2006 Synod Assembly
Kicking off business in the
First Plenary
By Peg Mowery
The 2006 Assembly
officially began with Bishop Harold Usgaard leading the liturgy for the
Opening of the Assembly.
Thank you to all involved
with worship. Bishop Usgaard noted that Rev. Michael Burk was to lector and
at the last minute was unable to be there. He expressed his hope that Rev.
Burk would be able to make the Assembly later that day. Sydney Walker
Freedman, Saint Olaf Student Congregation, Northfield, was to be one of the
readers, but the Braille copy of the Bible was not available. The Assembly
welcomed her and thanked her for willingness to assist in worship.
The banner “Called in to
God’s Marvelous Light” was made three years ago. Banner creator Jorgie
Livingston passed away this past year. Bishop Usgaard thanked God for the
service she offered and commended her to God’s care.
Bishop Usgaard would like
the participants to go away with the answers to important questions before
we leave here. Like – what do we call pastors in Germany – German shepherds.
Rochester Mayor Ardell
Brede also sent a welcome to be read at Assembly. Brede, who attends Bethel
Lutheran in Rochester, stated, “Best wishes and blessings on your Synod
Assembly.” She is in New Orleans with a contingency of mayors focusing on
bringing back the culture to that area. She asks for the Assemblies prayers
for the people of the Gulf Coast.
Official business of the
First Plenary included adoption of the Agenda and the rules, which were both
adopted with no changes. Bishop Usgaard took this time to thank the
Parliamentarian, Ron Jensen, for his part in Assembly.
Rev. Peg Chemberlin
brought a welcome and thank you from the Minnesota Council of Churches. She
had anyone involved with the Council of churches to stand – many members
stood, especially when asked for those who had held a food drive during the
state-wide food drive and who had given to a food shelf. Thanks to those
contributions and others, in March 2006, 8.8 million pound of food was
gathered.
At the 2005 Assembly,
Rev. Sigifredo Buitrago P, Bishop and President IELCO addressed the
assembly. In a letter to Bishop Usgaard, he sends wishes that God, through
his Holy Spirit, guides the Assembly through its decisions.
Bishop Usgaard also
recognized recent retirees. One pastor that retired this last year,
Rev. John Heruth retired Sept 1, 2005 and continues to serve part-time at
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Waltham. Associates in Ministry retired this
last year include Mr. Jeff Daehn, Ms. Janet Tantow and Ms. Elaine Thoreson.
Previous story
Next story
Back to News
2006 Assembly photo album
|
