Scripture: Mark 5:21-43 

Script 

Prop: A new band-aid for each child. 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning, everyone!

 Pastor: How are you doing today, Sammy? 

 Sammy: I am doing really well. I had my breakfast this morning and my maa-maa brushed my wool and I made it to church on time.  

 Pastor: That’s great, Sammy!  

 Sammy: How are you, Pastor? 

Pastor: I am doing well, but I have something on my mind. 

 Sammy: What’s on your mind? 

 Pastor: I’m wondering how much faith we have as a congregation. 

 Sammy: What do you mean? 

 Pastor: Well, when I read the gospel reading for today, we heard about Jairus and his faith that Jesus could heal his daughter. And while Jesus was on his way to heal the girl, a woman had such a big faith that Jesus could heal her if she could just reach out and touch his clothes. What do you think, boys and girls? How do we know if we have faith like Jairus and the sick woman? 

 [Allow time for responses] 

 Pastor: These are all great answers, everyone! 

 Sammy: Pastor, I think our congregation has great faith. St. Paul talks about how blessed we are because we have not seen Jesus, and yet we still believe in him. 

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. I was also thinking about how Jesus heals our bodies and also our spirits. He takes care of our physical needs and our spiritual needs. 

 Sammy: Just like in the gospel you read today! Jesus healed a woman and a girl, and when the girl was raised up from the dead, Jesus told her mom and dad to give her something to eat. He knew she was hungry and she needed food. I love that Jesus takes care of us—especially because I am always hungry! 

 Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Remember that Jesus also takes care of our spiritual bodies, our souls, too. When he raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead, his miracle points to the resurrection of his own body when he will rise from the dead. And guess what? 

 Sammy: What? What? 

 Pastor: Jesus will raise each of us from the dead, too. 

 Sammy: That’s so cool! I will get to live forever with Jesus. 

 Pastor: Yes—we get to live with him in Heaven, and one day, he will come back and Heaven and earth will be one. 

 Sammy: And there will be no more death or pain, and we will not need to be healed anymore. We won’t need to buy any more band-aids, Pastor!  

 Pastor: Speaking of band-aids, one of the best ways I know to help us with healing is a band-aid. I am going to give each of you a band-aid (a new one) to remind you that Jesus is our great healer. You can put it on now, or you can save it for when you really need it. 

 Sammy: I want one, too, please! [Pastor puts a band-aid on Sammy] Oooo I love it! Jesus is our healer: both of our bodies and our spirits. 

 Pastor: Let’s say a prayer together. Boys and girls, will you fold your hands and bow your heads with me, please? Dear Jesus, thank you for healing our bodies. Thank you for providing for us. Thank you for raising us up to new life in you. Amen. 

 Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

 Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 28: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, B

Genesis 9:8-17 (God makes rainbow a sign of his covenant with Noah)

RCL/ELW: 2 Kings 4:42-44 (Elisha feeds 100)

Psalm 136:1-9 (Give thanks to God; he is good; his steadfast love endures forever)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 145:10-18 (All eyes look to you, you give food in due season)

Ephesians 3:14-21 (Be strengthened by Spirit, rooted and grounded in Christ)

Mark 6:45-56 (Jesus walks on water, heals many in Gennesaret)

RCL/ELW: John 6:1-21 (Feeding of 5000, walking on water)

*************************

Opening hymn: Evening and Morning: LBW #465, ELW #761, LSB #726

OR Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV # , ELW #733, LSB #809

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB #722

OR (if using RCL/ELW texts) All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly: ELW #461

OR (ditto) Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, LSB #763

Communion Hymn #2: : All Creatures of Our God and King: LBW #527, v. 1-3, 6-7

“All Creatures, Worship God Most High”- fewer verses, altered: ELW #835

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent: LBW #462

OR I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

OR I Come With Joy:  ELW #482

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for your steadfast love! Thank you for Jesus, your Word and Love made flesh. Thank you for strengthening us in faith, hope, and love, through the gift of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have rooted and grounded the Church in the life-giving body of your dear Son. May that Church always feed, heal, teach, and draw many souls to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shelter and bless all who suffer for naming Jesus as Lord. By their faithful endurance and charity, soften the hearts of their enemies. Bring many to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Nourish the people of this congregation with the living Bread of heaven. Heal us with your mercy and forgiveness. Make us brave and wise as we strive to share your saving love with those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our young adults with strength of character, to resist the follies of the culture. Channel their energy and idealism into deeds of mercy and words of wisdom. Use them to introduce skeptical friends and cynical co-workers to you, the source of all goodness, truth, and beauty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give upright hearts to those entrusted with leadership in government, education, industry, or the arts. Teach them to love wisdom and righteousness. Help them to use power and authority rightly, so all people are blessed with freedom, justice, and opportunity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who risk their lives on behalf of ours. Equip them with every virtue they need to do their jobs faithfully and well. Help us to honor their service and sacrifice. Help them use their skills in new ways when their duties are completed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow your Holy Spirit upon all who cry out to you, especially: {List}. Graciously heal, restore, and strengthen them. Bless everyone who assists them in their time of need. Increase their trust in you, their Strength and their Redeemer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your tender care, dear Father, all who have died trusting in your promises. Heal our grief, strengthen our faith, and forgive our sins. Nourish us with the Bread of Life, and refresh us with your Holy Spirit. Lad us into your heavenly Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall rejoice in your goodness forever.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 21: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, B

Jeremiah 23:1-5 (God will replace Israel’s false shepherds; righteous branch of David)

Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)

Ephesians 2:11-22 (Joined together in Christ, he is our peace through blood of his cross)

Mark 6:30-44 (Feeding the 5000)

RCL/ELW: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56 (Jesus teaches [before feeding 5000] and heals [after; will get

feeding miracle from John])

***********************

Opening hymn: The Church’s One Foundation LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

OR Church of God, Elect and Glorious: LSB #646 (Really nice. Tune is same as “Lord, You

gave the great commission”)

Hymn of the Day: Word of God, Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

OR Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

Communion Hymn #1: Let Us Break Bread Together: LBW #212, ELW #471

Communion Hymn #2: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us:

LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (ELW and LSB use the MUCH more familiar tune, “Bradbury.” If you use LBW and don’t like the tune used there, rustle up an old SBH, it’s #524. You’re welcome.)

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing (2^nd verse is perfect!): LBW #196, ELW #544

OR With God as Our Friend: LBW #371 (it sings like a Swedish folk tune; words are delightful)

OR Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing: LBW #259, ELW #545, LSB #924

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for our Good Shepherd! Thank you for his compassion and mercy. Thank you for the peace he gives through the blood of his Cross. Thank you. We adore and bless you for your loving-kindness to sinners like us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Establish the Church as your living temple, built on the foundation of prophets and apostles, with Christ as its cornerstone. Make its words precious and its actions holy. Use it to feed the world with the living bread of your holy Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the faithful Shepherd to your persecuted Church. Protect them from those who hate the name of Jesus and seek to scatter and destroy his flock.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for making this congregation part of the Body of Christ. Keep us in union with him, our Cornerstone and Savior. Let all we do conform to the witness of prophets, apostles, and martyrs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom and guidance to everyone learning to be a spiritual director, discipleship partner, or mentor for those seeking to walk more closely with Christ. Make them humble, faithful, and radiant with the beauty of the Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You condemned kings who were abusive shepherds of your people. Warn and guide our earthly leaders. Teach them to use power and authority to protect and bless their citizens, and to do your will. Teach each of us to share what we have with the poor and hungry. Teach us to believe that you bless and multiply our gifts to your glory and for the benefit of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be with those whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially military and first responders. Make them brave, wise, and just. Use them to bring safety and hope to dangerous places. Raise and heal them when they fall. Give steadfast hearts to their loved ones until they are reunited.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the poor and needy, the sick and injured, the lonely and grieving, the imprisoned and abused, the homeless and dispossessed. Ease their suffering or sorrow. Today we also pray for: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd. Feed them with the bread of healing, forgiveness, and hope. Bless everyone who cares for them, and give them strength and joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, keep safe our beloved dead until you reunite us in your own House. Grant us faith in your dear Son to walk confidently through death’s dark vale, encouraging one another in his name. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you feed all whom you have redeemed with the banquet fare and rich wine of the Lamb’s high feast.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 14: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, B

Amos 7:7-15 (Amos speaks of God’s judgment, and is told by king to take a hike)

Psalm 85:1-13 (Restore us, O God of our salvation; righteousness and peace have kissed)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 85:8-13 (Eliminates wrath, plea for forgiveness)

Ephesians 1:3-14 (Spiritual blessings in Christ, who has prepared our eternal inheritance)

Mark 6:14-29 (John the Baptist loses his head)

********************

Opening hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686

OR My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #968

Hymn of the Day: All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498

(gotta love a John Bunyan “Pilgrim’s Progress” hymn!)

OR Faith of Our Fathers: LBW #500, ELW #812/813 (813 is the “inclusive” version, keeps old 1^st verse,

adds new ones that are a tad earnest but quite good).

OR Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/458; ELW #775 (same as LBW 457); LSB #743
Communion Hymn #1:  He Leadeth Me: LBW #501

OR Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me: LBW #327, ELW #623, LSB #761

Communion Hymn #2: Fight the Good Fight: LBW #461, LSB #664

OR Here is Bread: ELW #483

Closing Hymn: O Jesus, I Have Promised: LBW #503, ELW #810

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, we give uneasy thanks for prophets and martyrs. They’re hard to listen to, much less imitate! We give you uneasy thanks for the times you test our faith. Remind us that your grace is sufficient, and the inheritance you have stored up for us in Christ is eternal.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful as you judge your Church. Drive out false teaching and unholy living. Give bishops, pastors, and theologians the courage and faithfulness of John the Baptist. Let your Word of Law and Gospel be proclaimed to all people, so that many be drawn to repentant faith in your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like John the Baptist, many of your servants are in danger today. Keep them steadfast in faith, bold in witness, patient in suffering, and joyful in hope, always giving thanks to their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation faithful to our mission: to proclaim Christ, crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto life everlasting. Make our words wise; our actions gracious; and our lives holy, so others want to meet the Lord we love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our youngsters as they enjoy their summer vacation. Delight them with the wonders of your creation; and instill in them a love of learning that does not end with classroom bells.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the leaders of the nations advisors who speak truth to power. School them in integrity, justice, and mercy. Give each of us a teachable spirit. Help us hear your commandments, obey them, and live at peace with our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the work of all who defend life and liberty, here and abroad. Make them strong, competent, and faithful. Deliver them from evil, and give them a joyful homecoming. Grant healing to those who are injured and honor to all who have died in the line of duty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, thank you for the inheritance given to us in Jesus. Thank you for the promise of life everlasting. Thank you for fulfilling your promises to all who died trusting them. Give us strength to trust your Son completely; to confess him boldly; and to rejoice in him always. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into your Kingdom, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 7: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9

Ezekiel 2:1-5 (God’s Spirit within the prophet called to speak to rebellious people)

Psalm 123 (Have mercy; we have had enough of contempt)

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (Paul’s visions, and the thorn in the flesh)

Mark 6:1-13 (Jesus rejected in Nazareth; the 12 are sent on mission trip)

******************

Opening hymn: Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966

Hymn of the Day: Lord, You Give the Great Commission: WOV #756, ELW #579

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669

Communion Hymn #1: O Master, Let Me Walk With You: LBW #492, ELW #818

Communion Hymn #2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW #381, LSB #827

OR Here I Am, Lord: WOV #752, ELW #574

Closing Hymn: (If celebrating Independence Day this weekend): God of Our Fathers:  LBW #567

OR This is My Song: ELW #887 (tune is Finlandia; nice words)

OR On Eagles’ Wings: WOV # , ELW #787, LSB #727

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, sometimes we give you thanks, then gulp. Thank you for your prophets, even when their words are hard. Thank you for your grace, even when it doesn’t remove suffering. Thank you for making us your disciples, even when the world hates you. Thank you – and deal patiently with us while we gulp!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your people. Your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel. Give your Spirit to the Church, so it speaks words of warning and grace to all people. Grant that many are brought to repentance, faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant your all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, there to be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling this congregation into fellowship with your Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Make us disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage to boldly share the Good News. Give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have given us this good land as our heritage. Let us always remember your generosity and do your will. Save us from violence, discord, confusion, and every evil course of action. Give us what outward prosperity may be your will; but above all things, give us faith in you, that our nation may glorify your name and be a blessing to all peoples.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Equip them to secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until they are reunited. Heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

St. Paul prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed.  We pray for all who suffer, especially: {List}. Heal them according to your will. Give them confidence in your grace, which is sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them competence, kindness, and patience. Keep all for whom we pray in close communion with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise you for your never-failing mercy. We entrust to that mercy all our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives. Support us with your grace, and heal us with your forgiving love. Lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

“ Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”  But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:12-22).

Funerals are big business.  We want to celebrate the life of the one gone, even if they were not decent people in life.  It is much more understandable when they were decent people.  But this misses the point.  We are called to look to Jesus, and He is calling us to the eternity for which we are heading.  Yes, honor the dead, but do not let your focus remain there.  Be guided to live into the life to which you have been called.

Holy Spirit, you know how much my inner life conflicts with my life in this world.  It is not that You are calling me to go into seclusion, but that You are calling me to live a balanced life.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may always walk humbly with You.  Lead me to become the person I am being made to be by grace through faith.  Guide me to see that in You alone is my future.

Lord Jesus, You are not being harsh, but truthful.  Lead me according to Your goodness to live this day with my eyes always upon You.  No matter what I do, let it be with the heavenly kingdom in mind.  May my actions on this day be faithful.  Help me so that nothing gets in the way of me living faithfully with You.  Let me be obedient in doing what You give me to do.  Help me to always follow You.  Amen.

“And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

The truth is that this applies to all who walk with Jesus.  We may have a lovely earthly dwelling and our circumstances may be fine as far as this age goes, but there is always that unsettled feeling that we are not yet where we need to be.  The truth is that this world is not our home.  We were created to dwell with the Lord, knowing Him.  But sin has brought us to this place.  Let the unsettled part of You long for the Lord’s eternal presence.

Holy Spirit, You know me inside out.  You know where I am comfortable with things in this world that sometimes get in the way of me living by faith.  Help me to live out the faith You have given me, knowing that my true home is with You.  Do not let me settle into routine when there are things I need to be doing.  Guide me so that I may, now and always, walk with You, resting in Your goodness.

Lord Jesus, You had no place in this troubled world to rest.  Often, although my surroundings are peaceful, I too do not feel at rest.  Guide me according to Your goodness to live in the peace surpassing understanding which You give.  Help me to have that peace in my spirit most especially when chaos is all around me.  Direct me so that my eyes are always upon You and not taking comfort in things that are temporary.  Amen.

“Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.  A scribe then approached and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go” (Matthew 8:18-19) .

How many times do we make a pledge and then go back on what we have just said?  The idea of intellectually acknowledging Jesus is not the same as to actually follow Him.  To follow Jesus means to go wherever He goes.  Yet, the truth is, we need to follow Jesus to wherever He will take us.  The Lord is Lord of all, and all things have their being in Him.  The question before each of us is truly a matter of life and death.

Lord, You know how weak I am and how I make quick decisions and then go back on them almost immediately.  I want to follow You, but You know how weak I am.  Guide me, Lord, so that I walk humbly with You always.  No matter where You take me, be the One who gently leads me along.  I want salvation, I just want it at no cost to me. But I know life does not work that way.  My struggle is between what I want and reality.

Lord Jesus, You have come revealing truth and life.  There is no true life apart from You.  Help me to be a willing follower, doing what You would have me do in order that I may learn how to be faithful in this call You have given me.  In Your goodness, be my guide.  In the Father’s will, take me where I need to go.  In all things, help me to look to You alone as the One who will save me.  Amen.

THE COMMISSION FOR A RENEWED LUTHERAN CHURCH:

HOLDING THEM ACCOUNTABLE

The ELCA’s Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) was formed in response to action taken by the ELCA’s 2022 Churchwide Assembly. The assembly directed the Church Council “to establish a Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church” which would be “particularly attentive to our shared commitment to dismantle racism” and would “present its findings and recommendations to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in preparation for a possible reconstituting convention.”  

As I wrote in my February 2024 Letter from the Director (LINK), the phrase “dismantle racism” is very significant. It reflects the position that racism is not just something that some people think and do. Rather imbedded into the very nature of our society are structures that privilege and empower certain races (white people) and disempower, victimize, and marginalize all other races (BIPOC people). The ELCA is therefore saying that it is not enough to just be non-racist – to not use racist language. We must be anti-racist. We must break down the structures that empower some and dis-empower everyone else. As I also wrote in the February 2024 letter, the report of the “Dismantling Racism” internal committee during the Commission’s November 30-December 2 meeting took the concept even further. According to that committee, it is important that all of the work of the Commission “is completed through an intersectional lens of dismantling racism.” Those also are very significant words. According to the concept of intersectionality, the various systems that privilege and empower some and victimize and disempower everyone else are so intertwined and interconnected that all of these systems need to be dismantled, whether they be white supremacy, male dominance, agism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, heteronormativity, or whatever.

Because of all that is involved with the concepts of dismantling racism and intersectionality, I was alarmed when I listened to a video on the Commission’s Facebook page from the two co-chairpersons, Carla Christopher and Leon Schwartz. A link to that Facebook page can be found HERE.  In that video Pastor Christopher said, “The language of the memorial and the commitment from each of the members of the CRLC also named dismantling oppression and ensuring equity wherever possible throughout our governing documents and the structure of the church.” 

Concerned enough about the full and actual meaning of “dismantling racism,” and then being even more concerned by her changing the language from “dismantling racism” to “dismantling oppression,” I wrote to her. Among my questions were the following –

·      What is the difference between dismantling racism and dismantling oppression?

·      Is the focus of the Commission going to be on “dismantling racism” (which I would interpret as more narrowly defined) or “dismantling oppression” (which I would interpret as more broadly defined)? 

·      If the focus is on “dismantling oppression,” how did that change come about and what will it mean? 

·      How will it be determined who is experiencing oppression? 

·      Will the working assumption be that if anyone feels oppressed, claims to be oppressed, and/or identifies as someone who is oppressed, that person is oppressed?

I then concluded by asking – since all the members of the ELCA with traditional views who speak up will probably be among the oppressed (even though they represent the majority of the people in the pews) – what will the Commission be doing to address that anticipated oppression?

I also responded to her saying that each of the members of the Commission is committed to “ensuring equity wherever possible throughout our governing documents and the structure of the church.” As glaring examples of inequity within the ELCA I mentioned the complete lack of speakers with traditional views at youth gatherings and Reconciling Works’ having a voice but no vote position on the ELCA Church Council while no organization with traditional views is in the same favored, privileged position.

Within less than two hours I received a response which I considered to be very dismissive and sloppy. In her email she backpedaled from dismantling oppression to dismantling racism. She also mentioned the “limited time and finite resources” of the Commission, insisted that the focus of the Commission “is specifically about structure and governance and constitutional language that may be more helpfully updated or clarified,” mentioned the “diversity of views” among the members of the Commission “regarding institutional structures and the relationships between the current three expressions of church,” and stated the desire of the Commission not to “duplicate or interrupt the work of other task forces,” such as the task force that is working on the statement on human sexuality.

In my response to her response, I did not bring up her mentioning the “limited time and finite resources” of the Commission. But I would say that twenty-two months have passed since the 2022 Churchwide Assembly, which directed the ELCA Church Council to form the Commission, while only fourteen months remain until the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, to whom the Commission is to “present its findings and recommendations . . . in preparation for a possible reconstituting convention.” Unless the Commission does far more in the next fourteen months than it has done in the past twenty-two months, I do not see it as having a report that will satisfy those who were instrumental in the passing of the resolution to form the Commission.    

However, I did respond – in order – to several other things she said in her email.

First, in regard to her backpedaling from “dismantling oppression” to “dismantling racism,” I reminded her of the significance of the “intersectionality” language from the “Dismantling Racism” internal committee (which I discussed in the second paragraph of this letter). I told her that I interpreted her mentioning “dismantling oppression” in light of that statement from that committee.

Second, the major part of my email was in response to her stating that the focus of the Commission “is specifically about structure and governance and constitutional language that may be more helpfully updated or clarified.” I shared with her how that statement reminded me of the comments made by the two members of the Commission who held a Listening Session for members of the Grand Canyon Synod, the Synod in which I am rostered. They said that the work of the Commission is focused on structure and governance and that there is no pre-determined outcome to the work of the Commission.

I wrote to Pastor Christopher, “Personally I find that very hard to believe. Everything from the makeup of the Commission – whom the ELCA Church Council chose to serve on the Commission – to the reports of the work of the Commission points to a pre-determined outcome.”

In regards to the makeup of the Commission, I pointed out that 20% – 7 out of 35 – are DEIA officers and/or leaders at their place of employment and/or influence and that the three members of the Commission who serve as assistants to a synodical bishop all work in the area of social justice activism. 

I then gave her a link to the article I wrote for the September 2023 issue of our newsletter, CORE Voice, where I discussed the makeup of the Commission – Once You Know the Makeup, You Know the Outcome – Lutheran Coalition for Renewal (CORE)

Regarding the work of the Commission, I also gave her a link to my February 2024 Letter from the Director, where I did an analysis of their November 30-December 2 meeting. LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR – FEBRUARY 2024 – Lutheran Coalition for Renewal (CORE)

I continued by saying, “I do not see any way in which someone could claim that the Commission is merely concerned with governance and structure and its work does not have a pre-determined outcome. Rather the Commission was formed and is working hard to create a whole new church whose values and priorities will be based not upon Scripture, but upon critical race theory and DEIA ideology.”

Third, I responded to her saying that the Commission was formed so that it would have “a diversity of views regarding institutional structures and the relationships between the current three expressions of church.” I wrote, “The members of the Commission may have a diversity of views on those issues. There is certainly nothing in the reports from the meetings of the Commission that would tell me one way or the other. But the reports of your meetings certainly suggest no diversity of views in regard to the values and priorities that should shape the new Lutheran church.” 

Fourth, in response to her saying that the Commission will “stay within our scope and not duplicate or interrupt the work of other task forces,” such as the task force that is working on the statement on human sexuality, I said, “I certainly understand and would agree with that approach.” I explained that I mentioned the complete lack of speakers with traditional views at youth gatherings and ReconcilingWorks’ having a voice but no vote position on the ELCA Church Council but no organization with traditional views being in the same favored, privileged position not because I believe that these are matters that the Commission should concern itself with. Instead they are examples of how – even though each of the members of the Commission has made a commitment to “ensuring equity wherever possible throughout our governing documents and the structure of the church” – it is abundantly clear that in regard to the various positions on human sexuality, equity does not exist in the ELCA. 

I concluded by saying, “Thank you again for hearing and considering my concerns. Blessings in Christ.” I signed the letter – 

Dennis D. Nelson

Retired ELCA Pastor

Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

So far I have not received a response.

* * * * * * *

VIDEO MINISTRIES

“A SHORT COURSE ON PRAYER”

by CATHY AMMLUNG AND TIM HUBERT

Many thanks to NALC pastors Cathy Ammlung and Tim Hubert for giving us a review of Tim’s book, “A Short Course on Prayer.” A link to their video review and be found HERE. A link to our You Tube channel, which contains reviews of around three dozen books as well as a dozen CORE Convictions videos on various topics related to the Christian faith and life, can be found HERE. 

This review is unusual in that it is more of an interview. Tim and Cathy have been friends for over forty years, and he was her ordination sponsor almost thirty-five years ago. Cathy has used various iterations of his manual on prayer throughout her ministry.

In this video review/interview, Cathy briefly describes the layout of the book. But mostly, she and Tim talk about his inspiration for writing it. They discuss the stumbling blocks to prayer experienced by many people. They examine some of the sixteen “prayer forms” in the first half of the book. And they reflect on some of the weightier issues about prayer: the joys and warnings, the hostility of the devil, and the spiritual warfare we are thrust into. Front and center is the insistence that prayer is a conversation, not a monologue. God himself provides words, topics, and insights for that conversation, and his Word grounds and centers every prayer form, directly or indirectly.

The interview is informal and casual, reflecting their long friendship and years of conversation on prayer as well as many other topics.

Folks interested in Tim’s book, for themselves or as a manual for an adult study group, may contact Cathy at cammlung@gmail.com. She will put you in touch with Tim!

“This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matthew 8:17).

Our Lord took upon Himself the evil of this world on the cross.  He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf.  We are barely able to grasp this truth.  How can the perfect God take on such imperfection?  This is one of the mysteries of our age.  Scripture says that this is what He did.  Rejoice and be glad, for our Lord has done for us what we could not do for ourselves.  He understands the hardships of this world.

Lord, I know the pain in life that I have experienced.  To multiply that to all people of the whole world is more than I can understand.  Help me to step away from the place where I want to know these things into the place of faith where I trust You in all things.  Guide my new heart which You have put into me so that I live in accordance with what You know I need.  Lead me in the Father’s will.

Come, Holy Spirit, and kindle in me the desire of the Father’s heart that I would move beyond the infirmities of this world, seeking to do what is needed this day as You are directing me to act.  May my heart be ready this day to live according to Your direction.  The Word made flesh has made it possible for me to join in Your heavenly direction.  Guide me to fulfill this day what You know needs to be done.  Amen.