|
Greeting from the 2008 Synod Assembly Planning Team
On Behalf of the Austin Conference and our Assembly Planning Team, it is my pleasure to invite and welcome you to the 2008 Assembly of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America!
Some of you have attended synod assemblies in the past, while others have never attended such an event. Regardless of which category you are in, I sincerely believe and expect that, for you, the 2008 Synod Assembly will be an inspiring and fresh experience of the Church beyond your local congregation.
Together, we will explore some of the layers contained within our theme, "Together -- Faithful and Bold." We will share exciting, thoughtful, and creative worship! We will participate in insightful Bible studies! We will deliberate how we might better support and care for one another, as well as for our partners in Mission!
I'm looking forward to our 2008 Assembly myself, and I hope that you are too! Come and see!
Tom Winn
Chair
Tom is a lay member of
Peace Lutheran Church, Austin
|
Welcome from Bishop Tiemann
Forming Faithfulness – in Leaders, with Congregations, among Partners!
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we gather for the 2008 Synod Assembly, under the theme “Together – Faithful and Bold,” I am reminded of the ministry focus that we committed ourselves to at last year’s assembly, one that will take us through 2012. Over these next years we will be
finding ways that we can be certainly one component of living into this ministry focus is for us to do things “Together.” Perhaps a primary way we are living that out in the synod is through the Vision Project grants. Ten grants were funded through the 2008-09 synod budget for a total of $40,000 where we use the gifts and talents across the synod to be the people of God.
A second part is to work “Together” in ways that are “Faithful and Bold.” That means moving forward in our mission without fear, trusting that the Lord will walk with us. It means knowing that the Lord is faithful to us and calls us to be faithful in our relationships to one another and with the Lord.
Remember that this ministry focus is grounded in our mission statement: “United in Christ, Diverse in People, Called by the Spirit – Equipping the People of God to be Instruments of God’s Love!”
Let it be so. Amen.
|
