Last Tuesday, May 14, Governor Dayton signed into law the legalization of same-sex marriage in Minnesota. It will officially take effect on August 1, 2013.

Such a change in the legal understanding of marriage in this state has obviously led many in our church to ask the Lutheran question, “what does this mean?”

I would encourage you to refer to the ELCA Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Note in particular section IV, Sexuality and Social Structures that Enhance Social Trust. There you will read that “the historic Christian tradition and the Lutheran Confessions have recognized marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman.” And you will also read that “it must be noted that some, though not all, in this church and within the larger Christian community, conclude that marriage is also the appropriate term to use in describing similar benefits, protection, and support for same-gender couples entering into lifelong monogamous relationships.”

This section also continues by referring to the reality of which we are only too aware, “differing and conscience-bound understandings about the place of such relationships within the Christian community. We have come to various conclusions concerning how to regard lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships, including whether and how to publicly recognize their lifelong commitments.”

In addition to the Social Statement, I would refer you to the resolutions addressing these different understandings also passed during the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. One resolution reads, “the ELCA commit itself to bear one another’s burdens, love the neighbor, and respect the bound consciences of all.” I have heard this resolution misinterpreted in a number of ways. What it refers to is respect for decisions that other faithful Christians make on these topics, especially if they differ from ours. It is not about me getting my way, but seeking to understand the other. Any conversation that is going to be helpful must begin there.

A second resolution passed at the same assembly, resolved “that the ELCA commit itself to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships.” Note that nothing is mentioned about individual pastoral decisions; decisions take place in the congregation. Note also that the word is “recognize” not “bless” or “marry.” The ELCA in fact has no rite for same-sex marriage.

(The full details of the aforementioned legislative actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly are available in this PDF.)

Again, “what does this mean?” I believe:

• Now is the time for congregational leaders to discuss what it means to “recognize” people in their midst who are in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships. I do not believe our social statement supports marriage or even blessings of such relationships. But that social statement does speak of recognition. Some of our congregations will be very supportive of such opportunities. Other of our congregations will not.
• I hope such conversations can lead to decisions reached by consensus. Congregations do not need to be again divided by taking votes in which there are winners and losers. Prayer needs to be at the very center of such a process.
• Pastors, remember that we also need to be part of such conversations. We serve under call to communities of believers. We need to facilitate discussion and direction as to what those communities expect of their pastor in these matters. I suspect pastors are going to receive requests to lead or participate at a variety of occasions both in the church building and outside of it. I would think it helpful if the congregation and the pastor would make policy decisions before such requests demand hurried and anxious decisions.
• The synod office is always willing to consult with pastors and congregational leadership, but remember that these decisions are congregational in nature. There will not be synodical policies proposed.

We have dealt with similar issues in recent years. My prayer is that we have learned much in the process about respect and trust and love. I believe that is how the Holy Spirit works among us.

Shalom,

Harold Usgaard
Bishop

News and information from around the synod.

Follow Along with the Synod Assembly

For those who cannot attend the 2013 Synod Assembly, there are several opportunities to follow along:

• News stories will be posted throughout the assembly at semnsynod.org/assembly
• Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/semnsynod
• Follow us on Twitter at @semnsynod (#semnassembly for assembly-specific news)
• Get synod Tweets by text message by texting “follow semnsynod” (no quotes) to 40404 (message and data rates may apply). Simply text “STOP” (no quotes) to 40404 to unsubscribe.
• A summary of the assembly will be posted by 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8. You are encouraged to share this with your congregation.

We Did It! (we think…)

As of April 13, we needed only THREE more Portico health care plan members to take the health assessment. At publication time, we have heard of more than three who have taken it since April 13.

This means our congregations will start saving 2% on health contributions, a cumulative total of approximately $46,000! The synod also receives a 1% return to be used toward healthy initiatives in the synod.

Thank you to all who have taken their assessments! For those who are eligible and haven’t taken it, you still have time to complete it for your own wellness and to earn Personal Wellness Dollars.

More information at http://bit.ly/W0SBPy or go straight to www.elcaforwellness.org to take your assessment.

What Advocacy Issues Are Important to You?

As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor, and advocating for public policy that helps the most vulnerable and protects God’s creation is one way we live out this call.

The advocacy ministries of our church want to hear from you now! Your responses to the short four-question ELCA Advocacy National Priorities survey greatly help the church facilitate this active and growing network of Lutherans speaking out for public policy that advances the common good and reflects your commitments.

Get started now at www.ELCA.org/advocacy/survey.

Remember in Prayer

Health Concerns

• Rev. David Barker
• Rev. Glen Bickford
• Jane Gegel, wife of Rev. Brian Gegel
• Rachel Iverson, daughter of Rev. Mary Iverson
• Rev. Jennifer Koenig
• Rev. Lydia Mittag
• Shannon Reuss, wife of Rev. Peter Reuss
• Rev. Don Roberts

Sympathies

• Rev. Roy Satre, whose brother-in-law passed away

ELCA concludes its earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has concluded its relief and recovery efforts in Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake – the most powerful to strike Haiti in more than 200 years. Nearly 250,000 people were killed, 300,000 injured and more than 1 million people were left homeless as a result of the earthquake. Through Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA members responded by donating more than $12.5 million dollars to support relief efforts, which were conducted in partnership with the Lutheran Church in Haiti and The Lutheran World Federation.

According to the Rev. Raquel Rodriguez, director for the ELCA Latin American and Caribbean Continental desk, ELCA members “can see the fruits of their generosity.”

Funds provided by ELCA members supported immediate and long-term recovery that rebuilt communities, and restored and sustained lives.

Full story…

ELCA leaders advocate for immigration reform in support of families

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America continues to advocate for comprehensive federal immigration reform as the Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings on legislation that calls for reform. A bipartisan group of senators introduced a reform bill April 17.

In anticipation of the Senate’s bill, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service sponsored a leadership summit April 14-16 that brought together 40 Lutheran leaders from across the country to Capitol Hill to support the new legislation.

“I’m proud that Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service could convene so many skilled and respected leaders at such a critical time at this year ‘s Lutheran Immigration Leadership Summit, as the Senate rolls out history-making immigration legislation. There’s never been a more important time for us, as Lutherans and Americans, to make our voices heard,” said Linda Hartke, president and CEO of the service.

Full story…

ELCA council authorizes advisory council on theological education

Acknowledging a climate of new institutional mergers and collaborations between seminaries and universities, new technologies and degree program designs, economic challenges facing students and educational providers, the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) authorized the formation of an advisory council to address in a holistic way issues on theological education, leadership development, candidacy, call, and rostered leaders.

The council’s action opens a path for renewal of the ELCA’s theological education networks, including a revitalization of work across this church in identifying and preparing women and men “to be formed as servant leaders” now and into the future.

According to the Rev. Jonathan P. Strandjord, director for seminaries at ELCA churchwide ministries, it is critical that this renewal happens in the next few years as the ELCA enters a period of a “retirement tsunami.” About “40 percent of the roster will retire in the next 10 years,” he told the council.

“Our work in identifying and preparing new rostered leaders over the next several years is crucial and will have a major impact for many to come,” said Strandjord. Another “thing that really matters, at least as much, is whether we can step up the biblical fluency of our lay leaders in these next years.”

In its action, the council authorized the Theological Education Advisory Council to:

+ gather board chairs and presidents of ELCA seminaries, ELCA colleges and universities with embedded seminaries, a synod bishop from each seminary board, and others to share counsel on priorities and strategic plans, current and new collaboration initiatives and degree program design innovations, and to examine implications for ELCA leadership identification and preparation systems.

+ provide periodic progress reports from the advisory council with updates on new developments in the theological education network to the ELCA Conference of Bishops and the Church Council with a final comprehensive report and possible recommendations to the Church Council by fall 2015 for possible consideration at the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

ELCA presiding bishop, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson asked, “How are we preparing leaders that reflect the face of the church we are committed to become? That takes intentionality, especially when it comes to diversity.”

Full story…

When the Education Team of Grace Lutheran Church, Waseca, Minn., decided to change the format of their traditional Sunday school hour, an opportunity for volunteers to create mission events was presented.

The Mission Team was charged with finding meaningful opportunities to extend God’s love by reaching out to others through mission work. And it wasn’t just “random” meaningful opportunities; the mission was to be tied to the lectionary series that was occurring during the event. Ideally, this would make the Bible passages have practical meaning in our impractical world. Our Mission Team generated some great ideas around Bible passages that engaged cross-generational congregation and community members in events that benefited various individuals in our community as well as overseas.

Putting the banner together.

Luke 13: 1-9 caused quite a bit of head scratching and grumbling among our Mission Team members. What does this passage even mean? How can we generate a meaningful mission event around a fig tree and repentance? The more the mission team thought about this and discussed it among our team members and our family and friends, it was like the gardner nurturing the soil around the fig tree. Ideas blossomed, fellowship blossomed, and strength of purpose for this mission project blossomed. It was decided that our mission was to create a banner that would be visible to congregation members as they exited the church to “Go Forth and Serve” in our communities. As the “Gardner” nurtures us, we produce the Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Also in John 15:5, we are reminded that we, as Christians, are the branches and Jesus in the Vine, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.”

Families wrote ways they can bear fruit on the leaves.

Our Mission Team wanted to provide the reminder that our souls are nurtured in Christ within our community of faith; our mission is to branch out to others to share the fruits of the spirit. The mission event provided the opportunity for families to discuss and create pieces for the banner that represent the fruit they would bear and share in the community. This banner is a reminder of our connection to Christ and responsibility to serve. Our banner reads: “What fruit will you bear? Go Forth and Serve.”

2013 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
June 7-8 | Mayo Civic Center | Rochester, MN

Pre-Assembly Report

The Pre-Assembly Report is the publication of all necessary information for the Synod Assembly including:

• Assembly Rules
• Helpful information for attending the assembly
• Reports from synod staff, committees, and ministry partners
• Resolutions
• Nominations
• Financial information
• and more!

Hard copies of the report are not provided. Download the report at semnsynod.org/assembly. You are encouraged to load it onto an electronic device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) to save paper.

If you cannot access the report, contact your congregation’s office. If your congregation cannot provide a report, contact the synod office at 507-280-9457 or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota.

Assembly Webpage

A variety of materials are available online at semnsynod.org/assembly including:

• Information about how many voters your congregation is eligible to send
• An assembly brochure as a quick introduction to the assembly
• Registration
• Pre-Assembly Report

There will also be news from the assembly posted on the website, including a printable summary available by 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8 that you can share with your congregation Sunday morning.

Deadlines

• Hard copy registrations – postmarked by May 20
• Online Registration: May 23 (on-site registrations cost an extra $50 – so get them in early!)
• Block rate at the Doubletree – May 24 (call 507-281-8000 for reservations)

Process for the Election of a Bishop

Voting members to this year ’s Synod Assembly will want to review the process for the Election of a Bishop prior to the assembly. Information is included in the Pre-Assembly Report or with other election resources at semnsynod.org/election-of-a-bishop.

Wi-Fi Access

FREE wi-fi access is now available at Mayo Civic Center. Consider bringing a laptop, tablet, or smartphone rather than hard copies of the Pre-Assembly Report to save resources.

Connect with us!

We’ll be live on social media throughout the assembly. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/semnsynod or Twitter at @semnsynod (#semnassembly for the assembly).

Book of Faith: Living Into & Out of Our BOF

The “Living Into and Out of Our Book of Faith” series this Snippet was announcing has been cancelled. 

Campus Ministry: Budget Changes

On behalf of the ministries in Mankato and Winona, thank you for your prayers, visits, student referrals, and financial support. This past academic year has been a wonderful time for the student ministries in our synod.

At the Synod Assembly, we hope to have some earnest conversations about the future of campus ministry in our synod. We are going to lose most of the money that has been pumped into our ministries from the churchwide organization and from the other five synods in Minnesota. This amounts to about half of our budgets.

But we believe in our work and that the one who has begun this good work in us will see it to completion. We know from conversations that we have had across the synod that many of you recognize how important young adult ministry is. Please help us as we discern our future. Keep praying for us and for the young adults we serve.

CYF Ministry: Online Resource Destination

Connecting – Innovating – Multiplying

These are key words in the mission statement for Leadership Network, a resource focused on serving congregations of all sizes through a variety of channels, including online videos, podcasts, downloads, and more. Also available is a free online newsletter filled with article, links, and other useful information.

To check out the Leadership Network and what is has to offer you and your congregation, check out the website http://leadnet.org/

Based on Matthew 13:8, “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Leadership Network believes “that meaningful conversations and strategic connections can change the world.”

Election of a Bishop: Join Us May 21/22/23

All members of the synod, especially those who will be voting members at this year ’s Synod Assembly, are encouraged to attend forums to hear more from the individuals you have raised up as possible candidates for bishop.

The forums are at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates:

• Tues., May 21 at Saint Paul, Pine Island
• Wed., May 22 at Chatfield Lutheran, Chatfield
• Thurs., May 23 at Grace, Waseca

The names of and information about the eight individuals who will participate are online at semnsynod.org/election-of-a-bishop/nominees

More information about the election is available at semnsynod.org/election-of-a-bishop

Global Mission: Education in Tanzania

Mwangaza Partnership in Education, a collaborative program between the ELCA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, is teaching classes on women’s rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, teaching skills, and community health to many Central Diocese congregations and schools. Mwangaza is recognized in Tanzania for their success, which is due to their methods of training the training and their follow-up visits and evaluations.

The Southeastern Minnesota Synod’s Global Mission/Companion Synods Committee supports Mwangaza through undesignated contributions from congregations.

For more information about Mwangaza contact: Kathy Bolin at bolin@semnsynod.org, 507-280-9457, or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota.

On March 24, 2013, Wal Reat (right) was ordained at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Faribault. For the last several years, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod has been abuzz with the addition of several new African ministries. Reat was the lay leader at Nile Our Savior’s Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community, which is now fully part of Our Savior ‘s Lutheran Church. Reat is called to Our Savior ‘s and continues to minister to the Nuer population. He is the first leader from one of the synod’s African ministries to be ordained. Reat is originally from Sudan.

The keynote presenter, licensed therapist Adam Arnold, pictured at left, was the keynote presenter. His message introduced a different point of view than many brought to the event. He spoke of allowing room for the bullies and asking how the root cause of the behavior can be addressed rather than further isolating aggressive individuals. In his practice, he won’t even use the term “bully” because of the negative and somewhat permanent connotations it can have. Instead he labels the individual behaviors and addresses those. Treatment of individuals starts by asking, “What is driving this cruelty? What is behind it?” He identifies a number of responses including building relationships and listening to others.

Following Arnold’s keynote, participants chose from several workshops addressing topics including parenting, cyber bullying, how one youth group is preventing bullying, bullying of the LGBT community, communities in crisis, and bullies in the church.

The afternoon both opened and closed in prayer. The closing prayers for healing offered a special time to light candles in honor of those affected by bullying and pray for the bullies.

Some resources from the event are available online at semnsynod.org/bullying-in-our-midst

Shortly before the start of my term as Synod Vice President, I was part of a study group in my congregation using John Ortberg’s book If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.

In case you’re wondering, the book is not a “how-to” manual for folks wanting to put God to the test. Or maybe it is in a way. In Ortberg’s view, walking on water means facing your fears; discovering and embracing the unique calling of God in your life; and experiencing the power of God to do something you would not be capable of doing on your own. Getting out of the boat and keeping your eye focused on the God big enough to hold you up – that is surely a challenge for all of us.

About that same time I jotted down a quote from one of our pastors: “Walking on water is not about some good thing you will do – it’s about some GREAT thing God will do through you!” Once again we have journeyed through Lent to the cross and can claim Christ’s victory for us. As Easter people we are gathered, equipped, and sent to share the Good News to all, loving boldly and stepping out in faith to serve our neighbors.

This year I am joining other ELCA bishops in a “Journey of Renewal.” Our coaches define it as an attempt to “live intentionally, centered, and well – for the sake of ministry. Wellness is knowing who you are – knowing what practices, tools, and support you need. And remembering whose you are – drawing upon God to strengthen you as you embark upon the lifestyle choices you desire to live well in Christ.”

This month we are keeping track of how we actually spend our time. We are using categories which include: work, daily tasks around the house, relationships with family and friends, and self-care, which involves everything from sleep to entertainment. It has been a fascinating exercise first to guess how I spend my time, but then to actually record it. Then come the questions: Which activities energize me? Which drain me? How do I cope with those ministry tasks that drain me? What does my time record say about my life values? Which areas do I need to change?

What I have appreciated in the process is that there was not a category for “God.” Too often when I have heard of similar exercises, there is a separate category for “God stuff.” And that is where I believe we become confused. We think in terms of making sure there is time included for our faith. But such a category too often ends up competing with other tasks and responsibilities. All of our time belongs to God, whether we are at work, doing jobs around the house, spending time with love ones, sleeping or entertaining. The challenge is not to find time for God, but rather to understand how God is a part of everything that we do. I believe that understanding how our faith is at the root of every hour of every day is what leads us to wellness.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

During our Lenten services at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minn., we focused on what we hunger for in our lives as we endeavor to live an abundant life as Christ invited us to live. One of the weeks the topic was the “Hunger for Peace and Justice.” I was asked to lead the service that night, and this particular verse came to my mind.

Many times I have heard people in congregations say that it is not the role of the church to talk about politics, but it is certainly true that God does ask us to “do justice.” That presents some points of friction in our congregations. It can present a clash point between our own views and the strongly held views of others.

I found some help in a statement from William Sloane Coffin in his book Credo. He says this: “Certainly religions are different. Still most seek to fulfill the same function; that is, they strive to convert people from self-preoccupation to the wholehearted giving of oneself in love for God and for others. To love God by loving neighbor is an impulse equally at the heart of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.”

The Christian who follows Christ can’t just sit idly by if they witness injustice done to another. It takes courage and some risk on our part, but we do this work out of kindness and love and from the tug on our hearts and minds for concern for others, especially the poor and those with little voice.

So I urge you to look around you and take seriously the verse from Micah as you look at the world from your viewpoint as a follower of Christ.

As summer approaches, schedules often shift as we are drawn to experience God’s creation out of our homes and into the sunshine. In our congregations, schedules often shift, too, as summer camps, picnics, Vacation Bible School, and maybe even outdoor worship appear.

But sometimes summer schedules draw families away from congregations, and the plan to “worship” takes a back seat as schedules and locations separate us from home. Does that mean we are unable to worship?

In Romans, Paul speaks of “offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” as “true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). So what does this mean for us, as we explore God’s world, long to deepen our relationship with God, and to worship God?

“What Is Worship?,” a short YouTube video, is great for families, youth, individuals, or groups of all ages to watch, wonder, and respond to with our actions and lives. View it at http://youtu.be/nuYoVjp33zk

The article “10 Ways to Worship Without Music” (http://saddleback.com/story/5071.html) offers the following suggestions:

1. Worship through prayer.
2. Get in a regular habit of reading the Bible.
3. Obey God.
4. Tithe
5. Build deep relationships with other Christians.
6. Share your faith.
7. Serve others.
8. Build into your life the attitude of thankfulness.
9. Begin turning over to God areas of your life that you have never committed to Him
10. Live a life of purpose.

Offering oneself as a true sacrifice God builds one’s relationship with God, and ultimately with those we are called to serve. Might we consider the fullness of Romans 12:1, that worship is truly everything you do when it is offered as a sacrifice, whether at home or away?

Call Update -

Self Study:

• Austin, St. Olaf – senior (William Odermann, interim)
• Dennison, Dennison & Vang – solo (2-point) (Terje Hausken, interim)
• Dodge Center, Faith – solo
• Faribault, First English – senior (Paul Meierding, interim)
• Faribault, Our Savior ’s – associate (David Beckstrom, interim)
• Grand Meadow, Bear Creek – solo
• Kenyon, Gol – solo, part-time (Marvin Kormann, interim)
• Kiester, Trinity & Bethel – solo (2-point) (Norman Bauer, interim)
• Lake Crystal, Zion – solo (Steve Bohling, interim)
• Northfield, St. John – senior (Orlin Mandsager, interim)
• Northfield, St. Peter – senior (Janet White, interim)
• Owatonna, Trinity – senior (Peter Strommen, interim)
• Plainview, Good Shepherd – solo (Joy Bussert, interim)
• Preston, Christ – solo (David Jore, interim)
• Red Wing, United – associate (Clark Cary, interim)
• Sargeant, Evanger – solo, part-time (Dwight Dobell, interim)
• Waseca & Lemond, St. Paul & Zion – solo (2-point)
• Webster, Solor

Interviewing:

• Albert Lea, First – associate (Joel Erickson, interim)
• Chatfield, Chatfield – associate
• Grand Meadow, Grand Meadow – solo
• North Mankato, Messiah – senior
• Oakland, Moscow & Oakland – solo (2-point) (Cheryl Szabo, interim)
• Rochester, Good Shepherd – associate
• Winona, Lutheran Campus Center – campus ministry pastor

Ready to Extend Call

• Adams, Little Cedar & Marshall – solo (2-point) (Natacha Kemp, interim)
• Ellendale, Pontoppidan – solo (Gena Koeberl, interim)

Roster Updates:

Retired:

• Gary Rusinko, from St. Paul, Meriden & Zion, Lemond, 6/1/13

Transfer In:

• Arne Jessen, retired from Southwestern Minnesota Synod, 2/1/13

Confirmation class of 1906 from Grace Lutheran Church, Chicago, Ill. Photo courtesy ELCA Archives (www.flickr.com/elcaarchives)

“Monkey business.” That’s what Martin Luther called confirmation in his day, as well as “fanciful deception” and “mumbo-jumbo.” Despite his critique that it had no scriptural basis and it was being used to change the meaning of baptism, it is a time-honored, valued rite of passage in congregations of many denominations, including ours. Faith leaders in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod have been having conversations to explore finding ways to balance the tradition of confirmation, the opportunity for faith formation, and the cultural disconnect from the way confirmation programming is done in many communities. How might this be reimagined?

The Southeastern Minnesota Synod Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) Ministry Task Force has taken steps to broaden these conversations. In February 2013, they presented a resolution to the Synod Council to continue “innovative exploration” of confirmation ministry and to call on the wider Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to join in the conversation.

Karen Gieseke, the synod’s Children, Youth, and Family Ministry coordinator and advisor of the CYF Task Force, says, “Confirmation as a means to affirm Christian faith is a thread in the Lutheran tradition. It also is one of the most challenging areas of ministry in churches today.” She seeks to find ways to connect content and experiences to challenge and build the faith of young people.

The resolution cites several national studies focused on youth and faith, studies that local congregations affirm in their own stories, that indicate that youth aren’t connecting to and living out a Christian way of life, even after participating in confirmation.

After the resolution was adopted by the Synod Council, it was passed on to the ELCA Church Council. At their April meeting, they affirmed the importance of this conversation on confirmation and referred it to the Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit to extend this conversation and resource sharing with other Christian education networks, including those who teach Christian education at our seminaries and colleges. Resources reflecting these conversations about faith formation can be expected in the next re-development of ELCA.org.

The conversation about confirmation ministry impacts the national church body as well as each individual and family in our congregations. People throughout this church, from parents to pastors, seminary professors to synod staff, ELCA Church council members to congregational council members at our smallest congregations are collaborating to develop sustainable and transformative faith formation practices.

More Information

The text of this resolution and the ELCA Church Council’s action on it are available online at semnsynod.org/resolved-to-reimagine-confirmation

Download:

• Portrait PDF
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• (click on the image above for a high resolution of the photo)

Resolution:

WHEREAS members of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod have engaged in ongoing conversation about confirmation ministry and what it means in this time and place; and

WHEREAS the most recent study of confirmation ministry in the ELCA is from 1993; and

WHEREAS 56% youth in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ages 13-17 make a personal commitment to living life with and for God (Portraits of Protestant Teens: A Report on Teenagers in Major US Denominations, Phil Schwadel and Christian Smith, 2005); and

WHEREAS one third of adults under 30 are religiously unaffiliated (Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, October 2012); and

WHEREAS if confirmation is only centered in youth ministry we miss opportunities for lifelong faith formation; and

WHEREAS some in our Lutheran faith community are struggling with Biblical literacy, faith articulation and Christian identity;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod will continue innovative exploration on Confirmation ministry; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod will share with other expressions of the church resources that are discovered in this exploration; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that synods and congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America be invited to reimagine Confirmation ministry in the 21st century; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America be a network for the adaptations that are already and will take place in the three expressions of the church; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council requests that the Church Council direct the appropriate unit of the churchwide expression to update the resources available on the churchwide web site to reflect the changes in faith formation ministry that are taking place within all expressions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Submitted by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Children, Youth and Family Ministry Advisory Task Force, Karen Gieseke, Advisory.

Adopted by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council at its meeting February 23, 2013.

ELCA Church Council Actions:

• To thank the Southeastern Minnesota Synod for its resolution related to confirmation ministry;
• To acknowledge that the churchwide organization is in the process of a complete redesign of the entire ELCA.org website;
• To request the Congregational and Synodical Mission unit, in consultation with the Mission Advancement unit and the Office of the Presiding Bishop, to update the resources on the new ELCA.org website to reflect the changes in faith formation ministry taking place within all expressions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America;
• To further request the Congregational and Synodical Mission unit, as part of the ongoing work of the Faith Formation Team (which includes unit staff, and staff from Augsburg Fortress, Publishers, as well as Christian education teachers in ELCA colleges and seminaries, and other partners) to take up the conversation about “reimagining” confirmation ministry and resources, and to report progress to the Conference of Bishops and the Church Council; and
• To request that the secretary of this church inform the synod of this action.