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4th Prize – Autographed hat NASCAR Driver, Jeff Gordon = Delores Reese

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Thanksgiving Eve Worship

November 25, 2009

7 p.m.

Oak Grove Church

2009 Churchwide Assembly Letter from Presiding Bishop Hanson

August 22, 2009

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
– Colossians 3:14-15

I write to you from the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis with official information about the actions of this assembly related to human sexuality. I am grateful for the manner in which this church has engaged in this conversation. The way this assembly has discussed these questions is a continuation of the way this church has deliberated: with deep and heartfelt respect for each other, engaging with Scripture, listening to the faith stories and experiences of one another, and through worship and prayer seeking the discernment of the Spirit.

In my response to the voting members on Friday, August 21, I made this request: we need one another. We need time. We need the voices of those who lament and those who rejoice over these actions, for together we have been called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and engage in God’s mission for the life of the world.

The assembly adopted 676-338 — precisely two-thirds of those voting — “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” the ELCA’s 10th social statement, with minor editorial amendments. It also adopted a series of implementing resolutions with amendments. This theological and teaching document builds on the key Lutheran principles of justification by grace and Christian freedom to serve the neighbor. It emphasizes that central to our vocation, in relation to human sexuality, is the building and protection of trust in relationships. It therefore affirms that we are called to be trustworthy in our human sexuality and to build social institutions and practices where trust and trustworthy relationships can thrive. The social statement addresses marriage, same-gender relationships, families, protecting children, friendships, commitment, social responsibility and moral discernment. Regarding same-gender committed relationships, the social statement says that this church is not in agreement and recognizes the different perspectives which are present among us.

Our assembly also adopted resolutions proposed by the Church Council based on those contained in a “Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies.” The actions direct that changes be made to churchwide policy documents to make it possible for those in committed same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders in the ELCA. There were amendments to two of the proposals. The assembly adopted the resolutions in the following order, beginning with a strong statement about how we will live together in the face of our disagreements:

Resolution 3: “RESOLVED, that in the implementation of any resolutions on ministry policies, the ELCA commit itself to bear one another’s burdens, love the neighbor, and respect the bound consciences of all.” (Adopted 771-230 as amended)

Resolution 1: “RESOLVED, that the ELCA commit itself to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships.” (Adopted 619-402)

Resolution 2: “RESOLVED, that the ELCA commit itself to finding a way for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.” (Adopted 559-451)

Resolution 4: This resolution called upon members to respect the bound consciences of those with whom they disagree; declared intent to allow structured flexibility in decision-making about candidacy and the call process; eliminated the prohibition of rostered service by members in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships; recognized and committed to respect the conviction of members who believe that the ELCA should not call or roster people in committed same-gender relationships; called for development of accountability guidelines; directed that amendments to ministry policy documents be drafted and approved; and stated that this church continue to trust congregations, bishops, synods and others responsible for determining who should be called into public ministry. (Adopted 667-307 as amended)

I invite you into important, thoughtful, prayerful conversation about what all of this means for our life in mission together. What is absolutely important for me is that we have this conversation together.

We meet one another finally — not in our agreements or our disagreements — but at the foot of the cross, where God is faithful, where Christ is present with us, and where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are one in Christ.

In Christ,
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
ELCA Presiding Bishop

Comments of Bishop Hanson to the assembly at the conclusion of the decisions on human sexuality are at http://www.elca.org/assembly on the Web.

Required and recommended books for The Bible in 90 Days

Here is a list of reading materials for our upcoming study, The Bible in 90 Days. Please order your copies in advance, if at all possible:

Required Text

• The Bible in 90 Days: Participant’s Guide by Ted Cooper, Jr. – $9.99 at Amazon.com

Optional Texts

• The Essential Bible Companion by John H. Walton, Mark L. Strauss, and Ted Cooper, Jr.  – $11.69 at Amazon.com
• The Bible in 90 Days: Cover to Cover in 12 Pages a Day (New International Version) – $15.59 at Amazon.com
  • The Bible in 90 Days (Kindle Edition) (if you happen to have a Kindle digital reader) – $9.99 at Amazon.com

NOTE: Although you are welcome to use your Bible of choice for this study, the publishers suggest that there are a number of benefits to using the official Bible in 90 Days edition:

1. Daily readings are marked right in the text.
2. Large print makes it easy on the eyes.
3. Small, portable size makes it easy to bring with you and comfortable to read.
4. Because this version contains minimal study notes, it’s easier to read the Bible text (our goal) without getting sidetracked by lots of helpful (but time-consuming) commentary.
5. Common page numbers will make it easy to discuss passages in our weekly sessions, even if you aren’t able to quickly look up a passage by chapter and verse.

That said, Pastor Bob intends to use his own Bible.

YES YOU CAN! St. John’s to host “The Bible in 90 Days” reading program

UPDATE: Get the latest information about The Bible in 90 Days by clicking here!

St. John’s Lutheran Church is pleased to host “The Bible in 90 Days.” The Bible in 90 Days is a reading program designed to guide participants through the Bible, from cover to cover, 12 pages at a time, over the course of three months.

In addition to the individual reading, all participants will gather for weekly hour-long sessions at either St. John’s (on Sunday evenings) or Real Coffee in downtown Evansville (on Tuesday afternoons). These sessions will provide an opportunity for conversation about the week’s readings, a brief video lesson by experts on the text, and a dose of camaraderie and fellowship that will help us stick with the reading plan.

This program is open to anyone who wants to read the entire Bible. There are no prerequisites, other than a willingness to read carefully and regularly.

What is The Bible in 90 Days?
The Bible in 90 Days is a Bible READING curriculum. It helps people read attentively the entire Bible-from cover to cover-in 90 days.

What ISN’T The Bible in 90 Days?
The Bible in 90 Days is NOT a speed-read through the Bible. Rather, it’s akin to reading the Bible like a novel.

What is the process, in a nutshell?
Each participant reads on his or her own, then gathers once a week with other participants. The weekly meetings include guided small group discussion, activities, and a video lesson.

Why 90 days?
Because most people can wrap their minds around doing something for 90 days, and can manage 12 pages per day.

Do I have to be a Christian to join?
Not at all! Anyone with a desire to read the whole Bible is welcome to join us.

I’m interested! What do I do next?
Visit www.BibleIn90Days.org for more info, and register at www.StJohns-LC.org.

Registration Information

Online registration is available now! Please visit