holy Communion. Using the texts for Mary, Mother of our Lord, he asked, “Are we as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ready to be moved by the Spirit as Mary was moved?” He said that by the time the assembly closes on Friday that question will have been answered. It was a powerful sermon.

This evening the assembly adopted a resolution that approved the ELCA Malaria Campaign. This will be a churchwide effort to support the elimination of malaria. The goal is to raise $15 million in the next four years. It would seem to be a highly achievable goal.

Read more about assembly actions at http://www.elca.org/.

Tomorrow’s first plenary begins at 8:00 a.m., so it will be a short night!

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

Churchwide Assembly--Travel Day

2011-08-14T22:17:00.003-05:00

Today, Sunday, has been a day of travel for most of the 1,025 voting members and approximately 500 others coming to the Churchwide Assembly in Orlando. We are gathering under the theme “Freed in Christ to Serve.” The official business of the gathering will begin tomorrow afternoon, preceded by hearings and a voting member orientation tomorrow morning.

Lori Mueller, a voting member from Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Rockford, and I took the bus from Rockford down to O’Hare. Due to the bus departure time, neither one of us made it to church for worship, so it has hardly felt like Sunday. I had calculated which bus I needed be on, allowing some extra time for the construction on I-90. I must admit that I was a tad bit nervous when the driver announced that there was a semi rollover that was slowing traffic down. When traffic came to a stop before we even got to Belvidere, I resigned myself to the fact that this was a situation beyond my control and immersed myself in the Sunday newspaper I had brought along.

As it was, the bus was only 15 minutes late getting to the airport. The lines were long through security, but I got through just fine. Last February I had the joy of experiencing a full body scan. I now know that this would be far preferable to the search Lori experienced. One pat down apparently wasn’t enough and she was escorted off to a private room. I was relieved to find out that she was deemed to be safe for travel. After all, we were on the same flight!

We ran into Pastor Vicki Sauter, a voting member from Immanuel, Amboy. I still can’t figure out how Vicki made it to the airport about the same time we did, after leading worship in Amboy before driving to O’Hare. Her story made me felt a bit guilty, but I recalculated and again concluded that there was no way I could have made it to church this morning.

My suitcase made it to Orlando, but I didn’t recognize it without the neon red luggage tag it had on it when I checked it at O’Hare. The American Airlines employee, who apparently had had a very bad day, assured me that my case had indeed made it to Orlando. A quick search (on my part) of unclaimed luggage yielded a happy result.

Typical of Florida in the summer, there was a late afternoon thunderstorm, but it occurred while we were on the bus between the Orlando airport and the Orlando World Center Marriott. (This hotel and convention complex is big enough to live up to its name.) It was quite a downpour, but it was sunny, hot and humid when we arrived at the hotel. The check-in line moved rapidly. Lori, Vicki and I decided to run up to our rooms then meet in the lobby to check in for the assembly and have dinner. I very much surprised a couple when I entered the room that had been assigned to me! To be fair, they surprised me too! “Can I help you?” she said. “Uh, no,” I said as I backed out. They never saw my face, so there will be no embarrassing situations while we’re here. At least not with them. I went back to the front desk and was assigned a different room.

I asked both Lori and Vicki what they are looking forward to in this assembly. Both are anxious to experience the worship and to be a part of the business of the church. I have seen or spoken to a number of our other voting members and some from Northern Illinois who are attending as visitors or congregational observers. This hotel is alive with conversation between Lutherans from across the country.

Statistically speaking, it is a small number of ELCA members who are able to experience a Churchwide Assembly in person. Thanks to current technology and the Internet, you will be able to experience the assembly with those of us who are here. Just go to www.elca.org/assembly. All of the plenary sessions and worship will be streamed live.

It’s time for me to call it a day. Please remember to pray for this assembly and all of its voting members. Oh, by the way, has anybody seen Bishop Wollersheim? I know he’s here somewhere.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook.

Conversation Starters

2011-08-03T17:03:00.002-05:00

You are probably familiar with all of the stereotypes of Lutherans. Garrison Keillor has made them famous. They are, for the most part, amusing. We can certainly poke fun at ourselves. If you have seen a stage production of “Church Basement Ladies,” the stereotypes are emphasized in hilarious fashion. In fact, I could attach a name from my past to each and every character in the play. I have met them all.

The humor is probably lost on Lutherans who are native to other parts of the country. Truth be told, a lot of Midwestern and Upper Midwestern Lutherans do resemble the folks in Lake Wobegon. However, I get a bit worried when I hear Lutherans described as “shy” because I think we can use that as an excuse. I don’t think Lutherans are so much shy as we are poorly equipped to tell the story of God’s love for us.

One basic issue seems to be the matter of how to enter into the conversation. I believe there are many people who have a deep faith and a desire to talk about what they have come to know about God. They just don’t know how to share the good news of Christ. How does one enter a conversation without sounding like a religious zealot?

My main form of exercise is walking. When I take a walk I always wear a baseball cap. Most of the time it’s a Cubs cap, but I also have a Minnesota Twins cap. I have found those two caps to be great conversation starters. With the Cubs cap, I immediately find people with whom to share my misery. I have had countless short conversations about Cubs players, management, and the joy of spending time at Wrigley Field.

Once I put on a cap, I’m committed to wearing it for the rest of the day. I have no choice. My hair doesn’t recover from the experience. So it was that I was recently wearing the Twins cap at the gas station. The minivan at the pump just ahead of me had Minnesota plates. The woman pumping gas into the van saw the cap and immediately asked, “Are you from Minnesota?” The conversation was off and running. Later that day I stopped at Papa John’s to pick up a pizza. A young guy in the kitchen interrupted the person helping me at the cash register to ask if Denard Span had been traded. I quickly realized that it was my cap that prompted the question. I also realized that wearing the Twins cap had implied that this Cubs fan actually knows something about the Twins.

Even the most introverted or shy among us would soon be engaged in conversation wearing the right cap! I might have been poorly equipped to discuss the Twins latest trades, but the conversation took place. (In case you’re wondering, the Twins did not make any trades before the deadline.)
I have a small variety of t-shirts, polos and sweat shirts from different congregations in our synod, two or three of them from the congregation of which I am a member. Wearing one might help start a conversation, but I have found them to be far less effective than the baseball caps!

One way to be better equipped to talk about your faith is to practice. About three or four years ago, the ELCA stewardship staff produced a resource called “Stories to Tell. Gifts to Share.” It included a set of bookmarks with 50 conversation starter questions that were to be used with other members of your congregation. It was a great idea. What better way to practice talking about your faith than with someone who shares your faith and probably wants to be better equipped too? Your congregation should provide a safe place to practice.

In a meeting in which we were planning this year’s Discipleship Gatherings, I challenged myself to express my faith in a tweet. A tweet has a maximum of 140 characters. I wonder if this might just be the conversation starter for which I’ve been searching. It won’t fit on a cap, but it might fit on a t-shirt. What do you think?

God made me, loves me, saved me, forgives me, and sent me to you. I have a great story to tell. May I tell it to you?

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

Jesus and the Musical Saw

2011-07-19T19:49:00.003-05:00

I love worship. I always have.

My first memory of worship is sitting with my father in the first pew on the pulpit side of Victory Evangelical Lutheran Church in Detroit. I must have been about six years old at that time because my brother was still in the pre-Kindergarten class that met during the worship hour. That’s where Mom was too, helping out. I remember being wedged between my dad and the pew end. It was such a secure feeling with his arm around my back.

My dad figured that if we sat in the front pew I would be able to see everything that was going on and the chances of my misbehaving would decrease. The sights and sounds intrigued me. Organ, stained glass images, brass appointments, colorful paraments—I took it all in. The liturgy never changed much, so I knew it all by heart. In those early years, I didn’t know what the words meant, but I knew them. Right in front of us, carved into the front of the pulpit, were some of the first words I learned to read, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

There are certain things I believe about worship. I believe worship is the most important thing that a congregation does. I believe worship demands our very best effort, every week. I believe worship should always provide an encounter with the living God. In word and sacrament, song and assembly, we should be able to see Jesus. I also believe worship should be fun. (Perhaps I will define what I consider to be “fun” sometime in the future.)

I believe a congregation’s worship should be so inviting, so sacred, and so important to one’s life that it becomes the highest priority in one’s week. Yes, I think this is possible even in today’s world, though it may take some creative scheduling in some communities.

I love worship. That’s why I have a couple of concerns.

Bishop Wollersheim, Pastor Kurt Nordby and I have the opportunity to worship all around the synod. It is a joyful part of our ministry. But, I have been led to wonder on more than just a few occasions, if the necessary amount of planning is going into our weekend worship experiences. I do not normally do any supply preaching. I am usually a guest preacher when the resident pastor is present. However, when I do lead a service, I always ask to see the bulletin ahead of time and I ask that someone walk me through the service(s). I practice the liturgy and whatever reading I will be doing.

I have found that worship becomes very uncomfortable when it appears that the worship leaders (pastor, assisting minister, lector, musicians) are unprepared. I have high expectations of every sermon. I also quickly discern if a service has been slapped together or if it has been thought through and well-planned.

If worship is the most important thing that we do, then we must give it the attention that it deserves.

My second concern is that I think we may just be stifling creativity with our labels. As congregations have expanded their worship offerings, we see more and more schedules with, for the lack of any better terms, a traditional service and a contemporary service. Two worship styles require twice the amount of planning and preparation. If a congregation offers more than one style, each service should strive for excellence. In some places, I see one style worship service being emphasized at the expense of the other.

Personally, I am a fan of a blended worship style. The introduction of Evangelical Lutheran Worship reminded us that our Lutheran liturgy is very flexible. I love singing some of the great hymns of faith that I recall from my childhood. I also love some of the newer music we have available to us. Too often folks think that 300 year old hymns accompanied by an organ are the only acceptable music for a traditional service. Others feel that contemporary services should only embrace songs that were written in the past five years and are accompanied by keyboard, guitar and drums. Congregations can get locked into certain patterns with those traditional and contemporary labels.

In the past month, I have experienced some creativity in worship that has brought smiles to the faces in the pew. Worship in one place was led by four accordions. In another congregation, the prelude was played on a musical saw. Contemporary? Traditional? I haven’t a clue. But, it sure was fun.

The people of your congregation want to see Jesus. Does your worship help them do so? Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

Assembly Afterthoughts

2011-07-01T15:41:00.005-05:00

Today has been a quiet day in the synod office. The phone has been nearly silent, I had one piece of mail, the email has been manageable, and there have been no visitors at the door. A quiet day is welcome every once in a while. We have barely had a chance to catch our breath following the synod assembly.

Several months of preparation lead up to the two days of our synod assembly. Prior to my coming on the synod staff, I had no idea as to how much work it takes to prepare for the assembly each year. It takes a lot of work and coordinated effort to have a successful assembly. Sandy Musch and I serve as co-chairs of the assembly. I think we are made to look pretty good by our synod staff and assembly volunteers. Nancy Corey, our synod registrar does an unbelievable amount of behind-the-scenes work. The year’s host congregation, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Orion did a great job. Augustana College is a gracious host and works hard to accommodate our needs. I know of no one who comes to an assembly better prepared to lead than our own bishop. All of that preparation generally pays off in a good experience for our voting members and visitors.

This year it was so exciting to welcome additional youth and young adult voting members. The ELCA has a goal of 10% youth/young adult voting members at synod assemblies. In addition to the regular number of voting members, each congregation was invited to bring an additional youth (high school aged) or young adult (18-30 years old) voting member. The Synod Youth Assembly, as we have known it for many years, is now a thing of the past. We expect the number of youth/young adult voting members to grow in coming years.

Following the Synod Assembly, there are many “thank you’s” to be written and evaluations to be read. Nancy Corey prepares a compilation of ratings and comments from the evaluations for the staff and Synod Council members to read. Later, I receive the original evaluations so that I can make good on my promise to respond to any individual who desires it.

Those comments are important to us and are taken into consideration as we finish work on one assembly and begin planning the next. I am annually amused by those comments that seem to cancel each other out. For example, 88 individuals felt that the time spent on resolutions was either very good or excellent, while at least one person felt that resolutions should be eliminated altogether. One thing most people agreed on was that Centennial Hall was far too warm on Friday!

Some other points can be summarized easily. There is no doubt that Dr. John Nunes, president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, was a hit. The assembly appreciated his passion and enthusiasm. The ordination of four new pastors was a highlight even as Saturday morning’s Memorial Service generated more positive comments than any I can remember. There were some comments about certain rooms being hard to find. That’s true. We try to remember always that at least 1/3 of our voting members have not attended an assembly before and don’t know their way around. We get comments about how jam-packed our assembly agenda is. We debate each year about what is essential to the agenda and what is not. There is no doubt that Friday is a taxing day for all.

We continue to search for a cost-effective to handle online payments. From some comments, I am led to believe that our pastors need to spend a little more time preparing voting members for the experience. Some voting members felt ill-equipped to discuss genetics or to vote on nominees.

If you attended the assembly and submitted an evaluation, we thank you. Of the 700 we distributed, we received 129 back. If you attend next year, you will see the impact that the evaluations made. We strive to make each assembly experience better than the last.

For me personally, as I read the evaluations, I am most pleased that our voting members and guests always go home with a better sense of who and what the Northern Illinois Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com or comment on Facebook. For photos and highlights of the assembly, go to www.nisynod.org. --JC

Our God is an Awesome God

2011-05-21T19:06:00.003-05:00

One of our local television stations called me on Friday to get a local take on the impending rapture, which had been predicted for today. I told him that I was planning to be in church on Sunday and back in the office on Monday. It was not exactly the theological insight he was seeking. He asked if the bishop might have a comment. I informed him that the bishop was not in the office at the moment. He asked, “Is he out digging a bunker?” As I understand popular rapture theology, I couldn’t imagine what good he thought a bunker might be under these circumstances. I simply told him the bishop was spending the day with his brand new grandson. That news was just too good not to share!

An awful lot of people have had a fun time with Harold Camping’s prediction. So have I. We, as Lutherans, understand that there are no timetables in the Bible. We don’t subscribe to rapture theology. In fact, encountering the “Left Behind” books and films, many Lutherans in recent years have studied the apocalypse making good use of resources such as Professor Barbara Rossing’s The Rapture Exposed.

The abundance of humor has stirred up a concern within me. As we laugh at we believe God won’t do, are we minimizing what we believe God can do?

Sometimes I think we have minimized our concept of God to a point at which we do not believe that God has the power to intercede in anything.

In the past generation, we have cheapened the value of much of our language. The superlatives that were once reserved for rarities are now routinely used. For example, “awesome” once described things that are truly awe inspiring, those things that would create an overwhelming sense of reverence or possibly fear. Now, a fast-food burger might be described as awesome. So, when we sing, “our God is an awesome God,” do we really get a sense that God is the almighty? Perhaps the Hebrew people had it right when they did not speak the name of Yahweh. They constantly reminded themselves that God was all-powerful.

I don’t think it helps that Christians are laughing at other Christians, misguided though they may be. What kind of witness is that? It seems that lately we have too often had to distance ourselves from what some other Christians, mostly those on the fringes, believe. Why didn’t the TV station call me last week? Is what we believe only of interest when offered in opposition to the sensational? We should offer our own voices to the world because we have a Word that brings comfort, hope and salvation.

God truly is awesome in every sense of the word. God does save us. God can intercede for us. And, someday, on a day we cannot predict, we believe that Christ will come again.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com or comment on Facebook. --JC

What We Value

2011-05-04T07:51:00.005-05:00

This past Sunday afternoon, the synod gathered to celebrate the ordination of Luanne Bettisch. There had not been a lot of advance notice for this service so I was curious to see how well the service would be attended. Add to that the location of the service, Prince of Peace in Freeport, which is not central to the synod. A final fact to consider, this was the Second Sunday of Easter, traditionally a low Sunday and a vacation Sunday for many pastors.

As it turned out, there were lots of people. From where I sat, I could see the congregation to my left and my rostered colleagues directly across from me. Of course, there were many people there who have direct connections to Lu. But, there were also many who had never met the ordinand. This brought to mind the list of values that the synod staff uses when talking with rostered leaders who are considering coming to the Northern Illinois Synod, particularly number 4, which our bishop states as "Go to stuff!"

In the Northern Illinois Synod a rostered leader is expected to:

1. Practice the faith and spiritual disciplines
2. Love the Lutheran Church
3. Have an attitude of humility and servanthood recognizing the church’s call as God’s call to ministry
4. Participate in the life of the church
5. Be a missional leader advocating for and engaging in God’s mission
6. Maintain healthy boundaries and balance in ministry and life
7. Be committed to individual and corporate Biblical stewardship practices
8. Engage in critical thinking and continuing education

That's not a bad list for any disciple of Jesus. All who gathered this past Sunday were participating in the life of the wider church. I was blessed in the experience and I trust that everyone else was too.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. Pictured from left to right, Pastor Michael Thomas (sponsor), Pastor Lu Bettisch (ordinand), Bishop Gary Wollersheim, Pastor Mary Ann Moller Gunderson (sponsor). --JC

The Three Days

2011-04-21T11:30:00.004-05:00

If you are wondering where I am, you will find me at church. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Our Lenten journey has led me to the point at which I am ready to hear some important words. I will hear, pray and sing these words in liturgy, song, Scripture and sermon. What are these words?

God never wearies of forgiving sin and giving the peace of reconciliation. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found.

The body of Christ, given for you.

May the sacrament of your holy body and blood so work in us that the fruits of your redemption will show forth in the way we live.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended?

When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Let us pray for those who do not believe in God.

Behold the life-giving cross, on which was hung the Savior of the whole world.

Christ, yesterday and today, the beginning and the ending. To Christ belongs all time and all the ages; to Christ belongs glory and dominion, now and forever. Amen.

This is the night.

[My word] shall not return to me empty; it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Breathe your Spirit into all who are gathered here and into all creation. Illumine our days. Enliven our bones. Dry our tears. Wash away the sin within us, and drown the evil around us.

Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

This joyful Eastertide, away with sin and sorrow!

The Lord’s face shine upon you with grace and mercy.

Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God.

It will be an amazing Three Days. In them, I could be selfish. In them, I could hear my own call to discipleship, taste the forgiveness of my own sin, hear the story of my own salvation, and celebrate my own risen savior. I pray that I will resist this temptation. God, help me to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, share the joy of discipleship, make room at the table, interpret ancient liturgies, and share the good news in ways that everyone can understand…not just church geeks like me.

A blessed Easter to you.

Comments are welcome. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. The artwork comes from http://www.freechristimages.org/. --JC

The Importance of "My" Small Group

2011-04-06T16:59:00.003-05:00

I was trying to find just a little time to complete my annual “Report to the Bishop.” Truth be told, I am a little bit compulsive about completing assignments and submitting reports on time. The due date was near. I didn’t need much time; the form is not long or complicated.

Each rostered leader (pastor, associate in ministry, diaconal minister, deaconess) of the ELCA is required to submit an annual report to his or her synodical bishop. In our synod, the bishop personally reads each report. The information in the report is taken seriously and receives whatever pastoral attention is needed.

I wanted to get my report done, so I finally just closed my office door, sat down at the computer, and got to work. For rostered leaders under call from a synod council, the first question is, “What is the name and location of the congregation of which you are a member?” That was easy enough. Next, “In what congregational ministries and activities did you participate last year?” I didn’t exactly fill the box with my answer. If it weren’t for the small group Bible study that I am a part of, I would be largely disconnected from the congregation.

I do worship there when I am able. I try to get to congregational meetings. We faithfully mail our offerings. But, these do not provide opportunities to develop deeper relationships within a congregation. Small groups do.

Tuesday mornings at 7:00 a.m., I gather with eight others around a restaurant table for conversation, prayer, breakfast and Bible study, in approximately that order. In the years that I’ve been participating, our group has added and lost members along the way. These folks have become my friends. They will pray for me when I need it and I pray for them. Through them, I feel a real part of the life and ministry of the congregation to which I belong. With them, I seek new ways to be a disciple.

Some small groups arise spontaneously within congregations. Others organize around a common interest or need. My Bible study group was organized as one of many within the congregation doing a common book or Bible study.

I have encouraged parishioners to join small groups. I have now had the experience of being part of one myself. I believe they an important part of a congregation’s ministry and a great way to assimilate newcomers.

Care to comment? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com or comment on Facebook. --JC

Conference Deans

2011-03-26T11:18:00.002-05:00

Through my years of ordained ministry, I have had the privilege of serving this church in a number of different ways. One of my favorites was serving as dean of the Central Conference. I was reminded of this on Thursday when our synod’s deans met.

I do not remember exactly how I came to be elected the dean. It might have been a case of volunteering for the job in a year when no one else wanted it. Perhaps I was nominated by someone, the train whistle blew, and that was it. I just cannot recall. I am, however, glad it happened.

Each synod is divided into conferences, which are geographical clusters of congregations. The Northern Illinois Synod has eight conferences, with descriptive if uninspired names: Northwest, North, Northeast, West, Central, East, South and Southwest. The boundaries of our conferences generally fall along county lines, with two or three counties represented in each conference.

Each conference elects a dean, who in my experience has always been a rostered leader, and a secretary/treasurer. Deans and secretary/treasurers serve for three year terms. The dean’s role is not well defined, but communication within the conference is a big part of it. The dean is also responsible for calling meetings of the conference, making sure that necessary elections are held, and submitting a report each year for the Synod Assembly. Deans also provide for and chair monthly meetings of the rostered leaders of the conference.

When I was dean, collegiality amongst rostered leaders was an emphasis. In the early days of my ministry, I learned the joy and necessity of having great colleagues. I suppose that is why I have long tried to promote solid collegiality. As dean, I also encouraged a sharing of the Eucharist at gatherings of rostered leaders. It helps to have colleagues with whom you can laugh and cry, pray and sing, be encouraged and be consoled. Today, I see deans working toward these same goals.

The eight deans of the synod meet together four times a year in the synod office in Rockford. They come to share what is going on in their respective conferences with the bishop and synod staff. The deans help us discern the needs of our congregations. Their discussion forms our prayer petitions and our priorities. In turn, Bishop Wollersheim shares ELCA news, gives an update on the synod, and shares our current financial picture including each congregation’s Mission Support.

The dean’s role is important yet underappreciated. Bishop Wollersheim thanks them often for their service. I simply wish to make that thanks public today.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

Becca's Closet Walks the Runway

2011-03-07T16:29:00.005-06:00

I can’t say that attending a fashion show has ever been high on my list of things I wanted to do. But, that is just what I did this past Saturday.

We arrived at Cherryvale Mall (Rockford area) about 45 minutes before the show was to begin. We planned to do a little shopping first. The mall parking lot was as full as it is just prior to Christmas. The mall was very busy on Saturday. We were prepared to walk past the center court and head to a store, but the chairs set up by the runway were nearly filled already. We found a couple of seats with a friend and settled in.

We were there for “Becca’s Closet Walks the Runway.” Becca’s Closet is an organization that provides gently used formal attire and accessories to girls who cannot otherwise afford it. The show was to highlight a couple of changes for the community. The administration of Becca’s Closet in Rockford has just taken been over by Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries and the closet has been relocated to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (1829 N. Rockton Avenue).

By my count, there were 29 young women who modeled two dresses each. The dresses were all from Becca's Closet. Most of the models were from our congregations and a couple from the Auburn High School Key Club, which was the former sponsoring organization. One Lutheran congregation did not have a high school girl, so their pastor, Krista Zimmerman, walked the runway!

Of course, these models required escorts, so two Rockford interns, Andy Berry and Ryan Anderson, and two Rockford pastors, Bill Dahlberg and Eric Lemonholm, donned the tuxes. The narrator for the show was one of Rockford’s news anchors, Katie Nilsson.

What made this such a fun way to spend the afternoon? Becca’s Closet provides an important service. It is exciting to have this come under Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries umbrella because it fits their mission well. All of the models were volunteers and it was great to hear so many congregations’ names announced. Barb Berman, who had started Becca’s Closet in the Rockford area was present. The crowd was huge. Church members, pastors, parents, and passersby. Folks sitting, standing and lining the upper level walkways. Sponsors were generous. Flowers, hair and makeup services, tux rental, and a couple of dresses were donated. Our local Thrivent chapters came through with the finances that were needed.

So, I’m tipping my hat to Mariel Heinke (RALM director), the RALM Cabinet, and everyone who is working hard to keep Becca’s Closet alive and well. And, thanks for making my first fashion show experience a good one!

Becca’s Closet will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon beginning March 12 and continuing through prom season. For more information see: http://www.rockfordlutheranministries.com/, and http://www.beccascloset.org/ (info not updated as of 3/7).

Comments are always welcome. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. Photos show Pastor Krista modeling a dress and Vicar Andy, Pastor Bill, Vicar Ryan and Pastor Eric looking their best. --JC

Social Networking

2011-02-23T20:02:00.002-06:00

Many of our rostered leaders recently attended a boundaries workshop, which was held in Rockford. In it, we were reminded that maintaining healthy boundaries between rostered leaders (pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, deaconesses) and parishioners is very important to the life and health of a congregation. Maintaining these boundaries seems to becoming more difficult by the day. Consider the explosion in the use of social networking.

Pastor Kurt Nordby and I have just returned from an ELCA Bishops Assistants Gathering. Such a gathering is held every two years for the purpose of continuing education, networking and collegiality. One of the workshops I attended was led by the ELCA attorneys and the ELCA Consultant for Sexual Misconduct Prevention, Barbara Keller. One of the topics Ms. Keller covered was social networking.

Guidelines for the use of social networking have been developed. The following have been adapted for our use by Ms. Keller, based on previous work done by an Episcopal diocese and the United Church of Christ. I paid close attention in this workshop since I am a user of Facebook. These guidelines are for relationships or “friendships” between adults. Communication with minors involves additional concerns. Although there seem to be lots of gray areas, these guidelines are fairly clear.

1. Rostered leaders are strongly encouraged to set very stringent privacy settings on any social networking profile to shield adult and youth members from viewing content that may be inappropriate.

2. Individual personal profiles of rostered leaders are to be used to interact with real friends, family and peers. Rostered leaders should not submit “friend” requests to parishioners and others to whom they minister. The disparity of power may not give the other person the ability to decline such a request.

3. Rostered leaders who want to connect via a social networking website with parishioners are strongly encouraged to set up a group account that all parishioners may join. The purpose of having a personal profile and parish group is to create a line of privacy and maintain healthy boundaries with parishioners and real family, friends and colleagues.

4. Rostered leaders should consider the impact of declining a “friend” request from parishioners. These encounters may create tension in “real world” relationships. Rostered leaders can direct “friend” requests from parishioners to the parish’s group page.

5. Rostered leaders who work directly with youth are encouraged to establish church sponsored digital communication groups to maintain contact with youth members.

6. When a rostered leader’s ministry at a parish or other ministry setting ends, the leader should remove parishioners as “friends” or contacts in all forms of digital communication.

What do you think? Your comments are welcome on the blog site at http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook (either my page or Northern Illinois Synod). --JC

The Perfect First Call Pastor

2011-02-10T18:36:00.007-06:00

You have heard the old joke about the perfect pastor.

The perfect pastor

is 29 years old and has 40 years experience

has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spends most of his/her time with senior citizens

works from 8:00 a.m. until midnight and serves as the church's janitor

is available at the church for anyone who drops in and spends all of his/her time out evangelizing

is willing to be paid $100 a week and gives $75 a week to the church

is, above all, good looking

There are lots of variations of the joke that expand on the qualities of that perfect pastor. We generally chuckle at such a description, but expectations of pastors do tend to be very high. Many years ago, I attended a retreat for pastors who were in transition between calls. One exercise required the entire group to work together to produce a list of expectations, written or unwritten, spoken or implied, that had been experienced. I remember the group getting a good laugh from the extensive list. Word and sacrament ministry seemed so far removed from the chauffeuring and plumbing that made the list.

I spend a great deal of time working with call process and I have recently been giving some thought to the qualities I like to see in our first call candidates. I have also had some discussion with other members of the synod staff and have come up with a list. I do not assign any particular order to the following.

It is very good if new pastors come to a first call

with a deep longing to remain grounded in prayer, the Word of God, and the faith practices of the church

with a desire to know and love the people of the congregation

with respect for tradition and an appreciation for the history of the Lutheran church and the congregation

understanding that an incarnational ministry builds relationships and “showing up” in places and at events that are significant to members is important

believing that every pastor is a youth pastor and a stewardship leader

understanding that home and hospital visitation is not a thing of the past

with the knowledge that there are members of the congregation who are more spiritually mature than they are

seeking to be excellent worship leaders

knowing that their preaching requires great attention because it is not as good as it will be in a few years

committed to self-care, family relationships and maintaining healthy boundaries

with a willingness to listen

with an attitude of humility and servanthood

with an ability to receive criticism without becoming defensive

understanding that they are role models in the community and people are watching

with a desire to help a congregation understand its mission in its context and the ability to cast a vision

with the ability to receive thanks and admit mistakes

willing to be a partner in ministry with colleagues and the wider church

with a willingness to ask for help

with a sense of humor

What do you think? This list is by no means exhaustive. What would you add? Comment on the blog site at http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook. Thanks for reading! --JC

The First Call

2011-02-01T19:00:00.002-06:00

My first call was to serve St. John Lutheran Church in Massbach, a rural area southeast of Elizabeth, Illinois. The church and parsonage are located in a beautiful spot in JoDaviess County in the northwest corner of the state.

There was little in my history to suggest that I would be a good match for St. John. In fact, the bishop of the Illinois District of The American Lutheran Church, Ehme Osterbur, had me pegged for an inner-city congregation in Chicago. On paper it looked great. I was a big city kid and I had studied Spanish. But, after having a conversation with me and my wife, the bishop decided that another place might be better for us and our impending family. When he called to see if I was willing to interview in a rural parish, I recall a panicky reaction. What did I know about living in the country? But, in those days, no one said “no” to a bishop, so I said I would be willing to interview.

I have no idea if the call committee was under any pressure to take me. I never got that impression. But, as in the case of almost all first calls, I was the only person they interviewed. That is standard practice for first calls. The call committee had to decide yes or no on me before they could interview anyone else. My interview was cordial, the hospitality was gracious, and we left the interview feeling pretty good. I am sure that I was nervous. My wife was even asked a question or two. Yes, she was present, although today we strongly recommend against a spouse being present for the actual interview. That call committee took a certain chance on recommending me to the congregation and the congregation took a certain risk in calling me. I was untested as a pastor, but I must have shown some potential.

Our four years in Massbach were happy years. I worked hard. I listened. I learned the culture. I got teased a little along the way. But, there was never a day that I did not feel respected. We were in no hurry to leave when the bishop called and asked if I was ready to look at a second call. That was normal practice in those days. First calls were expected to last three or four years. I didn’t say no.

In St. John’s history, the congregation had had first call pastors before me. They had also had pastors retire from there. My predecessor was a seasoned pastor who moved on to another call. They did not necessarily see themselves as a “first call congregation,” as do some congregations. But, St. John was, in fact, a very good first call congregation for me.

The ELCA has done some study and identified best practices for congregations with first call rostered leaders. They include embracing the vocation of teaching and mentoring new leaders and providing support systems, such as mutual ministry committees. Hospitality, an openness to change, a sense of mission, and hopefulness for the future are important values.

Some congregations embrace their role as a first call congregation. Others feel as if they have been forced into the role because of finances or size. The attitude of the congregation can make a huge difference in the rostered leader’s experience.

You may find a wealth of information regarding first calls, including a best practices checklist, at http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Education/Life-Long-Learning/First-Call.aspx. Next time, I will share qualities that I think are important in first call candidates. Comments are welcome. Go to the blog site: http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

First Call Theological Education

2011-01-21T18:32:00.003-06:00

It was Saturday morning and my sense of anticipation was heightened. My first wedding as a pastor was scheduled for that afternoon. I thought I was pretty well prepared. The rehearsal had gone well the evening before and my sermon was ready to go. I sat down at my desk and took a look at the marriage license. Rather than just a document that would require my signature, I was faced with lots of blanks to be completed and a printed warning of a misdemeanor violation if I failed to do it right.

I got on the phone right away and called my closest neighboring Lutheran colleague. Within minutes I was in the car, driving the 12 miles to his home, for a crash course in marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and how to record marriages in the parish record.

When I graduated from seminary and entered my first call, I had no delusions that I knew it all. I had a great education, I had some basic skills and good instincts, but I lacked experience. There is a lot of on-the-job training for new pastors. But, I was pretty much on my own to discover what I did not know.

First Call Theological Education is a program of the ELCA, which provides three years of continuing education and coaching for first call rostered leaders, which is provided through synods. Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with the first-year “First Call” group to teach them something about parish administration. Each month this “First Call” group meets for mutual support, conversation with Bishop Wollersheim and a time of learning. Other colleagues from our synod will teach them more about stewardship, evangelism, preaching and other practical aspects of pastoral ministry. Eventually, each new rostered leader will be paired with a mentor, who will be able to offer the guidance and advice that I had to find on my own.

In the four years of my first call, I had a single visit from an assistant to the bishop, who checked up on how I was doing. After my first three years, I participated in a two day event held at Wartburg Seminary, commonly known by pastors as “the retread.” It was part continuing education and part talking about our experiences, joys, fears and sorrows. I had a good and healthy first call experience, but I think the church does a better job today of helping rostered leaders get off to a good start.

Next time, I will consider the characteristics of a good first call congregation. Comments are always welcome! Comment on the blog site at http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook. --JC

Prince of Peace?

2010-12-23T15:31:00.001-06:00

We still laugh when we think about it. Our first Christmas together came during my internship year at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. It had been a busy week. In truth, it was crazy. There were parties and get-togethers, church activities, Sunday School Christmas program and some gift wrapping. On Christmas Eve we had two services, the latter one at the traditional 11:00 p.m. There was also a Christmas morning service, which seemed to come too early.

By the time we got home from church on Christmas Day, we were both exhausted. We looked at all the fixings and trimmings we had readied for our first Christmas dinner and could not muster the energy to cook. Instead, we went to bed and slept for a good part of the day.

When we awoke from our naps (slumber would be a better description), we each felt as if we had been run over by a herd of the shepherd’s sheep. For dinner, my wife pulled a box of fish sticks from the freezer and served them with spaghetti because that is what was pictured on the front of the box.

For a moment or two we wondered if that congregation had been misnamed. Perhaps it should have been called Prince of Chaos, Prince of Busy, Prince of Perpetual Motion, or Prince of Exhaustion. But, there really is no better name than Prince of Peace.

This Christmas, before you are too tired to appreciate the magnitude of God's incomprehensible gift, hear and celebrate the good news:

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, NRSV)

On behalf of Bishop Gary Wollersheim and the entire staff of the Northern Illinois Synod, I wish you a very Merry Christmas! --JC

Longest Night

2010-12-18T13:07:00.001-06:00

As I write this, the sun is shining brightly down on a cold winter day. The cloudless sky is a bright blue. The snow is glistening. It is a beautiful morning.

The beauty of this day will pass all too quickly into the darkness of night. The sun will set this afternoon at 4:25 p.m. It is that time of year when so many people drive to work in the dark and return home again in the dark. The days are way too short for my liking.

It is no coincidence that the Advent wreath comes to its full blazing glory around the shortest day of the year. The light shines in the darkness and we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

For some people, the darkness of this time of year and the emotional burdens of Christmas are difficult to bear. I was thinking about this as we decorated our Christmas tree. Each and every ornament of our collection has a meaning. They mark milestones in our lives. Each one has a story connected to it. They recall happy times. I cannot imagine decorating our tree with these ornaments if my family had suffered a death or tragedy, major illness, or some other trauma. Recalling happy times in the midst of sad times can be terribly painful.

In recent years, I have noted an increasing number of congregations offering a “Blue Christmas” service. I think it is a wonderful idea that is sensitive to the needs of those who find celebrating Christmas burdensome. The worship service is planned for a day close to Christmas and includes a message that brings the love of God and the hope of Jesus Christ without the tinsel and the implied “Cheer up, it’s Christmas!”

Personally, I don’t like the “Blue Christmas” label. It simply brings Elvis to my mind too quickly. This year I have encountered a name that resonates with me. A congregation is having a “Longest Night” service. It is described as “a service of readings, prayers, Holy Communion, and hymns appropriate to the season, as we recognize the Christmas season is not a season of joy for all.” The congregation invites with “Come and remember the light of Christ that shines in the darkness.” It will be held on December 21, the shortest day and longest night of this year.

I would hope that more congregations would consider offering such a service. It could be opened to the community or done cooperatively with other congregations. I know that worship planners, pastors and musicians do not need any extra work at this time of year. A lot of effort spent on a worship service that might have limited appeal may not seem to make sense. But, it could be a real gift to that person who had a tough time decorating his or her tree.

Comments are always welcome. --JC

Stirring Hearts

2010-12-04T18:04:00.002-06:00

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of thine only-begotten Son, so that by his coming we may be enabled to serve thee with pure minds; through the same thy Son, Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. (Collect for Second Sunday of Advent, Service Book and Hymnal)

I happened to run across this photograph on the blog of my former pastor. It instantly brought a smile to my face and a flood of memories to mind. It appears that the picture was taken on the Second Sunday of Advent. The year was 1970. You will note the humble beginnings of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Fairfax, Virginia. We sat on those folding chairs for many years. The red paraments, rather than the standard purple of Advent of that era, simply indicate that we had no others.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” had made its debut on TV just five years earlier, but it had already become a standard holiday special. It was still fresh and thought provoking. I have no idea of whose idea it was for Charlie Brown to appear in our church. I would guess that it was our pastor in conjunction with the artist who brought the scene to life for us. When we saw it for the first time, it was contemporary, exciting, fun and it covered that ugly dark green wall behind the altar.

Sometime during the 1990s, I declared to my wife that I would never again do two things in a sermon. First, I would never again bore a congregation explaining the true definition of some Greek word in the New Testament. I might find it interesting, but most people won’t. Second, I would never quote another Peanuts comic strip, even though I still read it. I figured that Charlie Brown and his friends might not be as universally appreciated as they once were. The Gospel According to Peanuts was talked about when I was in seminary, but The Gospel According to The Simpsons was being read when my son was there.

What my pastor did in 1970 was make the Gospel come alive in another new way. I am convinced that my brother and I are pastors today because of the experiences we had in a creative congregation environment. God stirred up our hearts in so many ways.

Running across this picture has made me wonder a bit. If I had a big blank wall to use as a canvas, what might I suggest to make Advent and Christmas come alive for my congregation today? Or, what might we sing? What might we view? What might we do? What message might we give our children that will last them a lifetime? How could I help God stir up the hearts of God’s people and help them prepare for Christmas?

Thank you to Pastor Ron Christian, my pastor from 1969 to 1972 and 1977 to 1983, and to Norm Johnston, a fine artist and my guitar teacher. You helped God stir my heart. Comments are welcome. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC

Thanksgiving Memories and Prayers

2010-11-24T08:56:00.002-06:00

If you’re not in the mood to read, please skip to the fourth paragraph.

When I was a child, our family Thanksgiving Day routine was always the same. Early in the morning, my parents would bundle my brother and me up in our snow suits and we would head to downtown Detroit for the J. L. Hudson sponsored Thanksgiving Day parade. We would arrive early enough to claim our spots up front, right against the police barricades, so that we would be able to see all the action. Our early arrival also spared my father the task of juggling two little boys on his shoulders.

The parade included colorful Thanksgiving and Christmas themed floats rolling down Woodward Avenue. Numerous marching bands were interspersed, playing the first Christmas music of the season. The final band, as my childhood memory recollects, always played, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Then came the moment we all awaited. Santa Claus! He was mounted on an incredible red and gold sleigh accompanied by his assistant, a young and beautiful, Christmas Carol. Yes, that is what she was called. Santa waved to each of us personally, shouting out a joyful, “Merry Christmas! Ho! Ho! Ho!”

After the parade, we would head over to my grandparents’ home. The four of us would join my grandpa, grandma, great-grandfather and my uncle. My Grandma Clements would be with us too if she did not have to work. The laundry room of the hospital never took a day off, so it was not a given that she would be with us. I now wonder if she volunteered to work holidays so that other families might be together.

At dinner, we all sat in the same appointed places at the table, with my grandfather at the head. Once we were all seated and the food was on the table, my grandfather would pray. He was not a religious man, but he always, and I do mean always, prayed before our family meals. He prayed using a small book of 366 mealtime graces. It was well used. In fact, I do not remember a time before his little book was held together with electrical tape. He would offer thanks to God, on our behalf, for all that we had been given.

I have found much value in prayers written by others. There are many reasons for this, but I wish to raise one for you here. Sometimes written prayers can express for us what our hearts cannot express on their own. This can be especially true on Thanksgiving. There are times in life when our hearts have a great deal of difficulty thanking God for much of anything. That’s just the way it is. It is close to impossible to say thanks on your own when you are experiencing the exhaustion of pain, fear in the midst of illness, the loneliness of death or the darkness of grief. While the rest of the world is laughing and eating Turkey and getting ready for a 4:00 a.m. trip to the mall, there are some who will be relying on the words of others to make it through the day.

You may be one of those for whom it will take great courage to say thanks on this Thanksgiving. You may be one for whom a prayer of thanksgiving won’t come easily. That’s OK. God knows you. God loves you. God understands the pain. And, it is perfectly acceptable to pray using someone else’s words.

Oh, may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us all in grace, and guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all harm in this world and the next.

(Now Thank We All Our God, ELW 839)

Comments are welcome. --JC

A Good Reforween it Was

2010-11-10T18:56:00.009-06:00

My mother rather enjoys synod events. You will find her at CRE in the spring, Synod Assembly in the summer and at the synod-wide Reformation/Ordination celebration in the autumn. A few weeks ago, I asked her if she would be coming to Dixon for this year’s ordination service. She asked for the details—date, time and place. I said, “It falls right on Reformation Day, October 31.” She said, “Well, that’s bad planning. I have to be home for Halloween.”

I told Mom that I was happy that October 31 fell on a Sunday and I tried to pass the blame onto Martin Luther for the bad planning. I am sure that my mother was not the only person in the synod to express this concern. In the end, Mom left her candy with her next door neighbor and came to the service.

We did not know exactly what to expect in terms of attendance. We always hope that there will be a good representation of the ordinands’ family and friends, folks from the congregations they will be serving, others from across the synod and, of course, rostered leaders. As it was, we were very pleased.

My personal belief is that pastors and other rostered leaders do much to show their support of new pastors and the church by showing up and participating. This belief is not new. I also believe that we (rostered leaders) should attend and participate in the funerals of pastors and other rostered leaders.

More than once I have attended the ordinations of individuals I do not know well. I have also attended the funerals of pastors I have never met. My intention is to honor them for their dedication and service. You will be able to tell from the pictures why my heart was glad on October 31.

Congratulations to Pastors Gwen Sefrhans and Krista Zimmerman on your ordinations! Congratulations also to Pastor Mark Luepke, who was installed as Secretary of the Northern Illinois Synod! And, sincere thanks to all of my colleagues who showed up and participated. It was a great day. Even Mom thought so.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Comments posted on Facebook will also appear on the blog site. --JC

Thoughts for All Saints Day

2010-11-01T17:01:00.004-05:00

It was my first funeral as an intern in southeastern Minnesota. My supervisor was co-officiating with a neighboring pastor in his church. I was simply there to observe and learn.

During the service, a somewhat elderly male soloist stood in the balcony and sang a song I had never heard. The stoic Norwegians of this congregation had shed no tears to this point. Suddenly, the handkerchiefs appeared from pockets and purses. The soloist’s voice was strong and clear. The tune was compelling, perhaps haunting. I couldn’t understand a word as he sang stanza upon stanza in Norwegian.

When I got home, I hummed the tune as best I could for my wife. “Den store hvide flok,” she said. It’s not so much that she recognized my rendition as she simply knew that it was the only option. She went to the piano, opened her Lutheran Book of Worship, and played the hymn. Her Norwegian bones had not failed her.

“Behold the Host Arrayed in White” has become a favorite hymn of mine. I have taught it to the congregations I have served. I am not sure that it ever became a top 10 (or 100) hit, but we sang it every All Saints Sunday. There came a point, I cannot tell you when, that the hymn began to bring tears to my non-Norwegian eyes as well.

Today is All Saints Day. This is the day when we consider the communion of saints, which unites us with all who have come before us and all who will follow us in the faith. In the words of the hymn,

O saints, sing with that happy throng;

lift up one voice;

let heav’n rejoice in our redeemer’s song.

I am thankful for those who have gone before me and helped give me my faith. I am also thankful for you, for the faith that we share as we seek to serve our Savior.

Comments are always welcome. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Comments on Facebook are fine too. For the hymn, see LBW 314 or ELW 425. --JC

Green: The Quiet Color of a Blue Car

2010-10-22T17:20:00.004-05:00

I was walking in the parking lot of our public library this afternoon. In fact, I was walking where cars must drive to exit the parking lot. As an excuse for not using the sidewalk, I will say that I was fascinated by a fairly new, bright red Mustang that was stuffed full of what must of us would call junk. Curiosity simply demanded that I get a little closer look.

As I was walking by this car, I sensed something behind me. It was a hybrid vehicle, coming up behind me, silently, with the driver waiting patiently for me to get out of his way. I quickly got out of the way and waved my apology to the driver.

My experience was an important reminder for me. The synod-owned car that I drive is a hybrid and will often run silently in parking lots and in city traffic, so I cannot expect that everyone will either hear or sense my car coming.

The 2008 Synod Assembly mandated that the Northern Illinois Synod become a “green synod.” Among the requirements of the resolution was “replacing synod owned vehicles with those that are the most environmentally friendly available (currently hybrid).” The synod achieved that goal earlier this year with the replacement of our third vehicle with a hybrid vehicle. Currently we own two Toyota hybrids and one Ford hybrid.

Along with efforts in our office, the synod staff is working to make this a green synod. The 2008 assembly also adopted a resolution that encouraged congregations to evaluate their buildings and grounds and take a minimum of two steps each year to help reduce the congregation's negative impact upon the environment and to educate and encourage members “on the ways in which they can help care for God's creation in their everyday lives by living simply and walking lightly on the earth.”

How are you doing in your congregation? How are you doing in your individual efforts? I know my congregation has made many changes. Personally, we have changed all of the lights in our home to CFLs. I am a bit frustrated that they don’t seem to last as long as they are advertized to last, but we have certainly gotten used to them. Our personal car has a small engine and gets pretty good mileage, but we could be doing better. The next time we purchase a vehicle, we will certainly explore what the best options are. My wife is also leading the charge to simplify our livestyle.

Greening was a big emphasis for our synod in 2008 and 2009. Just because we are not talking about it as much right now does not lessen the importance of care for God’s creation. Allow this blog entry be a simple reminder to us all.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. All comments will appear on the blog site. --JC

Transparency

2010-10-11T21:04:00.002-05:00

The Internet headline caught my attention. “Avoid These Office Buzzwords.” The article provided a list of clichés that are often overused and somewhat despised in the workplace. The author provided her own definitions, which although humorous, are pretty much on target.

I was surprised at how often we hear the words on her list. We even use some of them with great regularity in the synod office. One of the common words is “transparent.” The article’s author, Marlys Harris, defined transparent as “Open about the facts, but not to be confused with honest.”

My amusement disappeared as I began to wonder if folks in our congregations have this definition in mind while I am encouraging them to be transparent. Transparency in the church involves facts and honesty. We strongly encourage transparency in communications within congregations.

Congregation councils are sometimes unclear on how transparent they should be. Actually, all council meetings are open, the time and location should be easily accessed, and members of the congregation should be welcome to attend. Council minutes should be made available soon after the meeting. Highlights of the council meeting may be included in a newsletter or minutes may be posted after they have been approved at a subsequent meeting.

There are exceptions to transparency. Personnel issues are always dealt with in a closed session. If the entire council serves as a personnel committee, guests are excused from the meeting before personnel issues are discussed. Other sensitive issues may require the council to act in private.

Call committees operate in a semi-confidential environment. Call committees sometimes err on the side of keeping too much information confidential. It is helpful for a congregation to be kept informed as to where they are in the call process. The only information that is kept confidential is the names of the candidates who are being considered. With the exception of the name of the pastor whom the call committee recommends to the council, all other names are never disclosed.

A lack of transparent communications leaves congregation members wondering what is being hidden. I often remind councils that a vacuum of information is quickly filled with rumor and misinformation.

Transparent communication conveys facts honestly. That may seem rare today. However, it needs to be standard operating procedure in our congregations.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Comments made on Facebook are also published on the blog site. --JC

Prayer Shawls

2010-10-02T16:49:00.003-05:00

My pastor called the other day. He was “in the neighborhood” and wanted to know if he could stop by.

I was in my pajamas. I was unshaven. My hair was combed, but in its natural (not gelled or glued down) state, which is just plain scary. But, my teeth were brushed and I was out of bed, so I told Mike that it would be just fine if he came over. How could I refuse his offer when I have visited countless parishioners in their sick beds?

I have been in a lot of pain lately. An MRI and X-rays confirmed that I have a herniated disc in my back. The most common question I have had is, “What did you do?” I wish I could blame it on something that I did, but I didn’t do anything. The pain specialist said something about “wear and tear” associated with age. Ouch. As if I didn’t hurt enough already!

I have been assured of the prayers of many. I am blessed with wonderful family, friends, colleagues and people throughout this synod who are willing to pray. I deeply appreciate each and every prayer offered on my behalf. Even so, I have found that I have had a difficult time sensing those prayers in the midst of the physical pain. My recovery promises to be slow and the Lord has never chosen to bestow upon me the gift of patience or, for that matter, an especially high tolerance for pain.

Pastor Mike came over and did exactly what I would expect. He listened. He empathized. He prayed with us. He did not look upon my pajamas with horror or my hair with pity. He also placed a prayer shawl around my shoulders, representing the prayers of Zion Lutheran Church.

I am well acquainted with prayer shawl ministries. I think they are a great idea. My wife has been knitting prayer shawls for a number of years. In fact, she currently knits for two congregations and Pastor Mike had to make sure that he wasn’t bringing me one that my wife had made. Sometimes prayer shawls are presented with a prayer pinned to it. Some congregations will pray over the shawls in Sunday morning worship before they are distributed.

I don’t suppose it is very masculine to be sitting around with a shawl around the shoulders. Too bad. When I need to feel all those prayers, the prayer shawl is a tangible sign of that support.

So, to the anonymous person who knit my prayer shawl, thank you. It meant a lot to me that our pastor could wrap me in the prayers of our church. If you are part of a knitting group in your congregation, keep knitting! If you are a knitter and your congregation does not have a prayer shawl ministry, consider starting one.

There are prayer shawl knitting patterns readily available on a number of Web sites. I try to never volunteer my wife for anything, but I am sure she would be willing to share her pattern and the resources that she has used. You may contact her through my email or by commenting on this blog post. I would appreciate hearing your stories of prayer shawl ministries. Comment on the blog site at http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook. --JC

Practicing the Faith

2010-09-24T17:19:00.004-05:00

I have been thinking about a number of things in the past couple of weeks. Believe me, there is little else one can do with a herniated disc. So, I have had some time to consider all of those things that I am missing or wishing I could do.

In the autumn of each year our synod has Mission Gatherings. They were originally conceived to be an opportunity to speak with congregation councils about mission support. Many years ago, the scope was expanded and the Mission Gathering would focus on a single theme each year. All interested members were encouraged to attend. In evaluating the events, we wondered in recent years if the usefulness of the Mission Gatherings had diminished.

The feedback we received regarding this year’s Synod Assembly Bible studies, which focused on discipleship and the faith practices of the church, was overwhelmingly positive. In light of this, Bishop Wollersheim proposed having Discipleship Gatherings this year to provide further opportunities for the people of the Northern Illinois Synod to learn about and discuss these faith practices.

There are many faith practices. We have chosen to emphasize seven identified as central by our church: pray, study, worship, invite, encourage, serve and give. In the Discipleship Gathering, Bishop Wollersheim gives an introductory talk on discipleship before the participants are dismissed to attend any two of seven breakout groups which focus on the practices, led by synod staff members and local leaders.

We have already had, and I have sadly missed, two of the eight scheduled Discipleship Gatherings. Attendance has been strong and participation has been good. It does not take too much reflection to see that we are hungry for more. Most folks I speak with are seeking to deepen their faith, but sense that opportunities to do so are limited.

Let me suggest a couple of things. Attend any one of the remaining Discipleship Gatherings. You are invited and welcome. You can find more information at http://nisynod.org/gatherings/index.html. If you are seeking a deeper educational experience, consider diakoniaTM. Take a look at http://www.thediakoniaprogram.org/ and http://www.nisynod.org/diakonia/.

To get even more folks involved, suggest that your congregation take a look at faith practices during Lent. It would be a great theme for a round-robin exchange. Congregations could work together to explore the faith practices. How about a conference series of men’s breakfasts focusing on discipleship? An adult class or small group could work on faith practices. People are hungry. They want to be disciples. What better place is there than the local congregation to learn how?

The synod has tried to build on what was introduced at the Synod Assembly. Perhaps your congregation can build on what we doing at the Discipleship Gatherings. Let us know how we can be helpful to you! Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Pictured are two Discipleship Gathering breakout sessions in the North Conference. Pastor Troy Hedrick led a discussion of prayer as Pastor Brent Dahlseng facilitated the group on invitation/witness. --JC

Is This What Jesus Told You Guys to Do?

2010-09-13T17:07:00.003-05:00

The issues I raised in “First Impressions” (both parts), are important hospitality issues, though they are relatively minor when compared to the issues raised in the book Jim & Casper Go to Church. The authors, Jim Henderson and Matt Casper, visited a number of very different Christian congregations, from traditional to emerging, small house church to megachurch. Their experiences and impressions made me stop and think a number of times. In fact, this book would be a good one for small group study. A free discussion guide is available online.

In the book, Jim Henderson writes, “As a Christian, I’ve often wondered how churches can use the same words, claim the same beliefs, and declare themselves to be totally committed to Christ and yet be so different in the values they present and the practices they undertake.” I think many of us have wondered exactly the same thing.

For example, leading up to September 11, one pastor in Florida captured the world’s attention, preaching a form of “Christianity” unlike our own. Our cable TV company provides us with four Christian networks. I never watch any of them because their teachings are those I cannot accept. In fact, I would consider some of the TV preachers to be dangerous in their stances toward the rest of the world and for the cause of world peace.

In the conclusion of the book, Matt Casper (the atheist) asks an incredibly important question of Jim (the Christian). “Jim, is this what Jesus told you guys to do?” Their exploration of the worship practices of these congregations had left him wondering.

I believe that everything we do in our congregations must be geared toward fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave us. For me, worship is the time for us to gather together, to hear, sing, praise and pray—to be strengthened, recommissioned and sent. On Sunday morning, the church (you and I) need to be challenged and presented with opportunities to give and serve. We need to be reminded that our mission lies outside of the building, focusing on others. You will recall what a wide definition Jesus had for “neighbor.”

What did Jesus tell us to do? Love one another. Go and make disciples. Seek justice. Being church is about what we do together. This is true of congregation, synod and ELCA. We have a God-given mission.

By the way, to the pastoral colleague who loaned me the book, thank you! I will see that the book gets back to you very soon.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Facebook works too! --JC

First Impressions, Part 2

2010-09-08T16:06:00.004-05:00

Once in a while, though not often, I have an opportunity to be an anonymous visitor. That means worshiping in a non-ELCA congregation in northern Illinois or in an ELCA congregation in another synod. I am easily reminded of how intimidating it can be to walk into a church with which you are not familiar. Here are some of my thoughts.

Many congregations seem to have trouble keeping their websites up-to-date. It is really important for worship times and calendars to be current. When I drive to an unfamiliar location, I always look for a sign that is visible from the street. Even with a GPS unit, I have to find the right driveway. Information on that sign needs to be correct too. Road marker signs are great, but they do need to be replaced once in a while. An old, faded or damaged sign doesn’t project a good image.

I have visited congregations with traffic-flow issues. It helped me a lot at one very large congregation to have someone in the parking lot, wearing one of those neon-green vests, directing me to a parking place. I have often wondered if our congregations should offer valet parking. It seems that it would be much easier for some elderly members to enter the building if they were able to drop their car at the door. As a guest preacher, I always arrive early for worship and am sometimes the first person to park in the parking lot. If there are no lines on the lot, I really do not know how or where to park. Don’t forget the need for special places for those with physical handicaps.

I like greeters. I think they should be stationed right at the outside door. In fact, they should be stationed at every door that one might use to enter the building. Church buildings are sometimes like mazes. I could use a friendly welcome and directions as soon as I get in the door. Signage inside the building is important too. After I’ve traveled a distance, my first question is always regarding the location of the men’s room. Signs eliminate my need to ask a lot of questions. How do I find restrooms, nursery, worship space, offices, Sunday coffee, Sunday school rooms? I have been impressed by congregations that use bilingual signs.

In leading worship, I have always welcomed “newcomers and guests.” I think that sounds better than “visitors.” Have you ever noticed that you are always a “guest” at Target and never a “customer”? As a newcomer, I like to be welcomed but hate to be publicly embarrassed. The congregation I referred to last week did a great job. The first-time attendees were given a small gift and information about the congregation. They were not forced to stand up, introduce themselves, or wear a button. I was free to remain anonymous if I wished. My wife and I once attended a worship service in Michigan where a woman welcomed us and then offered to sit with us to guide us through the service. We appreciated the gesture, refused her offer since we could navigate an LBW liturgy, but realized it would have helped when it came time for Holy Communion.

Some worship services are more visitor friendly than others. I appreciate announcements with page numbers, pauses to allow people to find their places, and bulletins that don’t have six inserts. I like senior citizens serving as acolytes and children serving as communion assistants. I like lectors who have practiced reading the lessons. I don’t mind being taught a new song or practicing a part of the liturgy. I like communion instructions to be clearly stated in the bulletin. I like seeing the mission statement of the congregation either displayed or in the bulletin. I like bulletins that use as little paper as possible. I like announcements rolling on a projection screen, if there is one. After worship, I like decaf coffee to be offered with the regular and someone who is willing to talk with me. I think these elements make for a better Sunday morning experience.

Comments? Go to the blog site, http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. There is a nice hospitality assessment tool on the ELCA website at http://archive.elca.org/evangelizingchurch/assessments/hospitality.html. --JC

First Impressions

2010-09-03T13:36:00.002-05:00

I have a stack of books, actually a couple of stacks, waiting to be read. Some books, especially those in the leisure category, need to be dusted occasionally as they wait for my attention. A few days ago, my wife ran across a book that she did not recognize, so she added it to my pile of books.

The red cover caught my attention. So did the title. Jim & Casper Go to Church. I checked inside the front cover where I found the name of a pastoral colleague written. I am embarrassed to say that I do not remember when or where she loaned the book to me or the conversation that precipitated it. Just how long had this book been buried in my stuff?

The full title of the book is Jim & Casper Go to Church: Frank conversation about faith, churches, and well-meaning Christians, written by Jim Henderson and Matt Casper. Jim Henderson is a Christian with a Pentecostal background and Matt Casper is an atheist. Together they visit a number of Christian congregations and share their first impressions. It is a fun book to read and it helps to view the Sunday morning experience through the eyes of others.

This summer I had the opportunity to visit a Lutheran congregation in Chicago, to which I have no connections. I arrived early, having allowed ample time for my combination car, “L” train and bus trip. In the reception area, I asked for directions to the closest men’s room (it had been a long trip, efficient as it was). I was given the directions along with an invitation and further instructions on how to find the coffee fellowship.

I went to the fellowship area and found five people sitting at a round table. There was an empty chair so I asked the group if I could sit there, not having any particular desire to sit at one of the many empty tables. No one seemed to care much, one way or the other, so I sat. I listened. I remained silent through a few awkward periods of silence. I initiated conversation with open ended questions that all quickly died. Three people left, one fell asleep, and one joined the group. I was thankful when it was time for worship.

In worship, the congregation was friendly. When invited to share a greeting, those around me all offered a handshake and their first name. Later, the passing of the peace felt authentic. I did not identify myself as a visitor during the announcements because I did not know how to graciously refuse the coffee mug visitors were being given. (I was on my way to a baseball game and would never get the mug home safely).

I was surprised by two things in worship. The traditional worship service was done well, but it was not visitor friendly. This is a congregation that receives a fair number of newcomers and guests, so I would have expected more. This pastor, well-schooled in traditional worship, should not have had a tough time finding his place and keeping up when page numbers were not announced and instructions were not given.

I was also surprised by the temperature of the nave. It was a hot day and it was sticky hot inside the church. Literally. My shirt was stuck to the pew when I stood to go for communion. The church is not air conditioned and there are no windows to open. The heat made for a very uncomfortable worship experience. I hate to say that I believe air conditioning has become a necessity in many places.

What are the first impressions that your congregation make on newcomers?

To be continued…

Looking Forward

2010-08-22T22:08:00.004-05:00

I am one who thinks that every birthday and anniversary should be celebrated. Perhaps that is why I do not turn down the opportunity to preach for a congregation’s anniversary, even if it is an odd year. Once in a while I will preach for a 100th or 150th anniversary (usually if our bishop is not available), but I more commonly am invited for an 85th or 117th.

To prepare for such a visit, I generally try to read some of the congregation’s history so I can better understand the context. A congregation’s past is important to know because it has shaped who and what it is today. My sermon message, however, is always forward-looking. It is the future mission of the congregation that concerns me most.

Earlier this summer our family joined in the 100th anniversary festivities of my wife’s hometown in North Dakota. The celebration spanned two days. On the third day, the congregation that had nurtured my wife as a child also celebrated its 100th anniversary. We were there for that celebration too.

This very small town in North Dakota has seen more prosperous days. It must have taken an extraordinary effort to stage the celebration with two catered picnics, a parade, games, and an auction. Everyone who still lives in town must have had a part to play in welcoming all of the guests who came back.

The same was true of the church. The small congregation put its very best foot forward in preparing for the day. The pews were packed full. The church basement was too small to accommodate everyone for the catered dinner, so extra tables and chairs were set outside.

I know some of the history of this congregation. I was, after all, present for its 75th anniversary program some 25 years ago! This congregation reflects the demographics of the town and is also not what it once was. There are about 40 people there on a normal Sunday morning.

As we worshiped that anniversary morning, I could identify who some of those 40 regulars are. They were ushering and greeting and reading and singing and setting tables and making sure that even people like me who never had a real connection to them were welcomed and comfortable and had a bulletin and worship book.

If I were one of those 40, I am sure that I would have been pleased to see the church full of happy people. But, I wonder what the feeling was like the next Sunday, when all the guests had gone home and the 40 regulars were there but exhausted. I hope, as they gathered for worship, they were focused on the mission of the church and their future. It would be easy to dwell on the past. It is imperative that the church always look forward.

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

SAWC

2010-07-14T19:34:00.004-05:00

Back when I was in junior high school, it was every boy’s hope to receive a note from a girl with SWAK written across the back of the envelope. Do you remember what that means?

In this world of abbreviations and acronyms, we have a new one that is the source of a lot of curiosity in the life of the synod right now. SAWC stands for Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community. Our Synod Council has established five of them over the past year, four of which are still meeting.

An SAWC is generally formed to “test the field.” It is a way to determine if there is a need and the critical mass for establishing a new congregation in a certain area. In the Northern Illinois Synod, four SAWCs have been formed to provide a place of healing and worship for members of congregations engaged in the process of leaving the ELCA. The process of disassociating from the ELCA is a long and painful one for everyone involved. Some members in these congregations, who wish to remain loyal to the ELCA, have found themselves feeling disenfranchised in their own church homes with no place else to go. These members have been invited by Bishop Wollersheim to consider their options and an SAWC has been the result in five locations.

One SAWC, Saving Faith in Moline has completed its work and its people have gone to other local ELCA congregations in the Quad-cities. Open Arms, Rockton and Freedom, Oregon are meeting for worship and mutual support and providing an ELCA presence in these communities. Together in Christ, Johnsburg may merge back into Joyful Harvest Church as it reconsiders its future with the ELCA.

Lord of Love, our SAWC in Galena, began with former members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Even though St. Matthew has not voted to leave the ELCA, the people who formed it were seeking a church home away from their former congregation. It is hoped that the community can support two ELCA congregations.

Our SWACs are testing the field. Some are showing signs of growth from among non-Lutherans and the unchurched. Some may grow into new congregations.

Your questions regarding SAWCs are welcome. If you care to comment or ask a question, please go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Joyful. Inspiring. Hopeful.

2010-06-24T13:28:00.004-05:00

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

You Were There

2010-06-03T10:15:00.005-05:00

The one hundred and forty-first commencement of Luther Seminary was held this past Sunday afternoon at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. It was a great event. There were 152 graduates who received degrees. Dr. Diane Jacobson, retiring professor of Old Testament, preached the sermon. Yes, there was a sermon, because seminary graduation is set within the context of worship. The student responder, Andy Behrendt, was terrific. Central Lutheran Church provided a magnificent setting and offered wonderful hospitality.

This event, as grand as it was, would probably not be considered a momentous one by most in the Northern Illinois Synod. After all, Luther Seminary is but one of the ELCA’s eight seminaries and most of our new pastors come from either Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa or Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. However, among Luther’s graduates were one who has been assigned by the church to serve in our synod and another who is my son.

As I waited in the pew for the service to begin, I paged through the program and I found my son’s name. Listed beneath his name were three congregations: First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown, Illinois; Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, Illinois; and, Trinity Lutheran Church, Mt. Morris, Illinois. At the bottom of the page, in small print, it read, “Names of churches are the candidate’s home and/or supporting congregations.”

In that moment, I was reminded that our pew was very crowded. I was surrounded by my family, my daughter-in-law’s family and the closest of friends. But, you were there too. The congregation that has nurtured my son since he was six years old was there. Two other congregations (one is my daughter-in law’s home congregation) that have also financially supported him in his seminary education were there. Other congregations that have prayed for my son and others in our candidacy process were there. Finally, every congregation of our synod that gives Mission Support for the work of the wider church was there. Our pew was quite crowded indeed!

Holy Trinity Sunday may have passed quietly for you. Perhaps it was lost altogether in the Memorial Day weekend. It was a joy-filled day for our family. Dare I suggest that it was a momentous day for our synod?

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

Your Synod Staff

2010-05-24T17:01:00.003-05:00

I am feeling a little bit guilty. Our last two staff meetings have had to be rescheduled due to commitments I had. Of all of the synod staff, Bishop Wollersheim has the most complex schedule, but our synod staff’s meeting dates are cleared with his calendar before they are ever scheduled. Changing a date isn’t all that easy because it impacts lots of people. Do you know the synod staff?

Bishop Wollersheim, Sandy Musch and I all work full-time from our office in Rockford. Bishop is the synod’s pastor and CEO. Sandy serves as assistant to the bishop and handles the complex administrative matters. She has worked for the synod from the very beginning of the ELCA, so she carries a lot of history. I coordinate call process for the synod, work with the North Conference and cannot begin to describe everything else I do. I am sure this is true for any “generalist.” Pastor Kurt Nordby, our Director of Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop, works full-time out of our Rock Island office. He is the staff liaison to the East Conference. As DEM, he also works in the areas of mission development, stewardship and mission strategy.

If you have called the synod office, you have no doubt spoken to Judi Fields, Julie Lewis, June Cain or Nancy Corey. They provide the support that the full-time staffers need to do their jobs. I want to be as responsive as possible to people’s needs, so I often tell them that if they call and I am not available to be sure to speak with June. She makes sure that I get my messages and responds in a timely fashion. June is also the synod’s bookkeeper. Judi is our receptionist and assistant to Sandy. Julie is the office manager and is executive secretary to the bishop. Nancy is the Rock Island office manager and assists Kurt.

We also have six part-time assistants for the remaining conferences. Pastor Tom Larsen relates to the Southwest Conference, Pastor Mike Clark to the West Conference, Pastor Kurt Hansen to the Northwest Conference, Deaconess Cheryl Erdmann to the Northeast Conference, Pastor Chris Stienstra to the Central Conference, and Pastor Tim Kenyon to the South Conference. They provide much needed assistance in the call process and pastoral care in a cost effective way.

The synod staff is rounded out by a part-time assistant for candidacy, Pastor Barb Rapp, a part-time communication director, Associate in Ministry Karin Graddy, and a part-time youth coordinator, Mary Lasits.

I have the privilege of working with all of these folks on a daily basis. That is a gift to my life and work. A tremendous amount of work is done by our support staff and part-time assistants without much recognition. They are a gift to the synod.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Need help from the staff? Just call! We look forward to working with you. Pictured is the staff at worship just prior to our last meeting. --JC

"The Lutheran"

2010-05-08T15:08:00.004-05:00

In terms of media use, I suppose I reflect my generation. I was born right in the middle of the baby boom. As such, there are times when I reflect the generation ahead of me and at other times I act a bit like the generation that has followed.

I still watch the evening news on TV and I read two daily newspapers. If I miss watching the news, I do not worry about it. If a paper sits for a day or two before I read it, there is still enough current content to warrant my picking it up. I subscribe to two weekly news magazines, but only because I get a really good deal. Actually, I do not read the one as much as I used to and the other has been doing a yearlong series on my hometown. I also subscribe to one religious magazine and to one baseball publication. I read these more carefully than anything else.

I must admit, however, that I do get a lot of news from the Internet. I use high speed Internet both at the office and at home. I depend on the Internet to do my job and it provides news and recreation at home. I also have two email accounts and I am on Facebook. But, I do not tweet.

Unlike most who are younger than I, I use my cell phone mostly just for phone calls. I cannot access the Internet with it, cannot transfer photos I take with it, and do not text with it because my plan charges me extra for text messaging. I still have a landline phone on the wall at home, but lately we have been questioning why we pay for something that we use so little.

When my copy of The Lutheran arrived in the mail this week, I was sad to see the editor note that subscriptions had fallen 13% in 2009. The prediction for 2010 is the same or worse. I am sure this reflects what is going on in our culture with regard to the delivery of news and information. No doubt these tough economic times have also taken a toll.

I have always enjoyed reading The Lutheran and still depend on it to provide church news that I do not receive elsewhere. As a parish pastor, I always encouraged my congregations to continue their every member subscriptions. I felt the expense was justified by keeping everyone informed. I believe it helped keep our members connected to the work of the wider church.

Is reading the print version of The Lutheran just another “old-fashioned” thing to do? I think it still serves an important purpose for many of us. Is the electronic version of The Lutheran attractive enough to get people to pay for subscriptions? I do not know. If you are not currently reading The Lutheran, how do you keep up with ELCA news? I think this church would be well-served by an informed membership.

Comments? If you are not already there, go to the blog site: http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Katie's Cup

2010-04-10T18:38:00.007-05:00

Katie’s Cup is one of my favorite spots in Rockford. It is a full-service coffee shop with everything you would expect: great coffee, coffee drinks, muffins and pastries, a lunch menu and free Wi-Fi. I have escaped from the telephone to work on a sermon or two there. My success rate at getting much work done at Katie’s Cup is not particularly good. I always run into people I know and there is nothing better than a little face-to-face conversation. Katie’s Cup is also part bookstore and part gathering spot.

In the past few weeks, I have taken part in two Katie’s Cup Conversations. These are occasional events to which the public is invited. The Rev. John M. Buchanan, editor of The Christian Century was the guest speaker at the first. A group of 65 of us joined for lunch, Pastor Buchanan’s presentation, followed by questions and answers. This past week, I heard Louis Dorvilier, director for international development and disaster response, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A native Haitian, he gave an overview of Haiti’s history and the church’s response to the crisis caused by this year’s earthquake.

Katie’s Cup opened in early 2009 with the vision of becoming a place for the community to discuss important issues. I will be going back next week to hear a photographer from a local (non-Lutheran) congregation speak about his recent experiences in Haiti.

Katie’s Cup is a business jointly run by Zion Development and Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries. Its name honors Katharina von Bora. I do not know if she drank coffee. I do know that she helped make the beer and enjoyed deep conversation! If you get to Rockford, stop in Katie’s Cup and enjoy the coffee and atmosphere. Try a Mocha—my personal favorite! It is located at the corner of 7th Street and 4th Avenue. If you do not find someone to talk to, the synod office is only a few blocks away. I can be there in five minutes.

Comments? Go to the blog site (http://niselca.blogspot.com/). Pictured is Mariel Heinke, director of Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries. --JC

http://www.ziondevelopment.com/
http://www.rockfordlutheranministries.com/
http://www.katiescup.com/

It Could Have Been Worse

2010-04-07T12:09:00.001-05:00

If you have ever entered Milledgeville, Illinois from the west, one of the first landmarks you recognize is Trinity Lutheran Church. The face of the church, with its massive cross reflecting the afternoon sun, could not be missed. I have always felt that the church stood there as a Lutheran welcome sign to the town.

Perhaps it was this building’s exposed profile that made it vulnerable to the savage storm that blew into town on Monday. The front wall of the church building collapsed and the back windows blew out as the wind surged through the building. It looked to me as if the roof had been lifted off the support beams.

As I surveyed the damage, first with Trinity members and then with Pastor Kathy Burkheimer, they repeatedly said “It could have been so much worse.” Of course, that is true. There was no one in the building at 9:30 Monday evening when the storm hit. Other damage in town appeared to be minimal. No injuries or death were reported. Trinity’s resilience and positive attitude was already evident in their words.

I stood in the narthex looking at the pile of bricks where the altar had been. The lights hanging from the ceiling swayed gently in the breeze. The sanctuary lamp still hung in its place. This nave, which so recently had been filled with the sounds of Easter joy, was now filled with the sounds of workers, inside and out.

For now, please pray for the people of Trinity Lutheran Church. They will gather this evening (Wednesday) for a time of prayer and discussion at the church. They also have a place to worship this week. First Lutheran Church of West Jordan, Trinity’s sister congregation in the “Faith on 40” parish, has opened its doors. A structural engineer will be inspecting today, so the congregation should know more of what they face very soon.

The road ahead for Trinity will be long. Pastor Burkheimer says it will be “inconvenient and an adventure.” We will keep you informed of ways that you, as a part of this synod, can be helpful to Trinity.

To leave a comment, go to the blog site (if you are not already there): http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Good Friday

2010-04-02T10:59:00.003-05:00

One of the headlines on the front page of Monday’s newspaper read, “Holy Week opens with hope”. The article painted a positive picture of Palm Sunday worship at two local congregations, one Roman Catholic and the other Presbyterian. Pastors and parishioners were quoted. The messages preached and heard were those of hope, perseverance and good news.

The odd thing was that the name of Jesus did not appear once in the article. Do not be too quick to blame the pastors. I know from experience that newspapers rarely quote what I think they should and often do not get it quite right. Perhaps the author of the article thought Sunday was more about the palm leaves and unemployment rates than it was about Jesus. She knows we need a message of hope in these troubled times. Does she know that the source of our hope is Jesus?

Two weeks ago I preached a sermon at First Lutheran Church in Lee. In it I said, “I am waiting to sense resurrection in the life of the church.” I went on to say, “As you know, there is a lot of anxiety in the life of our ELCA right now, most of it as a result of last August’s Churchwide Assembly. One thing we must do, “we” meaning every living soul in the ELCA, is to keep focused on the mission our crucified Savior gave us. If we derail our work of bringing people to Christ so that we can spend more time arguing, then I think we will be held accountable. Discuss? Yes. Study? Absolutely. Disagree? That’s fine. Waste time? No, we have none to waste.”

Last evening, in Maundy Thursday worship, as we considered the mandate to love, Pastor Kathy Whitney urged her congregation, when faced with the question, “what do we do now?” to “just love them.” I pray that love and civility will return to congregations that have been torn by strife. Today, Good Friday, I am pondering the death of Christ. Jesus died for the life of the church. His church. Our church. The one holy catholic church.

Let us stay focused on Jesus. Repent and be forgiven. Love your neighbor. Prepare for resurrection.

Comments are welcome. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Velazquez's "Christ on the Cross" was taken from www.freechristimages.org. --JC

CRE

2010-03-22T21:09:00.008-05:00

The snow was falling and roads were slick as I drove to Kishwaukee College in Malta this past Saturday morning. I wondered if, for the first time, the weather would wreak havoc on the synod’s Congregational Resourcing Event. I was pleasantly surprised when nearly 500 participants showed up for what I consider to be one of the most important events in the life of the synod each year.

The day began with worship led by the pastor and musicians of GPS Faith Community, a congregation given its start by Grace Lutheran Church in Loves Park. GPS will be received into the synod at our 2010 Synod Assembly. Acoustics in the gym for both speaking and singing are a challenge and this year was no exception. Bishop Wollersheim preached the homily. An offering of over $2,300 was received for Lutheran Disaster Response, specifically to help earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile.

Bishop Wollersheim introduced representatives from our five new Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities in Moline, Galena, Johnsburg, Oregon and Rockton. These groups are exploring options for their future in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Worship was followed by a keynote address by Dr. Craig Nessan, a popular professor at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque. Craig has been well received in our synod previously when he spoke at an assembly. We were blessed and challenged by his teaching on the mission of the church.

The best parts of the day, in my opinion, were the workshops. Each participant was able to choose three workshops to attend from a list of nearly 50. In these workshops, congregations, committees and individuals shared their ideas, expertise and best practices. This year I attended the synod’s Lutheran Youth Organization workshop led by their president and vice-president and our youth coordinator. After lunch I stopped into a crowded workshop on communicating with Facebook, Twitter and Ning led by an ELCA staffer. (I am still not sure what Ning is!) Finally, I joined rostered leaders as they accepted the bishop’s invitation to spend some time together discussing the current state of affairs in the synod.

In addition to learning and experiencing new things, I really enjoy CRE because it is an opportunity to see old friends from across the synod. I have a sense that I am not alone that!
Thanks go to the CRE team and the Congregational Life Committee for their fine work in putting CRE together! This event takes a lot of work.

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

A New Pastor for our Synod

2010-03-03T20:56:00.003-06:00

I did not want this week to pass without calling attention to last Sunday’s ordination service. On Sunday, February 28, the church gathered in Woodhull, Illinois to celebrate the ordination of Christopher Heller. Chris chose not to be ordained last November because the date of the synod-wide ordination celebration fell within one week of his wedding. The challenge in rescheduling became one of finding time in the bishop’s calendar and choosing a location.

Each synod has its own ordination practices. The Northern Illinois Synod continues to ordain new pastors in synod-wide services, planned by our own worship team. This is to emphasize the fact that ordination is an act of the church for the sake of the whole church. We do the same for consecration and commissioning.

We broke from tradition a bit by ordaining Chris in the context in which he has been called to serve. Chris will serve as associate pastor of the Edwards River Ministry, a parish of four congregations also served by Pastor Nancy Jaster. Bethany Lutheran Church in Woodhull, the site of the ordination, is one of those four congregations. Bishop Wollersheim officiated and Bette Mohr, AIM, dean of the Southwest Conference, served as assisting minister. The choir of Bethany sang. There were bells and brass, organ and piano.

The newly ordained Pastor Heller was immediately installed into his office by Pastor Tom Larsen, assistant to the bishop for the Southwest Conference. Leaders of the four congregations represented the congregations of Edwards River.

A number of pastors from the synod were in attendance. There were also quite a few folks who traveled from Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton, Chris’ home congregation, to join in the festivities.

To ordain and install in the same service is common in some synods. It is the exception here. As it was, however, the church was gathered and you were represented, even if you were not in Woodhull last Sunday afternoon.

(Pictured from left to right are Bishop Wollersheim, Pastor Heller and Dr. Winston Persaud, Chris’ ordination sponsor and professor at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque.)

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

Wednesdays in Lent

2010-03-01T17:16:00.002-06:00

Last Wednesday evening, I was driving to church for Lenten worship. On the way, I passed a fitness center. Through the walls of glass I could see lots of people in the brightly lit center. It appeared that every treadmill and most other pieces of equipment were in use. I actually took it as a good sign. If it is a good night to be out exercising, I thought, it will be a good night to be at church.

Attendance had been a bit sparse at the Ash Wednesday service the week before. But, for the rest of the Wednesdays of Lent, the midtown congregations of Rockford are joining together, so there was the potential for greater participation last Wednesday.

The nave of the church where we were is very large. I was not able to guess with any accuracy the number of people who were there. But, it was obvious to me that the fitness center was doing a lot better business than was the church.

I love midweek worship during Lent. It has been important to me since my youth. I like the discipline. I need to be reminded of the call to pray, fast and serve during these 40 days. I appreciate the call to repentance. Lent always improves my relationship with God.

A few people have discussed Lent on Facebook. When asked what they were giving up for Lent, some responded that they were giving up Lent. It is just too depressing. Others do not think they have time for Lent. One congregation even gave up midweek worship. They must not understand what Lent is really all about.

It may seem like we are fighting a losing battle. Going to church on a Wednesday night is certainly counter-cultural. I encourage you to not give up. Your Wednesday evening service may only have church geeks like me in attendance, but you will be equipping us to reach out with the gospel in new ways and in new contexts. Who knows? I may be talking about Jesus with someone on a treadmill on Thursday night.

By the way, I want to thank the midtown pastors for their efforts. Do not forget to thank yours too.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. The image is the much copied “Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane” by Heinrich Hoffman, taken from http://www.freechristimages.org/. --JC

Interim Ministry

2010-02-15T11:07:00.002-06:00

The first time I heard of an “interim pastor” was while I was in seminary. One Sunday morning, group of us visited a congregation in which a friend had done his contextual education during our first year. The pastor was serving there on an interim basis, helping to facilitate the transition from one called pastor to another. The concept of interim ministry intrigued to me. It sounded like something I might one day want to try.

In the Northern Illinois Synod, when a pastor resigns a call, if it is at all possible, the bishop appoints an interim pastor. The Congregation Council retains the right to refuse the appointment, but this only happens when there are good and compelling reasons. The interim pastor steps into the congregation with all the rights and responsibilities of a regularly called pastor. The beauty of this is that there is no gap in the congregation’s pastoral ministry. Word and Sacrament ministry continues while the congregation engages in a search for a new pastor.

I remember a time when congregations were left largely on their own to find supply pastors and someone to cover emergencies. In other places, a neighboring pastor was asked to cover the basics and help find the Sunday preacher. (Once in a while we still have to employ the latter “vice-pastor” model.) Congregations often felt that they did not have a real pastor. Consequently, the call process was rushed in the hope of getting a new pastor quickly.

The expectation is that the interim pastor will be compensated at the previous pastor’s level. This keeps the congregation’s budget intact and ready to receive a new pastor. In some cases, when full-time pastoral leadership is not necessary, compensation is pro-rated. If the interim pastor is serving in a ¾-time capacity, then the compensation is reduced to ¾ of the previous pastor’s compensation. We have found that most congregations appreciate having a full-time pastor available. The pastoral presence tends to keep the anxiety level of the congregation lower.

In our synod, Bishop Wollersheim gathers pastors who serve in interim capacities three or four times a year. In those meetings, the interim pastors are always thanked for their service and transition issues are discussed. Our interim pastors are mostly retired pastors with many years of service behind them. The experience they bring is invaluable. We also have four pastors who have gone through interim ministry training. They bring a skill set that is especially useful in congregations that have experienced conflict or other painful circumstances.

Interim ministry is hard work. It is not nearly as attractive to me as it was when I was a seminarian. Our synod is very fortunate that we have pastors who are willing to serve the church in this way.

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

Call Process

2010-02-06T15:47:00.001-06:00

I coordinate the call process for the Northern Illinois Synod. It scares me to even say those words. It is a huge task. However, I have the help of our bishop, Sandy (full-time assistant to the bishop), Kurt (our Director of Evangelical Mission) and our six part-time conference assistants to the bishop. We all work together in assisting the call committees of congregations as they seek new pastors or other rostered leaders.

I am always asked how pastoral candidates for a particular congregation are identified. There are four ways. First, we are aware of pastors from within our synod who are interested in serving a new parish. Second, thanks to a new system implemented last year, we also have access to the Rostered Leader Profiles (RLP) of any pastor in the ELCA who has expressed a desire to serve in our synod or region. In fact, we can access the RLP for any pastor who is seeking a call, so if we are looking for a particular skill set, we can engage in a churchwide search. Third, a congregation is free to raise names. Those names are submitted to me and then we follow a prescribed protocol. And finally, again because of the new system, pastors are able to search for open parishes and contact me for more information.

This past Wednesday and Thursday I participated in Region 5’s Mobility Conference. In the conference, the twelve synods of the region are represented by their bishop and an assistant. We are divided into two groups, each with six bishops and six bishop’s assistants. Each synod is permitted to bring two rostered leaders who are open to serving anywhere in the region for an interview. It must be somewhat intimidating to face six bishops and six assistants. I have heard some tough questions asked. Perhaps I have offered a few of my own.

I do know that mobility is a bit slow right now. Part of that is attributable to the economy. It is not a good time to try to sell a house; nor is it a good time for a spouse to be seeking employment. Rural congregations with a parsonage seem to be at an advantage, but that advantage is often offset by the disadvantages of lower compensation and fewer employment opportunities for spouses.

In our synod, we are very grateful for the work of our interim pastors. They are able to sustain ministry and offer experienced leadership for congregations in transition.

Every congregation of our synod is valued for what it is and who its people are. We work with each congregation to best fulfill its needs. Sometimes the call process is long. Sometimes it is frustrating. But, in every congregation, we trust the Holy Spirit and the people of God to call the pastor who will lead faithfully, creatively, and lovingly.

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

The Annual Meeting

2010-01-25T19:37:00.005-06:00

For many congregations, the race to the Annual Meeting begins just after first of the year. Audits are done. Finishing touches to the budget are made. Lists of pastoral acts and membership statistics are compiled. Reports are written and submitted. The Annual Report booklet is printed and distributed. Then, by the end of January, the meeting is held.

Depending upon the year and the issues that the congregation faces, the pastor may be a nervous wreck. The president of the congregation (in some places this is the pastor) is usually pretty nervous. Preparing to run a meeting is not an easy task. The parliamentarian, if there is one, will be on hand to give advice, but most congregations have a few additional folks who are glad to offer tips, solicited or not.

This year has presented some real challenges to our congregations. I am hearing that some meetings have been longer and a bit more contentious than usual. Finances have taken a hit, due mostly to the economy, but in many places they have also been impacted by the Churchwide Assembly decisions. Some congregations have had to deal with the reality of staff cuts and the postponement of important projects. Ministry is being hurt because of a lack of money, or in some cases, a perceived lack of money.

The synod’s financial condition has also been weakened. However, I am not terribly discouraged. This is a financial climate under which we have never operated. There are signs that the national economy is improving. It will be a while before we feel a full recovery in the church. Unfortunately, it will probably take some time to make up the lost ground. Fear may be our greatest enemy. Remaining generous while economic threats appear to surround us is tough. But our God is a God of great abundance and we are richly blessed. Have you noted how generous the church has been in response to the tragic earthquake in Haiti? Need has overcome fear as we give our gifts.

There are other congregations in our synod, however, in which discussion of finances has taken a back seat and the majority of meeting time has been spent discussing the mission of the congregation. I have often said that a congregation which has a strong sense of its own mission is far less likely to experience conflict. Evaluating, strategizing and planning mission is a very healthy thing to do.

That sound of rushing wind you hear may be the collective sigh of relief as congregations finish their meetings. It could also be the Holy Spirit at work, blowing through our congregations, with gifts beyond our full comprehension.

How was your Annual Meeting? Are you feeling positively about 2010? Is your congregation operating out of the fear of scarcity or the joy of abundance? What is your mission? What is God calling your congregation to do this year?

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

"Jesus!" They Cried

2010-01-20T19:21:00.002-06:00

The Associated Press reported on today’s aftershock in Haiti. “From the teeming plaza near the collapsed presidential palace to a hillside tent city, the 5.9-magnitude aftershock lasted only seconds but panicked thousands of Haitians. ‘Jesus!’ they cried as rubble tumbled and dust rose anew….”

The people of Haiti are among the poorest in the world. The situation there today is desperate. The numbers are staggering. There are likely 200,000 who have died, 250,000 who are in need of immediate aid; and upwards to 2 million people who are homeless. They call to Jesus for help.

When this morning’s aftershock ended, a street merchant walked past the partly collapsed hospital. “She raised her arms to the sky and spoke for millions. ‘Lord have mercy, for we are sinners!’ she shouted. ‘Please have mercy on Haiti.’” They call to God for help.

We probably all know people who have gone to Haiti on mission trips. Our friends and neighbors have returned with pictures and stories describing a life we do not know. In the aftermath of this earthquake, we are seeing horrifying pictures and hearing gut-wrenching stories of a life we cannot imagine.

God’s work. Our hands. That is the ELCA tagline. The people of Haiti are calling to God for help. God hears that call and so do we. Medical volunteers are needed now. Other volunteers may be needed in the future. As we know from Hurricane Katrina, life will not return to normal anytime soon from this natural disaster. Thankfully, aid is beginning to pour in from around the world. Monetary donations are needed and are being solicited by countless agencies.

Please be active in God’s work. Pray and give. I encourage you in the strongest way to give directly to ELCA Disaster Response or Lutheran World Relief. Your money will go directly to aid those in need. My wife and I chose to make our donation through Thrivent to ELCA Disaster Response to take advantage of matching funds. Thanks.

For more information go to www.elca.org/disaster; www.lwr.org/haiti; or http://www.thrivent.com/. --JC

Worship Christ, the Newborn King

2009-12-23T14:27:00.001-06:00

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"

2009-12-18T14:58:00.002-06:00

“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

2009-12-03T13:25:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-17T21:45:00.004-06:00

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

2009-11-06T20:46:00.003-06:00

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

2009-10-28T16:23:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-23T14:42:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-13T16:02:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-30T18:28:00.006-05:00

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

2009-09-18T17:05:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-12T18:29:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

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

2009-08-27T19:22:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-23T23:43:00.007-05:00

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

2009-08-22T23:41:00.005-05:00

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

2009-08-21T22:58:00.006-05:00

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

2009-08-20T21:33:00.004-05:00

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

2009-08-19T23:46:00.007-05:00

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

2009-08-18T21:49:00.005-05:00

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

2009-08-18T00:11:00.004-05:00

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

2009-08-12T20:46:00.004-05:00

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

2009-07-27T15:56:00.005-05:00

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

2009-07-20T16:01:00.002-05:00

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?

2009-07-14T19:51:00.002-05:00

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?

2009-07-09T19:05:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-24T19:38:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-14T19:43:00.004-05:00

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

2009-06-08T20:48:00.002-05:00

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.

The Empty Chairs

2009-05-27T21:37:00.003-05:00

You may find it odd that I remember this; after all, it was a long time ago. I got just one word wrong on my liturgy vocabulary quiz in seminary. In fact, I thought it was almost inexcusable to get any wrong since it was a take-home assignment. Try as I might, however, I did not find the liturgical definition for one word.

I have taught a generation of confirmation students that there are special “church words” for lots of things. Where else do you hear words such as narthex, nave, alb, cincture, paten and flagon?

The word I got wrong (and I was by no means the only one in our class who got this wrong) was president. I had trouble figuring it out because I had never heard the word used in a liturgical context. The answer was simple. The president is one who presides. In worship, the one who presides is the presiding minister. I think it was a trick question.

In recent years I have noted two contrasting things happening simultaneously. As the roles of the presiding and assisting ministers in Holy Communion have become better defined in LBW and ELW, a number of worship leaders have apparently abdicated their roles as leaders.

I was recently the guest preacher in a congregation outside of our synod. I asked the pastor where he wanted me to sit during worship. “Oh, just sit wherever you want. You can go sit with your wife.” So, I sat in about the fourth pew where my wife was seated. The other pastors sat in different sections. As the worship began I wondered who was in charge.

I understand a pastor’s desire to be part of the congregation. I understand the need to be a worshiper in the assembly. However, I think we too easily diminish the role to which the congregation has called the pastor. I have been left wondering if we (both lay and clergy leaders) are afraid to lead, even in worship.

My personal bias is that worship leaders should be visible and giving direction to the Sunday assembly. The presiding minister (an ordained pastor), assisting minister (a lay person), and the lector should be visible. Communion assistants and acolytes might also have prominent positions. To me, that means using those chairs, sometimes referred to derogatorily as thrones, in the chancel area.

I have found that in some contemporary worship settings, the song leader has a much more prominent role and visible position in the worship than does the presiding minister. Traditional church architecture left little to the imagination. One could tell what was important in worship. Altar, pulpit and font (Word and sacraments) were emphasized. In one church I visited during my sabbatical the most prominent feature in front was a drum set. I had to search to even find a cross. I could immediately identify the song leader, but I did not have a clue as to who the pastor might be. I also could not identify anyone else who might be involved in the morning’s worship.

I am advocating clear leadership roles for all who are involved in leading worship. I encourage you to share your thoughts. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Click on comments at the end of this entry. Let’s hear your thoughts! --JC

Take it to the Lord in Prayer

2009-05-19T20:11:00.002-05:00

Synod assembly planning is a twelve month process. As soon as an assembly ends, we begin work on the next one. We are fortunate to have a great partner in Augustana College in Rock Island. Their staff works very hard to make sure that all of our needs are accommodated.

The finishing touches are now being applied to this year’s assembly plans. Menus have been chosen and rooms have been assigned. The Bulletin of Reports, all 197 pages of it, is now available on the synod’s Web site (http://www.nisynod.org/assembly/index.html). The worship services have been planned. Calls have been issued by congregations to new seminary graduates, so we will celebrate ordinations. Bishop Mark Hanson, our presiding bishop, is looking forward to being our ELCA representative this year. Dr. Ralph Klein is busy preparing his Bible study and forum materials. Bishop Wollersheim is studying and praying. Conferences and congregations are busy discussing the resolutions. Congregations celebrating significant anniversaries are preparing presentations.

In many ways this year’s assembly will be like every other. But there is a fair amount of anxiety throughout the church, including within our synod, regarding the proposed social statement on human sexuality and the recommendations on ministry policy that our Churchwide Assembly will act upon in August. We have other important business to attend to, but those items do not seem to be generating the same amount of angst.

I have attended every assembly of the Northern Illinois Synod, including the constituting assembly in 1987. We have always grounded ourselves in worship and God’s Word. I have been pleased and proud of the way we conduct business. We have always shared ideas and opinions respectfully. We have treated each other as the brothers and sisters that we are. I do not expect this year to be any different.

Bishop Hanson has called upon the whole ELCA to engage in 50 days of prayer in preparation for this summer’s Churchwide Assembly (http://www.elca.org/50days). I would encourage every congregation to heed this call. I would also ask each of our congregations to pray in preparation for our own synod assembly.

Bishop Wollersheim prepares thoroughly for our assemblies. The most important part of his preparation is engaging in prayer. He prays through the entire agenda, always seeking God’s guidance and the intervention of the Holy Spirit. We are now a little more than a month away from our assembly. I invite you to join me in praying for our work as a synod in the assembly. I am also praying that those who are anxious will find comfort in the knowledge that this is indeed God’s church.

To comment, go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC

Technological Advances

2009-05-04T21:45:00.003-05:00

A recent edition of The Christian Century (“Congregational Snapshot,” by Mark Chaves, April 7, 2009) pointed out what may be obvious to most of us. In the past few years there have been a lot of changes in the church. While we know that, we may not have taken the time to consider what the trends are.

The author, a seminary teacher and researcher, says, “Four trends stand out: congregations now use more computer technology, worship is more informal, clergy are older and, perhaps most important, congregations are more ethnically diverse.”

I was especially interested in congregations’ use of technology as I visited a number of different congregations during the latter half of my sabbatical. To prepare for a visit I first visited the congregation’s Web site. I was disappointed if I found that a congregation does not have one. I was even more disappointed to find a Web site that was months out of date. A Web site can be a great communication tool. It puts a lot of information at the fingertips. I appreciated finding service times, worship service descriptions, staff information and directions to find the church. I also liked finding newsletters and bulletins. Through the Web site I gained a familiarity with the congregation and found that I was entering the doors with greater confidence than if I was coming in cold.

If your congregation does not have a Web site, what would it take for you to get one up and running? If your congregation does have one, is it up-to-date? Is the information accurate? Does it introduce your congregation well? Does it have links to sermons?

Email can be a great communication tool too. I receive weekly announcements from my congregation. A large portion of any congregation can be reached quickly by email. On the other hand, there is a danger with email too. In the synod office we often see conflict in a congregation escalate quickly through the use of email. People share angry words in email that they would rarely use in a face-to-face conversation.

How can email be used effectively in your congregation?

The use of projection equipment in worship also falls into the technology category. Some congregations project the day’s announcements on the screen before worship. Others will show a video clip that relate to the lessons for the day. I have seen video clips used effectively as part of the sermon. Sometimes a single image will be projected throughout the worship to help illustrate the theme of the day. I am personally not too keen on projecting hymns, songs or liturgies. When the computer operator fails to keep up with a song, or there is a computer failure, the congregation is left silent as the band (or organ) plays on.

Another issue exists with the size and location of screens. Sometimes it is difficult, if not impossible, to retrofit a sanctuary to accommodate adequate projection screens, but we have some great examples of successful installations in the synod. Newer buildings (such as Alleluia!, Naperville, which is pictured) have screens that are built-in. Personally, I like the judicious use of projected images and video, but I do not miss it if it is not there.

I just wish every congregation could figure out how to get their microphones to work!

Care to comment or share your thoughts? Go to http://niselcablogspot.com/.

A Reading from...

2009-04-20T17:20:00.002-05:00

My sabbatical has come to an end and I will return to my office tomorrow. I am more than ready to get back to work, although I have enjoyed this time and gained much.

During the second half of my leave I have been examining worship practices in Lutheran and non-Lutheran, non-liturgical settings. I will be sharing a number of my observations in the weeks to come, but today I want to talk about the use of the Scriptures.

I discovered if you want to hear more than just a few verses from a single book of the Bible, worship in a Lutheran congregation. Most often our congregations use the Revised Common Lectionary, the appointed readings for any given Sunday, and read from the New Revised Stardard Version of the Bible. We hear a First Reading from the Old Testament, a Second Reading from the New Testament and a Gospel Reading from one of the four gospels. I have found that many of our congregations are neglecting the richness of the Psalms. Perhaps it is the time factor. Perhaps congregations grew tired of singing psalms to the tones of LBW. I am sure there are many reasons. Personally I love to sing the psalms, especially song or hymn versions. I really believe that we need to be well acquainted with the psalms.

Every Lutheran sermon I heard preached during my sabbatical was biblically based. Whereas the Lutheran pastors I heard would usually take a look at an entire passage, some non-Lutheran sermons focused on a single verse or on no particular passage at all. Some of the non-Lutheran sermons were examples of great communication. I came away fed, but not sure of what I had been given to eat. Of course, not every Lutheran sermon I heard fed me, but I will readily acknowledge that is sometimes the problem of the hearer…but not always. I know a bad sermon when I hear one.

Some of our congregations use a bulletin insert with the lesson printed on it. Others print the lessons in the bulletin or project them on a screen. A few of the Lutheran congregations have pew Bibles and worshipers are invited (though not strongly encouraged) to turn to the passage and follow along. It would encourage folks to open the book if they were given the time to do it. By the time I had turned to the First Reading, the second was already being announced.

In one congregation, the pastor invited the congregation to read along. However, he blazed through the reading at such a rapid pace no one could keep up. I was just glad when it was over.

Lectors make a huge difference in the reading of the Scriptures. It is obvious that some practice before worship and work at pronunciation and inflection. It is great to hear different voices reading the lessons, rather than the same voice each week. I hear something new in the way a lesson is read each time. I also really enjoying hearing both the young and the old read.

I think a congregation should invest in a lectern Bible or a ritual lectionary to emphasize the Word. A lector carrying a bulletin insert to the lectern projects a more casual and disposable image than we probably want.

The Rev. Dr. Richard Bliese, president of Luther Seminary, encourages congregations to use Bibles in worship in the April E-lert. Check his thoughts out at http://www.luthersem.edu/elerts/article.asp?id=409.

Care to comment? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/, or if you are already there, click on comments below. I am glad for your opinions, whether you agree or not! --JC

Lutheran Day 2009

2009-04-08T16:01:00.002-05:00

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!

Donate Life

2009-04-01T20:40:00.011-05:00

I received a notice in February that my driver's license would expire on my birthday. I like to get a new license every four years as opposed to sending in for a renewal sticker because it helps to have a recent picture for the TSA folks at the airport. Rather than three inspections of my license, I have found that a recent picture reduces it to two or maybe even to just one good look.

I appreciate getting that renewal notice early so I can stop into a Secretary of State's office when I am out and about that is not as busy as the one closest to my home. This time I got my new license in Dixon where I did not even have to take a number to be served!

My new license has a red image of the state of Illinois with the word "donor" imprinted on it. Several years ago the congregation I served talked about organ donation in worship and in the adult class. I signed the back of a number of licenses that day as a witness as some individuals chose to become organ donors. Ever since I have made sure that my license indicated that I wish to be an organ donor should I die.

About two weeks ago I received a letter from the Secretary of State thanking me for choosing to be an organ donor and explaining that in Illinois my decision to be a donor is legally binding, which means that additional witnesses or family consent is no longer necessary.

I have sat with families in the hospital as they have been asked the agonizing question regarding organ and tissue donation. A hospital waiting room is not the place to make that kind of decision. I discussed my wishes with my wife and together we have made the decision.

April is "Donate Life" month. Becoming an organ donor may or may not be right for you. As a pastor, I can tell you that as Lutherans we have no church rules or theological reasons that prevent us from donating organs.

I encourage you to speak with your family. Speak also with your pastor. Talk about organ donation at church.

Your comments and discussion points are welcome.

Here are resources that you will find helpful:

From the ELCA: www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship/Learning-Center/FAQs/Organ-Donation-Cremation.aspx

From the Illinois Secretary of State: http://www.LifeGoesOn.com/

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.organdonor.gov/

Preparing for Disaster

2009-03-27T09:07:00.004-05:00

This morning all eyes in the Upper Midwest, if not the nation, are on the Red River Valley. The Red River of the North, which flows between Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota on its way northward to Canada, has now surpassed its own record flood stage. At our house, we have been watching the news reports with great concern since my wife once lived in Fargo, my son went to college in Moorhead, and we are well acquainted with some of the area Lutheran congregations and their pastors. Classes at Concordia College, one of our ELCA schools, were cancelled for the better part of this week to allow students to help in sandbagging efforts. As of this morning, the campus has been closed and the section of Moorhead in which Concordia is located is being evacuated. The next few days will tell the story of how land and people are affected. Please join me in prayer.

(The photograph from Concordia's website shows President Pam Jolicoeur helping students fill sandbags.)

Disaster can strike anywhere. You know the stories of floods, hurricanes, tornados and fires. Is your congregation prepared? Lutheran Disaster Response, a collaborative effort of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, suggests three steps that every congregation should take to prepare. These come straight from the LDR website:

1) Identify a back-up location, where your congregation could gather for worship or prayer, in the event that your facility is either inaccessible or damaged in some way.

2) Backup all important church documents and directories, and have copies stored in an off-site location for use in the event that the original files are lost or damaged.

3) Identify a member, or a team of members, to serve as the primary point of contact in the event of a disaster. Then, develop and distribute a congregational phone tree, including cell phones or alternative locations, so that the entire membership can be easily located and accounted for after something has happened.

Lutheran Disaster Response also has a very useful manual available for download called Preparing for Disaster: A Guide for Lutheran Congregations. As we enter a season with volatile weather, this is an especially good time to have your congregation council do some thinking and preparation.

For information and downloads visit the LDR website: http://www.ldr.org/

For information regarding ELCA Disaster Response and how to help financially: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Disaster-Response.aspx

For information from FEMA on preparing at home: http://www.ready.gov/

Concordia College website: http://www.concordiacollege.edu/

Lutheran Study Bible

2009-03-17T14:07:00.003-05:00

When we were kids, my brother and I received identical Christmas gifts. Every year. From everyone. Mom and Dad. Grandma Clements. Grandpa and Grandma. Uncle Bruce. Two of everything were wrapped up and placed under the Christmas tree. Of course, we had to open our gifts at the exact same time too, lest one of us spoil the surprise for the other. It could only have been worse if we were twins!

I do not know who imposed the rule. Perhaps it was intended to prevent tears and fist fights. Come to think of it, my mother still lives by the rule! I wonder if Mom is to blame!

Last Wednesday, my brother called and had something of a Christmas morning glee in his voice. His new Lutheran Study Bible had just arrived from Augsburg Fortress. I have been waiting patiently for its publication, but now my brother had his copy and I did not have mine. He had unwrapped his treasure before I had even seen a package. The kid inside me wanted to cry “foul!”

Fortunately, I received my new Bible later that day. Like most pastors I have lots of Bibles and I cannot say that I actually need another. However, I have long been looking for just the right resource for teaching and leading Bible studies in congregations.

In the past week, I’ve been using Lutheran Study Bible for my reading and devotions and so far I really like it a lot. It has a number of useful articles and lots of helpful study notes. I especially appreciate the Lutheran perspectives in the study notes. It is my personal opinion that Lutheran Study Bible will be a real asset to our ELCA members in their studies at church and in their private devotional reading.

Have you gotten your copy yet? If so, what do you think? If not, are you considering it? I would like to know! --JC

Security

2009-03-09T10:39:00.003-05:00

The news report yesterday began with these sad words: "A scary yet familiar scene unfolds during a Sunday morning church service...."

This time the tragedy played out at First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois. It could have been anywhere. The pastor was shot dead as he preached.

Our prayers are with the people of First Baptist Church.

In my sabbatical I have shifted to my study of worship. As part of my plan, I recently visited a very large, non-Lutheran congregation. I would guess that there were about 1,000 people attending the worship service. It was the first service of the day with another to follow about 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first. There were people everywhere.

Traffic flow into the building was easy. The hallways are very wide and can accommodate the crowds. I simply followed the flow of people to find the auditorium. Once seated I made note of the emergency exits. I don't know when or how I developed this habit, but I usually know how to get out of a theater, hotel, airplane or church. I still live by the Boy Scout motto, "Be prepared."

I suppose it was the size of the crowd and the free and easy access to this church that made me think about security. I know some churches have security guards. Often they are not in uniform. Uniformed security personnel inside a church could raise anxiety and make the environment feel less safe. As I write that, I realize that I am a member of a congregation with a uniformed guard who watches the parking lot and helps people cross the street. I feel safer for his presence. I frankly do not know what security measures are in place at the megachurch I was visiting.

We do not live in a particularly safe world. However, statistically speaking, chances are pretty good that we will all be physically safe in church next Sunday. But, the news report did include that word "familiar." The number of church related tragedies seem to be increasing.

What does your congregation do to make itself safer? How far is going too far in taking precautions? Is it a good idea to practice a fire drill on a Sunday morning? Should ushers and greeters be on the lookout? For what? Or who?

If you receive this message by email, please log onto the blog website to share your comments. http://niselca.blogspot.com/.

An Invitation to Lent

2009-02-25T14:02:00.002-06:00

I have always been fascinated by what "new" practices a congregation finds acceptable or objectionable. When the use of ashes was reintroduced in the past generation, I thought that it might just not catch on. In my own unscientific observation, I believe it is a small minority of our congregations that will not have ashes available in their worship today.

In the Ash Wednesday liturgy we engage in an extended confession of sin. We do not hear the words of absolution. I find receiving the ashes on my forehead to be a powerful moment. Those ashes represent my mortality and penitence. The pastor admonishes me "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return." That is a hard reminder. I'm feeling a bit dustier each year.

Today in worship we will be invited into the discipline of Lent. Personally, I will be setting aside some of my normal devotional practices to take up Book of Faith Lenten Journey: 40 Days with the Lord's Prayer (Augsburg Fortress, 2009). One component of this book is journaling. This might surprise you, but I am not very good at journaling. I was happy to learn a couple of years ago that not all personality types are effective journalers. I think I must be one of those types. Too many extraneous thoughts tend to flit through my mind. I stop to think and forget to write! But I am going to give it another try.

What will your Lenten discipline include? My hope is that you will be faithful in Sunday and mid-week worship. Increase your devotional time and Bible reading. Take seriously your pastor's invitation when he or she says, "I invite you, therefore, to the discipline of Lent--self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love--strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament."

I am journeying (and journaling) with you. --JC

Holy Land Resources

2009-02-25T12:58:00.006-06:00

There are many wonderful resources that are readily available regarding the Holy Land. I want to make you aware of just a few.

The favorite tour book of our travelers was Jerusalem & the Holy Land of the DK Eyewitness Travel series. It contains lots of useful background information, highlights of all of the sights and best of all, loads of color photographs.

There are two books that I feel are especially important to us as Lutheran Christians and deserve a very wide reading. The first is Witnessing for Peace: In Jerusalem and the World by Munib Younan, the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The second is Bethlehem Besieged: Stories of Hope in Times of Trouble by Mitri Raheb. This powerful book was written by the pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. These books will help you understand the conflict in the Middle East, the role of Palestinian Christians and how the church can work for justice.

I also want to remind you that there are many resources available on the ELCA website. If you are not already, familiarize yourself with the "Peace Not Walls" initiative. Check out http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx.

Finally, some of us who traveled are willing to make presentations in your Northern Illinois Synod congregation. My wife and I have prepared two presentations. One is basically a travelogue using photos that we took and the other attempts to discuss the history of the Holy Land and the current peace efforts utilizing ELCA resources. If you are interested in having a speaker come, please contact me (or June while I am on sabbatical) at the synod office. I will be available to come after the middle of April. Others may be available sooner. --JC

Reflections on a Pilgrimage

2009-02-20T11:56:00.002-06:00

Pilgrimage: 1. A journey to a sacred place or shrine. 2. Any long journey or search, especially one of exalted purpose or moral significance.

When we first discussed planning a trip to the Holy Land we used pilgrim language. In fact, travelers from our synod have made a number of pilgrimage trips in recent years. We have had folks go to Germany to see the Luther sights and the Mediterranean to walk in Paul’s footsteps. We have had others go to visit in our companion synods in Tanzania and India. In 2010 a trip is being planned for Oberammergau and Italy.

Our trip to the Holy Land certainly qualified as a journey to a sacred place. While we cannot be sure that we stood in the actual historical location of many of Jesus’ life events, we were close. We were in the same cities; Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Capernaum. We sailed in the same waters of the Sea of Galilee. We sprinkled ourselves with the same waters of the Jordan River. We were surrounded by thousands of years of religious history and the holiest of sites for Christians, Muslims and Jews. The history lesson was incredible.

For me, the geography lesson was even more important. It helped me in my understanding of the Bible to see just how far it is from Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. It was good to walk the Via Dolorosa and the Palm Sunday road. It was helpful to see how far Bethany and Bethlehem are from Jerusalem. I now know what the Biblical wilderness looks like. I will read the gospels with new clarity.

My faith has never been directly connected to a place. I did not have a burning need to see the Holy Land. My faith is no stronger today than it was last month. I do not believe that a Christian must make such a trip to be complete. But I would recommend that you go if you are able. Our trip was most valuable to me because it was also a long journey of moral significance.

Our itinerary included more than just sightseeing. We took the time to talk with people. It was amazing to sit and listen to the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church and director of the International Center of Bethlehem. It was fascinating to see how a very small minority community (Christian) can make a big impact. It was informative and heart-rending to speak with Pastor Raheb’s staff. It was so good to tour the Lutheran school and hear the principal tell of how the values of peace and tolerance are being taught.

The challenge I face now is to answer the “So what?” question. What difference is this trip going to make in my life and in the life of others? Are there ways in which I can work for peace and justice, especially in the lives of some I have met? --JC