We Are All the ELCA
“We are all the ELCA; we are all partners in this report,” said the Rev. Neil Harrison, director of renewed evangelizing congregations, representing the ELCA churchwide organization to the Assembly.
As the ELCA celebrates its 25th year, it is living into its mottos – “God’s work. Our hands.” and “Always being made new” – in triune relationship with God, each other and God’s world, Harrison said.
He celebrated the dedicated ministry of retiring Synod Vice President Pat Robinson, and many other Synod leaders who serve the ELCA:
- Bishop Claire Burkat for her ecumenical work as a member of the steering committee of Christian Churches Together.
- The Rev. Pat Davenport, for her work as deployed Director for Evangelical mission in the synod.
- The Rev. Dr. Katie Day, faculty member at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, for her work on social justice.
- The Rev. Peggy Wuertele, ELCA Region 7 coordinator.
- The Rev. Gwendolyn King, for her leadership in Women of the ELCA.
- Linda Manson, for her work on the proposed ELCA social statement on criminal justice and as the mission developer of Living Gospel Ministries, which is helping ease the transition for some people returning to the community from incarceration.
- The Rev. Raymond Miller, for his service as a member of the ELCA Church Council.
- The Rev. Mark Wimmer, for his service to the church as regional manager for the ELCA Mission Investment Fund.
He also thanked the Synod and congregations for more than $1 million in mission support that helps make these and many other ministries possible.
The 4 million members of the ELCA will have an opportunity to celebrate one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor, on September 8, 2013 with “God’s work, our hands” Sunday. The day will bring together people across the ELCA in a dedicated day of service to God’s world.
A video message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson celebrated the work of the past 25 years, and looked at how the church is dreaming into the future, putting faith into action. Watch Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson’s video message below:
— John Kahler
