Orlando - Day 4

Today started bright and early with a plenary session at 8:00. We heard the report from the secretary, vice-president, and treasurer. I have a much better idea of what is happening around the church. Some synods have lost 16% of their congregations related to the 2009 decision on sexuality. The New Jersey synod has not lost one. Along with the financial downturn, the finances of the church have been deeply impacted, though we are trending up again.

While the news about our church's struggles was troubling, the report from the new head of the Lutheran World Federation was both exciting and powerful. Our church is making a real difference around the world for the sake of Christ. One example is what's happening in Somalia. The ongoing war and drought have been devastating. LWF is in charge of the largest refugee camp between Somalia and Kenya. 1,000 refugees a day arrive in the camp, and we are there providing food, water, shelter, and hope. The ELCA has contributed 1.5 million dollars to this effort. This is only one example.

Worship, bible study, and prayer continue to be at the center of our assembly. The worship again reflected the global nature of our witness. I thoroughly enjoyed the hymns from France. All of them were new to me. The preacher was from Haiti and the worship concluded with a great rendition of "Keep Your Eye on the Prize". Bible study is held every day for all 1,025 delegates. These are wonderful moments of renewal as we wade through the legislative work.

The legislative work filled the rest of the day. There are constitutional changes, memorials, and the LIFT document. Robert's Rules of Order have been a blessing and a curse. There are times when they clearly help us and times when they seem to frustrate our efforts. Again, I have been deeply impressed with the recommendations, arguments, and insights of the delegates.

I was very happy when we ended at 6:00 and we got the evening off. I had dinner with some of my fellow Jersey delegates and then went for a swim. You should see the size of the pool and I loved the hot tubs. That's right, hot tubs plural. I look forward to getting to bed a little earlier. The work will continue tomorrow. Please keep the assembly in your prayers. I'm sure I'll more stories to tell.

Peace,
Pastor Summer