The following is an excerpt of a letter issued today by Bishop Peter Rogness of the St. Paul Area Synod in Minnesota. His younger brother, Pastor Andrew Rogness, recently died of cancer. He was 62.
Grace and Gratitude
Our family saw June 30 coming. Andrew was diagnosed with stage four cancer in August 2007, given two to five years to live, and began his journey.
My father modeled for me how to grow old with grace; Andrew modeled how to face death with grace.
There was no escape to denial; he spoke candidly about his cancer, of his condition, and about the question of life expectancy that was now front and center. Yet he refused to become fatalistic or morose, angry or depressed.
Instead he seemed to live each day in even more vivid color, seeing and naming more clearly the abundant blessings that he now saw were his, past and present. He savored life, with grace and gratitude even more pronounced.
The other congregation is First United Lutheran Church, also in San Franciso. Both congregations are in the boundaries of the Sierra Pacific Synod.
“These two congregations issued calls to openly gay and lesbian pastors in 1990, beginning a chain of events that led the ELCA to where it is today,” Amalia Vagts, ELM executive director, said in a statement posted on the organization’s website.
The following is from the website of Dr. Martin E. Marty of Chicago, who will go down in history as a multitasking prodigy.
He’s written more than 50 books and been awarded even more honorary doctorates. His accomplishments at the University of Chicago Divinity School are too numerous to mention.
Now in retirement, he remains in demand as a speaker across the globe. Despite a full plate, Marty prefers to book his own travel.
Hosting Martin Marty?
“Like other speakers, Marty is often asked by hosts about his preferences in travel, lodging, event logistics, etc. The following addresses the most frequently asked questions.
“Booking: Marty is not represented by an agent. Queries may be e-mailed directly to him.
Many Christians believe that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is present in Holy Communion.
That’s why some were outraged recently when a Canadian priest provided Communion to Trapper, a German Shepherd.
They flooded the Rev. Marguerite Rea of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Toronto with a torrent of complaints. Rea apologized after her bishop joined the outcry.
Are Protestant denominations backsliding when it comes to using inclusive language? Some members of the National Council of Churches think so. Read on.
By Philip Jenks National Council of Churches
Some people believe the use of gender inclusive language in church is on the decline.
Male pronouns, particularly in reference to God, are becoming all-too common again, according to some within the National Council of Churches.
It’s time for some serious God-talk, they say. So a diverse group of Christians will gather in Chicago August 9-11 to discuss the words people use to speak about God and faith.
The symposium, “Language Matters,” is sponsored by the National Council a Churches. The initiative came from the Justice for Women working group.
The conversation will focus on the language, images, and symbols used in worship and everyday life to talk about faith and God. It’s the first step in a larger project to create resources for congregations and others.
Seven LGBT pastors will be received or reinstated to the ELCA roster on Sunday. The following is a 2009 video produced by ELM – Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries.
The American Muslim population is growing. That means new mosques are being built and others expanded.
But in many communities, Muslims are facing resistance. Opponents say mosques will decrease property values and increase parking woes.
At a time when Muslims need support from their interfaith partners, many Christians and Jews are keeping quiet. Those that are speaking out say the opposition is rooted in fear, ignorance and religious discrimination.
“Abraham Journeyed to a New Country” is set to the familiar Gaelic tune of “Morning Has Broken.”
Examples of biblical immigrants such as Abraham and Sarah, Ruth, and Jesus are featured in the five-stanza text, among the resources offered by the council and Church World Service.
The following story is from the United Methodist News Service. The ELCA and United Methodist Church are “full communion partners.” The trends reported reflect what’s happening across mainline Protestant denominations.
By Heather Hahn United Methodist News Service
The pews at many United Methodist churches are emptier this year.
In statistical reports from 39 U.S. conferences, most disclosed declines in membership, worship attendance or church-school participation in 2009.
Twenty-six conferences reported losses in all three categories. Thirteen reported membership drops of more than 2 percent. Four conferences gained members.
A caravan carrying 100 tons of “humanitarian” aid is scheduled to cross into Cuba today, leaders of Pastors for Peace said Tuesday at a news conference at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McAllen, Texas.
The has broken the U.S. embargo against Cuba 20 times previously. The embargo includes travel and trade restrictions.
Now that Dana College is closed, how will alums from the Blair, Neb., school stay in touch? Regent Robert Coffey posted this response on the college’s website:
Dear Dana College Alumni,
It has come to our attention that some confusion exists regarding alumni affairs going forward from this point in Dana’s history.
A group of alumni recently met at the College to discuss how the spirit and mission of Dana may continue through a legacy type of alumni association.
The alums presented many exciting and heartwarming proposals including a website, online Dana store, Destiny’s Deep Sea publication, alumni events, class reunions, travel opportunities and more. Local Blair organizations such as the YMCA and Chamber of Commerce also pledged their support of alumni events.
