2006 Synod Assembly
Synod's strategic plan
continues with 'Synod Joined in Bible Study'
By Rev. Scott E. Olson
At the 2004 Synod
Assembly, voting members adopted the synod’s strategic plan, “Called into
God’s Marvelous Light.” This plan is to be carried out in 2005-2007. The
plan includes three visions: “To Be Joyful Witnesses,” “To Be
Christ-Centered Disciples,” and “To Be Strong Leaders.” It also includes
three yearly emphases. The first “A Synod Joined in Prayer,” was the
emphasis in 2005. This year the synod moved on to the second emphasis: “A
Synod Joined in Bible Study,” an initiative that surfaced in full force at
the Synod Assembly.
Following the adoption of
the strategic plan, the Congregational Renewal Team assumed responsibility
for the Bible Study objective. Larry Iverson, synod minister and staff
resource person to the team, summed this up in his report: “I hope
congregations will let the ‘Word’ dwell richly in the hearts of the members
and encourage engaging in self and group Bible study this whole year.”
Indeed, the Bible, its
importance for the life of faith, and its study permeated the whole of the
Assembly. Arguably, it was at the core as Lutherans claim it should be.
Rev. Dr. Craig Koester, Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary,
presented three Bible study sessions on the
book of Revelation. “If you can see yourself in any of this,” he said,
“then Revelation is the book for you.”
Additionally, both clergy
and lay people had the opportunity to “practice what they preach” by
participating in a variety of small group
Bible studies. Two separate sessions lasting 45 minutes each gave synod
pastors an opportunity to lead a favorite Bible study with a wider group of
people.
Of course, worship, the
heart and soul of our lives together, both in congregation and assembly, was
rooted firmly in Word and Sacrament. Bishop Usgaard, in proclaiming the
Word during opening worship, declared how Christ as the Word is in the
center of all we do as Lutheran Christians. The Service of Morning Prayer
and occasional hymns not only supported the Word but proclaimed it as well.
Rev. Michael Burke, ELCA Director for Worship, gave a presentation on how
important the Bible is for worship, not only in the sermon but the liturgy
as well.
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