One our LC3 Congregations wants to let others know that they are in the process of seeking a new pastor. If you are interested in more information, please contact the address below:
Urland and Wangen Prairie Lutheran Church and Parish
Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Open Position: Pastor
Urland and Wangen Prairie Churches are a two-point parish located in the rural community of Cannon Falls, Minnesota. Urland is 10 miles from Cannon Falls and Wangen Prairie is 6 miles from Cannon Falls. The Urland congregation has about 300 members and the Wangen Prairie congregation has about 80 members. Urland owns a parsonage located next to the church. The Urland congregation has additional staff of an Associate Pastor of Youth and a part-time Lay Minister.
For more information:
Call 507-263-4011 or send a résumé to:
Urland/Wangen Prairie Lutheran Churches
6860 Cty. 9 Blvd.
Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Open Letter from LutheranCORE
Open Letter to the Rev. Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA; and the Rev. Lowell Almen, Secretary
cc: The Rev. E. Roy Riley, chair of the Conference of Bishops
The Rev. Ronald B. Warren, Bishop of the Southeastern Synod
Dear Bishop Hanson and Secretary Almen:
The recent action taken by Bishop Warren of the Southeastern Synod in filing formal charges against Pastor Bradley Schmeling for "behavior incompatible with the character of the ministerial office" has set the disciplinary process of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in motion. This process, which is outlined in chapter 20 of the ELCA constitution, provides the ELCA with an orderly procedure for dealing fairly with disciplinary charges brought against ordained clergy serving under call. The crucial importance of following this process in an evenhanded way that adheres strictly to the constitution cannot be overstated, particularly when the charges involve issues of sexuality.
Pastor Schmeling, in writing to his own congregation, has said, "I think the policy of the church is wrong, and it needs to be changed." However, this policy regarding sexual conduct for rostered persons was clearly upheld by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly, which is the highest legislative body in the ELCA. All bishops and synods are held accountable when it comes to following the constitutional stipulations regarding the definitions and guidelines for rostered persons. Only confusion and increased distrust of our elected leadership will be the result if a disciplinary hearing decision seeks to overturn the work of a properly constituted Churchwide Assembly. Indeed, confusion and distrust already exist due to the widespread perception that some bishops have refused to enforce the constitution and instead allow pastors to remain in service even though they are and plan to remain in violation of the guidelines.
However, our concern goes beyond a desire for constitutional proprieties. The constitution of the ELCA is only a tool to be used by the people of God in the work of living out the teachings of the Scriptures and the Lutheran confessions. Since the time of the New Testament, Christians have understood the Scriptures to speak clearly and with authority on matters of sexual behavior, particularly for those in leadership positions in congregations. "Vision and Expectations" reflects this understanding when it states, "The ordained minister is to be an example of holy living, so that the ordained minister's life does not become an impediment to the hearing of the gospel or a scandal to the community of faith." This example of holy living is not limited to but certainly includes the ordained minister's sexual conduct. To expect those serving the ELCA in the Office of Word and Sacrament to live in fidelity to one's spouse if married, to live a chaste life if single, and to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships is nothing new in the history of the Christian Church. What we expect is for the leadership of the ELCA faithfully to uphold the teachings of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions on the issues of human sexuality as on all other doctrinal matters.
We wish to assure you of our continued prayers for all who are involved in these proceedings, including Bishop Warren, Pastor Schmeling, the members and congregations of the Southeastern Synod, and the twelve members of the Disciplinary Hearing Committee. The concern we express here comes from our deep commitment to the mission that we in the ELCA share with the whole Church, to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in faithfulness to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. May the guidance of the Holy Spirit continue to lead and support you in the decisions of your office on this and all matters.
Lutheran CORE Steering Committee
Paull Spring, State College, PA, chair
Erma S. Wolf, Brandon, SD, vice chair
W. Stevens Shipman, Watsontown, PA, secretary
cc: The Rev. E. Roy Riley, chair of the Conference of Bishops
The Rev. Ronald B. Warren, Bishop of the Southeastern Synod
October 16, 2006
Dear Bishop Hanson and Secretary Almen:
The recent action taken by Bishop Warren of the Southeastern Synod in filing formal charges against Pastor Bradley Schmeling for "behavior incompatible with the character of the ministerial office" has set the disciplinary process of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in motion. This process, which is outlined in chapter 20 of the ELCA constitution, provides the ELCA with an orderly procedure for dealing fairly with disciplinary charges brought against ordained clergy serving under call. The crucial importance of following this process in an evenhanded way that adheres strictly to the constitution cannot be overstated, particularly when the charges involve issues of sexuality.
Pastor Schmeling, in writing to his own congregation, has said, "I think the policy of the church is wrong, and it needs to be changed." However, this policy regarding sexual conduct for rostered persons was clearly upheld by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly, which is the highest legislative body in the ELCA. All bishops and synods are held accountable when it comes to following the constitutional stipulations regarding the definitions and guidelines for rostered persons. Only confusion and increased distrust of our elected leadership will be the result if a disciplinary hearing decision seeks to overturn the work of a properly constituted Churchwide Assembly. Indeed, confusion and distrust already exist due to the widespread perception that some bishops have refused to enforce the constitution and instead allow pastors to remain in service even though they are and plan to remain in violation of the guidelines.
However, our concern goes beyond a desire for constitutional proprieties. The constitution of the ELCA is only a tool to be used by the people of God in the work of living out the teachings of the Scriptures and the Lutheran confessions. Since the time of the New Testament, Christians have understood the Scriptures to speak clearly and with authority on matters of sexual behavior, particularly for those in leadership positions in congregations. "Vision and Expectations" reflects this understanding when it states, "The ordained minister is to be an example of holy living, so that the ordained minister's life does not become an impediment to the hearing of the gospel or a scandal to the community of faith." This example of holy living is not limited to but certainly includes the ordained minister's sexual conduct. To expect those serving the ELCA in the Office of Word and Sacrament to live in fidelity to one's spouse if married, to live a chaste life if single, and to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships is nothing new in the history of the Christian Church. What we expect is for the leadership of the ELCA faithfully to uphold the teachings of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions on the issues of human sexuality as on all other doctrinal matters.
We wish to assure you of our continued prayers for all who are involved in these proceedings, including Bishop Warren, Pastor Schmeling, the members and congregations of the Southeastern Synod, and the twelve members of the Disciplinary Hearing Committee. The concern we express here comes from our deep commitment to the mission that we in the ELCA share with the whole Church, to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in faithfulness to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. May the guidance of the Holy Spirit continue to lead and support you in the decisions of your office on this and all matters.
Lutheran CORE Steering Committee
Paull Spring, State College, PA, chair
Erma S. Wolf, Brandon, SD, vice chair
W. Stevens Shipman, Watsontown, PA, secretary
Ken Kimball, Waterville, Iowa
Paul Ulring, Columbus, OH
Ryan Schwarz, Washington, D.C.
Mark Chavez, Landisville, PA
Scott Grorud, Hutchinson, MN
Mark Graham, Roanoke, VA
Mark Chavez, Landisville, PA
Scott Grorud, Hutchinson, MN
Mark Graham, Roanoke, VA
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ghana
Lutheran schools in the African country of Ghana are alive and well and are educating future leaders to reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But they could use your help.
Are you going to be buying a new computer? How long has it been since you have sorted out your bookshelves? Theological works as well as Bibles can make their way to seminarians in Ghana. Computers can be shipped as well. Perhaps you or your congregation would consider contributing to the expense of shipping a container. Let us give out of our abundance.
Holy Trinity, New Rochelle, NY is collecting books for the library at St. Paul's Lutheran School, Accra, Ghana, and sending it directly to the Director of Schools and Projects, Kwadwo Gyami of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana. If you would like to help or want more information, please contact Pastor Eric Swensson at eric@holytrinitynewrochelle.org or call (914) 740-3199.
One congregation in Michigan notified me that they were interested in giving $1,000 for this project. My own congregation is doing a fundraiser with Thrivent which should net us $2,000 for the cost of a shipping container. I also have a contact to buy reconditioned computers. I would be taking to Ghana computers for the kids, sewing machines for the refugees, plus those children's books and other books suitable for school libraries. All you theologians out there who could weed out your libraries of GOOD books that you just don't use anymore (recent encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.). Good resources would be of great help to our brothers and sisters there.
I hope you would consider bringing the Lutherans in Ghana to the attention of your congregation's Council or mission committee. Feel free to contact me. Thank you for your support!
Peace in Christ,
Rev. Eric Jonas Swensson
Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity
New Rochelle, New York
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Charting Our Course
Dear Friends and Members of LC3:
Lutheranism is at a crossroad. We all recognize this. How we faithfully and boldly confess and witness to the Christian faith is a most crucial matter for our churches. The Lutheran Churches of the Common Confession (LC3) stands as one of many attempts to claim the “Lutheran center” through what we publicly confess and teach.
We knew from the beginning that the interests and concerns of member churches within LC3 would vary greatly. Much like the WordAlone Network, there is great diversity in LC3. This diversity is not related to what we believe as much as it is to how we live out those convictions, and the aspects of ministry we choose to emphasize and spend our time on.
In order to provide better clarity and meet the diverse interests of those involved in LC3, as well as to assist and encourage the growth of LC3, I propose that Pastor Steven King and I take on complementary leadership roles within LC3, relating to these distinct emphases.
Currently, there are fifty-four LC3 churches. Thirty-two of the fifty-four churches are not WordAlone churches. Pastor King (along with members of the LC3 steering committee) would relate to and regularly communicate with these churches. Part of the goal would be to understand better the interests, hopes and concerns of these churches, as well as those of other churches who have yet to join LC3. It would also allow these churches the freedom to determine their relationship to WA and its current and future goals, while setting their own. I will become the WordAlone Liaison to LC3, focusing my efforts on: WA churches within LC3, WA churches who are not in LC3, as well as LCMC churches who are a part of LC3. This will provide these churches the opportunity to work more closely with current and future goals of WA (such as the house of studies, etc.) as a members of the broader association.
Because it is important to communicate with all Lutherans who share convictions similar to ours (expressed simply in The Common Confession), communication and connections are important. Pastor King will function as the “LC3 National Coordinator” and be in charge of communications (primarily through the website). In addition to this, he will help coordinate the expansion of our educational and mission resources. Pastor King and I will also communicate regularly with Pastor Scott Grorud who serves on the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee and the WordAlone Board.
While this direction does not represent a radical departure for LC3, it is my hope that it can provide some needed clarity and help us chart a new course.
In Christ,
Pastor Randy Freund
Hutchinson, Minnesota
PS. I hope you plan to attend the theological conference November 12-14 in Fridley, MN. Registration forms and information is available through the WordAlone website (www.wordalone.org). The conference will include break-out sessions for LC3 churches.
Lutheranism is at a crossroad. We all recognize this. How we faithfully and boldly confess and witness to the Christian faith is a most crucial matter for our churches. The Lutheran Churches of the Common Confession (LC3) stands as one of many attempts to claim the “Lutheran center” through what we publicly confess and teach.
We knew from the beginning that the interests and concerns of member churches within LC3 would vary greatly. Much like the WordAlone Network, there is great diversity in LC3. This diversity is not related to what we believe as much as it is to how we live out those convictions, and the aspects of ministry we choose to emphasize and spend our time on.
In order to provide better clarity and meet the diverse interests of those involved in LC3, as well as to assist and encourage the growth of LC3, I propose that Pastor Steven King and I take on complementary leadership roles within LC3, relating to these distinct emphases.
Currently, there are fifty-four LC3 churches. Thirty-two of the fifty-four churches are not WordAlone churches. Pastor King (along with members of the LC3 steering committee) would relate to and regularly communicate with these churches. Part of the goal would be to understand better the interests, hopes and concerns of these churches, as well as those of other churches who have yet to join LC3. It would also allow these churches the freedom to determine their relationship to WA and its current and future goals, while setting their own. I will become the WordAlone Liaison to LC3, focusing my efforts on: WA churches within LC3, WA churches who are not in LC3, as well as LCMC churches who are a part of LC3. This will provide these churches the opportunity to work more closely with current and future goals of WA (such as the house of studies, etc.) as a members of the broader association.
Because it is important to communicate with all Lutherans who share convictions similar to ours (expressed simply in The Common Confession), communication and connections are important. Pastor King will function as the “LC3 National Coordinator” and be in charge of communications (primarily through the website). In addition to this, he will help coordinate the expansion of our educational and mission resources. Pastor King and I will also communicate regularly with Pastor Scott Grorud who serves on the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee and the WordAlone Board.
While this direction does not represent a radical departure for LC3, it is my hope that it can provide some needed clarity and help us chart a new course.
In Christ,
Pastor Randy Freund
Hutchinson, Minnesota
PS. I hope you plan to attend the theological conference November 12-14 in Fridley, MN. Registration forms and information is available through the WordAlone website (www.wordalone.org). The conference will include break-out sessions for LC3 churches.
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