Orlando - Day 2

The assembly officially began today. I registered as a voting delegate. The first order of business was to attend a hearing on the social statement on genetics. I was very impressed with the people who developed the statement. My one question was very practical. How do you translate this document into parish life? Why is the question important for us as a church? It certainly has made a big splash in the genetic world. I was assured that they would address my concern in the study guide that is being developed for congregations.

An orientation was provided following the hearings. We learned how to use our electronic voting devices. They look like a remote control for your TV. They certainly make voting easy. After learning the ropes, lunch was served in one of the four ballrooms. I enjoyed meeting people from other parts of the ELCA. I also had the chance to catch up with an old friend from seminary, Gary Wollersheim. He is presently the bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod. He spoke of the challenges in connection with the social statement on sexuality, which has led to a number of congregations leaving the ELCA in his synod and the financial downturn impacting Illinois. Amidst our talk about the future of the church, we also had the opportunity to share stories about our grandchildren.

The first plenary session was held in the afternoon. The budget was presented. The projected income is down 24% from 2009. This is forcing some difficult choices in the life of the church. Staff has been reduced significantly and programs have been cut. However, Even with the downturn, the church does amazing work.

The LIFT study was then introduced. LIFT is Living into the Future Together: Renewing the Ecology of the ELCA. The purpose of the study is "to recognize the evolving societal and economic changes of the twenty years since the formation of this church and to evaluate the organization, governance and interrelationships among this church's expressions in the light of those changes". I have a concern that the study and recommendations do not fully capture the challenges facing the church. At dinner, we had conversation around the table in connection with LIFT. So many congregations and pastors are struggling. As I listened, I remain so grateful to be serving a congregation that is alive, active, and engaged.

Between the plenary session and dinner, we had our first communion service. There's nothing like 1,025 Lutherans singing. The worship was wonderful. They had a full range of insruments, a beautiful choir, amazing banners, and the Bishop delivered a great sermon. The focus was the disruptive nature of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people and the church that opens up new opportunities and growth. I felt renewed.

In the evening, we met again in plenary session. There was an additional presentation on LIFT and then a presentation on the Malaria Campaign. The assembly voted to support the campaign through 2015. We will be joining forces with many other organizations to help eliminate malaria in Africa by 2015. Malaria remains the leading cause of death in Africa and it is both preventable and treatable. A number of synods have already launched efforts. The session closed at 9:45 and I'm writing this blog before I go to bed. If people are interested in following the assembly, they can go to ELCA.org and follow the directions. If you visit the site, the New Jersey delegation is all the way in the back. Keep the assembly in your prayers and I'll write again tomorrow.

Peace,
Pastor Summer