Former ELS President authors book

The Rev. George Orvick, president emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, has published a book of addresses and sermons entitled, “Forget Not All His Benefits” which was printed by ELS member Howard Seiwert, owner of Ideal’s Printing, Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Rev. Orvick has been in the public ministry since his ordination in 1953. Since that time he has taken part in much of the synod’s history. During the 28 years that he served as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod he has participated in many anniversary and dedication celebrations. His sermons on those occasions proclaim the grace of Jesus and portray the recent history of the ELS in words and photographs. The book can be purchased at the Bethany Lutheran College Bookstore, phone 800-944-1722.

Bethany Lutheran College Report

BLC President, Dr. Dan Bruss, announced that 92 students had graduated in May. Many graduates have found good jobs. More Bethany students are studying in foreign countries. The college is examining the possibility of being involved with a liberal arts college in China. The Board of Regents is considering re-packaging majors within the 17 current majors and have approved a capital campaign entitled “A Faithful Future” to raise $28 million.

Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary Report

Pres. Gaylin Schmeling presented photographs that showed seminary history through its deans and presidents. The current seminary building was dedicated on June 15, 1997. The 2006-2007 student body consisted of 22 students. Two men from India started seminary classes in January 2007.

Board Chairman Ed Bryant reports on LSA

The Rev. Edward Bryant, chairman of the Board for Lutheran Schools of America, spoke about the importance of Christian education because God desires it and it trains our youth in the truths of Scripture. He reported that nine congregations plan to start or expand their Christian education program, four in Florida. The Board also is concerned about the existing ELS Christian Day Schools. He noted key elements for LSA schools: Gospel-driven, excellence in education, classical education, outreach-minded, and sustainable. Christian education is mission work. Everyone needs to be an advocate for Christian education and support this opportunity to affect future generations.

WELS Greetings from Wayne Mueller

First Vice President of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the Rev. Wayne Mueller, spoke about the unity and zeal for purity that is shared by the WELS and ELS. The two synods also have in common emphases in Christian education training and personal witnessing. Only by God’s help will this fellowship last. We thank God for His blessings and ask your prayers on the WELS convention beginning on July 30.

CELC Report by Steven Petersen

The Rev. Steven Petersen, president of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference, spoke about the recent CELC Theological Commission meeting in Leipzig, Germany. The commission completed the final editing of essays on Christology which will appear in the series, "The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century". Presidents of CELC-affiliate seminaries worldwide also met to discuss global theological education. The fifteenth anniversary of the CELC will be celebrated at the triennial convention on June 3-5, 2008 in Kiev, Ukraine.

Recognized for their work:

Prof. Juul Madson was thanked for his 38 years of work on the Doctrine Committee, being first elected in 1985.

Mrs. Lois Halvorson was thanked for her service as business manager of the Lutheran Sentinel for the past three years.

Missionary Timothy Erickson was thanked for his twenty-five years of mission work in Peru and Chile.