The Crux of the Matter - From the Executive Chair

The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Augsburg Lutheran District

Vol. 1, No. 7 (July 2002)

In This Issue:

Top Story:
Coughing in the Dust. . .?

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From the Executive Chair

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from the executive chair ...

Lenae Rasmussen

Confessional Lutherans in North America are at a crucial crossroad—a choice must be made. They can either "do something" or "do nothing" which will extract accommodations to a corrupt understanding of worship, the sacraments, ordination, the role of bishops, sin, and the gospel. While "doing nothing" may appear to be a convenient way to avoid the pain of change, change cannot be avoided. Failure to make the right choice will lead one down the primrose path of changes in faith and practice that conflict with God's Word and the Lutheran confessions. Bill Spaulding describes some changes the future holds for blended congregations (ELCA-ECUSA) in his article, "Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees ... Can We?"

The Augsburg Lutheran District (ALD) and Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ are also at a critical juncture: How do we prepare to receive churches, pastors, and individuals who are looking for a new church home? How can the ALD support confessing Lutherans and further the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ? We are gathering at Resurrection Community Church in Springfield, Oregon, July 14-18, 2002, to address these questions and chart a faithful course for our "home for churches." The convention theme, His Hand On The Tiller, conveys our belief that God is in charge, not us! "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope" (Jer 29:11).