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