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"STAND AND CONFESS" The Fourth Annual Gathering of Augsburg Lutheran Churches Faithful people of God from across the nation gathered July 25-28, 2004, at the Old Sanctuary complex in Brookings, South Dakota, to Stand and Confess the good news of Jesus Christ. The fourth annual gathering of Augsburg Lutheran Churches (ALC) joyfully began with worship at First Lutheran Church on Sunday evening. Inspired by glorious music from the pipe organ, God’s people sang his praises in harmony and heard God’s Word proclaimed as Law and Gospel by Chaplain Major John Rasmussen. While worship is not based on our personal feelings, following Luther’s familiar order of worship on Sunday night gave many of us the feeling of being "home" again.

The Old Sanctuary was our gathering place for three glorious days of fellowship, spiritual nurturing, worship, and consensus building. Old friendships were renewed and new ones created as we heard the gospel of justification by faith alone in Christ alone proclaimed in sermons, Bible studies, dynamic presentations, discussion groups, workshops, and worship. For many, the Christian fellowship and discussions–what Luther referred to as "the mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren"–during the breaks, meals, and hospitality time were the highlight of the gathering.

Each day of the gathering opened and closed with worship led by gifted pastors who proclaimed Christ’s gospel as the sure and certain hope for God’s people today. A wide range of settings were used to introduce new music and styles of worship to help our churches reach people from different walks in life. Many thanks go to the Rev. Dr. Dennis and Darla Bielfeldt for hosting the gathering and writing a new jazz setting for the gathering.

The Planning Dynamic Worship consensus group compiled several new settings and worship styles with favorite hymns and praise songs, both old and new, true to the Holy Scriptures and singable, to create a "new worship resource" for the gathering participants. The objective of this group is to assist churches in planning innovative and dynamic worship services that include an order of worship that is recognizably Lutheran whether the setting is traditional, blended, contemporary, or jazz. The new worship resource book will be expanded this year for approval at the July 31-August 2, 2005 Augsburg Gathering hosted by Church of the Good Shepherd in Florence, Alabama.

Dr. Paul Braafladt gave an inspirational keynote address on the importance of "Justification By Faith Alone: Our Sure and Certain Hope" and Mr. Lou Hesse opened everyone’s eyes concerning the ELCA Sexuality Study in his presentation, "A Clear Eye From the Pigsty." Mr. Hesse's presentation is available in the Resources section of our website.

Displays and afternoon workshops on a variety of resources for churches were offered in addition to the consensus building sessions on ministry standards, new worship resources, and Our Declaration.

ELECTIONS

Dick Smith of Bismarck, ND, was elected Augsburg Pastor for a three-year term.

Lenae Rasmussen of Vass, NC, was elected Executive Chair for a second three-year term.

Barb Christensen of Audubon, IA, was elected as a Trustee for a four-year term.

Phil Schoner of Half Moon Bay, CA, was elected as a Trustee for a second three-year term.

John Leistad of Elk Horn, IA, was elected as a Trustee for a second three-year term.

Don Albright of Omaha, NE, was elected as a Trustee to fill a two-year term.

John Rasmussen of Vass, NC, was elected Co-chair of the Doctrine & Church Relations Committee for a three-year term. Dr. Carl Heinrich A. Schmutzler is the other co-chair.

NEW PAN-LUTHERAN HOUSE OF STUDIES

Augsburg Lutheran Churches is a member of the Claus Harms House (CHH), a new pan-Lutheran House of Studies. Dr. Jim Galezewski shared our vision for a "satellite learning system" and explained the three programs currently available:

1. Theological Studies Program–to educate and train pastors for congregational ministry.
    

2. Clergy Symposium–to provide continuing education for pastors and church workers.
    

3. Lutheran Lay Academy–to provide a certified theological education program for laity, and offer seminars to congregations and individuals.

LUTHERAN MISSION INVESTMENT FUND

Mr. Harold Lewis shared our vision for the new Lutheran Mission Investment Fund in his dynamic multi-media presentation. When he asked who was interested in seeing this program go forward, the entire assembly stood in approval and gave a rousing round of applause for his inspiring presentation. The LMIF is planning to be available to accept investments this fall in conjunction with Compass Bank. Lutheran churches could borrow monies from the fund at 1% higher than the Federal Reserve rate. This would serve to encourage churches to move to a commercial loan as soon as possible.

M/S/P; The following resolution was passed by the assembly:

Whereas LCMC churches need as an alternative to commercial lending institutions

• To help build new congregations
   

• To help redevelop congregations
   

• To provide a means for existing congregations to grow and spread the word of Christ
   

• To enable congregations to provide space and place for worship
   

• And by these means to help the ALC, and more widely, the LCMC to succeed and grow

Be it resolved that we authorize the continued process of creating the entity called " Lutheran Mission Investment Fund" (LMIF), including any needed support personnel,

Be it further resolved that we support the continuing process of putting the defining parameters of this investment product in place,

And be it further resolved that each congregation of the ALC be encouraged to create a new line item in their budgets to support this effort,

And be it further resolved that each congregation of the ALC be encouraged to identify and appoint a liaison/support person for LMIF.

THANKSGIVING

Many thanks to Dennis and Darla Bielfeldt for hosting Stand and Confess at the Old Sanctuary in Brookings, and to the member of Pioneer Lutheran for all your help. The facility was a perfect setting for our worship services, discussion groups, Bible study, and fellowship time. Everyone left with the re-assured knowledge that Christ is the Head of His Church, and He is with those who stand and confess His sure and certain hope of forgiveness and eternal life. Thanks be to God.

Submitted by Dorothy McNaught,
Worship & Music Committee

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