Martinsville, Virginia ~ Pastor's Page
Inside this newsletter, you will find a formal summary of all the events of the Synod Assembly. I would like to share with you my own impressions. Every year, I groan at the prospect of spending two long days trapped on the floor of Bast Gymnasium at Roanoke College. When I am there, I remember why I am there. We are con-ducting necessary business and we are remembering again the joys and benefits of being part of a wider church.
As always, the music and preaching were wonderful. Heidi and I have made notes of some of the new music we want to introduce to the choir and the congregation. But, this year, we sat at round tables in order to facilitate small group discussion. This year, we spent significant time in discussion groups of three and in table discussions.
Following the church-wide actions last year, there was significant discussion and reflection in the congregations of the synod, just as there was in our congregation. Three congregations voted to leave the ELCA. Two more considered, but did not take the step. What we have found is that the bonds of Jesus Christ hold us together and they are stronger than issues, even when we feel strongly about those issues.
As a result of the economic downturn, the Synod Council cut the 2010 budget by ~$500,000. In our church groups, we discussed how we might increase our support for the Synod. Proceeds from both Thrivent and LCW projects were identified. Heidi, Linda, and I were all in agreement that we needed more support of the Synod because about half of what we send to the Synod goes to charita-ble work around the world. When we cut our giving to the Synod, we are also cutting our giving to the ELCA which supports seminaries, colleges, social ministry, missionaries, new church starts, and disaster relief in the US and around the world.
Finally, we discussed decline in attendance around the Synod. Virginia was once full of rural churches supported by descendants of German immigrants. But, our rural areas are emptying as fewer jobs are available there. I discovered that the problems we are having in Martinsville are typical everywhere but large metropolitan areas. And, we have responded better than other congregations.
Some final brief notes:
ACTS classes will be available in Southwest Virginia starting this fall. These are college level courses on the Bible and theology. And, they are GREAT!
The Rev. Gemechis Buba, an African Lu-theran, reminded us that money (and membership) is not the problem for Lutherans. We do not need money to be focused on the mission of the Jesus Christ. The church does not have a mission. The mission of Jesus Christ has a church. – Pr. Lynn
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1527 Church Street Extension (across from Wilson Park)
Mailing Address: PO Box 5184, Martinsville, VA 24115
Voice: (276) 632-4677
(Fax on demand)
htlcmva@hotmail.com
