Updates and Prayer Requests
Pastor Joyce and Ian Graue, missionaries serving in CAR, share the following:
The construction of the Women’s Center - known as “Chez Marthe et Marie” - is complete. Support from congregations for this project is ongoing as the center begins serving area women and is dependent on gifts. The adjacent church is complete but needs furniture including pews, benches, lectern, and communion table. Representatives from companion synods (Eastern ND, Western ND (external link) and Texas-Louisiana Gulf (external link)) traveled to CAR for the dedication in February.
The Village Education Project of the Lutheran Church (20 schools established so far) continues to need support. To begin phase two of the VEP Continue reading…
Minutes of the 21st Annual Assembly
of the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the ELCA
Fargo Civic Memorial Auditorium - Fargo, ND
April 5 & 6, 2008
Theme: “Let Mutual Love Continue: Living as God’s Abundant Gifts”
Saturday, April 5, 2008 - 8:30 a.m.
Opening Worship:
Bishop Rick Foss led our opening worship. He preached on the text from Colossians 1:15-20. Bishop Foss’s remarks were centered on the words, “In Christ Jesus all things hold together!”
Opening of the Assembly - 9:30 a.m
The opening of this Assembly was called by Bishop Rick Foss.
Introductions:
Bishop Foss introduced the Synod officers, Shar Gumke, VP; John Leininger, Sec.; and Dave Molmen, Continue reading…
State of the Synod Report
Bishop Rick Foss
21st Annual Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly
Fargo, North Dakota
April 5, 2008
“Let Mutual Love Continue: Living as God’s Abundant Gifts”
I like this assembly theme. In a year when there are some transitions, we lift up the deep continuities of life together in this synod. At a time when transition brings some loss, we lift up the profound promise that we are incarnate gifts to one another.
This is my 16th and final report. It will be a bit different, since I will not talk about plans/dreams/challenges for the year ahead; a new bishop will do that with you.
In 1992 I circulated a list of 100 verbs, and asked pastors and lay leaders in this synod which were most important for the bishop/synod office to be doing. You told us (and 5 years later, when asked again, you responded the same way). Of the 100 verbs, which included just about everything found in a bishop’s job description or a letter of call, you selected your “Top Ten Verbs.” Continue reading…
