LIFT: Living Into the Future Together
Renewing the Ecology of the ELCA Task Force
Living into the Future Together (LIFT) (external link) is a task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) (external link) commissioned by the ELCA Church Council to develop and recommend options for the future of the ELCA in light of its identity, changes in its environment and its call to God’s mission.
Understanding the path this church has journeyed on will serve as a platform to embrace new opportunities for God’s mission.
What is God calling this church to be and to do in the future?
What changes are in order to help us respond most faithfully? Continue reading…
Two free DVDs have been designed for use in congregations containing some of the wonderful videos submitted this summer in the “God’s work. Our hands.” video contest (external link). For ease of use, they have been organized in two ways: categorized by theme and organized by state. The specific videos shown at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly have been identified and the two ELCA TV spots, “Hope (external link)” and “Dignity (external link)” have also been included. Continue reading…
In an effort to get information that you may need in a timely accessible form, I have recorded some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) from our conference assemblies regarding rostering changes within the ELCA. They are not highly polished, but hopefully they will be of some help as you seek to be faithful. Bear in mind that the following video clips are not meant to be theological dissertations but rather pastoral reflections to assist you with processing difficult questions.
Bill Rindy
Serving as Bishop of the Eastern North Dakota Synod
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EaND Synod’s Nov/Dec highlights for church bulletins
In this issue:
- Update from the Bishop
- Letter from Central African Republic Missionaries
» Download and share: November News Snippet Bulletin Insert (download .pdf file)
Continue reading…
As we walk the Christian life, we seek to live in God-pleasing ways. In my prayer life, I have made it a point not to tell the Creator of the universe how to run it. However, as I have been observing and conversing with those who till the soil, I have been reflecting on a core theological conviction I live by: God would never call to do something without equipping us to do it. This goes for farmers as well as pastors (not to mention every child of God). So I have been praying for daily bread, mindful of Martin Luther’s inclusion of “favorable weather” as part of the daily bread which God provides. As I write this, I am thanking God for the favorable weather of the past two weeks, allowing God’s children to do that which they are called to do: feed the world. May you sense God’s providence of daily bread in this season of Thanksgiving, that our hearts and lives may be filled with gratitude for all of God’s goodness. May we also be moved to share with those who find themselves in need. Continue reading…
Congratulations to the three Eastern North Dakota congregations who were among the 10 congregational finalists (external link) in the ELCA “God’s work. Our hands.” video contest (external link)! Please view the following videos from Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo; Martin’s Lutheran Church, Casselton; and First Lutheran Church, Fargo. Continue reading…
Bishop Rindy, Shar Gumke and EaND Synod voting members pray during the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
The 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, this church’s highest legislative authority, has concluded. For summaries, photos, and vote results please visit www.elca.org/assembly (external link).
Highlights:
Please regularly visit our website for updates and additional communication pieces regarding the churchwide assembly.
» Download Bishop Rindy’s letter (download .pdf file)
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
As you are probably aware, voting members from each of the 65 synods that make up the ELCA gathered together in Minneapolis to do some of the work of the churchwide “us.” The Eastern North Dakota Synod elected and sent twenty-three of us to serve in this capacity. So many things went into the week that we experienced. We worshipped daily, studied the Bible daily, ate and prayed together daily. We spoke and listened daily. We spent a thoughtful period of time debating the rules under which the assembly would operate. The assembly adopted Robert’s rules to guide the votes not specified by our constitution and bylaws. Continue reading…
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