February 2007

e-Update for ELCA Rostered Leaders

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

This email is next in the series to keep you informed about the work of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality. I am pleased to report that this group of creative, experienced and committed individuals continues their work with good energy, leading towards a proposed social statement on human sexuality to be brought to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in 2009.

As one major step in that process, the task force has recently published its study dealing with contemporary sexuality issues “Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans Talk About Human Sexuality.” As of January an excellent and informative visual resource is available to help prepare those who will lead the study.

The new DVD entitled "Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: A Video Companion Guide" features presentations by task force members Dr. David Tiede and Dr. Tim Wengert. In a style interesting to a wide audience, they explain why and how the study approaches its variety of topics. They also provide insights into the book of Galatians and Martin Luther's treatise Freedom of the Christian which are key Biblical and confessional texts which focus the study.

The study is intended for use in congregations, synods, conferences, youth and women’s and men’s groups. The task force is eager to receive responses to the study as they prepare for the social statement. The deadline for responses is November 1, 2007.

You may order printed copies of the study (with audio CD) from Augsburg Fortress at augsburgfortress.org/store at $5.00 per copy plus S/H. You may also phone in your order to 1-800-328-4648.

The DVD with Drs. Tiede and Wengert can be ordered from www.selectlearning.org.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful participation in this study. Please join me in holding the members of the task force in your prayers as they carry out this work on behalf of this church.

Kind regards,

Rev. Rebecca Larson
Executive Director, Church in Society