Pastor's Message
July 2010
(Pastor Hendricks and family are on a well-deserved vacation. In place of his message, we present a summary from this year’s Synod Assembly:)
‘The popcorn was sitting there wrapped in a bag in the drawer but it was no good that way. Then when it went in the microwave... BAM ... it was a fluffy crispy yummy snack.’ Okay, my paraphrase cannot do justice to the energy of this plenary talk but the point is that we be the popcorn letting the Spirit (the microwave) enliven us to do God’s work. This year’s synod assembly was themed “For the Lord Loves Justice” and through prayer, song, Bible study and good old-fashioned arts-and-crafts we explored the new mission/justice statement for the South-East Michigan synod “Rise Up: Bear Burdens, Build Bridges, Break Chains, Bring Hope”.
Held in Lansing (May 20-22), it was a joint assembly of the South-East and North/West Lower Michigan synods. Though we each had our own plenary time the larger group gathered for worship, meals and workshops. The combined attendance allowed for over a dozen workshops to be offered this year combining efforts and expertise from churches in metro Detroit to those on Michigan’s west-coast.
Pastor Dave attended a workshop on the Veteran’s Task Force and led a discussion of this ministry between services in mid-June. Adam Walters attended the workshop titled “Peace Not Walls” that described the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) Task Force of the South-East Michigan (SEMI) synod. I attended the workshop “The Roof Didn’t Fall In” presented by the SEMI Diversity Task Force on Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression. Well beyond questions of gender, this discussion made us consider how we welcomed our neighbors. Christine Blossom, who was representing WELCA at the assembly, attended the workshop on Eco-justice and faithful living.
As for the business, there were two topics for amendment in the synod constitution and two resolutions. The constitution amendments were passed allowing for the addition of a young adult member (under 30 years of age) on the synod council and reducing the printing requirements prior to the annual synod assembly. Resolution 1 passed approving a study of strategic, non-violent, means to encourage peace negotiations with the Israeli government in Jordan. This would be conducted by the ELCJHL Task Force within the South East Michigan synod. Resolution 2, which proposed that the assembly affirm that the institution of marriage be for the union of one man and one woman and that the order of worship for marriage be reserved for such celebrations, did not pass.
At the assembly I enjoyed reconnecting with pastors and members that I’ve met throughout my life. I also enjoyed meeting new people from congregations across our great state. Since the assembly I have taken the opportunity to explore some of the SEMI congregations online (www.semisynod.com). It is interesting to learn how each congregation, small and large, is carving out their identity and following God’s plan within their communities – also how they combine in mission and ministry. I encourage you to explore the SEMI Synod website and consider: How is the Spirit enlivening you to Rise Up: Bear Burdens, Build Bridges, Break Chains, and Bring Hope? Feel free to break out the arts-and-crafts supplies as needed.
Respectfully submitted,
Laila Poisson