Last Sunday, I was part a gathering of the people our synod elected to serve as voting members at the coming Churchwide Assembly.  This was our second time together to share a meal, become better acquainted, discuss what it means to be a voting member (not a delegate) and consider all the issues that will be before us.  There was no "caucusing". No straw-polls were taken.  No one was asked (nor did anyone offer) where they stood on these matters.  It was simply a time to build community with folks who will soon experience what I'm told will be an enormously intense week of talking, listening, worshiping, eating, praying , connecting, arguing, and agreeing. 

In preparation for the assembly, we asked everyone to go to the website and watch a video narrated by ELCA Secretary David Swartling in which he lays out the responsibilities of the voting members. (Click for video)  As I watched and listened, something occurred to me:  This is a great list, not only for next week in Minneapolis, but for living as God's people - forgiven, redeemed, and called to be bearers of the Gospel ... in Auberry, in Chico, in Fremont, in San Jose ... (you get the picture)  

• study carefully
• reflect prayerfully
• listen attentively
• consider judiciously
• elect thoughtfully
• participate faithfully in worship
• pray frequently for the guidance of the Holy Spirit
• act conscientiously for the sake of the unity of the whole church
  

Peace,
Pastor Nancy Feniuk Nelson