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View all the images from Friday, August 21, 2009
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"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." With these words, bishops traced with the oil of chrism the sign of the cross on the foreheads of those who came before them. They then layed their hands upon them and prayed for healing. As a remembrance of our Baptism and of the cross of the resurrection, many knelt as the bishops performed this age-old rite. The sign of the cross is a treasured part of our liturgical heritage as Lutherans because the practice was encouraged and used by Martin Luther himself.
... call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14 |
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Churchwide assemblies are tiring events. Physically tiring from too much sitting, loudspeakers, and bright lights, intellectually exhausting from trying to keep up with the proceedings, and emotionally draining from dealing with difficult decisions. Many voting members come prepared to deal with these common obstacles to doing the work they were called to do. The most common is probably prayer, but many get up, move to an open area, and do stretching exercises. Some surround themselves personal items that offer the reassurance of home in a stressful environment. Others simply knit prayer shawls, weaving in their prayers to create a mantle of love and caring. |
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The world was watching. But what did they see? They saw a diverse group of people who came together with deep, mutual, heart-felt respect for one another and the common goal of doing the work the church. They fulfilled Bishop Hanson's call of the first day for "patience in listening, for openness in debate, and for kindness in every exchange." While they may have deeply held differences, they remain united with one another in their faith and the world sees a church that is strong enough to bear this witness to the world. |
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Lutherans have a long history of coming to their neighbor's need in times of trial. From disasters to pandemics to hunger, the ELCA is out there working to help their neighbor through their struggles. The assembly is no different. In the back of the assembly hall is a large section of seating devoted for visitors. Many have traveled a long way to be in solidarity with a loved one or to support the church they love so much. Like a line of volunteers filling sandbags to protect their town, ELCA Lutherans have come to be with their church, to flood the skies with their prayers, and to be with each other in their hour of need. |
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Whether Bishop Hanson calls for a moment of prayer or it's simply needed within a group of voting members, prayer is a common sight with the plenary hall. When more than post-it-notes and captioning on the big screen are needed, voting members call upon the Holy Spirit to come among them, to quiet their minds and hearts, to help them find the truth in the moment. Joining hands, arms across shoulders, heads bowed close together, words mumbled and audible rise above the din of the assembly and bring back the clarity that only God can give. |
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What's a Parrothead? Someone who follows the Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band. And who is the lead guitarist for the Coral Reefer Band? An ELCA Lutheran named Peter Mayer. The son of Lutheran missionaries, Mayer's early life was a mix of music and faith. On Friday evening, Mayer gave a benefit concert to raise money for the HIV and AIDS Strategy and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. Who said Lutherans can't unwind after a long day of plenaries! |
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View all the images from Friday, August 21, 2009 |