Voting members from across the ELCA will gather for our triennial Churchwide Assembly this coming week, July 28-August 2, in Phoenix, Arizona. This year’s theme is “For the Life of the World.” here is much work before this year’s Assembly, including the election of a new presiding bishop for the ELCA and a new churchwide secretary. Those participating as voting members from our Central/Southern Illinois Synod include:
- Bishop Greg Busboom
- Molly Berry, Synod Vice-President
- Chris Edmonds
- Pastor Jon Fry
- Victor Harling
- Sundae Johnson
- Bella Karunas
- David Poland
- Pastor Julia Rademacher
We invite each of our communities of disciples to lift up the voting members for the assembly, together with the entire ELCA, in prayer this coming weekend, July 26/27, as you gather for worship.
Let us pray. O God, you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct all those who have been elected to serve as voting members of this coming week’s churchwide assembly by the light of that Spirit, including those from our synod – Bishop Greg, Molly, Chris, Pastor Jon, Victor, Sundae, Bella, David, and Pastor Julia – that they may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace. Give them safe travel. Give them wisdom as they discern who you are calling to serve in positions of leadership and how you are calling our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to move boldly forward in living out the mission of Christ for the sake of the world. In all things, O God, keep us faithful to the gospel, trusting in your promises, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #105)
To stay updated on this coming week’s assembly, visit ELCA.org/cwa.