Inside This Issue: a 1St Century Mission Model for the 21St Century

Issue 2.2019 March

A 1st Century Mission Model for the 21st Century by Pr. Don Brandt, Director of the Congregations in Transition Precedent Initiative There is a historical prec- At least three distinct trends in congregational edent for a lack of pastors ministry are converging to challenge how we “do available to serve congrega- church” in 2019. tions in rural or small-town settings. I am referring to The first trend is the increasing numbers of pas- th th tors who are retiring. The 18 and 19 century Ameri- Boomers, who were, for most Millennials are ca, when circuit-riding pas- of their lives, part of the larg- less likely to be- tors were quite common. est generation in American These pastors would serve history, are now entering their come pastors. — with occasional preaching retirement years. visits — numerous small churches over a large geo- Which brings me to a second trend: Millennials, graphic area. And this would be their full-time minis- the offspring of Boomers, who are now the largest try. Can we return to that model as a way to address generation, are not as likely to become pastors as the current declining number of pastors? Probably their parents were. In fact, we learn from Pew Re- not. However, in regards to this comparison to the era search that Millennials are only half as likely to at- of circuit-riding ministers, there is good news and tend church as their parents did back in the 80’s and bad news. 90’s. And one consequence of this is that seminary enrollment has been rapidly declining. Bad News A third trend is the continued economic and de- First the bad news: Most pastors in 2019 are un- mographic decline of rural and small-town America. likely to embrace something resembling a full-time This means that congregations in these settings, in circuit-riding call. (And that includes retired pastors, particular, will have fewer options when it comes to like me.) Call us— in comparison to the circuit- finding the “right” pastor to call. And even if they do riding ministers of yore — pampered and spoiled — think they have found this pastor they are less likely but there you have it. to be able to afford an adequate Good News salary and benefits package. However, there is good news. In the 18th and 19th (Remember: many seminary century many parishioners were uneducated and graduates are paying off signifi- sometimes illiterate. Visiting ministers of that era cant undergraduate college and would often be the most seminary debt.) educated person present Can we return to during the worship gather- circuit riding as a ing. Needless to say, this Inside this Issue: is not the case in 2019. way to address the A 1st Century Model for 21st Century ...... p. 1 Lay leaders today are not current declining Is ELCA PB Eaton Losing Touch w/Reality? . p. 3 only well-educated, many What is “Confessing”? ...... p. 4 of them bring skills, a number of pastors? What’s a Christian to Do? ...... p. 5 breadth of life experienc- Probably Not. Rekindle Gathering Canceled ...... p. 6 es, and a depth of faith CORE’s Support to ELCA Orthodox Pastors . p. 7 Carl E. Braaten’s ALPB Books ...... p. 8 that can sometimes be found wanting in a particular ALPB Tracts ...... p. 9 ordained minister. As we all know, the New Testa- Coming Events ...... p.10 ment model for engaging in faithful and effective

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continued from page 1 David Sorensen, is currently preaching a series entitled ministry is compared, by the Apostle Paul, to the “Back to the Future: A 1st parts of the human body. Century Church in the 21st The different parts of the Many future Century”. I think that about body, in Paul’s analogy, congregations will captures it. represent the different not have the option Lutheran CORE’s Con- gifts and abilities of indi- gregations in Transition vidual “members” in the of building their (CiT) is a ministry initiative Body of Christ. We find that was inspired, in part, by this analogy used in congregation’s st the awareness of a developing shortage of ordained, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthi- ministry on the active Lutheran pastors. But it is also inspired by the ans 12 and 14, and Ro- traditional model. conviction that congregational ministries should not mans 12. For example, rise or fall based solely on the presence (or compe- from Romans chapter 12… tence) of a full-time, resident pastor. Instead, we Just as each of us has one body of many mem- need to take to heart Martin Luther’s view of the bers, and these members do not all have the same Christian priesthood as something we all share in function, so in Christ we who are many form one Christ Jesus. Too often we have only paid lip service body, and each member belongs to all the others. to this Lutheran — and biblical — understanding of We have different gifts, according to the grace ministry. It’s time we embrace and encourage the given us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophe- gifts of the laity. cy according to your faith; if it is serving, then Gifts of the Laity serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, The purpose of Congregations in Transition is to then give generously; if it is to lead, do it dili- walk alongside church lay leaders as they navigate the many challenges and op- gently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. CiTs purpose is (Romans 12:4-8) (TNIV) portunities that are inherent in times of transition. Details to walk Traditional Leadership Model regarding what a CiT coach/ In my view most Lutheran leadership models in consultant can offer your alongside church American (and European) culture have traditionally congregation can be found lay leaders as erred on the side of an unhealthy dependence on or- on the Lutheran CORE web- they navigate the dained clergy. Whether or Congregational site. Our trained coaches are not you agree with that as- volunteers, so a congrega- many challenges sessment, a great many con- ministries should tion’s costs are minimal. and gregations in the coming not rise or fall And please note: Our advice years will not have the option and guidance will be cus- opportunities of building their congrega- based solely on tomized to your congrega- that are inherent tion’s ministry on that tradi- the presence (or tion’s needs. So whether you tional model. This will be are already in the search pro- in times of true of many congregations competence) of a cess, or haven’t yet orga- transition. that cannot secure the ser- full-time, nized a call committee, or vices of a full-time, resident your pastor has only just announced his or her up- pastor. It will also be true for resident pastor coming retirement, we can be of assistance. most congregations served by For more information, read over the CiT materi- a part-time pastor. And it will almost always be the als already on the CORE website, or contact either case for congregations being served by multiple sup- me at [email protected], or CORE Direc- ply preachers. tor Dennis Nelson at [email protected]. New Testament Model By the way, Dennis and I would appreciate pray- It is time to return to the New Testament model ers for our upcoming coach training event and for for Christian ministry. We should not only do this out safe travel for all those attending. Our event is this of necessity, but because it is biblical. And because it April 1st through 4th in Arizona. is the biblical model, it fosters the kind of congregational dynamic most likely to be inspired and guided Grace and peace, by the Holy Spirit. An LCMC pastor friend of mine, Don Brandt

Is ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Losing Touch with Reality? by Dennis D. Nelson, Executive Director of Lutheran CORE Rejected Bishop Eaton also says in the same communica- Deluded? tion, “We have not fully grown into the commitment I was absolutely astounded when I read ELCA we have made.” I am certain she means something Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s response to the far different, but I would say not that the ELCA still recent action taken by the United Methodist Church needs to fully grow into its commitments, but instead to affirm the historic Christian view that the ELCA has rejected the commitments that it of marriage and human sexuality. ELCA made. Even though the 2009 Churchwide Assembly Speaking of the very different vote membership said that the traditional view How could she that the ELCA took nearly ten of human sexuality would years ago, she said, “Yet, though a decreases also be honored, one of the expect God to controversial decision at the time, by 70,000 a keynote speakers at last give “strength our 2009 action has brought summer’s youth gathering strength and blessings for our life year. led 31,000 young people in and blessings” to and mission beyond what we could renouncing the traditional a church body have imagined a decade ago.” [emphasis added] view of human sexuality as How in the world could she make a statement like a lie and ELCA leaders that is refusing to that when she wrote the following in the February groveled in front of ELCA deal with such 2019 issue of “Living Lutheran”? seminary students who were able to force the firing of an blatant rejection “Our congregations are growing older and small- ELCA seminary president er. of His Word? because twenty years ago At least 40 percent of our congregations have an she held and advocated for traditional views. average weekly worship attendance of 50 or less. Surprise ELCA membership decreases by 70,000 people a year, or roughly the loss of a synod per year. How could one look at all of this and say that the 2009 decisions have brought “strength and blessings . Clergy retirements outnumber new candidates for . . beyond what we could have imagined a decade ministry. ago”? The only surprise, if any, should be how bla- Financial pressures and building maintenance tantly the ELCA is revealing its own dishonesty and create stress. hypocrisy by: There is a dearth of people in their 20s and 30s in • placing perimeters on what it approved in 2009 our pews.” • first promoting the Bad News > Imagined Good whole issue of “bound Having recently said all of that, how could she conscience,” but then now say that because of the 2009 decisions the not honoring those pe- ELCA is experiencing “strength and blessings for our rimeters life and mission beyond what we could have imag- • breaking its promise to ined a decade ago”? honor the “bound con- Revelations science” of and give a place of equal honor and respect to those who hold to Instead the ELCA is revealing what it really be- traditional views. lieves and the direction in which it is determined to go by its doing nothing to address the “We Are Na- Oncoming Collapse ked and Unashamed” movement and nothing to If anything is “beyond what we could have imag- counter the growing influence and message of its ined a decade ago,” it is not the “strength and bless- most famous public spokesperson, the author of the ings” that the ELCA has been experiencing, but the book, Shameless: A Sexual Reformation. Also, while speed with which any restraint against an “anything the Presiding Bishop is quick to respond to so many goes” view of human sexuality is collapsing. other issues, she refuses to respond to recent state On another note, we need to pray for and support legislation regarding abortion. How could she expect our brothers and sisters in the United Methodist God to give “strength and blessings” to a church Church, including those from the southern hemi- body that is refusing to deal with such blatant rejec- sphere, who held firm to the clear teaching of the tion of His Word? Scriptures in their recent vote.

What is “Confessing”? Greek term homologeō: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus by Pr. Steven K. Gjerde, Vice-President of Lutheran CORE is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, Lutheran CORE strives to be a voice and network you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). for “confessing Lutherans.” But just what is a con- The term used here and in similar fessing Lutheran? People sometimes ask that ques- passages is a simple combination of tion, and it deserves a good answer. two words, logeō (to say or speak) and homo (same). To confess is to Lutheran Confessions “say the same thing.” Historically, the terms “confessing” or A beloved Lutheran theologian named Norman “confessional” hearken back to the Lutheran confes- Nagel expressed this aspect of confession in his de- sions, or statements of doc- scription of Lutheran worship from 1982: trine, published in the Book of Concord in 1580. These Our Lord speaks and we listen. His Word bestows documents, which include what it says. Faith that is writings by Martin Luther, born from what is heard Lutheran CORE his friend and colleague, acknowledges the gifts exists to support Phillip Melanchthon, and received with eager their successors, have thankfulness and praise . Lutherans en- served as touchstones of Lutheran orthodoxy across . . . Saying back to him gaged in this act place and time. what he has said to us, we repeat what is most true of confession. Ordination Vows and sure. (Lutheran Wor- Most if not every Lutheran pastor has vowed ship [St. Louis: CPH, 1982] page 6). some kind of allegiance to this set of documents at ordination, and Lutheran laity will (hopefully) recog- The Book of Concord and the churches that cher- nize one of its most beloved portions, Luther’s Small ish it seek to confess or say the same thing that the Catechism. At the book’s very start stands perhaps its Lord has said through His prophets and apostles, second most famous document, the Augsburg Con- trusting that word to be “what is most true and sure.” fession. This document was written by Melanchthon We could therefore say that confessing Lutherans say in 1530 to set forth the doctrine of the churches in the same thing as the Lutheran confessors before Germany (the “evangelicals”) that had embraced Lu- them because those confessors said the same thing as ther’s teachings. For this reason it carries the label of God says in His word. confession: it publicly states, or confesses, what the Barmen Declaration evangelical Germans believed. One famous use of the term confessing comes Doctrinal Assaults from May 1934, when German Protestants, under the This history brings us to a simple definition: con- leadership of such men as Karl Barth and Martin Nie- fessing or confessional Lutherans are Lutherans who möller, adopted the Barmen Declaration, resisting adhere to the teaching of the Book of Concord over the racist, Nazi-inspired Whenever the against all doubts and doctrinal assaults. They stand “German Christian” move- in line with those earliest confessors of the Lutheran ment. The Declaration con- church resists church and say, “Our church- demned the attempt of Na- changes to the es teach thus and so.” Luther- To confess is to tional Socialism to change church doctrine and dictate doctrines of its ans do disagree over the sta- “say the same tus of some of the writings in church polity in support of Lord, it becomes a the Book of Concord thing.” Hitler’s “Aryan” ideology. (notably, the Formula of Con- Indeed, whenever the confessing church. cord), but all would agree that confessing or confes- church resists changes to sional describes a Lutheran’s fidelity to the contents the doctrines of its Lord, it becomes a confessing of this book. church, saying what God has said over against all falsehood. Homologeō With churches across America struggling to know Digging a bit deeper, we may look at the term and believe what God has spoken, and with attempts confess in light of Scripture. There we find that the term most frequently connected with “confess” is the Continued on page 6

What’s a Christian to Do? Responding to Inconsistent, Illogical Ill-will by Pr. Cathy Ammlung, Lutheran CORE Secretary • They tell Christians not to impose their beliefs or morality on them, but insist that their beliefs Over the past several months, I’ve reflected on and morality should be imposed, often by force the challenges Christians face as we share our faith of law, on us. with others. On the one hand, never has there been a • They say that Christians are too judgmental and greater field for mission. On the other hand, not only intolerant - while condemning everyone who are more people unchurched and non-religious; many doesn’t agree with them! are also proud of their unbelief. Some are outspoken But the major insight I’ve come to about atheists in their scorn and contempt for believers, especially is this. They dismiss the notion of sin, but they’re of- traditional Christians. ten keenly aware of injustice, malice, and hatefulness Rules of Engagement in the world. They’ve often been hurt by others. They may acknowledge their own complicity in certain I’ve mentioned two components of engagement evils. They may feel regret, even guilt, at things with hostile skeptics (and, increasingly, they’ve done or failed to do. Rather than sneer at “progressive” Christians). First: Always lead with the atheists, we need to see some of their zeal as maybe love of Jesus. He longs to forgive, heal, redeem, and misguided - but also as a possible point of common- make them his own. His love, shining through us, can ality, conversation, and even conversion. be immensely attractive, even to skeptics! Without a conceptual and moral framework that Second, we need to immerse ourselves in Scrip- acknowledges, articulates, addresses, and ameliorates ture and the basics of Christian doctrine, and to learn sin, though, they flounder. They veer frantically be- what’s known as apologetics. Apologetics is the art tween insisting that certain beliefs and actions aren’t of addressing objections, wrong, ever, at all, and consigning into the outer clarifying misunderstand- darkness those who have committed at any time in ings, correcting distor- their life any infraction of their “tablet of command- tions or misrepresenta- ments.” The examples are too numerous to get into. tions, and providing a well-reasoned defense of We all do that to some extent, because we are all the Christian faith to its sinful, selfish human beings. But atheists, who gener- despisers. It ally deny not only the existence of sin, but also any- “troubleshoots” wrongheaded beliefs that separate thing supernatural, seem to respond to the reality of people from Jesus Christ. goodness, sin and evil, or right and wrong, as if our world was populated solely by angels and demons Guided by the Spirit rather than fallible, broken human beings! Believe as Before we continue, here’s a word of encourage- they do, and one is “on the side of angels.” Trans- ment. We don’t have to be “perfect” in our responses. gress their beliefs, and one is a demon to be exor- It’s not necessary to rebut every argument of a skep- cised and booted into the outer darkness, eternally tic. Let the Holy Spirit guide and inform us along the expunged from history books, monuments, and posi- way. The Word of God can uncover the sins, hurts, tions of responsibility or authority. and distorted beliefs of that person, and begin to heal, Advantage: Christians forgive, enlighten, and transform that life at last. And believe it or not, that is where we Christians Skeptics “Know” have the greatest advantage. We believe in a trans- Sadly, some skeptics are so convinced that Chris- cendent, omnipotent God, and acknowledge eternal, tianity is wrong and awful that they have no desire to universal truths, especially in the moral realm. We understand it better. We don’t believe what many traffic in the supernatural! Yet in great love, this atheists accuse Christians of believing, yet they aren’t transcendent Deity comes among real, flesh-and- interested in hearing what we do believe because they blood, dirty, stumbling, selfish, stupid, hurting and already “know” it’s just as horrid and false. Addition- hurtful human beings – as a human being, save with- ally, some atheists are muddled and confused in their out sin. He debunks the whole “angels and demons” own beliefs. They may tout atheism as a beacon of playbook, and instead of de-sinning sin or exorcising rational thought, but hold irrational and contradictory sinners, he exorcises sin and forgives, heals, trans- beliefs in its service. forms, restores, redeems, and glorifies sinners! We • They insist there’s no such thing as universal have “God in the flesh,” who knows us inside and truth. And that “truth” applies universally! Continued on page 6 5

Rekindle Gathering Canceled generation. Please also pray for us as Lutheran CORE as we by Pr. Dennis D. Nelson, Executive Director of Lutheran CORE continue to do our work of chal- lenging the ELCA to keep its We are very grateful to all who encouraged us to promises, alerting people to ways hold a gathering designed to help pastors rekindle in which orthodoxy is being their first love for Christ, for the church as the body threatened, supporting those who of Christ, and for mission and ministry as the work of are seeking to be faithful within Christ in the world. We are very grateful to the four the ELCA, and being there for pastors who had agreed to be presenters – Tim Hu- those who are in the process of bert, Wendy Berthelsen, Brian Hughes, and Craig determining how God is calling Moorman. And we are very grateful to Pastor Dennis them to be affiliated. DiMauro and Trinity Lutheran Church in Warrenton, Virginia for being willing to host the event. Ministries What is “Confessing”? Unfortunately, as of March 11, no one had regis- continued from page 4 tered for the May event so the board took action to cancel it. While we are sorry that we will not have the at changing church doctrine multiplying daily, Lu- opportunity to hear from these gifted and excellent theran CORE exists to support Lutherans engaged in presenters, we do want to lift up their ministries. Tim this act of confession. As the Danish pastor and Hubert would be happy to send to you the Power- hymnwriter, Nicholas S. Grundtvig, teaches us to Point that he had been preparing. This file looks at sing, how to love God through Scripture, hymns, writing, God’s Word is our great heritage and shall be and reflection. Tim writes, “This could be done alone ours forever; or in a small group, always praying for the guidance to spread its light from age to age shall be our of the Holy Spirit.” We also want to lift up for you chief endeavor. Craig Moorman’s book, The Awe-full Privilege: This Thing Called Parenting. Craig writes, “My greatest Through life it guides our way, in death it is our concern for the Church is what happens (or doesn’t stay. happen) in the homes of our parishioners, especially Lord, grant while worlds endure, we keep its in terms of discipleship. Faithful and effective mis- teachings pure throughout all generations. sion will flow out of a deep commitment to disciple- May God grant us the strength to will and to do ship AND the discipling must begin on the home this good and loving work. front.”

Next Generation While we are sorry that there was not the re- What’s a Christian to Do? sponse to the Rekindle gathering that we had thought continued from page 5 and hoped there would be, we are very pleased with the high level of interest in our Congregations in out, and who sees more keenly than any zealot the Transition ministry initiative – both from potential horrors of every sin. And he’s an absolute expert at client congregations as dealing with it. He nailed it to his Cross and dragged well as from the pastors Please pray that it down to Hell, where he left it to burn. who have offered to serve God will raise up They Need What We Have as coaches for these con- We Christians can courageously condemn sin, gregations. Please join faithful, confession- because we are confident that in Christ, every sin can with us in prayer for the al, orthodox, and be forgiven, every sinner can be saved, and every training event, which will evangelistic/ soul - warped, ruined, and destroyed by sin and evil – be held April 1-4 in the can be raised to new, glorious, Christ-centered life Phoenix area. Please pray outreach-oriented and beauty. We have exactly what the world, includ- with us for congregations pastors for the next ing our atheist friends and neighbors – need. Pray for that are or soon will be the power of the Holy Spirit to fill each of us - indi- without a pastor. Please generation. viduals, congregations, pastors, seminaries, the whole pray with us that God Church on earth – with the grace, courage, and pas- will raise up faithful, confessional, orthodox, and sion we need to proclaim the love of God in Christ evangelistic/outreach-oriented pastors for the next Jesus our Lord!! 6

CORE’s Support to ELCA Orthodox Pastors by Pr. Dennis D. Nelson, Executive Director of Lutheran CORE • Our annual Encuentro – a day of support, connection, fellowship, inspiration, and resources for Someone recently asked how Lutheran CORE supports faithful, confessional, orthodox ELCA pas- those who already are involved and for those who tors who are serving in orthodox ELCA congrega- are considering becoming involved in bi-lingual tions. It is a good question. In this article I will seek (English-Spanish) or Spanish language ministries. to answer it. • Some day you will retire or resign to take another First of all, I would want to say that when I speak call. Through our Congregations in Transition of confessional, orthodox ELCA pastors who are serving (or did serve) in orthodox ELCA congrega- ministry initiative we are training a group of tions, I am also speaking of myself. I am ELCA ros- (mostly retired) Lutheran pastors to serve as tered. I served the same congregation (first ALC, coaches for congregations who are between pas- then ELCA) for forty years before my retirement in tors who either do not have an interim pastor June 2014. So I will also be speaking of ways in available to them or do not have the resources for which Lutheran CORE was of support to me during an interim pastor. my years of ministry. CORE’s Calling • Clergy Connect – a resource on our website through which congregations that are looking for Let me also say at the beginning that we feel that part of our calling as Lutheran CORE is to alert peo- an orthodox pastor and pastors who are looking ple to ways in which orthodoxy is being threatened in for another call can find each other. the ELCA. We inform people of ways in which the • Through our pastoral formation project, address- ELCA is not keeping its promise to honor also the ing the critical issue of the looming clergy short- traditional view of marriage and human sexuality. But we Faithfulness age, especially the looming extreme shortage of do not believe that faithfulness in the ELCA is orthodox clergy and seminary graduates for in the ELCA is impossible, not impossible. ELCA congregations. though we are extremely con- • Guidance in evaluating ELCA communications, cerned about the diminishing number of faithful, confessional, orthodox ELCA pastors as so many of such as the social statement on Women and Jus- them have retired, are retiring, or soon will retire. tice. Our role is to support those who are working to be • Articles in our bi-monthly newsletter, CORE faithful in the ELCA, those who have decided that Voice, on such topics as how to share the faith being faithful requires them to leave the ELCA, and with people who are hostile to the Christian faith those who are in the process of determining how God is calling them to be affiliated. and how to communicate in a way that is relevant Support to technically sophisticated, younger generations. Having said that, I will now list a number of ways • Representation to ELCA leaders. We have advo- in which CORE seeks to support confessional, ortho- cated for traditional views in our communications dox ELCA pastors who are faithfully serving in to the presiding bishop and the synodical bishops ELCA congregations. concerning such things as the Supreme Court de- • Assurance that you are not alone. Connection cision regarding same sex marriage, the choice of with many others who share your concerns and keynote speakers for last summer’s youth gather- are engaged in the same struggles. ing, and recent state legislation regarding abor- • Providing a closed Facebook group in which you tion. can engage in conversation with like-minded peo- • An idea that has not yet come together - setting ple. Both page and group are named Lutheran up a way in which orthodox students at ELCA CORE. seminaries and recent orthodox seminary gradu- • Resources for worship, including prayers and ates can make connections and support each oth- hymn suggestions. er. • Daily devotionals. continued on page 8 7

CORE’s Support to ELCA Orthodox Pastors continued from page 7 The author of the letter to the Hebrews wrote, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us . . . run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and per- fecter of our faith.” (12:1-2) Our goal as Lutheran CORE is to help you look to Jesus and to run with perseverance the race that is set before you.

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Sponsoring an Event? We Would Love to Help You Get the Word Out If you are planning an event that you believe Lutheran CORE members would want to know about and that is consistent with the Common Confession, please let us know. Brief articles and pictures are always welcome. We also can share them on our website and our Facebook and Twitter feeds. Contact CORE’s editor, Kim Smith at [email protected]. Coming Events 2019 Lutherans for Life Events held in Texas, Mar. 23 is the “Did God Really Say …? Click here Regional Conferences Michigan, Colorado, first confer- Minnesota, Maryland ence; final is and California. Nov. 16th Lutheran CORE: Coach Carefree, AZ Apr. 2-3, 2019 Training Lutheran pastors to be Click here Training for Congrega- coaches who will help churches tions in Transition thrive in the transition period. Canadian Rockies Theo- Canmore, Alberta Apr. 30—May “In the World Following Christ” Click here logical Conference 2019 3, 2019 Pro Ecclesia Conference Loyola University, June 3-5, 2019 “What’s the Good of Humanity?” Click here Baltimore 2019 Register NEXUS—for high school Grand View Univer- June 23—28 & “Where God’s call meets your Click here students sity, Des Moines, IA July 7-12, 2019 life” ELCA Churchwide Assem- Milwaukee, WI August 5-10, “We are Church” Click here bly 2019 NALC Lutheran Week Indianapolis, IN August 5-9, “Walking by the Spirit with the Click here 2019 Fruit of the Spirit” Encuentro 2019 Chicago, IL September 14, Save the date! Click here 2019 LCMC Annual Gathering Omaha, NE Sept. 29 - Oct. TBD Click here. 2, 2019

Website Features We Are Very Grateful  *** New *** CORE posts a short list of blog We are very grateful for all who support our friends under Friends of Lutheran CORE. work. Thank you, and God bless you.  CORE’s Transitions page is for churches in tran- Donations can be sent to our Wausau office sition. PO Box 1741 Wausau, WI 54402-1741  CORE connects confessing congregations and or online at www.lutherancore.org. pastors on its Clergy Connect page. Click here to make an online donation! Please consider setting up an ongoing regular dona-  CORE posts a daily devotion. tion via our website.  Check out our Worship page to see all the worship resources Pastor Cathy Ammlung has posted CORE Voice including Prayers of the Church. Published by Lutheran CORE  CORE’s Communications page includes newslet- Kim Smith, Editor ters, Letters from the Director and many Other Read older issues here. letters of interest. Please copy and share widely www.lutherancore.org or 1-888-810-4180