"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." (attributed to Jim Eliot who was killed as a missionary in Equador in 1956)

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Benjamin Franklin declared, “Contentment makes a poor man rich, discontent makes a rich man poor.”

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Convention Summary

ELS Convention 2014

Highlights

  Engaging Others With Jesus in Times of Trial served as the theme for the week, with the essay being given by Rev. Thomas Rank. In his conclusion, Pastor Rank stated, “As we engage with Jesus those who are undergoing trial, let us remember that within the vocations God has 

placed each of us, there are opportunities to show compassion simply with the physical aspects of life in this world… This may well lead to opportunities to presenting the eternal respite given by our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

  Grace Lutheran in Lincoln, IL, was received into membership.

  Columbia Lutheran School in The Dalles, Oregon, was commended for implementing the classical education model in its opening this fall. This model is being urged for use throughout the synod.

  Approval was given for the planned 100th anniversary (2018) offering to go for home mission starts, with also a seminary component in identifying and placing suitable candidates into our missions.

  The congregational contribution portion of the ELS budget was adopted at $760,000. A healthy invitation exists: funds received over $725,000 are to be allocated for use by the Board for Home Outreach.

  The Board for World Outreach was asked to prioritize 

available resources in light of potential challenges in our 

various mission fields.  

  In the area of doctrine: encouragement was given to continue monitoring a Bible translation effort – The Wartburg Project; also, meetings with the Church of the Lutheran Confessions (CLC) were urged.

  Our Board for Youth Outreach is asked to conduct a survey on our pastors’ practices of Bible history instruction 

in their parishes. 

  Collaboration between our Bethany Lutheran College 

and our Board for Youth Outreach is encouraged in assisting with expenses to bring youth to our college campus for activities. 

  The Board for Christian Service is to continue its study 

of health insurance options for called workers and report 

annually.

  Many calls have been issued for the Evangelism/Mission 

Counselor position. The Board for Home Outreach is 

urged to continue the calling process.

  A priority in our synod’s strategic plan is to view each 

congregation in the ELS as a “mission congregation.” 

encouragement is given for members of every church to 

engage others with Jesus as God gives opportunity.

  Elected to a fourth 4-year term as president was Rev. 

John A. Moldstad. Rev. Glenn Obenberger was reelected as vice president for the ELS. 

  Pastors honored for years of service were: J. Olsen (50 

years), M. Harstad (40 years), R. Otto (40 years), D. Basel (25 years), and R. Tragasz (25 years)

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Lent is a season of the historic church year which follows Epiphany.  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts till Easter.  During this season the church often has special services which focus on the Passion History of Jesus - from his arrest till his death on the cross.  Good Friday is the day in which his death and burial are remembered.

Ken Ham / Bill Nye Debate

Our congregation will be showing a copy of this debate on April 10 at 7 pm at the Granum Theater,  Alpena Community Collge in Alpena.  Free admission.  The video is about 2 1/2 hours long.  This debate was between the creationist (Ken Ham) and the evolutionist (BIll Nye) perspective on science