Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Christ,
As I write this letter in late
winter, I do so with profound gratitude for your witness to God's
love in Jesus Christ. These are challenging times for both the
church and the world. The tragedy of war, the complexities of
global relationships, the reality of human suffering, the cries of
the people for peace, the stresses in households, and the longings
of our hearts form the context for our ministry. In the midst of
these realities, we believe that not only has God in Christ
reconciled the whole creation, but also has given to us that
message and ministry of reconciliation.
During my visits to synods, I
invite people to share signs of God at work. In response, I hear
stories that are rich and varied: adult baptisms, worship in 18
languages, discipleship training courses, early morning Bible
studies, young people immersing themselves as servants with those
living in poverty. The Holy Spirit is at work and members of the
ELCA, like those gathered at Pentecost, are telling in our own
tongues the mighty deeds of God at home and throughout the world.
We hear of God's mighty deeds
throughout the world. Through the Good News of Jesus Christ, the
Holy Spirit is calling new believers as the Christian Church grows
rapidly throughout the southern hemisphere. In places where
hostilities have torn countries apart by civil war and unrest,
churches play key roles in bringing reconciliation and restoring
peace. Where hunger, poverty, and disease bring death and
destruction, churches help to meet needs for food, education,
community development, and medical assistance.
As you gather for your 2003 synod
assembly, join me in giving thanks for God's mighty deeds being
done through the synods of this church. As of July 1, 2003, I will
have visited 60 of our 65 synods. I have an increasing
appreciation both for the rich diversity in this church and the
strength that exists through our commonalities. What mighty deeds
is God doing at home in the synods of this church? Synods are:
- Becoming centers for mission
- proclaiming Christ in varied contexts, challenging
congregations to be dynamic in worship and witness, supporting
places of specialized ministry, growing ecumenical
partnerships, responding to the needs of those living in
poverty, and expanding relationships through companion synod
programs across the world.
- Identifying future leaders
as they discern God's call, and seeking ways to provide
mentors and support for future rostered leaders.
- Sustaining vibrant and vital
congregations whatever their setting, size, or age. In a
church in which more than 50% of congregations have fewer than
350 members, we give thanks for the small, faithful
congregations in rural, open country, or in changing urban
neighborhoods. We are grateful for the teaching role of our
many large membership congregations both within and beyond the
ELCA. As we look for new ways to be in mission, we rejoice in
the ministry of the ELCA's newest congregations and their
strong connections with established partner churches.
- Strengthening lay leadership
through synodically sponsored courses and events such as lay
schools of theology or leadership training programs.
- Sustaining strong financial
support despite economic and global conditions that
impact, but do not control the stewardship of individuals and
congregations. Members continue to grow in stewardship in
generous gratitude to God's unconditional love in Christ
Jesus.
At your 2003 synod assembly, you
will hear about some of the ways God is at work through the ELCA's
churchwide organization. We pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance as
this church plans for mission, evangelism, and worship and
discusses sexuality. At your synod assembly, you will learn more
about the results of planning for mission that began with
significant input from every synod assembly one year ago. You also
will have an opportunity to discuss the evangelism strategy
currently being developed for consideration by the 2003 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly. In addition, it is my hope that your synod
and congregation are involved in discussions about human
sexuality as requested by the task force for the ELCA Studies
on Sexuality. Finally, be alert for information about the
development of Renewing Worship resources. Information
about all of these is available on the ELCA's Web site,
www.elca.org.
Thank you for your strong, faithful
ministry in response to God's call. We give thanks for the many
ways the Holy Spirit is at work through us and through our
ministries. God's blessings as you come together as Christ's
people to carry out the work of this church through your 2003
synod assembly.
In God's Grace,
Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
