Highlights at the Assembly
The Leadership Program for Musicians
LPM prepares capable and confident worship leaders who will enable their congregations to sing well and take their part in the liturgy of the church.
LPM is taught by highly qualified teachers and tailored to local needs. Classes can be taken in whole or part, and when studies are successfully completed awards the LPM Certificate in Church Music. The program is taught locally and covers the need for liturgical education and spiritual formation as well as a full range of church music skills. Particular attention is paid to the needs of smaller churches.
Before the assembly Rachel Portnoy, local coordinator for LPM presented Katherine Brick the Leadership Program for Musicians (a certificate of completion for the 2 year program).
Synod Council Supports
Bishop Brauer-Rieke’s Visit to Middle East
On Thursday, May 29, 2008, The Oregon Synod Council unanimously endorsed Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke’s attendance at the annual academy of the Conference of Bishops, being held in the Middle East from January 5 - 14, 2009. The bishops are visiting the Middle East as part of the ELCA's "Strategy for Engagement of Israel and Palestine." The strategy calls for learning about the situation in the Middle Eastern, building relationships, and advocating for a just peace in the region. The bishops will visit Israeli and Palestinian government officials, meet with Middle East church leaders, and offer support to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJ).
The Oregon Synod hopes this visit will contribute towards the reduction of strife in this region through dialogue with Israeli and Palestinian Lutheran churches in that area. During this visit bishops of the ELCA hope to promote solidarity with the ELCJ.
In advance of the trip, the bishops invited the Rev. Robert O. Smith, Director of the Europe/Middle East Continental Desk of the ELCA Global Missions, to speak to them during their March conference. While raising significant concerns about the role of Christian Zionism, Smith said that the ELCA “must remember our call to a ministry of reconciliation -- one that fosters reconciliation between neighbors whom we are called to serve and love.”
“We are not called to be political pundits just to argue one point to win the point. That is not our call. Instead, we are called to be peace builders, and that means the task to which we are called is far more difficult. We are called to engage our friends on all sides of this conflict, and there are more than two sides to this conflict. Lutherans must speak to Christian Zionism in an authentic, distinctive way but not in a ‘triumphalistic’ way,” Smith said.
For more about this trip visit www.wfn.org/2008/03/msg00126.html.
Bethany Ard Receives Bishop’s Scholarship
Karl Leggett, Development Director at Trinity Lutheran College awarded Bethany Ard, from Bethesda, Eugene, the Bishop’s Scholarship on Saturday morning at the assembly. Each year Trinity Lutheran College offers one qualified student from each synod in Region 1 a half-tuition Bishop’s Scholarship. Valued at up to $38,000 the Bishop’s Scholarship from Trinity recognizes solid academic performance in either high school or college and a demonstrated commitment to church and community.
If interested in applying for the Bishop’s Scholarship or to learn more about Trinity contact Patrick DeSmet, Admission Counselor at 425-961-5516 or Patrick.desmet@tlc.edu.
The Bishop’s Scholarship which is 50% of tuition per year is awarded to new students from participating ELCA synods. Recipients must live on campus. Automatically renews annually for up to 3 years if a 3.0 grade point average is maintained.
Patricia Larsen awards Colin Brown the Allert Fund for Leaders in Mission
The Oregon Allert Fund for Leaders in Mission was started in honor of the late Pastor William Allert by his wife Beverly and family, so Oregon seminarians could receive support. The three recipients awarded at the synod assembly are all Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary students. They are Colin Brown, David Miller, and Ben Colahan.
About the "God's Work. Our Hands." Campaign
If you're not, we invite you to begin, today, to be a proud ambassador of our church. Spread the word about the many lives affected positively by the ELCA. Ask your pastor or a leader in your congregation about programs and ministries your congregation offers. Invite a friend to come to worship the next time you go. Tell them about the ELCA and how it brings meaning and purpose to your life.