Living Lutheran: What does our story mean?
This year—and for the next two years following—we begin an exploration of Lutheran identity at our conference and synod assemblies. Cultural pundits and trend analysts observe that more people identify themselves as “spiritual” rather than “religious,” and list “none” as their religion affiliation.
Most no longer identify with one particular denomination over the other, and those who do cannot always explain the differences that distinguish one from another. If you were asked, “What distinguishes Lutherans from other denominations?” what would you say?
To be Lutheran grounds us in a God of grace, seen in Jesus Christ, who brings meaning and purpose into our lives. This God knows us, claims us, sends us into the complexities and ambiguities of human suffering, folly, and joy. To be Lutheran allows us to live within the tension of such ambiguity, as we sense God’s transcendent presence in the wide shade of gray in which we live our lives. To live and understand what it means to be Lutheran provides a steady and comforting witness to the world.
Speakers
Led by keynote speakers Dr. Rolf Jacobson, associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary, and Dr. Winston Persaud, professor of systematic theology at Wartburg Seminary, we’ll examine our story as Lutherans in the context of Scripture and how the activity of Christ orders and directs our lives.
In addition, we’ll be joined by the Rev. Jessica Crist, bishop of the Montana Synod, who will speak on behalf of the whole church, and by the Rev. Megan Torgerson, Augustana, West St. Paul, and the Rev. Marc Ostlie-Olson, St. Anthony Park, St. Paul, who will enhance themes presented during the keynotes. The Fleshpots of Egypt, a bluegrass ensemble from Luther Seminary, will also be a part of the assembly program.
Getting there
Road construction alert: Detours are planned for Interstates 35E and 94 corridor this weekend. Both directions of Interstate 35E between 10th Street/Wacouta Avenue and 11th Street, as well as both directions of Interstate 94 between 5th Street/10th Street and the ramp to 12th Street, will close.
Eastbound I-94 will close at 10 p.m. Friday, May 18, and westbound I-94 will close at 8 p.m. Friday, May 18. Northbound I-35E will close at 10 p.m. Friday, May 18, and southbound I-35E will close at 8 p.m. Friday, May 18.
See the press release for detour information (PDF)
Directions to Prince of Peace (PDF)
Offering: ELCA Disaster Response
This year’s synod assembly offering will be directed to ELCA Disaster Response and designated for support of continued flood relief efforts in western North Dakota.
In the spring of 2011 the Souris River swelled, exceeding a record high set in 1881 and sending floodwaters into western North Dakota. Burlington and Minot suffered the worst of the damage, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Some 12,000 residents were displaced and 4,100 homes destroyed. Four congregations, including Augustana Lutheran (pictured), Christ Lutheran, and First Lutheran in Minot, along with Peace Lutheran of Burlington, sustained severe damage, with combined estimates for repair exceeding $3 million. There is no insurance to help cover these costs. Meanwhile a large percentage of each congregation’s members faced damage to their homes and businesses. For the last year, flood relief efforts have continued as wearied residents work to rebuild lives, homes, and businesses.
Watch
"Washed, Wrapped, and Wading: Living Lutheran in Western North Dakota," ELCA video contest entry
"Flood of Love," A video about an initiative of the Western North Dakota Synod to raise funds for congregations and individuals affected by flooding in Minot.
Communication prior to the assembly
Congregations are asked to provide email addresses for lay voting members so that the Pre-Assembly Report can be emailed to them directly and so that they will receive important electronic communications prior to the synod assembly. The Pre-Assembly Report contains information and reports from ministry partners and synod task force groups, the proposed agenda and rules of procedure, the proposed 2013 budget, resolutions, and biographical information for those nominated for committees and other offices. All materials needed for reference during the two-day assembly will be printed in the Assembly Bulletin, available when you register.
You're invited to follow assembly actions and participate through social media
Follow along and join in the assembly conversation on the synod's Facebook page and on Twitter using the hashtag #SPS12. Also, during assembly we'll discuss what it means to live Lutheran. Use the hashtag #LiveLutheran to let us know what living Lutheran means to you.
Registration
Visit the registration page for more information. If you have questions, contact Julie Keefe, assembly registrar.
Upcoming Assemblies
2013: May 17-18
(Memorial Day is May 27)
2014: May 16-17
(Memorial Day is May 26)
