Trinity Lutheran Church UPDATE Bedford PA FROM THE TLC / ELCA STUDY TEAM

WELCOME, AND THANKS FOR COMING!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019

9:45 AM TRINITY HALL About our Study Team… • In the Fall of 2018, Bp Michael asked Pr Short to serve as vacancy pastor for the St Clairsville Lutheran Parish and supervise a vicar on their behalf. However, Pr Short was informed by the Seminary that, as 50+% of seminarians now identify as LGBTQIA+, policies governing internship placement had changed and Trinity was no longer acceptable as an internship site. So as not to interfere with the congregation’s 250th Anniversary Year celebrations, Church Council intentionally delayed devoting the time and focus required to fully consider this experience. • All council members, as elected leaders of the congregation, were invited to serve and participate on the team. We also thought it appropriate to include a few parishioners who had served as council presidents through the years in question. Members of the Team included:

• Wynn Leppert, Council President (2019) • Laura Vent, Council Member • Rick Smith, Council Vice-President (2019) & President • Marlene Claycomb, Past Council President (2010) (2008 & 2009) • Kevin Rizzo, Council President (2018) • Tammy Moats, Council Secretary • Lori Dunkle, Past Council Member • Wayne Prescott, Council Treasurer • Liz Miller, TLC’s Children’s Ministry Coordinator • Lisa Hagenbugh , Council Member & President (2011) • Theresa Corle, Council Member, Zion Luth. Church, Everett • Toni Jackson, Council Member • Pr Weinhold • Wayne Hullihen, Council Member • Pr Short • Mary Lorah, Council Member About our Study Team… • Pr Short met with Bp Michael, prior to publicly announcing the Study Team’s first meeting to alert him, once again, to our ongoing concerns and our upcoming plans.

• The Study Team has met regularly since July, 2019, considering Biblical & Confessional Resources as well as teaching, policy, and practice documents created by (and reflecting on) the ministries of the ELCA and the NALC. • The Team has appreciated and considered the questions, concerns and encouragement shared by parishioners • The Team has provided regular updates to the congregation in the weekly Sunday announcements and on-line. • The Team gained first-hand experience by attending the local Mission District’s annual convocation (St Paul’s NALC Lutheran Church, in Sarver PA) and interacted with Bp Selbo, Pastors and Members of the NALC. • The Team hosted a night of dialogue with lay-leaders of 2 local NALC congregations and Pr Nila Cogan, Pastor of St Thomas Lutheran Church, Hooversville, PA and Secretary of the local Mission District. • The Team will meet with Bp Michael Tuesday evening, October 29. • The Team’s next “regular” meeting is set for Monday, November 4. Looking Back ~ A Brief Timeline… • Pre-2009 ~ ELCA/Synodical/Congregational Constitutions modified to include: • Specific racial & gender quotas • “Voting Members” (instead of “Delegates”) • 2009 ~ August ~ ELCA adopts the Social Statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust”. Also changes policies related to the ordination of practicing gay & lesbian pastors and same-gender marriage. Commits to and encourages mutual respect and tolerance. • 2009 ~ October ~ Bp Gregory establishes “Restricted Giving Option for congregations of the Allegheny Synod desiring to continue a commitment to the biblical and confessional witness re: marriage as a divine gift to a man and a woman to live in mutual fidelity, love, exclusivity, and perpetuity, which the ELCA has renounced. • 2009 ~ November/December ~ Church Council and the Annual Congregational Meeting approves Restricted Giving option for 2010 (and successive) Parish Ministry Budgets. • Since that time, Trinity has lived with “mutual respect” among those of various perspectives on these matters, continuing to support the ministries of the Allegheny Synod and designated ministries of the ELCA. Since 2009 ~ Mutual Respect, Trust & Tolerance Erodes • ELCA Youth Gatherings Speakers chosen who: • Renounce teachings of “Human Sexuality: Gift & Trust” (an ELCA Pastor whose writings advocate for “safe-sex”). • Practice and Advocate for Transgendering of Children (an ELCA Pastor and her child). • Authored “F*** this Sh**” (an ELCA Pastor’s Advent Devotional). • The ELCA’s focus on Diversity and Inclusivity expands the 2009 action regarding the Ordination of Practicing Gay & Lesbian Pastors to include all members of the (entire) LGBTQIAP+ Community • The ELCA changes Congregational Constitutions to increase complexity of withdrawing from the ELCA • Gettysburg Seminary (and others) adopt mandatory “Inclusive Language Policy” • Seminarians and Faculty required to write and speak in “acceptable” ways. • Genderless & Non-Biblical Language required in reference to the Trinity. Since 2009 ~ Mutual Respect, Trust & Tolerance Erodes • Synodical Candidacy Committee Given New Parameters • Conversations regarding a seminarian’s perspectives on matters of Human Sexuality are excluded • Pr Short (and others) voice concerns and resign from service on this Committee (2014) • “Reconciling in Christ Communities” movement established, enabling congregations, seminaries, and other church-related agencies to designate themselves as particularly welcoming to members of the LBGTQIA+ community and advocates of their unique concerns.

• ELCA Seminaries, dismiss faculty as part of financially-necessitated budget cuts. More traditionally- minded faculty dismissed. • Firing of Dr Latini, at United (Philadelphia & Gettysburg) Seminary • Seminary Upheaval • TLC’s request for a vicar/seminarian intern is rejected/denied (November 2018) • This experience was shared by other congregations and a synodical bishop. In some cases, the congregation was rejected because they had not gained “Reconciling in Christ” status; In Trinity ‘s case, because we requested a vicar who would be respectful of the traditionally/biblically informed perspective on matters of Human Sexuality. Bp Michael was immediately made aware of this experience. • 9 months later, after Bp Michael had been informed that our Study Team had been convened, the Director of Development of ULS communicated an apology to Pr Short for this experience and an invitation to apply for a vicar in a future year. However, he was unable to communicate the seminary’s policy on internship selections/placements. Quotes from day 1 of “F*** this Sh**”… F*** is that catch-all word, screamed out in a fit of rage. Blurted out in incredulous surprise and awe. Said under one’s breath when things aren’t going well. Cried out in a deep mourning and lamentation.

• A “subversive” Advent Devotional, prepared in 2016 When my fellow troublemaker and #FuckThisShit by The Rev. Tuhina Rasche, an ordained pastor of the conspirator, Jason Chestnut, and I started talking about this ELCA, who is strongly committed to a movement called devotional and its visceral nature, I had been filled with so ”#decolonizeLutheranism”, which aggressively much anger and so much rage… demonizes white males. As this devotion starts, I am weary, wanting now to keep • Pr Rasche immediately gained a “celebrity status” in that anger and rage at arms length, whispering “F***” in the the ELCA following the publication of this work. midst of physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion that now gnaws at my bones… • Aware of her positions and “subversive” publications, Pr Rasche was invited to serve as a key-note speaker Today’s verse, Matthew 24:44 says “Are you still sleeping at the ELCA’s 2018 Triannual Youth Gathering. and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us • Numerous families and congregations chose to be going” (Matthew 26:45). F*****ck. Jesus. I don’t want withdraw their youth from the event when they to get up. I’m tired. I don’t want to stay awake, but yet… I learned of Pr Rasche’s presence. whisper “F***” under my breath. I write, and I wait. • To address these concerns, Pr Rasche was required to F***. Jesus was here, and Jesus is coming back. Of course present a script of her address for review prior to the we don’t know the day or the hour… gathering. Since 2009 ~ Mutual Respect, Trust & Tolerance Erodes • “Naked & Unashamed”, a group of non-traditionally focused ELCA leaders, renounces Sanctity of Christian Marriage • Deems it oppressive to women • Deems it “optional” • Commitments (fidelity, love, exclusivity, perpetuity) optional and self-designed • Categorially demonizes white males • Call Process and Congregational Call Committee • Practice and Perspectives on matters of Human Sexuality of potential pastoral candidates undisclosed. • Pastoral Ethics ~ Inability to find consensus • Revision of “Visions & Expectations ~ Matters of Faithful Living and Pastoral Practice among the Clergy. • After 3 attempts, unable to create a consensus – project tabled… Other Lutheran Denominations… • There are approximately 39 different Lutheran Denominations in the United States and Canada. • Our TLC-ELCA Study Team reviewed “the basics” of these denominations. Many are very small (fewer than 50 congregations) and many are ethnically focused. • Our Study Team considered 4 criteria for reasonable consideration. • Commitment to the Scriptures and the Augsburg Confession and the greater traditions of the Lutheran witness. • More than 100 congregations, some in reasonable proximity to Bedford • More than 100,000 members and 100 pastors • Provides a seminary for the education and pastoral formation of pastors Other Lutheran Denominations… • With this criteria, we identified: • The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) • The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) • The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) • The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) • LCMS (Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod) • Conservative in matters related to role and function of Women • Closed Communion (official denominational stance) • Tends toward Biblical Fundamentalism and Rigid Confessional Legalism • Very Few Local • WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) • (Even More) Conservative in matters related to the role and function Women • Closed Communion, even at congregational level • Biblical Fundamentalism and Rigid Confessional Legalism • None Local The North American Lutheran Church (NALC)

• Established in 2010 • Core Values: • Christ-Centered • Mission-Driven • Traditionally-Grounded • Congregationally-Focused

• Strong Emphasis on: • The Great Commission (Matthew 28) • Discipleship • Prayer & Study of Scripture The North American Lutheran Church (NALC)

Present Statistics: • 435 Congregations & Growing • (c. 15 congregations in the past 6 months) • 140,000+ members • The only growing Lutheran Denomination in North America • By comparison, the ELCA is declining by 70,000 members per year, declining from 5.6 million to 3.3 million members, more than 2 million, since 1988 • Seminary (NALS) in Ambridge, PA • Began w/ 7 students…. Now, 6 years later, w/ 45 students • Congregations encouraged to host seminary internships • 2nd Seminary, beginning this year in partnership with Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Alberta, Canada The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) Confessional Foundation: • We confess our faith in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; • The crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ as the power of God for the salvation of the whole world; • The Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith of the church and the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true witness to the gospel. We confess the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord as valid interpretations of the faith of church.

We confess further that: • Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word of God; • The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God, authored by persons inspired by the Holy Spirit; • The Law and Gospel of God are two forms of the preached Word that convey the saving knowledge of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) • Structure: • NALC – Council and Bishop (Bp Dan Selbo) • Mission Regions (soon, due to growth) • Mission Districts, led by MD Council and Dean • Congregations The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) • Ministry Organizations: • Disaster Response Ministries • Collections - $$, Quilts, Flood Buckets, Health Kits, Gift Cards, Bibles, School Kits • Mission Trips • Women of the NALC / Church-wide & Missioni Districts • Youth / Church-wide & Mission Districts • Church Camp – on Property of St Thomas Lutheran Church, Hooversville, PA • Children 3 days / Youth 7 days • Pittsburgh Youth Quake • Bible Bowl The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) • Financial Support: • NALC requests annual financial support of c. 5-8% of the congregation’s annual budget • Congregations are invited to designate chosen mission support • The Mission District requests an annual contribution of c. $3,000. • For comparison, The ELCA & Allegheny Synod requests annual support of c. 10% of the congregation’s annual budget The North American Lutheran Church • Ecumenical and other Ministry Partnerships: • Lutheran Military Veterans & Families • Lutheran World Relief • Sola Publishing • Bethesda Lutheran Communities • Christian Associates of Southwestern Pennsylvania • Russian/American Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, United Methodist, 7th Day Adventists, Salvation Army, and others… October 17, 2019

The Rev. Raymond E. Short Trinity Lutheran Church 106 W. Penn Street, Bedford, PA 15522

Dear Pastor Short, Grace, peace and joy to you from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for informing me that the people of Trinity would like clarification on whether or not NALC congregations welcome people who identify as homosexual. NALC congregations welcome all people who identify in this way. Our congregations welcome everyone. We are all equally in need of being saved. Every one of us is a sinner. Jesus alone can save us from our sinful predicaments. Congregations exist primarily to proclaim His gospel, so our congregations welcome everyone. Some of our congregations have members who identify as homosexuals. Contrary to what some might expect, some of these members have remained in their congregations when they left the ELCA and joined the NALC. The congregations are just as welcoming of them in the NALC as they were in the ELCA. Blessings to you and Trinity Lutheran Church for your ministry in Christ as you carefully consider Trinity’s denominational affiliation.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Mark C. Chavez Pastor Mark C. Chavez General Secretary THIS PROCESS IS GOVERNED BY OUR CONGREGATIONAL CONSTITUTION… • The Study Team will make a report and recommendation to the Church Council, presumably in the near future. • The Council will consider the report and recommendation and, if appropriate, call a special Congregational Meeting for Congregational Action. • Two special congregational meetings and affirmative votes are necessary should the congregation consider leaving the ELCA and joining the NALC, both of which include discussion and require a 2/3 majority vote to pass. • Following this process enables the congregation to remain in possession and control of its property and assets. QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS?...

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THANK YOU, AGAIN, FOR JOINING US TODAY!