Dear Fellow Workers:
Our synod convention this past month highlighted the subject of evangelism. In the discussions numerous ideas were presented to help us as believers in Christ look for ways to engage people in conversations about their need for the free salvation from sin that God offers to all in his holy Word. One suggestion that came from the sectionals was this: Help each of the members in our congregations understand what evangelism is, and also have them see how often our people do it in their daily words and actions. As leaders in our parishes, may we remind our fellow Christians of the various examples where witnessing for the Gospel (both directly and indirectly) occurs on a daily basis right in our homes, in places at work, in our family gatherings, and in our church buildings. If we think of the universal priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9), and recall that priests offered sacrifices, the comment by the apostle Paul in Romans 12 is striking: “Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy (literally, the Greek has the plural – mercies), to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–which is your spiritual worship.”

News from around the synod:
On July 1, 2007, Candidate of Theology Andrew Schmidt was ordained and installed as pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Lakeland, Florida. Rev. Robert Wilke (WELS), father-in-law of Andrew, preached the sermon, while Rev. Samuel Schmeling served as the liturgist and Rev. Gaylin Schmeling, president of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, performed the rites of ordination and installation.

Our new mission at Rogers, MN, Redeeming Grace Lutheran, received news lately that the city of Rogers has approved their building plans.

Pastor Harvey Abrahamson, who serves at Redeemer Lutheran in New Hampton, Iowa, has announced his retirement, effective on August 1. We wish Harvey and Ruth the Lord’s richest blessings as the family moves to the Mankato, MN, area.

Pastor Mark Rogers recently announced that he is resigning his call as pastor of Pinehurst Lutheran in Eau Claire, WI. Mark is planning to go into trucking as he moves to the state of Ohio. Pinehurst will become vacant on August 1. We ask God’s blessings on Mark in his new endeavors.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Yelm, WA, held a mortgage burning ceremony on Sunday, July 1, 2007.

New book available: A book of historic sermons and messages entitled "Forget Not His Benefits" by former president, the Rev. George M. Orvick, recently has been published and is now offered for sale. Rev. Orvick served as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod for twenty-eight years. The book contains items, including numerous pictures, covering the period of history in our synod from 1970-2002. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact directly our synod's bookstore (Bethany College Bookstore) at: 1-800-944-1722. The cost of the book is $11.95 + tax and shipping.

The Board for Evangelism utilized a new display booth for our convention.

 

On Wednesday and Thursday of our convention seven workshop sectionals were held. Here Pastor Larry Wentzlaff leads one of them.

Visiting during one of the breaks: Pastor William Stehr, Pastor Young-Ha Kim, and Pastor Jong-In Kim

Rev. Micah Ernst, who served as head usher, introduced the young people who worked as pages for the convention.

 

In the swing outside of the convention hall: Navina Gollapalli and her daughter Katherine, together with Jadon Kerkow. Navina’s husband, Kalyan, who attends our Bethany Seminary, addressed the convention and brought greetings from the LMSI in India.

 

West Coast Pastoral Conference: Faith Lutheran Church, Medford, Oregon, May 2007

LSA
One of the resolutions passed in convention was the following:
“Be it resolved, That the Board for Lutheran Schools of America continue to inform the synod members of the vital importance that Christian education has for the synod, and, be it resolved, That the members of the synod be encouraged to continue their support for the special offering of the For You and Your Children with their prayers and gifts.”

Prayer requests:
Pastor David Russow’s son, Paul, underwent a thyroid surgery in June at Rochester, MN, He is doing well in his recovery.

Address changes:
Rev. Glenn Smith
12263 625th Ave
Emmons MN 56029
507-297-5107

Rev. Darryl Bakke: 507-696-6233

Rev. David Thompson: immanuelels(at)arvig.net

In the joy of our Savior’s kingdom work,

John A. Moldstad