Churchwide Assembly, August 19



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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