Who does your church play nice with? I think, if we’re honest, a lot of us find synod convention – family gatherings – difficult. Some have better relationships with the neighbouring churches of other traditions than we do with other ELCIC churches.
Back when the Full Communion agreement with the Anglicans was being talked about, I heard former Archbishop Peers talk about the sharing of table and pulpit between an Anglican and Lutheran church in Winnipeg – 30 years ago – before we started “ordaining” bishops (rather than “installing” them) and agreeing to a host of compromises – on both sides.
I wonder if part of the problem with the current divide is that we’re trying to maintain unity at an institutional level instead of a personal one. It’s true, we’re Lutherans. We have more in common than what we disagree upon.
This was brought home to me at the study conference when Paul Scott Wilson led us through a discussion of law and gospel. Hearing classical Protestant theology is like getting into a warm bath. And we all seemed to soak in it.
But our disagreements are not small. They cannot be dismissed too easily. And they make me wonder if synod gatherings simply magnify our divisions, to the detriment of our mission.
Even though we share a common history and theology, we’ve reached an institutional impasse. And we wonder quietly (or aloud) when the “inevitable” divorce will come. And will the church of the future look decidedly different than the denominational alignments that we have currently?
I wonder if the church of the future won’t be determined by institutional allegiances, but by personal connections.
Here at Good Shepherd we have ministry partnerships with the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, not because of the Waterloo Declaration or the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. But because our people drink coffee with their people.
And are those relationships any less valid because they haven’t been institutionally mandated?
Is that what God has in mind?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Where are the Youth? Why here of course!
There was quite a bit of concern at the convention as to where our youth are in the church. And this has been an ongoing discussion across the ELCIC, and across many denominations. What I am surprised about is that the most folks don't seem to know where our youth actually are in the church, yet they are around. Check out Lutheran Campus Ministry, check out Synod and National Youth Gatherings. If anyone read the most recent Canada Lutheran, in the ABT section they would have read my article about outdoor ministry.
Coming up next week will be Lutheran Outdoor Ministry in Alberta and the North's (LOMAN, a synod committee) Joint Staff Training. The four camps of Kuriakos, Mulhurst, Hastings and Wilderness Ranch will have their summer staffs meet together for a week of staff training. There will be 60 or so young adults being trained not only to be leaders at camp, but many of these folks are the same young people that are still around in the our churches and that will be the future leaders in our Synod. They are the same folks who showed up at seminary in droves for the past three years and who are already doing lots of the program work in our synod.
Being surrounded by greying hair can be a little saddening and worrying. What will happen to our church? Where is the next generation? Well they are out there and they want to be involved. The key to getting their involvement in the church is perhaps the first step of allowing for more youth delegates at convention, but the next step is the hard part. We must let our youth voices count, we must let our youth lead beside us and then begin to let go and let them lead while we follow.
Coming up next week will be Lutheran Outdoor Ministry in Alberta and the North's (LOMAN, a synod committee) Joint Staff Training. The four camps of Kuriakos, Mulhurst, Hastings and Wilderness Ranch will have their summer staffs meet together for a week of staff training. There will be 60 or so young adults being trained not only to be leaders at camp, but many of these folks are the same young people that are still around in the our churches and that will be the future leaders in our Synod. They are the same folks who showed up at seminary in droves for the past three years and who are already doing lots of the program work in our synod.
Being surrounded by greying hair can be a little saddening and worrying. What will happen to our church? Where is the next generation? Well they are out there and they want to be involved. The key to getting their involvement in the church is perhaps the first step of allowing for more youth delegates at convention, but the next step is the hard part. We must let our youth voices count, we must let our youth lead beside us and then begin to let go and let them lead while we follow.
What next?
So is it time yet to start blogging about what will be coming up at the next convention? Can we be the CNN of the ELCIC?
Would readers out there like a more permanent Synod blog to discuss stuff (whatever we want I guess)? I, for one, would appreciate the forum to continue a discussion about the issues facing this Synod, news and events, and general reflections about the Lutheran Church here in Alberta, but one that isn't like another ABT Synod forum I know...
Would readers out there like a more permanent Synod blog to discuss stuff (whatever we want I guess)? I, for one, would appreciate the forum to continue a discussion about the issues facing this Synod, news and events, and general reflections about the Lutheran Church here in Alberta, but one that isn't like another ABT Synod forum I know...
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
In case you were wondering
We have had almost 1500 hits since the blog was launched. People ARE reading it!
Accomplishment?
In response to Laverne and Erik.
Laverne wrote:
Perhaps those are even more important - equipping and providing support for those of us at the convention for mission in our home churches - for that's really where mission is accomplished.
So perhaps we can say that if the convention (and in turn, the structure of the Synod) helps and facilitates the congregations in continuing their own mission, then there is a reason for these conventions, even if there isn't some profound and grand "accomplishment" directly from the convention itself.
That’s so true it causes me blisters. But what I heard underneath all this is the question: what is the role of synod in congregational life? How DO we relate to each other as an institutional church? What makes us a church family beyond the institutional level?
I struggle with these questions. I know we’re all Lutheran, but how that Lutheranism expresses itself among clergy and congregations is very different.
We have high-church Lutherans and American-style evangelical/charismatic Lutherans.
We have Marcus Borg-type Lutherans and Carl Bratten/Robert Jensen-style Lutherans.
We have clergy who snore in their clerical collars and clergy who wouldn’t be caught corpse-like with one on.
We have Evangelical Catholics who want a Magisterium to govern our doctrine, and we have Norwegian Pietists who resist anything smelling like papism.
And, yes, we have Lutherans who see homosexuality as a God-given expression of human intimacy, and we have Lutherans who see it as abhorrent to God and God’s Word.
And everything in between.
Yet, still, Lutherans.
Some may see such diversity as a strength, something to celebrate. It tells us that we are a thinking church, a living church..
Others may see it as a millstone, dragging us down to the ecclesial nether regions.
Either way, such multiplicity lobs a challenge at our Birkenstocks. How/Can we live together when we can’t agree on what Lutheranism looks like?
Does meeting in convention help us understand and live with those whose theology and approach to church life want to make us pull out our eyebrows?
Does synod convention help break down stereotypes to help us see other Lutherans, not as the enemy, but as confrères in mission?
Or does meeting in convention merely entrench existing divisions? When we meet, do we listen to others’ opinions or do we circle our partisan wagons, strategizing on how to beat the other side, parlaying parliamentary procedure to assure a desired outcome?
Or does it do both? CAN it do both?
That’s the challenge that’s lying at our toes. But that’s no surprise to anyone with open ears and even wider eyes. But it’s what you do with the challenge that counts.
How we meet that challenge is something we’re going to have to decide together. Along with a healthy dose of the Holy Spirit. Maybe that’s what synod convention is supposed to accomplish.
Laverne wrote:
Perhaps those are even more important - equipping and providing support for those of us at the convention for mission in our home churches - for that's really where mission is accomplished.
So perhaps we can say that if the convention (and in turn, the structure of the Synod) helps and facilitates the congregations in continuing their own mission, then there is a reason for these conventions, even if there isn't some profound and grand "accomplishment" directly from the convention itself.
That’s so true it causes me blisters. But what I heard underneath all this is the question: what is the role of synod in congregational life? How DO we relate to each other as an institutional church? What makes us a church family beyond the institutional level?
I struggle with these questions. I know we’re all Lutheran, but how that Lutheranism expresses itself among clergy and congregations is very different.
We have high-church Lutherans and American-style evangelical/charismatic Lutherans.
We have Marcus Borg-type Lutherans and Carl Bratten/Robert Jensen-style Lutherans.
We have clergy who snore in their clerical collars and clergy who wouldn’t be caught corpse-like with one on.
We have Evangelical Catholics who want a Magisterium to govern our doctrine, and we have Norwegian Pietists who resist anything smelling like papism.
And, yes, we have Lutherans who see homosexuality as a God-given expression of human intimacy, and we have Lutherans who see it as abhorrent to God and God’s Word.
And everything in between.
Yet, still, Lutherans.
Some may see such diversity as a strength, something to celebrate. It tells us that we are a thinking church, a living church..
Others may see it as a millstone, dragging us down to the ecclesial nether regions.
Either way, such multiplicity lobs a challenge at our Birkenstocks. How/Can we live together when we can’t agree on what Lutheranism looks like?
Does meeting in convention help us understand and live with those whose theology and approach to church life want to make us pull out our eyebrows?
Does synod convention help break down stereotypes to help us see other Lutherans, not as the enemy, but as confrères in mission?
Or does meeting in convention merely entrench existing divisions? When we meet, do we listen to others’ opinions or do we circle our partisan wagons, strategizing on how to beat the other side, parlaying parliamentary procedure to assure a desired outcome?
Or does it do both? CAN it do both?
That’s the challenge that’s lying at our toes. But that’s no surprise to anyone with open ears and even wider eyes. But it’s what you do with the challenge that counts.
How we meet that challenge is something we’re going to have to decide together. Along with a healthy dose of the Holy Spirit. Maybe that’s what synod convention is supposed to accomplish.
Making the Convention better
In response to Laverne's last post:
I was thinking about ways the convention could be improved, which requires some thought about the whole point of the thing.
A 4 day convention is really only enough to truly work through one or two issues, and so the convention is the rubber stamp on a lot of synod initiatives. I can't think of any other way of keeping everyone informed and accountable other than pastors only doing education about the functioning of the Church, which may not be a bad thing. And even if pastors kept up with the part of the job, we would still need the convention keep everyone accountable.
The convention to me seems to be more about having time together as a larger church body, about being reminded that we are not cultic islands. I think the convention is more coherant for pastors who are there every time, who need to know the constitution and should have a good understanding of the underlying theology. I hope I wasn't the only one offended by the Task Force facilitator's claim that there were no theologians in group. If there were not, what is wrong with those pastors? Have they forgotten their ordination vows to teach? Have they forgotten what they learned at seminary? On the other hand if that was only the facilitator's view, was he the right person for the job?
I found the pastors quite "cliquey" and it seemed like lay delegates were left hanging. Pastors should work through the convention material with their delegates and congregation ahead of time and then both delegate and pastor should come back and present it afterwards in their respective congregations.
One idea that I think we should implement would be a buddy system for convention. Each lay delegate would be matched with a pastor (other than their own) and throughout the convention they would work through the material that buddy. Eat a few meals together, sit with them during sessions and make time to answer questions and dialogue. Clergy have their own study conference to be palsy walsy with each other, synod convention is on the job time. Instead of fearing how each other will vote, the buddy system would force us to trust each other and have faith that Holy Spirit will guide our decision making.
Synod Convention can be, if we make it, a chance to actually be the Church together beyond the our little lone wolf outposts.
I was thinking about ways the convention could be improved, which requires some thought about the whole point of the thing.
A 4 day convention is really only enough to truly work through one or two issues, and so the convention is the rubber stamp on a lot of synod initiatives. I can't think of any other way of keeping everyone informed and accountable other than pastors only doing education about the functioning of the Church, which may not be a bad thing. And even if pastors kept up with the part of the job, we would still need the convention keep everyone accountable.
The convention to me seems to be more about having time together as a larger church body, about being reminded that we are not cultic islands. I think the convention is more coherant for pastors who are there every time, who need to know the constitution and should have a good understanding of the underlying theology. I hope I wasn't the only one offended by the Task Force facilitator's claim that there were no theologians in group. If there were not, what is wrong with those pastors? Have they forgotten their ordination vows to teach? Have they forgotten what they learned at seminary? On the other hand if that was only the facilitator's view, was he the right person for the job?
I found the pastors quite "cliquey" and it seemed like lay delegates were left hanging. Pastors should work through the convention material with their delegates and congregation ahead of time and then both delegate and pastor should come back and present it afterwards in their respective congregations.
One idea that I think we should implement would be a buddy system for convention. Each lay delegate would be matched with a pastor (other than their own) and throughout the convention they would work through the material that buddy. Eat a few meals together, sit with them during sessions and make time to answer questions and dialogue. Clergy have their own study conference to be palsy walsy with each other, synod convention is on the job time. Instead of fearing how each other will vote, the buddy system would force us to trust each other and have faith that Holy Spirit will guide our decision making.
Synod Convention can be, if we make it, a chance to actually be the Church together beyond the our little lone wolf outposts.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Convention Accomplishments?
After the convention, I asked myself the question - what did the convention truly accomplish? I found this a very difficult question.
The convention was looking forward to a report from the Task Force on Marriage, Family and Human Sexuality - but the task force said they could not address the underlying theological questions. In addition, there was no consensus among the task force members to continue in their deliberations, and as such the task force was disbanded - with no report being presented to the convention. So no sense of accomplishment there.
There were a number of administrative actions and petitions passed, but are those really the purpose of a convention? Does that bring a feeling of accomplishment?
New officers were elected - that's important, of course, because we know a lot of the work of the Synod goes on between these conventions, by many hard-working people. But many organizations conduct their elections by mail - so is a convention required?
There was Bishop Ron reporting on the Synod's Mission Priorities for 2008 to 2010. Now we're getting somewhere - we're actually talking about mission. But do we need a whole convention to hear (and approve) these priorities?
There were the workshops, worship services and just the day-to-day personal conversations between people. Perhaps those are even more important - equipping and providing support for those of us at the convention for mission in our home churches - for that's really where mission is accomplished.
So perhaps we can say that if the convention (and in turn, the structure of the Synod) helps and facilitates the congregations in continuing their own mission, then there is a reason for these conventions, even if there isn't some profound and grand "accomplishment" directly from the convention itself.
For those whom attended the convention, what do you think?
The convention was looking forward to a report from the Task Force on Marriage, Family and Human Sexuality - but the task force said they could not address the underlying theological questions. In addition, there was no consensus among the task force members to continue in their deliberations, and as such the task force was disbanded - with no report being presented to the convention. So no sense of accomplishment there.
There were a number of administrative actions and petitions passed, but are those really the purpose of a convention? Does that bring a feeling of accomplishment?
New officers were elected - that's important, of course, because we know a lot of the work of the Synod goes on between these conventions, by many hard-working people. But many organizations conduct their elections by mail - so is a convention required?
There was Bishop Ron reporting on the Synod's Mission Priorities for 2008 to 2010. Now we're getting somewhere - we're actually talking about mission. But do we need a whole convention to hear (and approve) these priorities?
There were the workshops, worship services and just the day-to-day personal conversations between people. Perhaps those are even more important - equipping and providing support for those of us at the convention for mission in our home churches - for that's really where mission is accomplished.
So perhaps we can say that if the convention (and in turn, the structure of the Synod) helps and facilitates the congregations in continuing their own mission, then there is a reason for these conventions, even if there isn't some profound and grand "accomplishment" directly from the convention itself.
For those whom attended the convention, what do you think?
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Party Time!
The Business of the convention is done... all we have left is the Banquet and closing worship tomorrow! Thanks Be To God!
Bishop Susan Johnson
National Bishop Susan Johnson offered her report outlining the 5 pillars that National Church Council will rest it's In Mission for Others theme.
But the most moving part of her presentation was, for me, when she shared how she felt Jesus embrace her during her ordination as bishop. That was good for us to hear. She modeled for us the faith sharing she wanted us to do.
Not only that, she let her humanity shine through, showing us that we are on a common faith journey, trying to figure out - together - where Jesus is leading our church family.
One loaf left
The business that we have been working through for the past two days has not been easy to say the least.
We have been slogging through a pile of motions that are challenging, yet at the same time have been calling us to work through who we are and what we believe. Its been required that many red cards be raised to defeat motions that were either redundant to our constitution or could be regarded out or order, meaning they were not issues that could be voted on.
The feeling here has been heavy and tense. Thanks be to God for the SMART CAR challenge for brining us some levity. Yet the way that we have worked through this has been good for the more part. We aren't done yet, but the end is in sight.
Seminary President Kevin Ogilvie reminded us this morning that with Jesus in the boat, one loaf is enough. We are called to give ourselves to others and not to be owned by our possessions. We are called to trust, and yet like the disciples we always seem to be one miracle behind. Jesus is walking on the water and we are still wondering about the bread. Yet, Jesus still promises that one loaf is enough to feed 5000, 4000, to feed the world, regardless of how many miracles behind we are.
It feels here like we might be down to our last loaf, last bit of energy, last bit of resources to give to the seminary or synod, the last bit patience to work together... but thankfully Christ has promised to be in our boat where the last bit is enough for all the world.
Same-Sex Blessings
A motion was presented to the convention stating "That homosexual behaviour is abhorrent to God in both Old and New Testaments and therefore the Synod will cease its discussion on the matter and prohibit the marriage of same-sex couples".
This motion was defeated because I believe it was recognized by the convention that there is still need for further discussion on this. In addition, the passing of this motion would contradict the overwhelming straw vote taken to support the Bishop's "Blue Ribbon Committee" to review this issue further from a theological perspective.
There was a request to formally recognize those that wished to abstain from this motion.
Earlier, a question was posed during the open forum to Bishop Susan Johnson whether the local option would again be raised at the next National Convention as it was in 2005 and 2007. Bishop Susan said she would recommend to the National Church Council that it not be brought to the 2009 National Convention, but stated that she had no control over what was brought forward via Reference and Council.
This motion was defeated because I believe it was recognized by the convention that there is still need for further discussion on this. In addition, the passing of this motion would contradict the overwhelming straw vote taken to support the Bishop's "Blue Ribbon Committee" to review this issue further from a theological perspective.
There was a request to formally recognize those that wished to abstain from this motion.
Earlier, a question was posed during the open forum to Bishop Susan Johnson whether the local option would again be raised at the next National Convention as it was in 2005 and 2007. Bishop Susan said she would recommend to the National Church Council that it not be brought to the 2009 National Convention, but stated that she had no control over what was brought forward via Reference and Council.
Further Elections
Chairperson
Run-off third ballot between top 4 candidates - 2 candidates declined, so the remaining candidates are Dennis Aicken and Tim Posyluzny.
Councillors
East Central Conference (rostered) - Paul McCormick
Northern Conference (lay) - Norman Olson
Run-off third ballot between top 4 candidates - 2 candidates declined, so the remaining candidates are Dennis Aicken and Tim Posyluzny.
Councillors
East Central Conference (rostered) - Paul McCormick
Northern Conference (lay) - Norman Olson
"Blue Ribbon Committee"
A straw vote was taken giving overwhelming support to the Bishop's proposal to form a "Blue Ribbon Committee" to delve into the theological issues surrounding the report of the Task Force on Marriage, Family and Human Sexuality (now dissolved due to inability to achieve consensus). The Task Force felt they didn't have theological expertise to delve into these issues. Bishop Ron intends to appoint two (retired) Bishops, a seminary professor and himself to this committee.
A Tie!
For Synod Council East Central Conference:
Has anyone seen this before!?
Paul McCormick 103
Kristian Wold 103
Has anyone seen this before!?
Synod Elections
Officers
Chairperson - second ballot in progress
Secretary - Brenda Visser - acclaimed
Councillors
Southwestern Conference (lay) - Jennifer Laurendeau - acclaimed
East Central Conference (rostered) - tie, second ballot in progress
West Central Conference (lay) - Gail Berg
West Central Conference (rostered) - Peter Van Katwyk
Southern Conference (lay) - Wayne Street
Northern Conference (lay) - no majority, second ballot in progress
LTS Board of Governors
At Large (lay) - Marla Mulloy
Chairperson - second ballot in progress
Secretary - Brenda Visser - acclaimed
Councillors
Southwestern Conference (lay) - Jennifer Laurendeau - acclaimed
East Central Conference (rostered) - tie, second ballot in progress
West Central Conference (lay) - Gail Berg
West Central Conference (rostered) - Peter Van Katwyk
Southern Conference (lay) - Wayne Street
Northern Conference (lay) - no majority, second ballot in progress
LTS Board of Governors
At Large (lay) - Marla Mulloy
Saturday Morning
Is it just me or does it feel really heavy in here? I noticed it as soon as I arrived. People are quiet (mostly). Maybe it's the high ceilings and rubber floor in the gymnasium where we're meeting cushioning the sounds of laughter. Maybe it's the row on row of delegates facing forward away from each other.
Maybe it's because the Tim Hortons upstairs has been closed the whole time. (I'm too lazy to walk across the street in the rain)
Or perhaps it's because The Issue is ever hovering over us. Beyond the platitudes and good intentions of unity, we know that a difficult conversation is approaching.
That was brought home to me yesterday when the Task Force on Marriage, Family, and Human Sexuality provided their report. And regrettably, they were unable to reach anything resembling consensus - even to continue. They needed a consensus to keep their deliberations moving. But one member of the task force decided the impasse was too great, the gulf unbridgeable. So, the bishop and convention thanked them for their work, and relieved them of their responsibilities.
I don't think anyone was surprised with the results, but there was disappointment. The divisions in our church run deep. And the outcome reminded us that we are a house divided. And Jesus had something to say about that.
Maybe it's because the Tim Hortons upstairs has been closed the whole time. (I'm too lazy to walk across the street in the rain)
Or perhaps it's because The Issue is ever hovering over us. Beyond the platitudes and good intentions of unity, we know that a difficult conversation is approaching.
That was brought home to me yesterday when the Task Force on Marriage, Family, and Human Sexuality provided their report. And regrettably, they were unable to reach anything resembling consensus - even to continue. They needed a consensus to keep their deliberations moving. But one member of the task force decided the impasse was too great, the gulf unbridgeable. So, the bishop and convention thanked them for their work, and relieved them of their responsibilities.
I don't think anyone was surprised with the results, but there was disappointment. The divisions in our church run deep. And the outcome reminded us that we are a house divided. And Jesus had something to say about that.
strange message?
We just received the minutes from yesterday's third sitting. For those not in attendance, the minutes give a very strange message. There were a series of petitions presented to the convention that were meant to encourage adherence to the scriptures. However, due to the fact that the motions were for the most part redundant to what our church already professes (and includes in the unalterable portion of our constitution), the petitions were defeated. In one case, one of these petitions was referred to the Committee on Reference and Council for further recommendation before the convention has to deal with it.
Convention Moments
For more in depth information on the convention, issues of the convention newsletter, Convention Moments, will be posted here ...
http://www.albertasynod.ca/convention/convention_moments
http://www.albertasynod.ca/convention/convention_moments
Singing with Lutherans
Tonight's agenda had the promise of a lot of excitement.
President Ogilvie's presentation reminded us of what it means to be a humble servant of God. A humble servant like Mary who new the risks that life entailed and who knew that the choice and path of her life where not decisions that she would make and who proclaimed the joy, the real joy of being God's servant in The Magnificat.
Then came the presentation of the Task Force on Marriage, Family and Human Sexuality. There was a great deal of anticipation going into this moment of the agenda. However, the presentation went quite well, but left us with lots of questions that will be discussed tomorrow. If the Task Force showed us anything, is that this issues is exceptionally divisive, but in the midst of that there is way to work through it, even if it must be ultimately referred back to our Bishops and Seminary professors.
To round off the night we worshiped together in Nighttime prayer or Compline. It was an exceptionally fitting end to the long day. And the Singing! I could not help but think of what Garrison Keillor wrote about what it is like to sing with Lutherans. Our unaccompanied, four part harmony is truly one of the finer things in life.
One of my favourite parts of the Compline service is when we sing, "Into Thy Hands I commend my Spirit". When we sing these words we are practicing. We are practicing for when we must say these words for real in the funeral liturgy. And so when some 250 of us sing together these words at the end of a long, difficult and fruitful day of work, we are reminded of whose we are and who we belong to. That in midst of our business, our study, our discussion we are God's and it is into that pair of loving hands that we commend all that we do here together.
Friday, June 6, 2008
A note about comments
I've been trying to add a simpler comment tool. But I've had technical trouble. Unfortunately, if you want to comment on this blog you'll have to sign up with Blogger (if you have a gmail account you can simply sign in)
Two ends of the spectrum
There was a lot going on this afternoon.
In the early part there were many workshops available to the participants. I of course attended the workshop on God-Blogs by Rev. Kevin Powell. Even though I have been at this blogging game for two years, I found it to be a great session and now I have some ideas for my regular blog.
Anyways, I hoped everyone else enjoyed their sessions.
In the later part we worked through some more difficult petitions. There was a variety to work through including mission congregation funding, the trial of a joint western examining committee (which will affect me directly next year when I go through collaquy) with the hopes of standardizing the collaquy process, the idea of a study convention in the off years of this business convention, and some more petitions regarding our theology and practice surrounding the bible.
We worked through those petitions, they were not particularly contentious, but still difficult to work through and while some motions were defeated, the intention seemed to supported by the convention.
On the other side of the difficult stuff, we immediately gathered outside to see how many people we could stuff in a smart car. The fun and silly event was a great tension reliever and don't be surprised to see a picture or two of some bishops stuffed into a smart car.
In the early part there were many workshops available to the participants. I of course attended the workshop on God-Blogs by Rev. Kevin Powell. Even though I have been at this blogging game for two years, I found it to be a great session and now I have some ideas for my regular blog.
Anyways, I hoped everyone else enjoyed their sessions.
In the later part we worked through some more difficult petitions. There was a variety to work through including mission congregation funding, the trial of a joint western examining committee (which will affect me directly next year when I go through collaquy) with the hopes of standardizing the collaquy process, the idea of a study convention in the off years of this business convention, and some more petitions regarding our theology and practice surrounding the bible.
We worked through those petitions, they were not particularly contentious, but still difficult to work through and while some motions were defeated, the intention seemed to supported by the convention.
On the other side of the difficult stuff, we immediately gathered outside to see how many people we could stuff in a smart car. The fun and silly event was a great tension reliever and don't be surprised to see a picture or two of some bishops stuffed into a smart car.
Anybody out there?
So is anybody outside of the convention actually reading this? Are these blogs useful or interesting to the church at large? Please add your comments if you are reading this.
Part of the reason I'm involved with this is that during the last convention two years ago I found it frustrating that I couldn't get any real time or near real time information about the convention. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a convention junkie - maybe everyone else is content to wait until Convention Moments is published online!
Part of the reason I'm involved with this is that during the last convention two years ago I found it frustrating that I couldn't get any real time or near real time information about the convention. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a convention junkie - maybe everyone else is content to wait until Convention Moments is published online!
Youth Delegates and Article 7
Since I have been asked to actually blog here, maybe its time to participate.
My name is Erik Parker and my regular blog is Cowboy Seminarian. This is my second convention and at both I have been a visitor of sorts. Last time in Red Deer I snuck my way onto the youth delegation... at age 23 and having completed my first year of seminary. This time around I was slated to come again as a visitor. I am currently doing my seminary internship at Hope Lutheran in Calgary. Sharon Villetard called me about a week ago to ask if I would help with the power point, because I apparently I know about about technology, maybe its my age but I hope its not my reputation... I do hope to get married someday and being the techno geek will not help that cause.
Anyways. being a visitor again has been a weird experience. I am involved with Synod things like CTEL (as a sem student), I have been on the LOMAN committee for several years now. Yet I have no voice or vote. Not that I am particularly bothered by this because its likely that I have many Synod convention as a rostered delegate in my future. But its an interesting position to be in. I get to observe perhaps a little more than the regular delegates.
The most interesting thing so far (as mentioned by the other bloggers) has been the vote on youth delegates. Since I could not speak to the motion at the time, I will speak to it here. While I see Kevin as young, I probably can more considered in the "youthish" range. The intent of this motion is the right one, however, I the desired results will not happen automatically.
If we really want youth to come to an event like this, and thereby become future members of the church, we need to be more intentional about including them. Saying they are welcome to this gathering is not enough. In fact the results that I see happening is that no more youth than usual will come, but its possible that other groups within the church will want to be considered specially as delegates for future conventions.
But to be honest who the delegates are doesn't matter to me as much as getting youth involved. The young people of this church do not need to be treated specially. They need to treated as full members who have voice and vote within the decision making of our congregations. They need to be given (and helped with) responsibility in our churches. Rock music, power point, video games are not the things that will get youth into the church, in fact it does the opposite. It tells that they are special case but not really like the rest of us. Rather we need to teach our youth about what is means to participate in the fullness of the life of the church by teaching and educating them about who we are and what we do, not guessing at who they are and what they like to do. But know who we are might take some serious reflection on our part.
How are the discussions, decisions and actions that happen here helping us to proclaim the Word rightly and make the presence of God known authentically in our lives, our churches and the world? Hopefully that is what are here to work this out together in the midst of our LOL:)
My name is Erik Parker and my regular blog is Cowboy Seminarian. This is my second convention and at both I have been a visitor of sorts. Last time in Red Deer I snuck my way onto the youth delegation... at age 23 and having completed my first year of seminary. This time around I was slated to come again as a visitor. I am currently doing my seminary internship at Hope Lutheran in Calgary. Sharon Villetard called me about a week ago to ask if I would help with the power point, because I apparently I know about about technology, maybe its my age but I hope its not my reputation... I do hope to get married someday and being the techno geek will not help that cause.
Anyways. being a visitor again has been a weird experience. I am involved with Synod things like CTEL (as a sem student), I have been on the LOMAN committee for several years now. Yet I have no voice or vote. Not that I am particularly bothered by this because its likely that I have many Synod convention as a rostered delegate in my future. But its an interesting position to be in. I get to observe perhaps a little more than the regular delegates.
The most interesting thing so far (as mentioned by the other bloggers) has been the vote on youth delegates. Since I could not speak to the motion at the time, I will speak to it here. While I see Kevin as young, I probably can more considered in the "youthish" range. The intent of this motion is the right one, however, I the desired results will not happen automatically.
If we really want youth to come to an event like this, and thereby become future members of the church, we need to be more intentional about including them. Saying they are welcome to this gathering is not enough. In fact the results that I see happening is that no more youth than usual will come, but its possible that other groups within the church will want to be considered specially as delegates for future conventions.
But to be honest who the delegates are doesn't matter to me as much as getting youth involved. The young people of this church do not need to be treated specially. They need to treated as full members who have voice and vote within the decision making of our congregations. They need to be given (and helped with) responsibility in our churches. Rock music, power point, video games are not the things that will get youth into the church, in fact it does the opposite. It tells that they are special case but not really like the rest of us. Rather we need to teach our youth about what is means to participate in the fullness of the life of the church by teaching and educating them about who we are and what we do, not guessing at who they are and what they like to do. But know who we are might take some serious reflection on our part.
Article 7 of the Augsburg Confession States: 1] Also they teach that one holy Church is to continue forever. The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered.
How are the discussions, decisions and actions that happen here helping us to proclaim the Word rightly and make the presence of God known authentically in our lives, our churches and the world? Hopefully that is what are here to work this out together in the midst of our LOL:)
Youth Delegates?
You know the church is old when I’m considered a “young pastor.” At 38 (and counting), my bald head and protruding belly is quickly pushing me toward middle age. My mp3 player has Willimon sermons and music by Arvo Part. I have neither tattoos nor piercings, and puzzle why anyone would want to do that to their body.
The point I’m getting at is that I’m not really all that young, even though here I sort of look like I am, given that most delegates and guests are retired and have time to participate to gatherings like these. We are governed by older people. And I worry that our grey and white heads send the message that we are a church of and for older people.
But we’ve passed a motion allowing youth delegates (age 16-22) with voice and vote. But I can’t think of any young people who’d want to participate in this kind of exercise. And if they did, I would be shocked if they wanted to come back, or invited their friends to participate.
However, the mood here among some folks is that having youth attend as delegates will attract only a handful, if that. So we’re not in any real danger of an army young people out voting the clergy (as if that would be a BAD thing). Some people are concerned (or celebrating) that we couldn’t get enough young people.
We have 151 churches in the ABT synod. So we could conceivably have 151 more people at convention. Some say that such a challenge is impossible, beyond the ken of our small church family.
But I think we could easily get one young person per congregation to attend. ONE PERSON. If we can’t find, recruit, cajole, wheedle, entice, ONE young person to attend the gathering of our church family, then we’re not doing our jobs.
The point I’m getting at is that I’m not really all that young, even though here I sort of look like I am, given that most delegates and guests are retired and have time to participate to gatherings like these. We are governed by older people. And I worry that our grey and white heads send the message that we are a church of and for older people.
But we’ve passed a motion allowing youth delegates (age 16-22) with voice and vote. But I can’t think of any young people who’d want to participate in this kind of exercise. And if they did, I would be shocked if they wanted to come back, or invited their friends to participate.
However, the mood here among some folks is that having youth attend as delegates will attract only a handful, if that. So we’re not in any real danger of an army young people out voting the clergy (as if that would be a BAD thing). Some people are concerned (or celebrating) that we couldn’t get enough young people.
We have 151 churches in the ABT synod. So we could conceivably have 151 more people at convention. Some say that such a challenge is impossible, beyond the ken of our small church family.
But I think we could easily get one young person per congregation to attend. ONE PERSON. If we can’t find, recruit, cajole, wheedle, entice, ONE young person to attend the gathering of our church family, then we’re not doing our jobs.
Day Two
I don't know about most folks here, but I always sleep poorly at these things. It used to be the all night conversations (lubed with beer) that Laverne mentioned that kept me from my pillow. But now, as my beard greys and I know better than to stay up to 3:30 chatting, the NOISE keeps me awake. That, and the rush of thoughts, impressions, ideas, that came from the days events.
So, I'm glad the coffee's hot this morning.
So, I'm glad the coffee's hot this morning.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Evening Service
Well, we got to the evening service on the funeral bus. It wasn't a funeral, but a festive and grand start to the convention. It was held at the beautiful All Saints Anglican Cathedral in downtown Edmonton.
Thanks to all those involved. The choir, brass and pipe organ were all great. I heard that both the bread and wine were homemade, and very tasty. (Am I allowed to discuss the virtues of the communion elements?).
It was the first time I had heard Bishop Susan preach and she came across as very down-to-earth in her sermon on John 10:1-10, even if she did describe herself as a city-girl and not knowing a lot about farming and caring for sheep. But she does know about caring for people and passed the message along of how we need to follow Jesus' example and care for those around us.
Now, unless someone invites me to some all-night convention party, I'm off to bed ...
Thanks to all those involved. The choir, brass and pipe organ were all great. I heard that both the bread and wine were homemade, and very tasty. (Am I allowed to discuss the virtues of the communion elements?).
It was the first time I had heard Bishop Susan preach and she came across as very down-to-earth in her sermon on John 10:1-10, even if she did describe herself as a city-girl and not knowing a lot about farming and caring for sheep. But she does know about caring for people and passed the message along of how we need to follow Jesus' example and care for those around us.
Now, unless someone invites me to some all-night convention party, I'm off to bed ...
Quote of the Day
"Is this a eulogy or a report?"
- Anonymous comment on the report on the report of the bishop.
- Anonymous comment on the report on the report of the bishop.
Bored and Tired
I often wonder if the way we do conventions is what God had in mind for the church. Does God REALLY want our meetings to be THIS ordered and dull? Does God REALLY want us lined up in rows with red and green cards listening to and voting on reports?
There HAS to be a better way to do God's "business" than the way we're presently doing it. Everyone looks and sounds BORED and tired.
At least the key note speaker was interesting. Otherwise I think I might have put my head down on my table for a small cat nap, hoping I wouldn't get too much drool on my notes.
I don't know what the alternative is. I'll have to give that some thought. Stay posted.
There HAS to be a better way to do God's "business" than the way we're presently doing it. Everyone looks and sounds BORED and tired.
At least the key note speaker was interesting. Otherwise I think I might have put my head down on my table for a small cat nap, hoping I wouldn't get too much drool on my notes.
I don't know what the alternative is. I'll have to give that some thought. Stay posted.
Introduction
Hi. I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Laverne Rude. I'll be one of the convention bloggers. I live and work in Calgary, and am here as a delegate from Lutheran Church of the Cross, in Calgary. I'm married to Lisa Rude, and have three young daughters, who are spending this weekend with their aunt and uncle.
I look forward to giving you a personal view of the convention, as it proceeds.
It was a bit hectic getting registered, finding our rooms, finding our parking, finding the convention hall (a gymnasium at Grant MacEwan - right across from the chlorine smells of the swimming pool!), and figuring out how to get connected online, but now I'm here ...
We've currently started the first session (a lot of administrative details and some initial reports), and are now listening to the insightful words of the Rev. Kevin Ogilvie, our keynote speaker.
I look forward to giving you a personal view of the convention, as it proceeds.
It was a bit hectic getting registered, finding our rooms, finding our parking, finding the convention hall (a gymnasium at Grant MacEwan - right across from the chlorine smells of the swimming pool!), and figuring out how to get connected online, but now I'm here ...
We've currently started the first session (a lot of administrative details and some initial reports), and are now listening to the insightful words of the Rev. Kevin Ogilvie, our keynote speaker.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Welcome to Convention 2008!
A team of bloggers will be updating this blog during the convention. I invite you to check back every so often for our thoughts, impressions, ideas, rants, raves, compliments, and insults.
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