Click banner above to go to the ELCA web page and its Churchwide Assembly (CWA) bits or read below for some bulletpoints that will be populated over the week as well as occasional reports from Pastor David Rinas who is in Phoenix as a voting member.
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Churchwide Assembly begins Monday in Phoenix with livestream of the opening music starting at 5:30 pm.
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Plenary sessions are under way including portions of the election of a new presiding bishop (using an ecclesiastical ballot)
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Reports and greetings from various people associated with partner ministries and ministries within the ELCA including secondary schools and seminaries.
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Work on repudiating the doctrine of discovery, repenting from patriarchy and sexist ways that the church has embraced and also working on our social statement on faith and civic life. Discussions of how we might improve and bolster our relationships with indigenous people groups.
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Hosting an exhibition and educational powwow (see Pastor Dave's pictures below)
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Sessions can be watched in real time or after-the-fact at
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - YouTube
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From David:
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Sunday, July 27
Today, Sunday, we are coming back from my niece's wedding. Tomorrow I leave for the CWA at 4:30 AM in Phoenix, AZ. I'm looking forward to the proposals for a renewed Lutheran Church, and to the election of a new presiding bishop . From my reading preparation I see the big challenges ahead, as congregations shrink or close there's less money to support our ELCA ministries, but we have a vibrant and creative church where the Holy Spirit is very active. God bless you all!
Pastor Dave
Monday, July 28
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One of the most inspiring times of the Churchwide Assembly is worship. Here are some scenes from our opening worship:​
Tuesday, July 29
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Today we've heard various reports and began the process to choose a new presiding bishop. Tonight we're at a powwow!
Wednesday, July 30
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Today we have elected Rev. Yehiel Curry as the new Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, and we have begun the process of electing a new Secretary.
We are now engaged in a passionate discussion about the violence in Gaza and the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Thursday, July 31
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This morning was yet another powerful and inspiring worship service with Rev. Dr. Vashti McKensie, the Executive Director of the National Council of Churches preaching. Part of her sermon was that sin is not only what you do, but also what you allow to be done.
more from Thursday
​​​​​​​​Today we also heard addresses by several interfaith leaders, Jewish, Muslim, Easter Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and the National Council of Churches.
Friday, August 1​​​​​​​​
On Friday we completed the election process for the Secretary of the ELCA by electing the remarkable Lucille Mills. She preached her first sermon at age 9 and served on her church council at age 12. More importantly for this position, she describes herself as a "parliamentary nerd."