by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
Teams of leaders from each of the 65 synods of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are preparing to introduce
"Evangelical Lutheran Worship" -- the new "cranberry red"
hardcover book or pew edition that will serve as the ELCA's
primary book of worship -- to the 10,585 congregations of the
church. Attending one of three consecutive training events
starting June 19 at the Lutheran Center Chapel in Chicago and St.
Luke Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Ill., synod leaders are
receiving in-depth exposure to the worship resource.
"Synod leaders will be the first to have preliminary copies of
Evangelical Lutheran Worship in their hands, adding to the
anticipation of publication in October 2006," wrote the Rev.
Michael Burk, executive for worship and liturgical resources,
ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop, in an email to staff of the
ELCA churchwide organization.
The training events include the first announcement of a national
worship conference to take place in 2007. The events also
include singing music featured in the worship book, conversations
with church leaders about theology, liturgy and practical
matters, and preparation for hosting day-long "introductory
events" of Evangelical Lutheran Worship in ELCA synods starting
fall 2006.
Synod leaders will lead the introductory events intended for
pastors, musicians, lay leaders and others, said Burk. An
Evangelical Lutheran Worship "Introductory Kit" will be sent to
all ELCA congregations in the fall, he added.
In April 2006 congregations received an Evangelical Lutheran
Worship "Preview Kit" that included a brochure, a pew edition
sampler (an assortment of actual pages and content from the
upcoming pew edition), an audio CD, posters, bookplates, and
offering envelopes.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
