A Word from Bishop Rindy
During the Pentecost season, the color of our altar paraments and pastors’ stoles is green. It is a season of growth, not only for nature, but for us as children of God. Many of our scripture lessons during the Pentecost season are teaching lessons or parables. Jesus used every day, common examples to help us understand and be more aware of the Kingdom of God that is at hand. For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, we are being taught lessons every day. Continue reading…
This truly is a Pentecost season, a season of growth, for the church:
- We rejoice as we see the results of silent growth as crops do what they were created to do. We trust God to provide daily bread, all that is needed for life, that we might glorify the one who created us for the glory of God.
- We rejoice (and sometimes cry) as our young people grow into the people they are created to become… some graduate, some get married, others leave to begin their careers or time of military service. We trust that God will watch over them (as God always does) as they live their lives, making decisions which hopefully put a smile on God’s face.
- We grieve as some of life’s unwelcomed changes come our way. The unexpected death of a loved one, of a marriage, or of a friendship can take years of God’s gentle care to bring the healing that once again leads us back into a season of healthy growth.
- We wrestle (as people of God) with how we can truly love God and our neighbor with the love of Jesus Christ. During this Pentecost season, we look to Jesus to see how to love the sometimes difficult-to-love neighbor.
- We rejoice as new seminary graduates begin their service as pastors in our synod. You all have a wonderful reputation for shaping excellent pastors for service in the Church.
- We rejoice for Valley City high school as they welcome a new principal, Kristi Brandt. (which means we welcome back on a full-time basis Pastor Terry Brandt to serve as Associate with the Bishop). We rejoice to have the whole Brandt family as a part of our synod.
We do a lot of things together during a season of growth. Believing and trusting in the communion of saints and the forgiveness of sins is easy when life is moving smoothly. Continue reading…
2010 Synod Assembly Address from EaND Bishop Bill Rindy
Bishop Rindy outlines the current state of our synod and the need for significant changes in our mission. He also passionately outlines the “Extra Mile for Mission” challenge, a charge to each of us to be active witnesses in our congregations, synod, and world. Video and PowerPoint resources attached. Continue reading…
A Word from Bishop Rindy
Over the centuries, the Church has undergone many challenges and changes. If we were all able to back out a few notches, we would have a God’s eye perspective on the transitions our world, our nation, and our church are experiencing. That perspective presents both challenge and opportunity for us. As I reflected on our synod mission plan/budget, a question came to mind: What does our mission plan say about our perspective of ministry? Continue reading…
The earthquake which struck Haiti Tuesday has devastated this island nation claiming thousands of lives and affecting millions of people. Help is needed immediately, especially prayers and financial gifts for the relief effort. Continue reading…
Subscribe to eQuip