NETWORKNETWORK NEWSNEWS ® Volume 7, Issue 3 MAY - JUNE 2006 Convention okays establishing Lutheran house of studies

by Betsy Carlson, editor TheWordAlone Convention authorized the institution to "keepthe distance necessary" board of directors to implement a proposal to be a prophetic voice. Accreditation for an "autonomous and accredited" Luth- would provide external pressure for eran theological house of studies on excellence. Bielfeldt is a member of the May 2 in Golden Valley, Minn. WordAlone Board and professor of philosophy and religion at South Dakota The 2005 WordAlone convention started State University in Brookings, S.D. the planning for a Lutheran theological house of studies when it called for study St. Paul, Minn., Luther Seminary Prof. of creating an institution whose teachers Gracia Grindal, a WordAlone board mem- would be faithful to Scripture and the ber, said the statement was not detailed Lutheran Reformation. The proposal, enough for her to support it and that sup- which came from a task force formed last porting it would be a conflict of interest year, was forwarded to the convention by for her as a WordAlone board member and the WordAlone board. Luther Seminary professor. She said she The words "autonomous and accredited" could support it if "autonomous and accre- drew fire from some at the convention but dited" were dropped. She said Luther Sem- efforts to remove them from the resolution inary had produced confessional . failed on a voice vote. Luther graduate M. Luther Johnson, Dr. Dennis Bielfeldt, who leads the Luth- Donnelly, Minn., said he agreed with eran theological house of studies task force, Grindal and moved to delete the words. said he thought the words "autonomous and He said another seminary was not needed accredited" were very important. He re- and that a house of studies could stand minded the convention that since the Word- within an existing seminary. Alone Network began, it had been auto- Pastor Kurt Borows, Jr., Port Clinton, Ohio, nomous within the Evangelical Lutheran said he was against Johnson’s amendment Church in America. He said the board of because he was "scared stiff when kids directors wanted to keep that autonomy for today" said they wanted to go to seminary the Lutheran theological house of studies. because he had "seen what seminaries do He added that autonomy would allow the to them." He said he (Continued on page 2) Convention okays Lutheran House of Studies (Continues from page 1) didn’t want the proposal watered down or In other action, the convention elected Formal theological stance its credibility reduced. Bill Drew, Spokane, Wash.; Pastor Scott Grorud, Hutchinson, Minn., and liaison proposed for WordAlone y Another Luther Seminary professor, Steven from Lutheran CORE; Jennifer Mason, Paulson, said he was against the amend- Crystal, Minn.; and Pastor Dan Storvick, ment. He said he thought a new Lutheran Prescott, Ariz., to the board of directors. theological house of studies could partner by Mark Chavez, director with Luther Seminary but that he would not Elected to the nominating committee were: In his essay "WordAlone fundamentalism? essay also addresses big issues that have want it under the auspices of a seminary. Pastor Chuck DeHaven, New Braunfels, No, fundamentals!" Dr. Dennis Bielfeldt led to a theological crisis within North Texas; Pastor Gerald Miller, Annapolis, proposes an in-depth, but concise, formal American : ambiguous and Bielfeldt was asked if Lutheran house of Md.; Quie, Minnetonka, Minn.; Pastor studies graduates would be able to be statement of the WordAlone movement’s shifting meanings of theological and Dan Selbo, San Jose, Calif.; and Pastor theological position. certified by ELCA candidacy committees Tony Stoutenburg, Hayward, Wis. biblical language, differing positions on and to serve in the ELCA. He said he Bielfeldt is a WordAlone board member the authority of Scripture and the didn’t have an answer but that he wanted After the convention, the board met and re- and chair of the Lutheran theological house Lutheran confessions and the denial of that to happen. elected its officers: John Beem chair, of studies task force. absolute truths and of God’s causal Pastor Fred Baltz vice-chair, Irv Aal "We are hopeful for certification and will relationship with creation and His creatures. treasurer and Grindal secretary. Pastor The WordAlone board asks that pursue it," Bielfeldt said. Jaynan Clark Egland was re-elected WordAlone members, chapters and Bielfeldt has said his paper is intended to Al Quie, former WordAlone board WordAlone president. churches study and discuss his paper. help all within the Evangelical Lutheran member, said he thought the Lutheran Responses and feedback may be sent to The board members finishing their three- Church in America and in other Lutheran theological house of studies should be the WA office at [email protected] or year terms were Doug Bahr, M.D., denominations to recognize the depth of autonomous because of the tendency to McQueeney, Texas; Diane Eaton, directly to Bielfeldt at [email protected]. the crisis facing Lutheran churches. He become like what one was near. Deephaven, Minn.; Clark Egland; and The theological issues outlined in wants to assist Lutherans doing theological He said WordAlone needed to "speak the Pastor Randy Freund, Hutchinson, Minn. Bielfeldt’s paper will be the main theme work to begin with presuppositions that truth" and not be "just a private little place John Beem and the convention thanked of WordAlone’s fall theological conference fundamentally are not in conflict with the next to an institution." them with applause for their service. this year. Dr. Fred Baltz, another WA Scripture and the Christian faith, so that board member, is writing a study and theology more fully serves the discussion guide for the paper that will be proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Index Order tapes, CDs, DVDs available soon and will be an excellent Christ. p. 1-2 Convention okays House of Studies resource for use in chapter meetings and p. 3 Formal theological stance proposed from adult forums. Bielfeldt has said that the aim of his paper is very much in line with the 2005 WA p. 4 Pulpit is everywhere, Wendt says 2006 WordAlone Network The dates and location of the fall annual convention’s request for a house of p. 5 Nestingen says, 'Word produces faith' Annual Convention conference will be announced soon. studies in which "theological education is p. 6 Resolution conflicts with church rules There will be further discussion and NOW! firmly grounded in the scriptural truth p. 7 LC3 outlook is positive consideration of WA’s fundamentals at Dr. Harry Wendt and the hermeneutic of the Lutheran p. 8 'ELCA scriptural fidelity needed' the 2007 annual convention. Dr. James Nestingen Reformation," and with the 2006 p. 9 Churches asked to share resources Dr. Steven Paulson The essay first was distributed at the convention’s approval of establishing an p. 10 Behold the new! WA President, Jaynan Clark Egland annual convention in Golden Valley, "autonomous and accredited" house of p. 11 Lutheran Clergy Connect Lutheran CORE reform group Minn., and may now be downloaded from studies "that focuses on the [Lutheran] Lutheran Churches of the Common the WordAlone web site at: www.word- Confessions, is competent in relating the Network News is published six times yearly alone.org/docs/wa-fundamentals.shtml. Confession renewal association Confessions to the world in which we live by the WordAlone ¤ Network. Though written as a proposal for and that recognizes that proper authority Jaynan Clark Egland: President, www.wordalone.org Mark C. Chavez: Director, Betsy Carlson: Editor WordAlone’s theological foundation, the can be located in the Word alone." - Please photocopy & distribute - 651 633-6004, 888 551-7254

t w o t h r e e Pulpit is everywhere, Wendt says Nestingen says, by Betsy Carlson, editor 'Word produces faith' Think about this statement: "It is all too His focus started to change to teaching easy to understand professional church adults, in particular. And to making By Betsy Carlson, editor workers as those whom we pay to do God’s parents aware of their God-given work for us. To put it a little crudely: ’We responsibility to understand God’s Good "My faith is never my work, but my about relationships. Say, ’Okay, bring ’em pay you to work your butt off while we News and to equip them to share and neighbors’ through the Holy Spirit," Prof. over, but then they’re ours. If you don’t sit on ours.’" model Jesus with their children. Emeritus Jim Nestingen told the audience give ’em Bibles and tell ’em the stories and at the WordAlone Network Convention, bring ’em to church, we’re gonna speak So said the Rev. Dr. Harry Wendt at the Later, he encountered expectations for "Pulpit, Pews and Parents," in May in the Word. That’s our job.’ annual WordAlone Network Convention, legalistic preaching and virtually no Golden Valley, Minn. "Pulpits, Pews and Parents," in early May congregational Bible study for adults. "I suggest that congregations appoint two in Golden Valley, Minn. His address was "The ’Word’ never approached Christians godparents for each child baptized in the "In that challenging situation," he said, "I called, "Jesus the Radical Servant abstractly but came to them in relationships, congregation, with two responsibilities to had to develop materials to help turn things Messiah," but he didn’t mean that Jesus came from the lips of persons who loved those kids: speak the Word and show up at was to be the only radical servant. around. The end result is that the materials I began to develop in New Zealand have them enough to call them to the Word," their ball games. Be there for high school Wendt, founder and president of Crossways grown into what now constitutes the said Nestingen, who has retired this year graduation, replacing the community that International, a Bible study promoter, asked heartbeat of Crossways International from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. used to be there. That could be fun!" the convention audience, "The point? Jesus ministry. So God leads." Past strategy, he explained, was that the calls us to equip all of God’s people to He stressed time and time again that the church, the home and the extended families understand what the Bible means when it He then came to Concordia Seminary in Word has power, power that creates faith speaks of them as ’priests.’ St. Louis, Mo., to study adult education. taught the faith. But now, he noted, even that can be heard even by rumor. "You can He realized that he "knew very little about nuclear families rarely sit down together overhear it and it will take a hold of you. "It has to do with understanding that the Bible’s ’big story,’" and switched from for dinner. The grandparents and aunts and That’s what the Word does, it’s the power everything we touch has a sacred quality adult education to study of the Bible itself. uncles, the ones with authority but not the of salvation. That’s the Word. It does what about it. After all, God made and owns responsibility, had fun with the children it says. The Gospel says, ’Believe in this,’ all things. We are not called to put God "I sensed that if I really knew what the and confirmed the faith, he said, but added first but only. Christianity is not a part and it’s done already." biblical message was all about, I would be that that strategy started to fall apart of life, not even the most important part driven by a sense of prophetic compulsion for people under the age of 55. He told of the Syrophoenician woman, a of life. It is all of life." to teach it, and to develop techniques for pagan, who heard about Jesus and came to The church’s strategy must continue to be He added: "The pulpit must not be seen as doing so." a house where He was to ask Him to drive to "tend the narrative," he said, "that means something to be found only in a church a devil out of her daughter. He rebuked That prophetic word came true. In 1979, speaking the story, setting out the gifts, building. It must be understood as some- Wendt established Crossways International, her and told her the "children" (the Jews, thing out in the street, occupied by each keeping the story out in front of ourselves the chosen people) should be fed first a leading ministry promoting Bible study and those we love. For instance, Bible and every one of Jesus’brothers and sisters. worldwide. More than 35,000 clergy, because it would not be fair to throw the study, family devotions, prayers on rising teachers and lay leaders from all major food to the house dogs. "It involves telling people about Jesus as and sleeping, living in the biblical denominations in more than 60 countries forgiving Savior. It also involves showing story making sure it’s there with your She persisted and pestered, however, them Jesus as Servant Lord, as Servant have been trained by Crossways to use children, your nieces and nephews, your replying that even the dogs would get the Messiah. Full-time in all we do." the materials with their story-telling graphic illustrations. Hopefully those in children’s children." scraps under the table. Jesus acclaimed her faith and sent her home happy, telling her Wendt, originally from Australia, said he the pews, parents and pastors are teach- But, he also set out a new strategy began to suspect early in his ministry that that her child was healed. All because she ing from pulpits in and out of churches. congregational godparents. "Pastors something wasn’t quite right because adult had heard a rumor and believed. parishioners expected him "merely to For more information on Crossways complain about people who call on a preach sermons to them and to assume all International go to www.crossways.org Saturday night and want their kid ’done’ "Faith is always a product of the Word," responsibility for teaching their children." on the Internet or call 1 800 257-7308. and then do it anyway," he said. "It’s all Nestingen said. f o u r f i v e ELCA council says Metro NY LC3 outlook is positive resolution conflicts with church rules by Betsy Carlson, editor by Betsy Carlson, editor The new association of churches for churches or groups, some members of the renewal, Lutheran Churches of the steering committee talked about their views A resolution on disciplining lay ministers new standards’ for rostering." Common Confession LC3 as it is being of LC3 or told what their groups were and ordained pastors in same-sex called will be a positive voice among doing. relationships passed last October by a The background document states bluntly: Lutherans to encourage congregations to special assembly of the Metropolitan "As this analysis indicates, there are model what a healthy church can look Pastor Mark Braaten, Our Saviour’s New York Synod probably clashes with inherently conflicting statements in certain like, according to organizers. Lutheran Church, Tyler, Texas, said that Evangelical Lutheran Church in America parts of the resolution, which make an evaluation of its implications difficult. in the southeast quarter of the country LC3 governing documents. Plans and hopes for the new association Yet, in any careful reading of the whole was basically a network of churches. One were presented at both general sessions The ELCA Church Council said at its resolution, the plain meaning of the state- issue they are working on in Texas, where and in workshops during the annual April 1-2 meeting the resolution contained ments must be considered. In so doing, several churches have left the ELCA, is WordAlone Network Convention in May "inherently conflicting statements that the response to the synod’s question to the trying to slow down that drain. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden may be read as being in conflict with the Church Council on whether the resolution Valley, Minn. A steering committee elected Mick Lee, a layperson from Calvary in constitution and bylaws of this church." is in concurrence with the governing doc- last November during the WordAlone the- Golden Valley, said his church joined uments of this church, must be this: The Metro NY special assembly adopted ological conference has been organizing WordAlone "early on." They had worked Probably not." three resolutions, each containing a state- LC3 since last fall. with Solid Rock Lutherans before the ment about maintaining unity in the The Metro NY special assembly was 2005 Churchwide Assembly. Solid Rock In one workshop, someone asked how LC3 ELCA. The special assembly’s voting called because at its regular spring assem- was a single issue advocacy group oppos- got started. Pastor Randy Freund, of Faith members endorsed ordaining, commis- bly, the synod voted that if the 2005 ing ordination of persons in same-sex Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minn., sioning or consecrating "partnered" gays Churchwide Assembly did not pass sexu- relationships and against blessing such steering committee chair and part-time and lesbians. ality recommendations of a task force and relationships. According to plan, Solid the national church council the synod WordAlone staff member, said the group Rock disbanded after the assembly. They also issued guidelines that basically should hold a special assembly. grew out of discussions about starting a said not to discipline a or pastor non-geographic synod. "That was an ’aha’ moment," he said. "We solely for being in a same-sex relationship The churchwide assembly adopted two of got to know some great people who didn’t andthat if discipline charges were brought, three, one calling for unity and the other "That seemed impossible to do," said agree with us on Called to Common the "overriding consideration" was to be to supporting a 1993 message from the Freund. "We wanted to create something Mission [ELCA and The Episcopal "best serve the mission and pastoral needs Conference of on pastoral care clean, lean. This was not about a new Church USA full communion agreement] of the ministry and synod." for persons in same-sex relationships. The denomination. We wanted to do intentional but did on that (homosexuality) issue. We third failed and would have allowed per- ministry from within." started wondering about getting in the That Metro NY resolution stated that the sons in same-sex relationships to become boat and working together." synod was not creating new standards for But they didn’t want to create a new lay ministers or to be ordained under cer- ordination or ministry or discipline but bureaucracy, he said. The structure of LC3 Lew Hesse, another layperson, is from tain circumstances. "does exercise its constitutional duty" to will be defined by the churches that join it Moses Lake, Wash. He said LC3 in his implement those standards. In addition to its resolution about disci- and may be different in different parts of region was committed to starting one new plining persons in same-sex relationships, the country. The committee wants the church and was talking about positive However, the background document that the Metro NY Synod special assembly new association to be regional or local, things that "reach pagan people." He the ELCA Church Council adopted in asked the ELCA to comment on the con- focused in the area where churches have called Seattle 90 percent pagan. Hesse April disagreed. It said, "Creating a new stitutionality of the document. The NY joined. said. "The strongest point you’ve got is criterion for evaluating a candidate synod also invited other synods to join it Fruend said, "The steering committee can’t staying positive." [whether the candidate’s gifts would serve in passing similar resolutions. tell you what will work in your area. The the mission and pastoral needs of the Pastor Bryan Anderson of Nazareth steering committee will just be a guide. synod] and elevating it to a primary The ELCA Church Council received the Lutheran Church in Withee, Wis., said, "I The churches will decide what they want determinant would establish, in fact, a Metro NY resolution at its November see LC3 as a big tent where we can to do." new standard for rostering, in spite of the meeting and referred it to the offices of exemplify what a church can be within claim that ’this synod is not establishing the Secretary and (Continued on page 9) To illustrate differences among local LC3 our belief in Jesus forgiving sins." s i x s e v e n 'ELCA scriptural fidelity needed' Churches asked to share by Betsy Carlson, editor educational resources Lutheran CORE, a new organization will of faith" and that "many important matters" remain a confessing and confessional are not in the Common Confession. by Mark Chavez, director movement within the Evangelical Lutheran "The Common Confession is helpful be- Church in America and will respond to At the annual convention in May the resources and edit and format, if necessary. cause it sets boundaries and limits," Spring WordAlone Board asked that WordAlone The best of the resources will be posted problems that have resulted from rejection said. "The highest value in the church is not of scriptural authority, according to Pastor Network churches and members share on the web site (www.wordalone.org) for diversity of faith and practice. The ultimate their "home grown" educational resources downloading and use by all interested Paull Spring, chair of the group’s steering value is fidelity to the Word of God as committee. with the network. churches. The resources may also be final authority. Lutheran CORE people ordered from the WordAlone office. The Confessing movements arise in response seek to be orthodox in faith and practice." Many in churches have written their own board hopes to distribute the resources to some crisis within a church, he told the Spring, a former ELCA synod , said Bible studies, confirmation and Sunday widely. WordAlone Network Convention in May there was room in Lutheran CORE for School materials. Those willing to share The request for educational resources in Golden Valley, Minn. They are partly diversity. He listed possible members as, any materials with other churches may came out of a board meeting just before protest movements against a church but "easterners, Midwesterners, southerners send them to the WA office, preferably as they stay within their church, he said. and westerners." There could be "diverse e-mail attachments ([email protected]), the convention. The board discussed how Confessing movements are neither liturgical practices and congregational but by regular mail if necessary, 2299 WordAlone might make available sectarian nor schismatic, but are reforming, styles of ministry." Palmer Dr., Suite 220, New Brighton, resources that churches and families Spring added. Minn., 55112. could use to teach the Christian faith to Lightheartedly, he added that "unrecon- generations. While some new materials The crisis in the ELCA over the authority structed Haugeans and stick-in-the-mud The board recruited volunteers at the could be written, the board decided that it of Scripture has ledtodogmatic uncertainty, evangelical catholics and everyone in convention at Calvary Lutheran Church also would be good to ask WordAlone Gospel reductionism, confusion over between," were welcome. in Golden Valley, Minn., to serve on an churches to share resources they already standards for sexual behavior and lack of "We’re not fighting for kyries or red versus editorial task force and look over the had developed. confidence and trust in leadership in the white wine. We after something more church, he said. substantive and constitutive for the church’s Council says resolution conflicts with church rules (Continues from page 6) Lutheran CORE is a reform movement of life and mission fidelity to the Word of individuals, congregations and reform God," Spring stated. Presiding Bishop and other churchwide York Synod, in an effort to seek to provide groups. It was started last November during As to Lutheran CORE’s relationship with units for study and comment. adequate information both to that synod the fall theological conference of Word- and others on the issues addressed in the the WordAlone Network, Spring told the TheChurch Council’s complete response to Alone and grew out of Solid Rock Luther- convention that the reform group operates original resolution," Almen said. the synod, including the resulting report, "within" the Network and that it’s still a ans. Solid Rock was an umbrella organiza- is on pages 9-14 of the PDF file at http:// Reports from other synod assemblies this work in progress. tion for individuals and groups that worked www.ELCA.org/secretary/governance/A spring are sketchy this early in the season. together for two years against efforts to get "The style of the relationship is cordial, ctions20060404.pdf on the ELCA Web site. But WordAlone has learned that the Minn- the ELCA to accept ministers and ordain cooperative, mutuality and mutual respect. eapolis Area Synod passed a resolution pastors in same-sex relationships as well But, Lutheran CORE is not a sub-unit According to an ELCA news release, The similar to the Metro NY one while the to bless such relationships. Solid Rock within WordAlone," he said. Rev. Lowell G. Almen, ELCA secretary, Northwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly disbanded, as planned, after the 2005 told staff at the ELCA churchwide offices declined to consider one. The Northern "Some of us object to joining WordAlone, ELCA Churchwide Assembly. after the council meeting that the council’s Texas and Northern Louisiana Synod we have our differences with WordAlone response should be read with the consulta- Assembly endorsed the ELCA Church In his presentation at the WordAlone con- on a number of important issues. But tion’s analysis. "The original resolution Council’s stand on the Metro NY resolu- vention, Spring said that Lutheran CORE there is enough commonality and mutuality was complicated, and, in a sense, the tions. takes WordAlone’s seven-point Common that we want to work together, as much as response, I suppose one could say, is Confession very seriously because it "is a possible, doing our own thing when it complicated because it is so detailed. The ELCA Metropolitan New York Synod reaffirmation of the Augsburg Confess- become necessary to do so. Lutheran includes approximately 80,000 Lutherans ion." He noted, however, that the Common CORE cherishes its relationship with the "That was done out of respect for the in more than 230 congregations in 14 New Confession is "not an exhaustive statement WordAlone Network." deliberations of the Metropolitan New York counties. e i g h t n i n e Behold the new!restore an Lutheran Clergy Connect

by Pastor Norman P. Olsen Lutheran Clergy Connect is one way for congregations seeking a pastor to connect with potential Starbuck, Minn. candidates who believe that Christ alone is sufficient for the unity of the church and that the Word Good news must be shared! We’re delighted that teach the faith. This introductory of God is the authority for the church. Below are the most recent listings. A full list, which includes to keep you posted on the progress of our edition is designed for use in more detail and 15 additional listings, is posted on the WordAlone website. (www. wordalone.org). new alternative Lutheran hymnal! congregational worship settings and for If you would like your congregation listed on Clergy Connect, please mail or fax your request on church home devotions. This introductory piece Our group has a new name! The former letterhead, signed by an officer or call committee chair, to WordAlone Network, 2299 Palmer Dr., Suite will serve as a field test and eventually "WordAlone Hymnal Task Force" is now 220, New Brighton, MN 55112 Fax: 651-633-4260. (Please notify us when the position’s been filled.) will lead to a full hymnal resource, possibly known as "Reclaim Resources." Our task, in the following year. Costs and ordering however, remains the same: namely, to Give the following information: gifted in the areas of wor- ology. Emmanuel Lutheran information for this introductory edition Pastoral position provide worship resources appropriate to ship leadership, ministry to Church, with a baptized will be available soon. Congregation’s name, city, young adults and youth, in- membership of 1,386, pro- a Lutheran understanding of Scripture &state (& website address tentional prayer life, build- vides a wonderful opportun- and the Confessions. The purpose is to reclaim classic Lutheran if applicable) ing group ministry opportu- ity for a pastor to serve a Our new address is: theology related to liturgy and hymns. It’s Contact person nities, preaching, mission congregation eager for en- a resource that can be in the hymn rack Phone number (global) focus, teacher thusiastic and dynamic lea- Reclaim Resources E-mail address PO Box 8202 and be used as a supplement to the current (youth and adults). Candi- dership. The congregation "Lutheran Book of Worship." It also Calls are listed starting with the date should be self-motiva- believes in the strong and St. Paul, MN 55108 most recently received. 800 590-6001 provides an alternative to the ELCA’s ted, organized, enjoy teach- exciting programs and op- pending new hymnal, "Evangelical ing, work well with clergy portunities available at Em- St. Paul's Lutheran Church These developments are the natural Lutheran Worship." and staff ministry team. manuel, but also desires to extensions of our task. A new working Hanover, Minnesota improve and expand our relationship also has evolved. While we Also new is "Gideon’s Garrison"! We’re www.stpaulinhanover.org Zion Lutheran Church membership and the mis- still continue to work closely with looking for 300 (or more) people, the Contact: Mark Mann, Call Com- Victoria, Texas sion to both local and glo- bal communities. WordAlone toward its goals, both garrison, who will each give $100 (or mittee Chair 763-286-2742 Contact: Ross Mansker Pastor Gorden Estenson Call Committee Chairman WordAlone and Reclaim Resources more) to help finance this publishing discovered it prudent to be independent 763-498-8311 or 763-226-1115 602 Colony Creek Drive St. Matthew Lutheran Church ministry. Gifts may be made payable to, [email protected] Victoria, Texas 77904-3806 Beaverton, Oregon of each other for legal and fiduciary and sent to, our new Reclaim Resources purposes. Second Pastor 361-578-8373 Contact: Pastor Eric Burtness at the new address listed above. This pastor should have [email protected] [email protected] But the biggest and happiest news is the gifts and passion for focus Full-time pastor to lead our phone: 503-644-9148 upcoming release of "Reclaim: Introductory of this position. This indivi- congregation in proclaim- fax: 503-641-6933 Edition of Lutheran Hymnal for Church dual will share in the pas- ing the Good News and ex- Full-time Minister of and Home." A preview, in a sample booklet, toral duties and outreach panding our church in the Children and Families ministries of the church. future. The Candidate should be a was used at the Golden Valley WordAlone convention on Sunday Candidate should be an or- leader in educational de- Emmanuel Lutheran Church evening for the opening worship service. ganized, self-starter. It velopment, providing vision Tacoma, Washington Music for the liturgy is by John Ylvisaker. would be helpful to have and direction for the church music skills. Contact: Dick Elmquist, Call ministries related to the Soon the "Reclaim: Introductory Edition" Committee Chairman cross-generational educa- will be published and will include the full First Lutheran Church 253-565-0247 tion and discipleship of Holy Communion service, orders for Little Falls, Minnesota Full-time Admin. Pastor people of all ages and sta- Baptism, weddings and funerals. It will Contact: Shawn Larsen, We seek a pastor who will gesoffaith. The specific also include nearly 50 hymns comprising Call Committee Co-chair provide strong leadership focus would be on pre- a combination of the top 30 favorites [email protected] in the teaching and worship school aged through 5th selected by WordAlone members and 320-632-3097 (home) of our Lord Jesus Christ, grade, involving families 320-632-9233 (work) whose preaching is based and other members of the other classic and contemporary hymns Full-time Associate Pastor on traditional Lutheran the- congregation. t e n e l e v e n