ELS President's E-Newsletter: July 2005
News from President Moldstad in July 2005.
Dear Fellow Workers:
During this summer time I sincerely hope that each of you will be able to take some time off for rest and relaxation. Even our Lord took opportunity to go to a quiet place with his disciples in order to get some rest (Mark 6:31, 32). May we use the rest period to enjoy our families, to devote ourselves to prayer and also to rededicate ourselves to the important calling of proclaiming the unconditional Gospel of our Savior.
The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) met for its fifth triennial convention in Nakita, Japan. The CELC is a 20-member church worldwide affiliation.
Installation
The Rev. Gregory Haugen will be installed at Our Savior’s, Amherst Junction, and Messiah, Omro, Wisconsin on July 10, 2005. The service will be held at 3:00 at Our Savior’s.
ELS Bright Spots
Convention news:
Our recent synod convention proved to be a momentous one and one at which much has been accomplished:
• Lutheran Schools of America (LSA) – new board planned; special offering set to begin in 2006 under the theme “For You and Your Children,” Acts 2:39
• LMSI – we have taken on a new mission field in India (called Lutheran Mission of Salvation–India) and have urged a restructuring of the Board for Foreign Missions
• adopted a doctrinal statement on the public ministry, after a long period of study, discussions and debates
• colloquy procedures have been reassigned to the Synod Review Committee for further study and recommendations
• Evangelism – more attention given to rural outreach
• adopted a new guideline describing the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents
• received a new congregation into permanent membership: Hope Lutheran in Portage, IN
• Most of all we were edified as we have focused on our theme: ABIDE IN MY WORD (John 8:31, 32)
Prayer Requests
Our prayers go with the family members of Pastor Milton E. Tweit who died on Thursday, June 23, 2005. Pastor Tweit was 96 years old. He served faithfully as pastor in our synod at the following parishes: Norseland/Norwegian Grove in St. Peter, MN; Saude/Jerico parish in Lawler, IA; Bethany in Luverne, MN; and East/West Paint Creek congregations in Waukon, IA. Pastor Tweit also was a long time member of the Board of Regents for our Bethany College and our Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary.
We also ask God’s blessings upon the family of Rev. Brad Homan (Madison, WI). Pastor Homan’s brother died this past Thursday. He expresses appreciation for all of the prayers that have been offered.
President’s Activities
July 24––preach for dedication at Cottage Grove, WI
July 26––attend and greet WELS Convention in New Ulm, MN
July 29-31—LYA Convention
August 2—Board for Stewardship
August 4-5—Thoughts of Faith
August 8-9—Board of Regents
August 9-10—Board of Trustees
August 11-12—Board for Foreign Missions
August 21—Board for Publications
August 22-23—Doctrine Committee
In Christ’s abundant grace,
John A. Moldstad
During this summer time I sincerely hope that each of you will be able to take some time off for rest and relaxation. Even our Lord took opportunity to go to a quiet place with his disciples in order to get some rest (Mark 6:31, 32). May we use the rest period to enjoy our families, to devote ourselves to prayer and also to rededicate ourselves to the important calling of proclaiming the unconditional Gospel of our Savior.
The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) met for its fifth triennial convention in Nakita, Japan. The CELC is a 20-member church worldwide affiliation.
Installation
The Rev. Gregory Haugen will be installed at Our Savior’s, Amherst Junction, and Messiah, Omro, Wisconsin on July 10, 2005. The service will be held at 3:00 at Our Savior’s.
ELS Bright Spots
Convention news:
Our recent synod convention proved to be a momentous one and one at which much has been accomplished:
• Lutheran Schools of America (LSA) – new board planned; special offering set to begin in 2006 under the theme “For You and Your Children,” Acts 2:39
• LMSI – we have taken on a new mission field in India (called Lutheran Mission of Salvation–India) and have urged a restructuring of the Board for Foreign Missions
• adopted a doctrinal statement on the public ministry, after a long period of study, discussions and debates
• colloquy procedures have been reassigned to the Synod Review Committee for further study and recommendations
• Evangelism – more attention given to rural outreach
• adopted a new guideline describing the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents
• received a new congregation into permanent membership: Hope Lutheran in Portage, IN
• Most of all we were edified as we have focused on our theme: ABIDE IN MY WORD (John 8:31, 32)
Prayer Requests
Our prayers go with the family members of Pastor Milton E. Tweit who died on Thursday, June 23, 2005. Pastor Tweit was 96 years old. He served faithfully as pastor in our synod at the following parishes: Norseland/Norwegian Grove in St. Peter, MN; Saude/Jerico parish in Lawler, IA; Bethany in Luverne, MN; and East/West Paint Creek congregations in Waukon, IA. Pastor Tweit also was a long time member of the Board of Regents for our Bethany College and our Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary.
We also ask God’s blessings upon the family of Rev. Brad Homan (Madison, WI). Pastor Homan’s brother died this past Thursday. He expresses appreciation for all of the prayers that have been offered.
President’s Activities
July 24––preach for dedication at Cottage Grove, WI
July 26––attend and greet WELS Convention in New Ulm, MN
July 29-31—LYA Convention
August 2—Board for Stewardship
August 4-5—Thoughts of Faith
August 8-9—Board of Regents
August 9-10—Board of Trustees
August 11-12—Board for Foreign Missions
August 21—Board for Publications
August 22-23—Doctrine Committee
In Christ’s abundant grace,
John A. Moldstad
