NALC News N o r t h A m e r i c a n L u t h e r a n C h u r c h J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 Pastor John Bradosky accepts call as NALC General Secretary

The Rev. John F. Bradosky of culture, our life together, rooted Centerville, , has accepted a in the Word and grounded in our call to serve as General Confessional heritage. Secretary of the North American Lutheran Church. “This is a home I have been longing for during the past The General Secretary functions decade,” he added. “I am as the chief operating officer of encouraged and strengthened by the NALC, managing its day-to- the faithful witness of those day administrative functions. He individuals and congregations will be based at the NALC’s main who have stepped forward in office in Columbus, Ohio. faith, propelling the North American Lutheran Church into “I am thrilled that Pastor an exciting future. Bradosky has accepted the call to be our first General Secretary,” “As one who is at home in your said NALC Bishop Paull Spring. midst I pray that my ministry will “He has great administrative skills Pastor John Bradosky also strengthen and encourage and is excited about the you,” Pastor Bradosky said. possibilities that God has for us in the North American Lutheran “It is refreshing and invigorating “For such a daunting task in Church. to be a part of the body of Christ helping to lead the North serving in an expression of the American Lutheran Church, I am “He will be a tremendous asset Church where the organizational trusting in the guidance, power for us as we all seek to be faithful values are a perfect match with and blessings of the Holy Spirit and zealous for our mission and my personal values,” he said. as well as your faithful ministry” Bishop Spring added. partnership. Thank you for this “I am convinced the four key opportunity to serve,” he said. “I am both deeply honored and values of Christ-Centered, delighted to accept the call to Mission-Driven, Traditionally- Pastor Bradosky has 32 years of serve as General Secretary of Grounded and Congregationally- pastoral experience with diverse the North American Lutheran Focused provide a solid experience in organization and Church and have never been foundation for the faithful growth administration. He has served in more certain of Christ’s call to of the Church as well as the urban, suburban, and serve His Church in this way,” spiritual nurturing and multicultural settings. Pastor Bradosky said. development of Jesus’ disciples. These values will shape our Continued on Page 2 First congregational mission and discipleship event to be in Texas

A congregational mission and Pastor Foss is a gifted teacher, There will be a variety of discipleship event is set for Feb. preacher, and trainer. He is the workshops covering a variety of 11-12 at St. John Lutheran author of several books including areas of congregational ministry Church in Boerne, Texas. Power Surge; A Servant’s including: Sunday School, youth Manual; Real Faith for Real Life; ministry, men’s ministry, healthy The event — the first of seven From Members to Disciples; and leadership, contemporary events planned by the The Disciple’s Joy. worship, and short-term mission Congregational Life and Pastoral trips. Support Working Group for There will be four presentations Lutheran CORE and the North by Pastor Foss: “Vision for Cost for the workshop, which American Lutheran Church — will Ministry & Mission;” “From includes lunch on Saturday, is feature the Rev. Dr. Michael Foss Membership to Discipleship;” $25 for the first person from each of St. Mark Lutheran Church in “Making the Change;” and congregation and $15 for each West Des Moines, Iowa. “Strategies for Growing Deeper.” additional person. Bradosky has diverse parish experience

Continued from Page 1 He served as president of the Their daughter, Jessica, is a Board of Directors of the fourth grade teacher in Tampa. During the past 15 years his Lutheran Bible Institute of She is married to Joe Seanoa. ministry has focused on Christian California and Graceworks They have one son, Ramsey. discipleship. He encouraged and Lutheran Services. helped to design the church-wide Their son, Jacob, is an officer in Call to Discipleship. He has Pastor Bradosky’s hobbies the U.S. Air Force stationed at written Bible studies and articles include being a private pilot, Vandenberg Air Force Base in on discipleship. running, scuba diving, and California. Jacob’s wife, Melissa, skiing. He also serves as a high just finished a degree in nursing. Pastor Bradosky most recently school and collegiate sports served as the senior pastor of official for basketball, soccer and “Jacob won the Marine Corps Epiphany Lutheran Church in football. Marathon in Washington, D.C., Dayton, Ohio. He previously this past October,” Pastor served as pastor of St. John He has completed six Bradosky said. “For the first time Lutheran Church in Springfield, marathons. He and his son, we will run the Boston Marathon Ohio; Trinity Lutheran Church in Jacob, qualified to run in the together. He will be at one end Canton, Ohio; and Grace Boston Marathon in April. and I will be at the other.” Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, Calif. Pastor Bradosky and his wife, Their youngest daughter, Jordan, Kristi, just celebrated 34 years of is a senior at the University of Pastor Bradosky is a graduate of marriage. Kristi is a registered South Carolina. She has Hamma School of Theology at nurse. They have four children completed four years on the in — three of whom are still living volleyball team and will graduate Springfield, Ohio, and Indiana — and one grandson. Their first- at the end of this academic year, University of in born son, Joshua, died in a tragic moving on to pursue her Indiana, Pa. car accident at the age of 6. doctorate in physical therapy.

N A L C News 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 A Word from the General Secretary

I continue to rejoice in the call of fulfillment of God’s prophesy in Christ to serve the North sending the Messiah — American Lutheran Church as Immanuel, God with us. What a your General Secretary, even as I plan! Their original plans for the rejoice to be part of the fellowship wedding celebration and the of those who share a passion for design for their home and the truth and authority of the furniture seemed insignificant in Word of God, Christ’s mission to comparison. make disciples of all nations and our confessional heritage that God provided Mary and Joseph shapes both our theology and with wisdom, direction and ministry. strength as they responded obediently. Because Joseph In the journey to reach this point, understood the extraordinary love I have been consoled by the of God and his role in God’s plan Scriptures that lead us from the for redemption and salvation, he season of Christmas into the was empowered to demonstrate season of Epiphany. For the Pastor John Bradosky selfless and sacrificial love for the month of January, that seems to Lord, for Mary and for Jesus. be an appropriate place for me to begin in my first article for the that would include family and His obedience to the angel’s NALC News. friends as Joseph was laying out message takes precedence over plans for their home and the convenient choice of a quiet The changes that have come and furniture. divorce. He was willing to endure are continuing to come to our life the embarrassment, the can be overwhelming, especially Then an angel announces to questions and accusations, and when those changes are not Mary the greatest intrusion of all even the ridicule of those who what we anticipated, not a part of time (Luke 1:28-37). She would never understand. He our vision for the future, not the attempts to share the news with could remain focused even in the hopes and dreams we imagined, the person she loves, and he midst of rumors and innuendo. not a part of our planning or reacts the way we often react to preparation. change — anger. With an overwhelming sense of purpose and firm direction his What we experience in those That is a typical reaction when fears and doubts fade, his moments is “life interrupted,” an our plans are dashed, our ideas emotions are held in check by a overwhelming intrusion. Yet the nixed and we are filled with stronger force: God’s plans, Word reminds us that we are not disappointment, failure and God’s will, God’s love. Mary and the first, and we won’t be the last, defeat. For Joseph that first Joseph had courage not only to to experience life-changing reaction was to divorce Mary. Yet deal with the present moment but interruptions. in the midst of considering his courage to face the future. response an angel of the Lord I spent much of my time during appears to him in a dream, giving Like Mary and Joseph, when we the Christmas season meditating him God’s plan. He is to marry face doubts, fears and an on the journey of Mary and Mary. The child within her is from uncertain future it will appear to Joseph who experienced an God. He is to name him Jesus. be a wilderness that should be interrupted life. They were avoided. Yet the Scriptures engaged and perhaps Mary was He is no longer a passive planning a wedding celebration observer but a participant in the Continued on Page 4

N A L C News 3 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 Focus on God’s control

Continued from Page 3 The greater truth is that when pretended that he, too, wanted to God disrupts our plans, He may go and worship him. Here we find remind us that the only way to be trying to accomplish His plans the other aspect of the attitude of the Promised Land is through the that are far better. They are far our Herodists, namely, that they wilderness. more fulfilling plans in which He practice what they preach. Their calls us to become participants preaching and practice are mere In fact, Mary, Joseph and Jesus and not mere observers. outer form and deny the truth. had to journey through the Practice must agree with wilderness to Egypt in order to We journey from the interrupted preaching. . . . He not only sent escape Herod who planned to kill plans of life that produce the real the magi to Bethlehem, but kept Jesus. joy of Christmas into the insights them subject to himself and in that mark the season of duty bound to practice nothing We much prefer our comfort Epiphany. The texts during this but treachery and thereby destroy zones to the wilderness where season focus our attention on the Christ. . . . Christian faith cannot we fear giants that may identity of Jesus. The revealing exist alongside of such allegiance overpower us, bullies who might light of Epiphany shines like a or duty-bound conscience, as demean us, where rumors, laser. It is a powerful but very has often been pointed out. Faith persecution, hardships and narrow beam of light that alone must help, and such struggles may overwhelm us. proclaims Jesus as Messiah, allegiance must be regarded as Our greatest consolation is that Savior, Lamb of God, One who useless for salvation, but if it is all along the way we have the opens the Kingdom of Heaven to held to be useful and permissible, promise of Immanuel, God with all who believe in Him. The then faith must die” (Luther’s us. revelation to the Magi, the Works, Vol. 52, Page 243-245). declaration at His baptism, In my journey through the rejection of evil, the authority and I have yet to hear from those who changes that have led to this insight of his teaching, the power advance the concept of “bound point in my life, there are three of his miracles and the mystery of conscience” Luther’s deep things that have been helpful: his transfiguration all reveal the concern and caution for truth of His identity. evaluating that to which our First, take time for prayer. Pray conscience is bound. In the for courage, wisdom, guidance The story of the Magi has example of the Magi he makes it and strength, but above all pray. relevance as we continue to hear clear that it is possible for our so many references to “bound bound conscience to be Second, regain perspective. Put conscience.” I have Luther’s connected to that which is intent the interruption into the greater complete works in digital form on destroying Christ and context of the Kingdom of God, that can be searched for Christian faith. expanding your worldview. individual words or combinations. In my exhaustive search through As I teach on discipleship, I often Finally, focus on God’s control. all his works there is only one use the Gospel of Luke as a The One who numbers the hairs reference attached to the words primary source in identifying the of our head is in control and “bound conscience.” It is a process Jesus used to make the nothing can happen to us beyond sermon Luther wrote for first disciples. Not only does Luke His knowledge. As followers of Epiphany: write an orderly account of the Christ Jesus we may expect that process, but he makes the our plans will be interrupted, for “To continue: Herod sent the identity of Jesus abundantly clear there is nothing in our life that is magi to Bethlehem and to all those reading his account. off limits to Him. commanded them to search diligently for the child. He Continued on Page 5

N A L C News 4 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 equally important for His With his identity rooted in “Christ John Bradosky followers today. Alone” Luther would write, “With the zeal of a missionary, I Continued from Page 4 During this season of Epiphany I dedicated the rest of my life to have also spent time telling others the good news of After calling his disciples to follow contemplating the difference salvation by grace through faith. Him, Jesus instructs them in two between image and identity. It is For now I knew that I stood essential areas: his identity and impossible to exist in this culture before God with Christ’s the nature of the Kingdom of and not be concerned with our righteousness and with Christ’s Heaven he proclaims. It is so image. We are constantly courage.” important Jesus tests their bombarded by media that understanding with two critical heightens our sensitivity about That is important for us as questions. “Who do others say how others will perceive us. The individuals, for our congregations that I am?” “Who do you say that greater concern is that an and for our life together in the I am?” overwhelming preoccupation with North American Lutheran image prevents us from spending Church. I would rather lose the The first question addresses his the appropriate time and energy image and gain the identity, image. This is what the polls say. focused on the far deeper issue focusing on substance rather They are comparing Jesus with of our identity. than surface. other famous people. The answers sound flattering but are I must confess during difficult This season of Epiphany is a simply incorrect. That is why days I have been more great time for us to focus on the Jesus turned his question away concerned about my image than first of our “Key Attributes” or from the crowds to His disciples. my identity. Yet with every values of the NALC: Christ- “But what about you?” he asked. attempt to please people and Centered. “Who do you say that I am?” divert my attention and energy to Simon Peter answered, “You are making others think well of me, I This year’s Theological the Christ, the Messiah, the Son experience greater bondage, not Conference will provide us with of the living God.” freedom. It is equally empty to another opportunity to explore focus on creating my own unique this topic in far greater depth. The light of Epiphany is designed identity. Until then I pray for the strength to expose this truth. It is to grow in that identity in all I do revelation that brings clarity and Our identity is in Christ. In serving Christ with you. focus. Jesus wants us to know Baptism we take on the identity who he is. Why would you want of Christ as we accept the name Let me close with this prayer from to follow him if you are unsure of Christian. The sign of the cross Luther: “O Lord, we are not his identity? How could we ever marks us forever. The oneness worthy to have a glimpse of proclaim the good news with Jesus prays for his disciples to heaven, and unable with works to boldness and be unsure of who experience in the 17th chapter of redeem ourselves from sin, he is? Why would we ever be John is not an organizational death, the devil, and hell. For this willing to take up the cross and unity but the oneness of identity, we rejoice, praise and thank you, follow him if we are not confident “that they may be one, Father, O God, that without price and out about who he is? just as you are in me and I am in of pure grace you have granted you.” us this boundless blessing in your Jesus affirmed Peter’s answer. dear Son through whom you take In fact, Jesus said Peter’s answer In that case Epiphany is a time sin, death, and hell from us, and came not from within himself, not for us to focus on our identity. give to us all that belongs to him.” from his own wisdom but from We do so by focusing our Amen. God the Father. If this attention on the identity of Christ. confession of faith was essential The more we focus on His for the first disciples it must be identity the more we find our own John Bradosky is the General identity in Him. Secretary of the NALC.

N A L C News 5 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 Making Disciples

By Pastor Don Brandt 3. “Declaring the wonderful deeds of Him who called us” (1 Peter 2:9-10). One of our readers, Gordon Huesby of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Walla Walla, Wash., sent us 4. “Be prepared to give an account of the hope that material related to disciple-making and sharing the is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). good news. 5. “Come and see” (John 1:46). As to the task of making disciples, Gordon included the following principles with corresponding biblical 6. “Plant the seed, water it” (1 Corinthians 3:6-9) — texts: Ask a question. Drop a hint. Make someone think. Be nice. Be encouraging. Promote curiosity. What Is a Disciple? – A humble and obedient servant of Christ (Luke 17:10). 7. Give someone a Bible or a New Testament (2 Timothy 3:14-17). Biblical Goals for Disciples Gordon then quotes Sam Shoemaker, who once 1. Life with a firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-27). said, “I can’t, merely by doing good things, effectively bear witness to Christ. The emphasis is 2. Obedience to Christ’s Commands (Mark 12:28- too much on me and not enough on Him.” 31). Gordon’s ideas related to the “making of disciples” 3. “Bear Fruit” (John 15:8). are very timely.

4. Be Jesus’ witnesses (Acts 1:8). Lutheran CORE is currently organizing seven regional mission events across the country. (The 5. Be “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1-2). first is taking place Feb. 11-12 at St. John’s Lutheran in Boerne, Texas.) 6. Bear “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-26). All seven events are focusing on the challenge of By What Means Can We Attain these Goals? making Christian discipleship part of the very DNA of the local church. 1. The Apostles’ “Teaching” (both Old and New Testament). So I was thinking: Is there a pragmatic strategy for implementing this kind of emphasis in a 2. The Apostles’ “Fellowship” (“koinonia”) congregation’s faith and life? participation/ companionship. In my opinion, the single best strategy for “making 3. The “Breaking of Bread” (The Lord’s Supper). disciples” in congregational life is probably by promoting small groups. 4. Prayer. Truth be told, making disciples is something more Concerning “sharing the Good News,” Gordon effectively accomplished through small groups than included the following: by either a sermon series or an adult education class. (Not that you shouldn’t do it all!) Discussion- 1. Preaching — Proclamation; (Romans 10:14-15). oriented groups involving 6 to 14 people each provide the best context for spiritual growth. And 2. Teaching (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:42). the larger the church, the more essential it is to have a congregation-wide small groups ministry.

N A L C News 6 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 First, a disclaimer: If your congregation consists of 6. In addition to this one-on-one recruitment 50 or fewer active adults, you might not need small process, have a theme Sunday where everyone groups. Why? Because you might just have has an “in-hand” small group sign-up insert. This something approaching a small-group dynamic on will be the Sunday when even the sermon will focus Sunday morning. If that’s the case, your best on Christian discipleship and spiritual growth. Note: opportunity for a disciple-making emphasis might Members should not be assigned to a group; they be the 60 to 90 minutes immediately following your should be able to choose their group based on who weekly worship service. is leading it and when it will be meeting. Give worshipers an opportunity to sign up and turn their However, if you are a congregation of anywhere insert in during the worship hour. List each of the from about 51 active adults all the way to 1,000 (or groups on the insert, with the names of the leaders more), you need a small groups ministry strategy. I and when they will be meeting. The two best times will address this strategy, in detail, in next month’s of the year to have this kind of congregational sign- Pursuing the Great Commission column. But here up opportunity are probably September or January. is a preview of a six-step process for establishing a congregational small group One final thought: Multiple small groups in the life of ministry. your congregation represent perhaps the single best strategy for fostering the priesthood of all 1. Recruit one or two (trusted) members to be believers. After 33 years in parish ministry I have volunteer coordinators of this ministry. never found any ministry that is a better and more rewarding experience for lay volunteers than being 2. With the help of these volunteers, enlist enough a small group leader. In fact, leaders typically gain small group leaders (again, trusted) to lead the even more from this ministry than their group number of small groups you will be organizing the participants. When I have recruited small group first year. (You will be organizing one or two leaders I have tried to make it clear that first, they additional small groups in each subsequent year.) should be flattered that I chose them for this These new groups, by the way, will formally only opportunity, and second, that they will probably end require a one “quarter” commitment from up thanking me for the experience. participants, but you will be hoping most of them will become on-going. Recruit your leaders for a one- This ministry — in so many incredible ways — can year commitment. Your pastor should be bring spiritual renewal to your congregation’s life comfortable with any and all of these leaders. and ministry. More details next month, including the remarkable story of one congregation’s 3. If the initial focus of your small groups will be transformation through this dynamic ministry Christian discipleship, be sure you have an strategy. appropriate, discussion-oriented small-group print resource already chosen. Pursuing Great Commission 4. Using your chosen resource, train your enlisted Evangelism in your congregation small group leaders by making them your first small group, and by taking them through your chosen “Making Disciples” is part of a series of articles on resource. (Perhaps a six-week process for the theme “Pursuing Great Commission Evangelism training?) This training should be led by the pastor. in Your Congregation.” This monthly column lifts up Great Commission evangelism as one of the top 5. With the help of your enlisted and trained small- priorities for Lutheran CORE and the North group leaders, start recruiting participants to join American Lutheran Church. these new small groups. Encourage your leaders to go ahead and personally recruit for their own Pastors and lay leaders are encouraged to group. (Remember: No more than fourteen people contribute articles to this column. Pastor Don per group, including the leaders. Otherwise the Brandt of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Salem, group will be too large for everyone to participate in Ore., is coordinating this monthly column. Please discussions.) send articles to him at [email protected].

N A L C News 7 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 Grace Lutheran Church Erskine, Minnesota

Grace Lutheran Church sits in the south central portion of the city of Erskine, Minn., a community nestled at the edge of the hills and lakes country of Northern Minnesota and the vast fertile prairie of the Red River Valley.

Erskine is built at the crossroads of northern Minnesota. U.S. Highways 59 and 2 intersect just to the east of the city.

Two railroads also intersect here: the Canadian Pacific Railroad, formerly the Soo Line, connecting Canada and the United States and the Burlington Northern, formerly the Great Northern, connecting between Duluth, Minn., and all of the western United States. $1.00 toward the necessities of the church. The first building was constructed in 1894. On April 20, 1891, a preliminary meeting was called to discuss the possibility of organizing an There was a merger with the Sannes Evangelical Evangelical Lutheran Church in Erskine, and on Lutheran Church in 1923. In 1955, a new May 18, 1891, the record of the minutes shows that constitution was adopted that included a name United Lutheran Church was formed, comprised of change to Grace Lutheran Church. 33 Norwegians and 10 Swedes. Over its years of ministry, Grace has been part of Many of the descendants of those first pioneering parish agreements, but today is focusing its mission members are still members at Grace. Each of the as a solo congregation. pioneering members was required to contribute Grace has been a member of Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Synod, The American Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and today the North American Lutheran Church.

In 1902, the building was in need of repairs and additional space was needed. After investigating the cost for repairs and building, it was decided to build a new church. It took 13 years for supplies and work to be completed, and in September of 1915, the congregation held its first worship service in the new building and sanctuary. At the time of its completion, Grace Lutheran Church was considered the most beautiful church building in northern Minnesota.

Continued on Page 9

N A L C News 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 Continued from Page 8

On March 18, 1934, Grace Lutheran Church was gutted by a fire that started in an overheated wood furnace. The caretaker had stoked up the fire for the morning service and in a short time the entire building was ablaze. Firefighters from three departments doused the brick walls with water to preserve the framework of the building.

Although the entire inside and roof of the building were destroyed, the building remained intact. By September of 1934, the members of Grace were worshiping in the restored sanctuary that had risen from the ashes.

The stories told by our members who remember Our choir meets weekly, September to May. They that day speak of the fire and smoke rising from bring music for our worship once a month. The their beautiful building, images that are burned into Sunday School children bring their music once a their memories. Today, we still worship in that month, and gifted musicians from our congregation same building. and community bring music for worship the other Sundays of the year. Since the fire, we have added an education and office space, a narthex complete with an elevator, a The NALCW of Grace meets every month for Bible newly renovated pipe organ, and video recording study, a business meeting and a fellowship supper. equipment that allows for our worship services to There are three circles who meet for Bible study be broadcast on local cable television. every month. This past week, they started making quilts for their winter serving project — Lutheran Our congregation has a long history of support for World Relief — which they have done for 70 years. missionaries and outreach ministries. Two of our own members served as missionaries: Clara Jones We are blessed with a great Sunday School and served in China for many years, and Judy Hyland youth program. Our Sunday School chooses a served in Japan and spent three years in a prison mission project every year. This past year, they camp in the Philippine Islands. collected 899 pairs of shoes for Haiti. The youth group is working on a mission project for this We continue to support mission work across the summer. globe, including our own mission group that travels into Northern Alaska for a VBS every summer. When we affiliated with the NALC as one of the pioneering congregations, many knew we wanted to Grace women met for Bible study in homes in the be a resource in our region for congregations early years, calling themselves the Cottage Bible wanting to affiliate with the NALC. April 1-2, we are study. Since 1971, our Monday morning women’s hosting the first Midwest NALC Conference. We Bible study has met continuously with 20 to 30 hope to see some of you with us. women attending. This article is part of a series of profiles of NALC Our men have not been outdone by this, as they congregations. All NALC congregations are have met continuously at the Ness Café for Men’s encouraged to send a profile introducing their Fellowship Breakfast. congregation to others in the NALC. Please share whatever you’d like others to know about your Today, both groups are ecumenical and the congregation, your area, and especially your conversations are still as in depth and just as lively. mission. Send the article and a few photos to news@thenalc.

N A L C News 9 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 Nominations requested for NALC leaders

The North American Lutheran Court of Adjudication, and the time of the Convocation. All Church is seeking nominations of 2012 Nominating Committee. ordained nominees must be individuals to serve as leaders for received as NALC pastors by the the church body. Lutheran CORE’s 2010 date of the Convocation. Convocation elected provisional The 2011 NALC Convocation leaders to guide the NALC Each NALC congregation and Aug. 11-12 at Upper Arlington through its first year. pastor will receive a letter Lutheran Church in Columbus, explaining the nominating Ohio, will elect a new bishop to Elections for all NALC positions process. Information will also be serve a four-year term. will take place at the 2011 NALC posted on the NALC website. Convocation. Executive Council NALC Bishop Paull Spring has and Court of Adjudication Pastor Carl Haynes of Christiana said that he will not be available members will be elected to Lutheran Church near Salisbury, for reelection. staggered terms. N.C., is chair of the Nominating Committee. He can be reached Nominations are also welcome All nominees must be members at [email protected] or for the Executive Council, the of a NALC congregation at the 704-279-4655. NALC is experiencing rapid growth More than 100 congregations have voted to join NALC in first five months

The North American Lutheran have seven congregations, and Colorado Church has been experiencing Illinois has six. rapid growth since it was St. Luke’s Lutheran Church constituted on Aug. 27. The A list of NALC congregations is Colorado Springs, Colo. NALC has formally received online at www.thenalc.org. It is nearly 100 congregations during updated as new congregations Florida its first five months of existence. are received by the NALC Executive Committee. Here is Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Additional congregations have the current list of NALC Church passed resolutions indicating congregations: Dade City, Fla. their intention to join the NALC upon completion of their Alaska Oasis Church departure from their current Lake Mary, Fla. church body. Many more St. Paul Lutheran Church congregations are expected to Kodiak, Alaska San Pedro Lutheran Church vote to join the church body in Miami, Fla. the coming weeks and months. Arizona Georgia North Carolina is the state with St. Peter Lutheran Church the most NALC congregations at Mesa, Ariz. Christ the King Lutheran Church this early point in the life of the Evans, Ga. church body, with 13. Ohio is California second with 11 churches. South Word of God Lutheran Church Dakota has eight congregations. St. John Lutheran Church Peachtree City, Ga. Texas and Pennsylvania each Arroyo Grande, Calif.

N A L C News 10 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 Illinois Maryland Concordia Lutheran Church China Grove, N.C. First Lutheran Church River’s Edge Ministries Kirkland, Ill. Mount Airy, Md. Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Claremont, N.C. St. Paul Lutheran Church Michigan Metropolis, Ill. Miller’s Lutheran Church Salem Lutheran Church Hickory, N.C. First Lutheran Church Bark River, Mich. Pontiac, Ill. New Jerusalem Lutheran Church Redeemer Lutheran Church Hickory, N.C. American Lutheran Church Owosso, Mich. Rantoul, Ill. Advent Lutheran Church Minnesota Kings Mountain, N.C. St. John Lutheran Church Royal, Ill. Immanuel Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Crosby, Minn. Landis, N.C. Immanuel Lutheran Church Thomasboro, Ill. Grace Lutheran Church Grace Lutheran Church Erskine, Minn. Newton, N.C. Indiana Faith Lutheran Church St. James Lutheran Church St. Mark Lutheran Church Mentor, Minn. Newton, N.C. Auburn, Ind. Albion Lutheran Church Christiana Lutheran Church St. John’s Lutheran Church St. James, Minn. Salisbury, N.C. Fort Wayne, Ind. Riverside Lutheran Church St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Antioch Lutheran Church Wannaska, Minn. Salisbury, N.C. Hoagland, Ind. Missouri Union Lutheran Church Iowa Salisbury, N.C. Trinity Lutheran Church Ava, Mo. St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Nebraska Statesville, N.C. Faith Lutheran Church Monona, Iowa Faith Lutheran Church North Dakota Dannebrog, Neb. Zion Lutheran Church Peace Lutheran Church Ruthven, Iowa New York Devil’s Lake, N.D.

Mission in Christ Lutheran Nile Lutheran Mission First Lutheran Church Church Rochester, N.Y. Washburn, N.D. Strawberry Point, Iowa North Carolina Ohio Kentucky St. John Lutheran Church Upper Arlington Lutheran Church House of Prayer Lutheran Asheboro, N.C. Columbus, Ohio Church Elizabethtown, Ky. St. John Lutheran Church Greenville, Ohio

N A L C News 11 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 St. John Evangelical Lutheran Puerto Rico Peace Lutheran Church Church Rosenberg, Texas Grove City, Ohio Iglesia Luterana Resurrección Carolina, Puerto Rico Our Savior Lutheran Church Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Three Rivers, Texas Mansfield, Ohio South Dakota Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Oakland Lutheran Church Heritage Lutheran Church Tyler, Texas Mansfield, Ohio Brandon, S.D. St. Paul Lutheran Church St. Peter Lutheran Church American Lutheran Church Yorktown, Texas Monroeville, Ohio Castlewood, S.D. Virginia St. John Lutheran Church Hayti Lutheran Church Montpelier, Ohio Hayti, S.D. Reformation Lutheran Church Culpeper, Va. Resurrection Lutheran Church New Hope Lutheran Church Port Clinton, Ohio Hayti, S.D. Lebanon Lutheran Church Lebanon Church, Va. Living Water Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Springboro, Ohio Lake Norden, S.D. Advent Lutheran Church Winchester, Va. Grace Lutheran Church First Lutheran Church Springfield, Ohio Philip, S.D. Washington

Trinity Lutheran Church Genesis Lutheran Church St. Mark Lutheran Church Springfield, Ohio Rapid City, S.D. Seattle, Wash.

Pennsylvania Immanuel Lutheran Church West Virginia Whitewood, S.D. Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran St. Timothy Lutheran Church Church Tennessee Charleston, W.Va. Abington, Pa. Faith Lutheran Church Wisconsin Dunmyer Lutheran Church Chattanooga, Tenn. Johnstown, Pa. St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Word of Life Lutheran Church Church of Nekimi Lutheran Church of the Cross Maryville, Tenn. Oshkosh, Wis. Mansfield (Covington), Pa. Texas Peace Lutheran Church One in Christ Lutheran Mission Split Rock, Wis. Philadelphia (Telford), Pa. Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Welcome Immanuel of Lebanon Lutheran St. Stephen Lutheran Church Brenham, Texas Church Pittsburgh, Pa. Watertown, Wis. Holy Ghost Lutheran Church Zion Lutheran Church Fredericksburg, Texas Wyoming Pittsburgh (Brentwood), Pa. Peace Lutheran Church Christ the King Lutheran Church St. Paul Lutheran Church Rockdale, Texas Newcastle, Wyo. Sarver, Pa.

N A L C News 12 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 NALC, LCMC leaders to address International Theological & Mission Conference in Ethiopia

Lutherans from throughout the world will gather in In addition to Dr. Buba and Bishop Spring, the Ethiopia Feb. 15-17 for the International NALC will be represented by the Rev. John Theological and Mission Conference. Bradosky, General Secretary, and members of the NALC Executive Council. This historic gathering was organized by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, the Lutheran CORE will be represented by its director, third largest Lutheran church body in the world with the Rev. Mark Chavez, and members of the 5.3 million members. Lutheran CORE Steering Committee.

All of the pastors and seminarians of the Ethiopian LCMC will be represented by Pastor Vander Tuig Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus are expected to and by members of its Board of Trustees. be among the church leaders from Africa, Europe, and North America who will gather at the Ethiopian Pastors and members of the Lutheran Church— National Assembly Hall in Addis Ababa. Missouri Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church—Canada, and The Rev. Dr. Gemechis D. Buba, missions director Presbyterian Church USA are also attending. for the North American Lutheran Church, is one of the keynote speakers for the conference. NALC Significant and intentional bilateral meetings will be Bishop Paull Spring is the preacher for the closing held between Ethiopian church leaders and leaders worship service. of the NALC, LCMC, and the LCC.

The Rev. Mark Vander Tuig, National Service In addition to North American and African Coordinator for Lutheran Congregations in Mission attendees, church leaders are also expected from for Christ will preside at the closing worship. Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Other speakers from the United States include the “We are increasingly amazed and deeply grateful to Rev. Dr. James A. Nestingen, professor emeritus at God for such an overwhelming response,” Dr. Buba Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.; the Rev. David said. “Now we pray and believe that God will bless Glesne, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in this gathering with safety, health, resources needed Fridley, Minn.; and the Rev. Dr. Alemseged Hagos to make it happen, strength for participants and of Trinity Mekane Yesus Church in Minneapolis. great insights for speakers.”

Speakers from the host Ethiopian Evangelical “In preparation for these encounters and meetings Church Mekane Yesus include the Rev. Dr. it might be important to ask one question, ‘How can Wakseyoum Idossa, EECMY President; the Rev. we engage the possibility of mutually sustainable Dr. Berhanu Ofgaa, General Secretary; and the mission partnership?’ The Mekane Yesus church in Rev. Yonas Yigezu, Mission and Theology Director. Ethiopia is wrestling with that question.

The Rev. Dr. Agne Nordlander, associate professor “The days of one way mission traffic are over. Now of systematic theology at Uppsala University in the time has come for a mutually beneficial and Sweden will address the conference. Nordlander sustainable missional model, where both parties was a missionary in Ethiopia and president of the are passionately involved in evangelical mission,” Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary. Dr. Buba said.

A delegation of more than 40 Lutheran leaders from More information on the conference is available North America will be attending. online at www.eecmy.org.

N A L C News 13 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 Presort Standard Mail US Postage Paid St. Paul, MN 2299 Palmer Drive, Suite 220 Permit #7149 New Brighton, MN 55112-2202

NALC Contact Information NALC News NALC Main Office NALC Upper Midwest Office 3500 Mill Run Drive 2299 Palmer Drive, Suite 220 Published monthly by Hilliard, OH 43026 New Brighton, MN 55112 North American 614-777-5698 888-551-7254 [email protected] [email protected] Lutheran Church 3500 Mill Run Drive Hilliard, OH 43026-7770 Bishop General Secretary Phone: 614-777-5698 Bishop Paull Spring Pastor John Bradosky 956 Stratford Court 3500 Mill Run Drive www.thenalc.org State College, PA 16801 Hilliard, OH 43026 814-235-9769 614-777-5698 Pastor David J. Baer, editor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Please copy and share Please send donations to the Upper Midwest Office. this newsletter widely.