Highlights of the Assembly

First, I want to thank everybody who attended the Assembly, and those who preached and led worship in their home congregations to make it possible for others to attend.  

And I want to give a huge “Gracias!” to all who contributed to the Synod Assembly Offering.  Although we are still counting the offerings that are coming in late, we know that we have received enough to make the Bolivia water project a reality.  Thanks be to God!  And if you haven’t sent your offering in yet, still do.  There are many other needs in the Church in Bolivia and South Africa.

In this week after the Synod Assembly I want to share what various people thought were the highlights of the Assembly:

“I really like hearing about what we were doing overseas, whether it was the malaria project, church expansion in Africa, or our relationship with the Ethiopian church.”

“Welcoming New Hope Lutheran Church as our newest congregation!”

“The global musicians were fantastic.  They added a wonderful dimension to the whole experience!”

“An inspiring uplifting Faith Walk.”

“I am very excited about our new partnership with Intermountain—serving children and joining with ecumenical partners in this ministry!”

“The time I got to spend with others I don’t see a lot—the networking that happens, the connections that get strengthened.”

“The workshops I attended.  They were engaging and informative, and definitely worth attending!”

“The music, the singing, the fabric decorations, the banners, the tryptich, the displays

(and chocolate!), the great meals and catering crew from the Heritage, and all those

great Lutherans who are such a joy to be with.”

“Honoring Harold Spilde.”

“Recognition of the 70th anniversary of Cliff Gronneberg’s ordination.  What

an accomplishment.  Like he told me, ‘If you live long enough, you’ll get

old.’”

“The discussion on accompaniment and that we can’t be the dancing elephant at the

party.”

“Great to introduce all the candidates and interns at the assembly.  Also revealing to

introduce all the new people who have accepted calls in the Montana Synod in the

past year.  The message is, ‘This is a Synod that is forward into mission with a pack

of new and energetic leaders!”

My thanks to all of you who helped make this a successful Synod Assembly!  To see Synod

Summaries from the Assembly and other post-assembly news, including elections, go the our

website, www.montanasynod.org

Jessica Crist, Bishop