I have been a church leader for over thirty years. During that time, I have been to my share of Synod Assemblies. At their best, the church gathers to worship, govern, create policy, elect Bishops and officers, educate, grow in fellowship, proclaim the Gospel and set a direction for the future. The best times are when folk can debate difficult issues with dignity, celebrate local congregations, listen, share the diversity of the area here the Assembly is held, reunite old friends, vote on resolutions and leave feeling blessed. The more difficult Assemblies seem to function without clear boundaries. Those speaking forget dignity, the voting membership is required to be in a large hall where loud angry voices boom with opinions, introverts generally do not have a voice. This year our Assembly will be held at a time when our Bishop is being requested to resign by the Presiding Bishop. Some of you have contacted me to understand the details of this request. I am including links to documents that are helping me to understand the situation. Thank you for your comments and questions. Please pray for Randy, Julia Jean, me, and all those who will be in attendance at the Assembly this week. I will send you daily updates on the proceedings while we are there. Please pray for the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA as we discern and make decisions If you have questions or comments please call or text me at 360-270-0295 or email me at revjilliross@gmail.com.
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Christ the Good ShepherdVarious editorials, articles, and other items of interest. Archives
August 2023
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