On April fifth and sixth 750 Lutherans will gather at the Fargo Civic Memorial Auditorium for the 21st Annual Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly. The theme is Let Mutual Love Continue: Living As God’s Abundant Gifts. Registration begins at 7:00 am Saturday. Bishop Rick Foss will preach at the Opening Worship at 8:30 am.
Featured speakers include Dr. Roland (Rollie) Martinson and Dr. Diane Jacobson both from Luther Seminary. Rollie’s time will focus on building upon the gifts of the synod and the future of God’s mission among us. Diane is the Director of the Bible Book of Faith Initiative. A churchwide initiative Inviting us to deepen and broaden our engagement with the Bible for all ages and all cultures. The initiative is built on our Lutheran heritage to let the Word engage us. Diane will share with us an overall picture and how we can each individually and congregationally engage in the Initiative.
David Swartling, ELCA Secretary, will provide an update on the ELCA and preside at the election of the bishop. Saturday afternoon will feature many workshops such as: Emerging ministry, “garbology”, Food Service Ventures, Medical Missions, hymn sing, Faith Inkubators, recovery ministry, 2009 Youth Gathering, and many, many more.
Sunday morning commences with a Celebration Worship with Holy Communion and Rollie Martinson preaching. The election of a new bishop will begin on Saturday morning with the first vote being taken at 11:45 am. The seven who receive the most votes will be a part of a forum at 4:15 pm. The second vote will be at 7:00 pm Saturday evening resulting in three nominees. The third and fourth votes are scheduled for Sunday.
Note:
Being conscious of the environment, we ask you to bring your own cup for water or coffee and your Bible to the Assembly.
Remember to register for Synod Assembly! Register by February 29 for $80 or March 11 for $95.
This article appeared in the February 2008 Newsletter.