ELCA Defections Continue

ALPB

"Another congregation from Capt. Thin for this thread.

Christ The King Lutheran Church in Fallbrook, California took their second vote on April 18. The vote to leave the ELCA passed with a 95% majority. CTKLC is one of the largest congregations in the Pacifica Synod."

Captain Thin:

This page last updated April 5, 2010.

A .doc file of the following information is now available for download. Right-click here and choose “Save As.” (The .doc file last updated April 5, 2010)

A few months have now passed since the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America passed by a vote of 559-451 a resolution allowing practising homosexual people in committed relationships to serve as rostered clergy of the church. What follows is a sampling of the fallout. It is by necessity an incomplete list. Some congregations’ votes have not been reported in the media. Some congregations have chosen to remain in the ELCA, while condemning the August vote. Numerous congregations are still in the discernment stage as they decide what they should do. And of course numerous individuals have left ELCA churches as a result of the vote.

NOTE: Official withdrawal of membership from the ELCA by a congregation requires two votes, held 90 days apart, that each reach 2/3 majority. Hence the “first vote”/”second vote” language that follows.

2009

August 24 – St. Timothy Lutheran Church (Charleston, West Virginia) covers the word “Lutheran” on its sign.

August 26 – International Lutheran Renewal (ILR) Director Paul Anderson encourages each church to pray about leaving: “Those who leave can depart without shame from a Church that has lost its moorings. Those who stay to be a voice from within must pray for courage and focus, lest they lose their cutting edge and sink into trivialities rather than kingdom issues.”

August 31 – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) “in light of the current turmoil regarding same-gender relationships” releases a statement affirming its commitment to a biblical understanding of human sexuality.

September 6 – Zion Lutheran Church (Mission Valley, Texas) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with a 95 percent majority.

September 13 – Calvary Lutheran Church (Evergreen, Montana) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA and joining Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), which passes.

September 13 – Hebron Lutheran Church (Hebron, Kentucky) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 138-6 vote.

September 13 – St. Peter Lutheran Church (Ceylon, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 66% majority by 8 votes. Church leadership decides that another vote on the matter will not be allowed. As a result, numerous individuals and families leave the congregation, many joining local LCMS churches.

September 20 – El Camino Pines Lutheran Church (Frazier Park, California) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

September 20 – Emmanuel Lutheran Church (Walla Walla, Washington) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with an 87% majority.

September 26 – Lutheran Coalition for Reform (CORE) is re-established as “a free-standing synod for all faithful Lutherans” which intends to work with “other compatible churchly organizations leading toward a possible reconfiguration of North American Lutheranism” during an assembly of more than 1,200 Lutherans from the United States and Canada. Leaders will reconvene in a year’s time to decide whether to stay in the ELCA, form a new denomination or join an existing one.

September 27 – St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Minneapolis, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA and joining LCMC, which passes with a majority of 96 percent.

September 27 – St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church (Roanoke, Virginia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA and joining LCMC, which passes with a 342-143 majority. The congregation is considered “one of the largest, if not the largest” congregations in the Virginia Synod.

September 27 – Community Church of Joy (Glendale, Arizona), the 10^th largest congregation in the ELCA, holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA and joining LCMC. It passes unanimously.

September 27 – Bethany Lutheran Church (Bigfork, Montana) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, but fails to reach 2/3 majority.

September ?? – First Lutheran Church (Fargo, North Dakota), the second largest ELCA congregation in Fargo, redesignates its benevolence funds to bypass the national ELCA offices.

September ?? – Pontoppidan Lutheran Church (Fargo, North Dakota) votes to suspend its funds to the ELCA.

September ?? – St. Paul Lutheran (New Braunfels, Texas) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

September ?? – St. Andrew’s Lutheran (Weesatche, Texas) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

September ?? – Peace Lutheran Church (Rockdale, Texas) decides to suspend benevolence payments to the ELCA.

September ?? – Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church (Elbow Lake, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes in a 42-11 vote. However, because of concerns as to whether proper notice was given, the vote will be retaken December 13.

September ?? – Trinity Lutheran Church (Hermiston, Oregon) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. While a majority vote in favour of the proposal (52-30), the vote fails to reach the 2/3 majority needed to pass. A second vote held at a later date also fails to pass. One member notes, “We now have a divided congregation and a pastor who wrote on his door of his office ‘pastor in exile’.”

October 1 – LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick sends a letter to ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and the Conference of Bishops stating, “I share this letter with you to confirm what I have already stated, namely, that this is a very serious matter, one that we cannot ignore. To the greatest extent possible, it would be a blessing to our ongoing cooperative relationships if the actions taken at the ELCA Assembly were not implemented, nor given influence, in the context of inter-Lutheran ministries involving the LCMS and the ELCA, so that these relationships would be neither damaged nor destroyed.”

October 4 – Christ Lutheran Church (Odessa, Washington) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 55-12 vote.

October 11 – Wangen Prairie Lutheran Church (Rural Cannon Falls, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, but fails to reach 2/3 majority by one vote. The church would vote again November 15, 2009. This time, the vote passes (see details in November 15 entry).

October 11 – First Lutheran Church (Little Falls, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, but it fails to pass. As a result, Senior Pastor Bjorge resigns (effective October 20). Following resignation, he begins leading worship for a group (many being disaffected members of First Lutheran and other local congregation Bethel Lutheran) who plan on starting an LCMC church in Little Falls.

October 11 – Christus Lutheran Church (Clintonville, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 162-28 vote.

October 13 – In North Carolina, approximately 450 vote unanimously to form a North Carolina chapter of Lutheran CORE.

October 18 – Concordia Lutheran Church (Kingsburg, California) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes overwhelmingly by 121 to 14.

October 18 – Singsaas Lutheran Church (Hendricks, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

October 18 – Christ Lutheran Church (Cottonwood, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. 74 vote to leave, but 44 vote to stay meaning the necessary 2/3 majority is not reached.

October 18 – Peace Lutheran Church (Pendleton, Oregon) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The motion is defeated in a 57-121 vote. Disaffected members form Faith Lutheran Church.

October 18 – Rodnes Lutheran Church (Erskine, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with an 80% majority.

October 18 – Advent Lutheran Church (Murfreesburo, Tennessee) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 2/3 majority.

October 18 – Christ Lutheran Church (Prattville, Alabama) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 2/3 majority.

October 20 – Hope Lutheran Church (Fargo, North Dakota), a congregation with two campuses and the largest ELCA congregation (10,000 +) in North and South Dakota, announces that it has suspended funding to the ELCA.

October 21 – The Economist reports that “at least a dozen congregations have already left to join Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.”

October 22 – Breham Banner-Press reports 120 gathered this day to discuss the “rebirth” of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Texas (ELST). The First (German) Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Texas existed as a separate denomination from 1851-1896 before being subsumed by larger groups which eventually became part of the ELCA.

October 25 – Bethel Lutheran Church (Little Falls, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which fails. Disaffected members join likeminded disaffected members of First Lutheran Church (including Senior Pastor Bjorge who resigned after his church voted to stay in the ELCA) with plans of starting an LCMC congregation in Little Falls.

October 25 – Zion Lutheran Church (Des Moines, Iowa) holds its first vote to leave the ELCA, which passes.

October 25 – Immanuel Lutheran Church (Waukee, Iowa) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

October 25 – Hopeful Lutheran Church (Florence, Kentucky) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

October 25 – Richland Lutheran Church (Richland, Washington) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 269 to 57 vote.

October 25 – Mount Pilgrim Lutheran Church (Haralson, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes unanimously. An additional vote to join the LCMC also passes unanimously.

October 28 – Christ the King Lutheran Church (Hutchinson, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes with a 226-99 majority.

October 29 – The ELCA issues a news release stating that at least 50 churches have held first votes to leave the ELCA since the August vote. Only five have failed.

October ?? – Oak Valley Lutheran Church (Velva, North Dakota) holds its first vote to leave the ELCA. 70% vote against the measure and it fails.

October ?? – St. Timothy Lutheran Church (Charleston, West Virginia) removes the cloth blocking the word “Lutheran” from its sign. Underneath “Lutheran” a new sign has been placed which states “Reclaiming the Name.”

November 1 – Faith Lutheran Church (Moline, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA but fails to reach 2/3 majority by a margin of 18 votes (182-118). However, motions to end benevolence funding to the ELCA, and join the LCMC both pass with votes of 195-104 and 190 to 109 respectively. A new vote on leaving the ELCA is held January 10, 2010.

November 1 – Community of Hope Lutheran Church (Rosemount, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

November 1 – Trinity Church (Pell Lake, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes unanimously.

November 2 – Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church (Bessemer City, North Carolina) mails a letter to the ELCA informing them of their decision to end financial contributions to the denomination.

November 8 – Disaffected members of ELCA congregations in Effingham County (Georgia) hold the first worship service of a new alternate congregation (Lutherans for Bible Based Beliefs). The members of this alternate congregation intends to continue worshipping together until their respective congregations vote to separate from the ELCA. If their congregations vote to remain, then this alternate congregation could “very easily become permanent.”

November 8 – Central Lutheran Church (Elk River, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes easily in a 574-171 vote.

November 8 – Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Castroville, Texas) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with a 67% majority.

November 8 – First Evangelical Lutheran Church (Orange Grove, Texas) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with an 83% majority.

November 8 – Hosanna Lutheran Church (St. Charles, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes by a margin of 89.2% (207-25). A second vote to join the LCMC passes by a margin of 90.1% margin (209-25). Hosanna Lutheran Church had changed its constitution in 2004 to require only one vote to leave the ELCA.

November 8 – St. John Lutheran Church (Edgar, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. While 106 vote in favour of the resolution, 67 vote against, resulting in a failure to reach 2/3 majority by four votes. Later that night, all congregational leaders and council members resign their positions, with the exception of one deacon.

November 11 – King of King’s Lutheran Church (Woodbury, Minnesota) is reported as having withheld $30,000 in funds to the ELCA while it reflects on theological issue arising from the August vote.

November 11 – Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church and School (Jacksonville, Florida) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA which passes with an 85% majority. An additional vote to join the LCMC (to take effect after the second vote on leaving the ELCA) passes with an 89% majority. According to Rev. Johnson, suggestions have been made that the congregation will be pressured to return subsidy funds received from the ELCA during 1988-1992.

November 14 – The Northeastern Iowa Synod Council votes 10 to 5 (with one abstention) to uphold existing 1990 ministry policies in the synod (which require homosexual clergy to remain celibate), with a further vote of 8-6 (two abstentions) repudiating the General Convention’s August vote as unconstitutional. The Council also called on the Northeastern Iowa Synod to officially affirm its commitment to the 1990 policies at its assembly in 2010.

November 15 – St. John Lutheran Church (Boerne, Texas) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

November 15 – Wangen Prairie Lutheran Church (Rural Cannon Falls, Minnesota), after holding a failed vote to leave the ELCA on October 11, holds a new vote which passes. Rev. Joy Gonnerman announces her resignation from Wangen Praire and intention to serve elsewhere in the ELCA.

November 15 – Joyful Harvest Church (Johnsburg, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA and joining the LCMC. The resolution passes in a 71-19 vote.

November 18, 2009 – Lutheran CORE leaders announce an acceleration in their plans to leave the ELCA. CORE originally announced it would remain in the ELCA for a full year before deciding if splitting from the ELCA was absolutely necessary. That year commitment has now been scrapped. A working group will immediately begin drafting the constitution of a new Lutheran denomination, with plans to have it launch by August 2010. In the meantime, CORE will continue to operate as a free-standing synod of the ELCA.

November 18 – John Brooks, spokesman for the ELCA, reports that since the August vote, five congregations have ended their affiliation with the ELCA. Another 87 congregations have held first votes on leaving the ELCA; 28 of these have failed.

November 20 – LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick issues an open letter in response to CORE’s November 18 announcement that they will be accelerating the formation of a new Lutheran denomination for disaffected members of the ELCA. Noting again that such division in the ELCA is a natural result of the August vote which ignored the clear teaching of Scripture, he offered the continued prayers of the LCMS for the ELCA and other denominations divided by the issue of homosexuality, and charged all members, congregations and leaders of the ELCA: “As [you] deliberate and determine future courses of action in the days ahead, we urge [you] to be guided by the Word of God and the consensus of 2,000 years of Christian theological affirmation regarding what Scripture teaches about human sexuality. We offer this assurance of prayer and encouragement to faithfulness with deep humility and keen awareness of the reliance of all upon the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our great and holy God.”

November 22 – Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church (Weddington, North Carolina) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA this day.

November 22 – Zoar Lutheran Church (Tofte, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA and joining the LCMC. Both resolutions pass with an 85% majority.

November 22 – Lutheran CORE’s website, as of this day, lists 87 member congregations.

November 25 – Peñasquitos Lutheran Church (San Diego, California) holds its second vote to leave the ELCA. It passes with a 97% majority. Peñasquitos was one of the largest congregations in the Pacifica Synod, with an average attendance of about 850.

November 25 – St. John’s Lutheran Church (Rincon, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which fails.

November 26 – The Oromo Evangelical Lutheran Churches of the ELCA issue a statement condemning the General Convention August vote. It is further reported that these Ethiopian-American ELCA congregations (along with their international Oromo Lutheran partners) “have unanimously voted to join Lutheran CORE.”

November ?? – St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Galena, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 2/3 majority.

November ?? – Geneva Lutheran Church (Geneva, Illinois) holds a vote on affiliating with the LCMC. It passes unanimously.

December 6 – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Maumee, Ohio) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with an 87% majority.

December 6 – Faith Lutheran Church (Grantsburg, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The vote fails as 119 vote in favour of the resolution while 154 vote against it. Disaffected members of Faith Lutheran and other local ELCA congregations have been holding alternate worship services in Siren, Wisconsin. This vote “solidifies their plan to start a new Lutheran church.”

December 6 – Christ Lutheran Church (Whitefish, Montanna) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The resolution passes in a 171-23 vote. A second resolution on joining the LCMC passes in a 171-16 vote.

December 6 – Bethel Lutheran Church (Springfield, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

December 6 – Zion Lutheran Church (Des Moines, Iowa) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

December 6 – First Lutheran Church of Harvey (Harvey, North Dakota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes with 2/3 majority.

December 6 – Stanfold Lutheran Church (Rice Lake, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 50-0 vote.

December 6 – Peace Lutheran Church (Palm Bay, Florida) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which falls just short of 2/3 majority with 64.5%.

December 11 – Lutheran CORE’s website as of today lists 114 member congregations in the USA. It also lists 4 Canadian Oromo member congregations, and 15 international Oromo member congregations.

December 11 – LCMC’s website as of today lists 212 member congregations in the USA, and an additional 48 international member congregations from seven other nations.

December 13 – Zion Lutheran Church (Clear Lake, Iowa) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The resolution passes in a 238 to 119 vote, exactly the 2/3 majority needed to pass. [Bishop Steven L. Ullestad (Northeastern Iowa Synod) is disputing the results of this vote, suggesting that there were 366 (and not 357) members registered to vote at the meeting and that thus 244 (not 238) votes were needed. The congregational president denies the charge.]

December 13 – Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church (Elbow Lake, Minnesota) will retake its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The previous vote, taken in September, passed but questions were raised as to whether proper notice had been given.

December 13 – American Lutheran Church (Long Prairie, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The resolution passes in a 129-11 vote.

December 13 – Hebron Lutheran Church (Hebron, Kentucky) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 117-4 vote. The congregation subsequently joins the LCMC.

December 13 – Zion Lutheran Church (Finland, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The resolution fails to reach 2/3 majority in a 27-20 vote.

December 13 – St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (La Mesa, California) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes. The congregation further votes to officially join the Fellowship of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (FELC).

December 13 – Hope Lutheran Church (Smithfield, Nebraska) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes. A previous vote to join LCMC had also passed.

December 13 – Resurrection Lutheran Church (Fredericksburg, Virginia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails in a 101-136 vote.

December 13 – Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church (Smithfield, Nebraska) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 72-29 vote (1 abstention). An additional vote to associate with the LCMC passes in a 76-24 vote (1 abstention).

December 13 – Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Rockton, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes by 76%. A further vote to join the LCMC passes with an 81% majority.

December 16 – The Longmont Times-Call reports John Brookes (spokesman for ELCA) to have said 135 congregations have held votes on leaving the ELCA, 97 of which have passed first vote and are in consultation periods as of this date.

December 19 – Zion Lutheran Church (Guyton, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which fails. Disaffected members of local ELCA congregations continue to hold alternate services together under the title Bible Based Lutherans of Efingham (BiBLE Church). (As of March 28, 2010, the new congregation changes its name to Bible Lutheran Church).

December 20 – Grace Lutheran Church (Detroit Lakes, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The resolution fails in a 48-92 vote.

December 20 – El Camino Pines Lutheran Church (Frazier Park, California) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA and joining the American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC). It passes with a 98% majority.

December ?? – A tri-parish in Pennsylvania leaves the ELCA after calling a pastor from the Evangelical Lutheran Conference & Ministerium (ELCM). The three churches involved are St. Paul Lutheran Church (McConnellsburg), St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Big Cove Tannery), and Mount Zion Lutheran (Little Cove).

?? – Pondera Valley Lutheran Church (Conrad, Montana) holds its first on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 94-18 vote.

?? – Golden West Lutheran Church (Conrad, Montana) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 32-10 vote.

?? – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (New London, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails in a split vote with 76 in favour and 77 against. The 76 in favour of breaking ties with the ELCA leave the congregation, and begin a new congregation called “Shepherd of the River” which officially joins the LCMC December 6, 2009.

?? – Peace Lutheran Church (Edgar, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes unanimously.

?? – Pilgrim Lutheran Church (Payallup, Washington) splits after a vote. The senior pastor and a number of congregants leave to start a new congregation.

?? – Bethel Lutheran Church (Colorado Springs, Colorado) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – Thanksgiving Lutheran Church (Bellevue, Nebraska) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – Rejoice! Lutheran Renewal Church (Northfield, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ECLA. It passes.

?? – Skien Lutheran Church (Sloan, Iowa) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – St. Nicodemus Lutheran Church (East Aurora, New York) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – Grace Lutheran Church (Oconto Falls, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – Northland Lutheran Church (Iola, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Big Falls, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (DuPont, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – Zion Lutheran Church (Manawa, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – First Lutheran Church (Ogdensburg, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – Christus Lutheran Church (Clintonville, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Gillet, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – Skien Lutheran Church (Sloan, Iowa) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes. In response, Rev. Lilette Johnston resigns as pastor.

?? – Eagle Grove Lutheran Church (Eagle Grove, Iowa) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 2/3 majority.

?? – Ascension Lutheran Church (Navarino, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which fails to reach 2/3 majority by 2 votes. In response, Ascension’s pastor resigns from the ELCA.

2010

January 10 – Laurel Hill Lutheran Church (Clyo, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 47-0 vote.

January 10 – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Springfield, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

January 10 – St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church (Roanoke, Virginia) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA and joining the LCMC, which passes in a 350-104 vote.

January 10 – Faith Lutheran Church (Moline, Illinois) reholds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 208-78 vote.

January 10 – St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Minneapolis, Minnesota) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA and joining the LCMC. It passes unanimously.

January 10 – Northland Lutheran Church (Iola, Wisconsin) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in 86-5 vote. The congregation subsequently joins LCMC.

January 10 – St. John’s Lutheran Church (Springfield, Minnesota) holds its [first?] vote on leaving the ELCA. The motion gains 63% support, just short of 2/3 majority. On January 24, the church votes to redirect all benevolence from ELCA, and further joins LCMC and WordAlone in a 71% majority vote.

January 14 – Bishop David Zellmer (South Dakota Synod) announces he has no intention of leading his synod out of the ELCA, ending speculations on the matter.

January 17 – Moe Lutheran Church (Roseau, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 95-39 vote.

January 17 – Peace Lutheran Church (Palm Bay, Florida) holds its second attempt at a first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 176-80 vote.

January 17 – Singsaas Lutheran Church (Hendricks, Minnesota) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

January 17 – Immanuel Lutheran Church (Rockfalls, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach the required 2/3 majority. Disaffected members form a new church after three days: New Life Lutheran Church (Sterling, Illinois). Their first service draws 103 congregants.

January 17 – Christ Lutheran Church (Reese, Michigan) votes to affiliate with the LCMC.

January 17 – Jerusalem Lutheran Church (Rincon, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which fails. Disaffected members of local ELCA congregations continue to hold alternate services together under the title Bible Based Lutherans of Efingham (BiBLE Church). (As of March 28, 2010, the new congregation changes its name to Bible Lutheran Church).

January 19 – ELCA Secretary David Swartling issues a memo to synod bishops and vice presidents with the title “‘Dual Rostering’ of ordained ministers and congregations is impermissible under the Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.” The document may have major implications for congregations currently dual-rostered or intending to dual-roster with CORE, LCMC, or another group.

January 24 – Hosanna! Lutheran Church (Lakeville, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with a 92.5 % majority. Hossana! is the second largest ELCA congregation in Minnesota with an average attendance of 4,500 people per Sunday.

January 24 – Sychar Lutheran Church (Silver Bay, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 48-17 vote. An additional vote to affiliate with the LCMC passes in a 49-15 vote.

January 24 – Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Maple Lake, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The vote passes with a 92% majority. An additional vote to join LCMC passes with a 93% majority.

January 24 – Mount Pilgrim Lutheran Church (Haralson, Georgia) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with a 94% majority.

January 24 – Lord of Life Lutheran Church (Portage, Michigan) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which fails.

January 24 – St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church (Columbus, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails in a 54-99 vote. Three weeks later, Rev. Larry Barksdale resigns.

January 24 – Bethel Lutheran Church (Colorado Springs, Colorado) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes. An additional vote to join LCMC also passes.

January 24 – First Evangelical Lutheran Church (Barberton, Ohio) holds its [second?] vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes.

January 24 – Faith Lutheran Church (Hartwell, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

January 24 – Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (Lake Oswego, Oregon) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. The vote gains 64% support, just short of the 2/3 majority needed to pass. Disaffected members begin a new LCMC church “Community of Faith”.

January 30 – The Northeastern Iowa Synod rescinds a controversial resolution (see entry for November 14, 2009) which refused to acknowledge the results of the nationwide convention in August. Vice-President Susan Armstrong explained the about-face, stating, “Concerns were raised that the synod council had made decisions that placed the council as a higher authority than the local congregation. There was also the concern that the synod council had placed itself as a higher authority than the churchwide assembly.”

January 31 – Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (Afton, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with a 90% majority (410 of 455 present). An additional vote to join LCMC passes with a 91% majority (414 out of 455 present).

January 31 – South Zumbro Lutheran Church (Kasson, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 74-11 vote. Unconfirmed reports suggest the ELCA refuses to acknowledge the vote, and that the congregation has sought legal counsel.

January 31 – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Oregon, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes.

January 31 – Christ Lutheran Church (Otsego, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 160-8 vote.

January 31 – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Monroeville, Pennsylvania) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA and joining the LCMC. It fails to reach 2/3 majority in a 113-111 vote (with 2 abstentions).

January 31 – First English Lutheran Church (Wausau, Wisconsin) holds a vote affirming its affiliation with the ELCA. It passes in a 153-64. In response, Rev. Scott Mann resigns and announces his intention to help disaffected members to start a new congregation, possibly with the LCMC.

January 31 – Thanksgiving Lutheran Church (Bellevue, Nebraska) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 283-32 vote.

January 31 – Pondera Valley Lutheran Church (Conrad, Montana) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes.

January 31 – Golden West Lutheran Church (Conrad, Montana) hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes.

January 31 – Hopeful Lutheran Church (Florence, Kentucky) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes.

January 31 – St. Paul Lutheran (New Braunfels, Texas) hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with an 86.2% majority. An additional vote to join LCMC also passes.

January 31 – Christ Lutheran (Santa Clarita, California) votes to suspend benevolence funding to the ELCA. An additional vote to join LCMC also passes.

January ?? – St. John Lutheran Church (Edgar, Wisconsin) splits. Approximately 120 congregants leave to incorporate Hope Lutheran Church, leaving a weekly attendance of about 30 at St. John Lutheran.

January ?? – Disaffected ELCA members in Easley, South Carolina form Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

January ?? – Peace Lutheran Church (Hazen, North Dakota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes.

January ?? – East Lake Andes Lutheran Church (Lake Andes, South Dakota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with a 74% majority.

January ?? – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Boardman, Oregon) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with in a 29-0 vote.

January ?? – Calvary Lutheran Church (Minong, Wisconsin) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which fails by ten votes. Approximately 60% of the congregation leaves to incorporate New Hope Lutheran Church

January ?? – Disaffected ELCA members in Eau Claire, Wisconsin begin the formation of a new congregation.

January ?? – Rejoice! Lutheran Renewal Church (Northfield, Minnesota) holds its second vote on leaving the ECLA. It passes.

January ?? – Immanuel Lutheran Church (Waukee, Iowa) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

February 7 – The Omaha World Herald reports that 220 congregations have taken first votes on leaving the ELCA. Of these, sixty-four have failed.

February 7 – St. Luke Lutheran Church (Cottage Grove, Minnesota) will hold its first vote on leaving the ELCA.

February 7 – Wingard Memorial Lutheran Church (Clyo, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 13-0 vote.

February 7 – Christ Lutheran Church (Reese, Michigan) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with an 85.4% majority.

February 7 – Central Lutheran Church (Elk River, Minnesota) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 546-85 vote. It previously voted on January 31 to join the LCMC.

February 8 – Christus Lutheran Church (Clintonville, Wisconsin) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 162-28 vote. The congregation subsequently joins the LCMC.

February 10 – Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church and School (Jacksonville, Florida) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with an 89% majority.

February 14 – Grace Lutheran Church (Oconto Falls, Wisconsin) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 138-25 vote. The congregation subsequently joins the LCMC.

February 14 – St. Nicodemus Lutheran Church (East Aurora, New York) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 53-1 vote. The congregation subsequently joins the LCMC.

February 14 – Zion Lutheran Church (Manawa, Wisconsin) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 71-8 vote. The congregation subsequently joins the LCMC. Zion’s pastor will continue to serve the congregation for a short time while seeking another call to an ELCA congregation.

February 14 – First Lutheran Church (Ogdensburg, Wisconsin) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 32-2 vote. The congregation subsequently joins the LCMC. First Lutheran’s pastor will continue to serve the congregation for a short time while seeking another call to an ELCA congregation.

February 14 – Bethel Lutheran Church (Holdrege, Nebraska) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 2/3 majority by 7 votes (136-78). Disillusioned members plan to meet February 18 to discuss what their options now are.

February 18 – Lutheran CORE releases “A Vision and Plan” for the formation of the new denomination North American Lutheran Church (NALC).

February 21 – Faith Lutheran Church (Hutchinson, Minnesota) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 178-23 vote.

February 21 – St. Luke Lutheran Church (Colorado Springs, Colorado) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes with a 96% majority.

February 21 – Christ Lutheran Church (Odessa, Washington) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 67-11 vote (2 abstentions).

February 21 – Joyful Harvest Church (Johnsburg, Illinois) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 77-29 vote.

February 28 – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Hermiston, Oregon) hold its third attempt at a first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in 45-1 vote. [Previously, an August vote failed to pass by 7 votes. A November vote failed to pass by 4 or 5 votes. ]

February 28 – Faith Lutheran Church (Lakeland, Florida) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 54-23 vote.

February 28 – Richland Lutheran Church (Richland, Washington) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 236-18 vote. An additional vote to join LCMC passes in a 238-13 vote.

February 28 – Christ our Shepherd Lutheran Church (Peachtree City, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 2/3 majority.

February 28 – The synod council of the Florida-Bahamas Synod rejects the request of St. Peter Lutheran Church (Fort Pierce, Florida) to leave the ELCA. The congregation, which unanimously voted twice to leave the ELCA, was formerly a member of Lutheran Church in America (LCA) before the denomination joined ELCA. Former LCA congregations require permission of their synod in addition to two 2/3 majority votes in order to leave the ELCA. It is believed that this is the first vote to leave the ELCA which has been refused by the denomination.

February ?? – Geneva Lutheran Church (Geneva, Illinois) holds its [first?] vote on leaving the ELCA, which fails. Disaffected members leave to organize New Hope Lutheran Church, which holds their opening worship service March 15.

March 7 – St. Paul Lutheran Church (Sterling, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 2/3 majority by 4 votes.

March 7 – Geneva Lutheran Church (Geneva, Illinois) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails to reach 2/3 majority in a 109-80 vote. The vote follows a November vote to affiliate with the LCMC which passed.

March 7 – Wangen Prairie Lutheran Church (Rural Cannon Falls, Minnesota) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

March 13 – The Chicagoist reports that since the August vote, 62 congregations have officially severed ties with the ELCA while nearly 200 others have passed first votes to leave the denomination.

March 14 – St. Paul Lutheran Church (West Manchester Township, Pennsylvania) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 177-35 vote.

March 21 – St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Stendal, Indiana) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 62-2 vote.

March 21 – Christ the King Lutheran Church (Evans, Georgia) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes.

March 21 – Trinity Lutheran Church (Hixton, Tennessee) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails.

March 21 – St. Timothy Lutheran Church (Charleston, West Virgina) will hold its first vote on leaving the ELCA.

March 21 – St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Gillet, Wisconsin) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 90-36 vote. The pastor will continue to serve the congregation for a short time while seeking a call to an ELCA congregation.

March 23 – St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Big Falls, Wisconsin) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 72-7 vote. The congregation subsequently joins the LCMC.

March 23 – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (DuPont, Wisconsin) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 28-5 vote. The congregation subsequently joins the LCMC.

March 28 – Christ Lutheran Church (Dallastown, Pennsylvania) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 112-5 vote.

March 28 – East Lake Andes Lutheran Church (Lake Andes, South Dakota) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 50-8 vote. A subsequent motion to join the LCMC also passes.

March 28 – Living Word Lutheran Church (Grapevine, Texas) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It passes in a 261-115 vote.

April 11 – Hope Lutheran Church (Smithfield, Nebraska) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

April 18 – Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Rockton, Illinois) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

April 18 – Peace Lutheran Church (Palm Bay, Florida) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

April 25 – St. Paul Lutheran Church (Peirora, Illinois) will hold its first vote on leaving the ELCA.

April 25 – La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church (Scottsdale, Arizona) will hold its first vote on leaving the ECLA.

May 9 – Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (Afton, Minnesota) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

May 16 – Hosanna! Lutheran Church (Lakeville, Minnesota) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

June 6 – Faith Lutheran Church (Lakeland, Florida) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

June 6 – Christ Lutheran Church (Reese, Michigan) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

June 6 – Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Abington, Pennsylvania) will hold its first vote on leaving the ELCA.

September 12 – Assuming the first vote passes as expected, Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Abington, Pennsylvania) will hold its second vote on leaving the ELCA.

?? – Bethel Lutheran Church (Springfield, Georgia) holds its second vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes.

?? – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Joppa, Maryland) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA, which passes. Trinity is the largest ELCA congregation in the Delaware-Maryland synod.

?? – Trinity Lutheran Church (New London, Connecticut) holds its first vote on leaving the ELCA. It fails in a 77-76 vote. Dissafected members leave to create an LCMC congregation.

***

GJ - ELCA keeps saying - not that many have voted twice to leave.

Blog Hopping

The Barry-Otten-McCain administration did nothing about DP Benke, so the later attempt by Wally Schulz ended in Schulz being canned.

So far, four thousand posts have been published on Ichabod. There are about 8,000 unique readers and 330,000 pages read per year. Bogging is fun and brings me a lot of new information daily. I appreciate the contacts from laity, pastors, and theological students.

I find it convenient to follow a lot of Lutheran activity by using the Lutheran News service, which I link on the left - I should say Far Left. Originally the site had a section for Ichabod. Now it does not. However, it does pick up all the Ichabod posts, plus Norman Teigen's, and various other samplings. Blog reading reminds me of library research in the old days. I would target certain works I really wanted, but I also wandered through sections simply to find new material. I heard Stan Hauerwas explaining the same method to someone.

Now I blog-hop.

I have noticed blogs that linked Ichabod at first and stopped. I do not mind, because Google picks up my posts instantly. If I stop to add some references to a post, I often find that the first site listed on Google is my latest one, from a minute before. Art also gets picked up as quickly.

The only thing that bothers me about the un-linking is the attitude behind it, if I can guess motivation. Some worry about reactions from the Lutheran apostates, and the apostates do punish people. The ELCA Wannabees, Shrinkers, and papalists brag openly about their own associations - see Church and Change, Jesus First, and the Missourians sinuflecting toward Rome.

More importantly, why be so timid? The Word makes us bold. Fear is not the opposite of courage but of faith. The more we trust God's Word, the less fear we have. I do not link sites because I agree with them, but because Lutherans need to be up to date about what is happening.

Paul McCain, MDiv, has an amusing post on the Joint Declaration on Justification. That is where ELCA did its own genuflecting to Rome, providing an amalgamation of justification by faith and justification by works.

However, I do not see how McCain can complain. The UOJ position he defends is exactly the same as ELCA's crypto-Universalism.

UOJ teaches everyone is forgiven without faith.

ELCA teaches that everyone is already forgiven. Both teach that their almost identical position is the truth Gospel. ELCA took doctrinal error, similar to McCain's, and combined it with Rome's error.

McCain, like the famous Senator in Arizona, is good at tagging along after trends, so he is currently on the Roman worship bandwagon, which will certainly carry many more to the papacy and Eastern Orthodoxy. (Cf. McCain pal Fenton - EO.)

ELCA and UOJ are demonstrably wrong, but try to tell that to people who parade around with their Confessions without knowing them, without ever standing up for them when it counts.

Aging WELS Pastor To Explode Ministry Through Cell Groups

Paul Calvin Kelm brought New Ager Leonard Sweet to WELS
via the Church and Chicanery conference.
Discipline? Three more calls for Kelm.

Willow Creek College has sent out a fund-raising letter under the name of Nathan J. Strobel, Campus Pastor.

SP Schroeder urged WLC not to hire another campus pastor and certainly not on the far edge of apostasy, I am told. Does this sound like Bruce Becker and the Perish Services call? Yes it does - because WLC is the mother ship of Church and Change and Kelm is their kamikaze pilot.

Somehow I got a copy of the letter and it is a hoot. WELS/ELS laity - ask your pastor for a copy.

WLC is a church. Did you know that? They baptize people at the worship services, according to Strobel.

Here is some verbatim from Strobel's letter:

"Just last month we welcomed Pastor Paul Kelm to serve as our second campus pastor. Our students - faculty and staff - are hungry for Bible study and spiritual guidance, and Pastor Kelm will help us satisfy that desire.

He will focus on small group Bible study opportunities that either he or students will lead. We've recently begun a contemporary Sunday evening service that has allowed students to be both participants and leaders in worship. Now Pastor Kelm will take that service to yet another level of campus involvement.

Most importantly Pastor Kelm and I will work with students as well with faculty and staff on how to intentionalize their faith - actually put it into action - for service and outreach. And our Christian peer leadership mentoring program on campus will literally begin to explode off campus, into area high schools where our students can mentor high school students...teaching them how to talk about Jesus no matter how or where life finds them."

Does this sound like The CORE bragging? Ski has been claiming the same thing, yet Kelm could not ignite his copied Fuel Bible study program in A-Town. Kelm was announced as the leader, but the program ran out of gas soon after and sputtered to a stop.

The WLC board, top-heavy with Gunn CrossWalk people, hired Kelm in opposition to the Synod President. Now they want you to pay for him.

More Reason To Donate through Thrivent

Too tame for the Emerging Church

Here is the link.

That is the link to an ELCA conference. Feast your eyes on the tattooed ELCA pastor. She has an Emerging Church mission in Denver.

Your Thrivent purchases can make a difference. I think she needs more tattoos, and that takes money.

It will give her street cred.

Her blog is Sarcastic Lutheran. I hesitate to link it. If you want to find offensive art about Jesus and similar material, Google her name or the blog name. I was tempted to copy some of it, but why dignify it via kelming?

Make This a Dialogue on UOJ

They celebrate Easter with Easter egg hunts.

I linked the WELS UOJ essays on the previous post. I will link it again here.

South Central District, WELS, Papers on UOJ.

They refuse to deal with justification by faith alone.

They have posted their confused and confusing papers on their website. Read them carefully and post your responses here. I will let intelligent comments come through, no matter which position they represent.

LP Cruz, WELS Church Lady, Brett Meyer, Bruce Church, Jay Webber (for UOJ): fire away.

Read the Essays and Find Out Why South Central in WELS Is So Baptistic/Reformed Church Growthy

Did they quote Knapp? the father of double-justification?

Here is the link.

Immediate reaction - One UOJ paper quotes only UOJ fanatics as references. Great scholarship, if you like circular reasoning, special pleading, and begging the question.

One copies and pastes what the Universalist Unitarian Association now believes or disbelieves. That would make Paul Calvin Kelm the world's greatest scholar, because that is all he does.

Gurgle - I only read him if I want to learn how to bankrupt a district and a synod, and then skim teachers' pay by getting a job as a campaign manager.

***

UOJ Talking Points Are Dead Wrong

This is a brief summary explaining why Universal Objective Justification is anti-Scriptural, anti-Confessional, and anti-Christian.

UOJ teaches that the entire world has been forgiven of sin, without the Holy Spirit working through the Word (Objective Justification) and that people must believe this weird idea in order to be really forgiven. Those who deny this are not forgiven.

Some obvious Biblical errors are:
1. Abraham was justified by faith. Was he again justified universally? Ditto for all the Old Testament figures who believed in Christ and it was counted as righteousness.
2. No account in the Bible reveals that God declared the entire world forgiven the moment Christ died or the moment He rose from the dead. UOJ contradicts itself on that point, which should be so clear.
3. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convict people of their sin – their sin of unbelief. UOJ convicts people against faith. They fall all over themselves condemning faith.
4. The relationship between Law and Gospel is erased with UOJ.
5. The sacraments are meaningless with UOJ.
6. Confession and absolution are turned into – “You were forgiven before you walked in the door” counseling. I am not kidding.

All the terms—General Justification, Objective Justification, Universal Objective Justification—are modern, post-BOC, the earliest example coming from the era of Pietism.

The term justification, whether in the Bible or BOC, always means justification by faith.

Dr. Robert Preus stated this with great clarity in the last book, Justification and Rome, in spite of his sons having a role in editing it posthumously.

UOJ comes from the era of Pietism and was promoted by Pietists.

UOJ comes from Pietism using the Calvinistic concept of salvation first, apart from the Means of Grace, so UOJ is pure Enthusiasm.

Woods’ translation of Knapp established the double-justification scheme before the Missouri Synod pioneers landed in America. Knapp was a famous Halle University professor, and Woods was a non-Lutheran theological celebrity in America. The text had widespread use in German and English throughout the 19th century.

The double-justification wording did not establish itself at once in the Synodical Conference. Missouri did not have it in its German language 1905 catechism.

PS - UOJ is why Missouri, WELS, and the ELS have attached themselves to the neo-Pietism of the Church Growth Movement, Emerging Church, and every fad that comes marching along.

UOJ is also the reason why WELS pastors are so mired in adultery and alcoholism. Sig Becker, Prof. UOJ Hisself, was shocked at the extent of adultery and alcoholism in WELS. All denominations have that problem, but WELS seems especially vulnerable. One reason might be their obsession with UOJ and being forgiven without faith.

Notice How the G-r-e-y Area of Scripture Exegesis Spreads

LCMS City dude - come on down to the farm.

I sure wish this was a misquote!

The Santa Cruz Sentinel has a story from last September headlined “Local Evangelical Lutherans applaud church’s decision allowing gay clergy.” It’s about the ELCA’s then-recent move to ordain clergy who are in committed same-sex relationship (they actually had allowed gay clergy prior to the 2009 decision).

Anyway, check out these three paragraphs in the middle of the story:

“Scripture is not clear on a lot of sexual issues,” said the Rev. Stan Abraham, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Soquel and Trinity Lutheran Church in Watsonville. “And because it is not a cut-and-dry issue, the ELCA’s decision is reasonable at this particular time.”

The Missouri Synod’s position is that you can be a gay or lesbian member of the church, but not a practicing clergy member, celibate or not.

“It was a good decision for the ELCA to allow each congregation to decide whether or not they want to allow for the ordination of gay men and lesbians in committed relationships,” said Abraham. “The decision will not impact the good relationships we have with our colleagues at the ELCA.”

Unfortunately it’s not a misquote. I don’t know why but District President Robert Newton apparently hasn’t had the time or inclination to deal with this false teaching.

What’s more — I’m told that Stan Abraham isn’t even just on the clergy roster of the LCMS. He’s the circuit counselor.

I know that Newton is a big supporter of President Kieschnick. I hope that President Kieschnick can talk to DP Newton and get him to handle this unfortunate scandal.

***

GJ - I thought WELS had the corner on explaining that every example of apostasy was a g-r-e-y area of Scripture. I use the dashes so the word is stretched out for maximum effect. That style of exegesis comes from the Roman Catholics, who look to the pope to conjure something up for an answer. The Holy Spirit is always at work through the pope, but never in the Scriptures, according to the Antichrist. The Scriptures are a backup for the pope.

Papal exegesis has found a home in the Missouri Synod too. This particular rube is part of the Leftist mob supporting Quiche-nik. I think Pope Jerry is gone.

The article is by Mollie Z., one of my favorite authors on Lutheran topics.

Conservative Chance To Fund ELCA's Gay Pro-Abortion Positions: Choice, Pro-Choice, Get It?

Keep ELCA bishops well funded
with LCMS, WELS, ELS money.

ELCA NEWS SERVICE
April 20, 2010

ELCA Ministries Among Possible Fund Recipients Through 'Thrivent Choice'


CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI) are three of 10 choices listed as possible recipients of charitable funds through "Thrivent Choice" -- a new Thrivent Financial for Lutherans program. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Minneapolis, is the nation's largest fraternal benefit society.

As part of the program, members of Thrivent Financial will help choose where to direct up to $2 million between April 19 and May 21.

Thrivent Financial members age 16 and older will vote to distribute $1 million among 10 national charitable entities -- each selected based on input from Lutheran church leaders and members. If at least 350,000 members vote, Thrivent Financial will add an additional $1 million to the funds distributed, according to a Thrivent Financial news release.
At the end of the event, funds will be distributed to organizations based on the percentage of total votes received, stated the release.

"We deeply appreciate the inclusion of ELCA World Hunger as one of the highlighted opportunities for giving among Thrivent members," said the Rev. Daniel Rift, director, ELCA World Hunger. "This continues a long tradition of commitment of Thrivent members to the work of ELCA World Hunger," he said. ELCA World Hunger is a comprehensive program that uses multiple strategies to address the root causes of hunger and poverty.

"We will be faithful stewards of funds that will be shared with us through this opportunity to help bring help and healing to people affected by disaster," said the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, LDR director. LDR is a collaborative ministry of the ELCA and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
"We welcome the significant relationship between Thrivent and LMI. We look forward to growing in that relationship in the coming years as LMI unfolds in the church," said the Rev. Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl, coordinator for LMI and the ELCA Strategy on HIV and AIDS, ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop. LMI is a partnership of the ELCA, LCMS and Lutheran World Relief. The initiative is made possible in part through a partnership with the United Nations Foundation.

Thrivent Choice features an eleventh option called "Thrivent Financial Should Select" for members who may be undecided about which entity to support, according to Thrivent's news release. If members choose this option, Thrivent Financial will distribute the funds among the 10 participating organizations.

"Thrivent Choice gives our members a voice in how the dollars they help generate are shared with the causes they care about," said Brad Hewitt, Thrivent Financial president and CEO.

Thrivent Financial plans to launch a second aspect of Thrivent Choice in the summer called "Choice Dollars." In this program eligible Thrivent Financial members will be able to help direct funds to thousands of Lutheran nonprofit organizations, including Lutheran congregations, according to the release.

Thrivent Financial provides more than $100 million every year to help congregations, communities and individuals in need.

***

GJ - Let's get out the hankies for ELCA. World Hunger funds will go toward paying political lobbyists across America to work on Left-wing projects, such as gay marriage, abortion on demand, and infanticide. Killer Tiller was an ELCA doctor and ELCA pays for abortions with its health plan.

Lutheran Social Services promotes gay and lesbian adoptions.

WELS, Missouri, ELS, and CLC participation in Thrivent is an outrage.

And Thrivent has $100 million of your dollars for Habitat for Humanity. So buy your Thrivent policies so ELCA can survive. Have a heart, even if you lack a brain.

GJ -

ELCA Rite of Whatever

Watch Party-in-the-MLC with me? Judy Garland movies?
Barry Manilow with some wine and cheese?

ELCA NEWS SERVICE
April 16, 2010

ELCA Council Authorizes Rite, Receives Report on 'Bound Conscience'
10-115-MRC/JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) authorized a rite designed to receive pastors from Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) onto the ELCA's roster of ordained ministers. It also received a report on the church's attention to the concept of "bound conscience" and addressed other topics.

The council, the ELCA's board of directors and interim legislative authority between churchwide assemblies, met here April 9-12.

To be used by the ELCA's 65 synod bishops in the next two years, the rite serves as a means of reception that embraces the ELCA's desire for reconciliation with ELM pastors who are serving ELCA congregations and who wish to be recognized fully as ordained ministers in the denomination. The rite also seeks to respect the ELCA's "ecumenical commitment to the ongoing reconciliation of ministry in the Church catholic," according to background materials for council members.

ELM is an organization that credentials qualified candidates of all sexual orientations and gender identities for ordained ministry. [GJ - Except straights.]

The council's authorization of the rite is intended to receive 17 ELM pastors who were not previously on the ELCA clergy roster or on the roster of ordained ministers of a predecessor church body; who have been approved by a candidacy committee of a synod; and who have received a call in the church. The rite had been recommended by the ELCA Conference of Bishops.

The council emphasized that "no other use of the rite is authorized," and it expressed gratitude for the work of those who contributed to the development of the rite.

The Rev. Robert G. Schaefer, executive, ELCA Worship and Liturgical Resources, said that "Reception to the Roster of Ordained Ministers with Prayer and the Laying on of Hands" is intended "to be a rite that brings liturgical expression to the deep desire … for reconciliation both in this church and within the Church catholic. It intends to recognize what the ELCA has not yet recognized. At the same time (the rite) is intended to be recognizable by world Lutheran ecumenical partners, echoing patterns that are important for ordination."

The Rev. Michael J. Schmidt, council member, Sioux City, Iowa, said some pastors in his area asked if "there was something of a 'mea culpa' from the church" for those who have been "denied for a number of reasons for a number of years." Schmidt asked if there could be a rubric added to the rite to reflect an apology.

[GJ - Did God apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah? Just sayin'.]

In response the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, said he thought it would be difficult to ask a synod bishop "to apologize for actions of the church." He told the council, "It would be very difficult to insert, especially liturgically, a rite of apology. I trust that those acts of reconciliation occur in the pastoral relationship, in the candidacy process and in the conversations that occur."

In a separate action the council received a report from a working group, convened by the ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop, assigned to respond to "Motion F" -- an action proposed to the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly that requests a study on the concept of bound conscience, particularly with regard to same-gender relationships.

The council acknowledged the objectives of the working group's recommendations, which includes a commitment to theological conversation on the foundation of the ELCA's decision-making. ELCA members will be invited to participate in the conversations, and the results will be disseminated widely. The group recommended "respect for people whose consciences are bound to different understandings of Scripture," and an "invitation to helpful and constructive engagement with the issue of respect for people whose consciences are bound to different understandings of Scripture." The council action anticipates "deeper and broader" attention to these matters through conversation among key leadership groups, publications, a bibliography and/or resource listing on the ELCA Web site, and encouragement for constructive dialogue in various settings.

The council took action on other items, received reports and updates on other matters:
+ Council members approved amendments to the ELCA Board of Pensions' medical and dental, retirement, survivor and disability benefits plans, and flexible spending plan. The amendments allow plan members to enroll eligible same-gender partners in the benefit plans effective May 1. The changes were mandated by the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly's adoption of a social statement on human sexuality. An implementing resolution (#7) called for "the ELCA to amend the eligibility provisions of the ELCA Pension and Other Benefits Program, consistent with the policies of this church."

+ David D. Swartling, ELCA secretary, reported that as of April 7 there were 308 congregations which had taken first votes to leave the ELCA. Of those, 228 passed with the required two-thirds vote (among members present for the vote) and 87 failed. Of the 308, 90 congregations have taken a second vote and 89 of those passed. Swartling told the council that congregations will not be removed from the ELCA roster until their synods authorize removal.
+ The council affirmed the time line for the ELCA Social Statement on Genetics to be presented for consideration to the 2011 Churchwide Assembly. It also asked the ELCA Church in Society program unit "to convene conversations" related to the development of future social statements, and to bring a report and possible recommendations to the November council meeting.

+ The council anticipates the launch of "Kalos" -- the ELCA Legacy Society -- in 2010, and a wills and bequests campaign in 2011. Swartling proposed an amendment to encourage the council, Conference of Bishops, synodical officers and other ELCA leaders to become charter members of Kalos.

+ The council re-elected the Rev. Rebecca S. Larson as executive director of the ELCA Church in Society program unit. Larson first joined the churchwide organization in that capacity in 2002. Her new four-year term will begin Oct. 14.

+ The council elected Robert Hahn, Walkersville, Md., to fill an unexpired vacancy on the board of trustees of Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA. It also elected John Bauder, Tampa, to the board of trustees of the Endowment Fund of the ELCA, and the advisory committee for Development Services and ELCA Foundation.

+ In her report the Rev. Teresita C. Valeriano, director, Lutheran World Federation's (LWF) North American Desk, said council members can participate in the 2010 LWF Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany, by praying, using the assembly's Bible study, preparing a dish from the LWF cookbook, "Food for Life," listening to the stories of Lutheran global companions and more. Because of budget reductions the ELCA cannot continue to sustain the LWF's North American desk full-time after the LWF assembly, reported Hanson, who thanked Valeriano for her "compassionate advocacy."

+ The council approved a proposal that the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly be held in Pittsburgh.

What Makes Cindi Love Love ELCA Policy?

Stan Olson was raised on an Iowa "diary farm,"
according to his ELCA bio.
Are they hiring Mequon grads for their websty,
to save money?

Cindi Love:

George Bernard Shaw once said, “Certainly all great truths begin as blasphemies.” On April 11, 2010, those who identify as people of faith and as “non-heterosexual” were given particular cause to celebrate Shaw’s wisdom: a most unlikely church has given a most unlikely people a gift of love and truth, and I cannot stop smiling.

After twenty-five years of deliberation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Church Council has abolished its anti-gay policies, effective immediately. Following from discussions at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly last summer, the ELCA will now allow people in same-sex relationships to serve as rostered leaders. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) human beings are no longer considered abominations but blessed church members with full standing. Same-sex partners and families can now fully participate in the ELCA Pension Plan.

Best of all, the ECLA is reinstating people who were removed from ministry positions because they were truthful and came out of the closet, as well as those who conducted holy unions for non-heterosexual couples. The ECLA has practiced restorative justice.

The Lutherans — breaking from Garrison Keillor stereotypes as shy, retiring, or stoic — said, “Just do it!” All votes passed overwhelmingly, with no votes against and no drawn-out hassles about how to implement the policies.

I’m particularly grateful to the ELCA for adding restoration to its reforms. My colleague, Rev. Paul W. Egerston, faithfully pastored and served as Bishop in the Lutheran church for 31 years. He resigned one month before the end of his term in 2001. Why? He ordained a lesbian as a Pastor and took a public stand for justice in opposition to the official anti-gay policy of the ELCA. Now, Paul and his wife, Shirley, and their six children, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren can take a day off. I believe that through the ELCA’s restoration, God has sent them a message, “Well done, my good and faithful servants.”

In the midst of this week of celebration, I have been asked, “What about the rest of the churches? How can we get them to change their minds about gay people and our rights as human beings?”

Let me suggest a simple formula: praise, publicize, and participate. It is important that we actively support the ECLA leaders and the early adopters with our public affirmation and praise. Write a letter of commendation of the ECLA to the editor in your local paper and send a copy to the denominational headquarters. Carbon copy your letter to the leadership of non-affirming denominations. Financially support the organizations who “push the envelope” of denominational resistance to change. Anti-gay fundamentalists outspend pro-gays by a ratio of four to one. Participate in community-based engagement efforts. These have proven highly effective in shifting attitudes of fundamentalists towards gays.

The good news is that science is on our side. Consumer adoption theory tells us that the rate at which people accept change or innovation accelerates once early adopters embrace the idea and people hear about the change. This makes sense when you think about the way in which people buy new technology. There are always people who buy the first release. They tell their friends and families. They weather the challenges of operating systems that are less than perfect.

The ELCA has served as the beta test site for a process through which a very traditional faith community can reverse its thinking and policies. They will continue to push the envelope and all of us will learn from their experiences. Other denominational leaders and congregants will be glad that they tested the waters first.

And, soon, as we’ve seen with microwaves, cell phones, the Internet, and even the Model-T, the rest of us will wade into the water as well.

The Lutherans have made a crack in the dam of religious bigotry that is now set to break wide open for the rest of the fundamentalist world — we are at a tipping point.

The ELCA has conducted itself with grace and dignity, and many of us are longing for some of that type of public civility. Their example is going to make people within other embattled denominations long for a better process within their own communities. The ELCA members didn’t wage war in public with one another. There was no public outcry that diminished everyone while they worked their way through a quarter century of discussion.

The ECLA press release about the decision reads:

These actions are important because they are a major milestone along the journey of full inclusion. We have a policy that recognizes the gifts of its members [...] and that will allow the return of those who have been removed or alienated [...]. [There will] be new life in the church through new leaders. [...] [W]e have lifted up crucial questions for the church: What is the relationship of sexuality to salvation in Christ? What is the diversity in God’s wondrous creation? What is sinful? [...] Who continues to face barriers to ministry and mission? How do we journey together faithfully, in spite of so many differences? What some people have dismissed as a narrow issue has both opened up and profoundly deepened our moral and theological life.

Amazing. It sounds like the Lutherans think LGBTQ people have helped them get closer to God. A great truth has been realized today that Jesus Christ demonstrated throughout His ministry 2000 years ago. It is not blasphemous to include and embrace the prayers and relationships and service of those outside society’s gate. In fact, it’s a blessing.

More on Religion

Read the original here:
Rev. Dr. Cindi Love: The Lutheran Church Embraces the LGBTQ Community!

Originally posted here:
Rev. Dr. Cindi Love: The Lutheran Church Embraces the LGBTQ Community!

From Best Breaking News, post Rev. Dr. Cindi Love: The Lutheran Church Embraces the LGBTQ Community!

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Rev. Dr. Cindi Love is the executive director of Soulforce, a national organization dedicated to nonviolently confronting and ending anti-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) discrimination through relentless nonviolent resistance, as taught by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Gandhi and adapted by Rev. Dr. Mel White. She serves on the "Faith and Religion Council" for the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. and is the author of Would Jesus Discriminate? The 21st Century Question. This book is part of a broader campaign to prompt churches to consider the ways that religious attitudes against homosexuality may contribute to wider discrimination against gays and lesbians.

In 2007 and 2009 Love was part of the Clergy Call on Washington to lobby for passage of the hate crimes bill and the employment non-discrimination act. Between January 2005 and May 2009, she served as the Executive Director for Metropolitan Community Churches worldwide. She is the editor of Forty Years of Faith, Hope & Love, a historical retrospective on Metropolitan Community Churches throughout the world.

A native of Abilene, Texas who has lived and worked in Minneapolis, Dallas, Austin, West Hollywood, Tel Aviv, and Paris, France, Love holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Arts from Louisiana Tech, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Texas Tech University.

She spent many years in the business sector founding companies, the last of which was acquired by The Toro Company in 1996. She also served as a Visiting Investigator for NASA in 1990. She was named one of the "Top 50 Entrepreneurs" in North America by Inc. Magazine, MIT, and YEO in 1990. In 2008, she was named one of the “most loved women” in the United States by Go Magazine in New York. She has served on numerous not-for-profit boards and committees for educational, business, and LGBT interests. She is a long-time director of one of the West Texas Rehabilitation Center's advocacy programs in Abilene.

She and her partner of 30 years, Sue, live in Abilene and have two adult children. Sue and Cindi are legally married in Canada.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-dr-cindi-love/the-lutheran-church-embra_b_543142.html

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Cindi and Sue

WWII Hero Buried with Full Military Honors

Jim Huwe's father died at the age of 87.
He served with the 101st Airborne in WWII.

Listen to TAPS while you read the lyrics.

LYRICS

Day is done,
gone the sun,
from the lakes
from the hills
from the sky,
all is well, safely, rest,
God is near.

Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing, near,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun
Neath the stars
Neath the sky, As we go,
This, we, know,
God is near.

NKJ John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

As Chemnitz Said...

Chemnitz said, "The devil always leaves a foul odor
when he leaves the room."

An ELCA loyalist, who lost out when Faith Lutheran in Moline voted to leave, just had to say this:

"wish Faith well in rebuilding and growing the congregation, and hope you will heed Pastor John Nelson's thoughtful suggestion that Pastor Gehrke be given a long sabbatical, offering time for recovery from the stresses of the past months."

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GJ - They are all the same, no matter which synod they worship. They think they are doing God's will, but a closer look will show that their Father Below is behind every sanctimonious statement. Pastor Gehrke is the pastor of Faith while Nelson is an ELCA pastor who serves elsewhere.

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Grammar Not a Requirement at Mary Lou College

Jacob Krug
Jacob Krug ok I think me (sic) and every one else at martain (sic) Luther college in new ulm wants this video back on YouTube. if only there was a way the video couldn't be put any where else
April 9 at 12:17am via Facebook for iPhone ·

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GJ - $8 million for a chapel? How about $7 million plus $1 million for remedial English lessons.

Even in Eastern North Dakota, of all places, the district voted against a motion to reverse the Party-in-the-ELCA. No safe sects in the Great Plains. Iowa backed out of repeal, too. Come On Down to the Farm.

Icelandic Volcano Problem Solved

I was blue, just as blue as I could be
Ev'ry day was a cloudy day for me
Then good luck came a-knocking at my door
Skies were gray but they're not gray anymore

Blue skies
Smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies
Do I see

Bluebirds
Singing a song
Nothing but bluebirds
All day long

Never saw the sun shining so bright
Never saw things going so right
Noticing the days hurrying by
When you're in love, my how they fly

Blue days
All of them gone
Nothing but blue skies
From now on


[2]
I should care if the wind blows east or west
I should fret if the worst looks like the best
I should mind if they say it can't be true
I should smile, that's exactly what I do