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August 19, 2011
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Thursday at the churchwide assembly was the day of
“heavy lifting." Lots of debate occurred throughout the day as we
prepared to vote on the LIFT Task Force resolutions that remained from
Wednesday. There were also amendments to the constitution, several
memorials, and a social statement to act on. The social statement,
Genetics, Faith and Responsibility, was adopted.
 The day was enhanced by the introduction of almost
a dozen representatives of full communion and other ecumenical partners.
Topping this portion of the day was the speech to the assembly by The
Most Rev. George Walker, Sr., Senior Bishop of the African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church. A.M.E. Zion and the ELCA are in conversation
about closer ties for the sake of witness and mission.
The final Bible study groups met on Thursday.
Nearly 100 separate groups met for an hour on three days, forming
closer, Scripture-based relationships across the ELCA. Becky, Mark,
Jeff, Kelsie, and I came to appreciate our time together and agreed that
our sessions were the best part of our time at the assembly.
God is on the loose here!
From Orlando, for the last time,
Bishop Zeiser
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August 18, 2011
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Wednesday at the church-wide assembly was largely devoted to legislative
work in plenary sessions.
We took action on LIFT Task Force recommendations, including a change
from a biennial to a triennial churchwide assembly schedule after 2013
and approving some changes to the composition of the Church Council.
 Greetings
to the assembly were offered by the executive directors of LIRS, ELCA
World Hunger Appeal, LSA, LWR, and Disaster Response. What amazing
ministry we do together across the US and the world! It all gained
deeper scriptural significance as we looked at Galatians 5:1-14, the
passages from which comes the assembly theme, Freed in Christ to
Serve.
From Orlando,
Bishop Zeiser
Top of page
August 17, 2011
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
 Some reflections on what happened on Tuesday.
The faith community that began to form on Monday was strengthened from
the start on Tuesday morning by an inspiring report from Presiding
Bishop Hanson. At the heart of his message to the ELCA: "We are a church
called to discern what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ mean
for the world and our common life."
The blossoming faith community was further strengthened over the course
of the day through Bible study on John 4:3-29 and by an afternoon
devoted to an event called Mission Encounter, which highlighted creative
ELCA ministries in the US and around the world.
 In a meeting of Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod voting members in the
evening, the following parts of the churchwide assembly were identified
as most impressive: prayer partners, Bible study, awesome worship,
diversity of voting members, number of younger voting members, Bishop
Hanson's pastoral assembly leadership, and the inspirational impact of
the malaria campaign.
On top of all that, we got serious about debate and decision-making in
the plenary session.
From Orlando,
Bishop Zeiser
[Pictured above with Bishop Zeiser are Brandon Wood (Christ, Penn
Forest Township), Kelly Wallace )St. John, Nazareth), Bishop Zeiser,
Craig Babcock (Friedens, Oley)]
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August 16, 2011
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Greetings from the churchwide assembly!
We are meeting in Orlando, Florida. The assembly began yesterday, August
15, and will continue through Friday.
Monday was a "run up” day, with introductions to the major issues we will
address. There was an extensive overview of proposals from the Living
into the Future task force, a close look at the proposed budget, an
overview of the social statement on genetics, and consideration of a
special campaign to battle malaria.
The assembly adopted a proposal to raise $15 million by 2015 in the fight
against malaria. Pr. Susan Ruggles, a synod voting member, volunteered
on the spot to chair the synod's effort.
 The
service of Holy Communion was highlighted by a powerful sermon by Bishop
Hanson, calling this church to respond to the call of the Holy Spirit as
Mary, Mother of our Lord, responded with awe and wonder to the angel who
announced that she had found favor with God.
A community of faith is being built here, and it is showing signs of
commitment, energy, and boldness.
From Orlando,
Bishop Zeiser
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