2003 Synod Assembly

Fifth Plenary - Report of the Bishop, Southeastern Minnesota Synod

Added 4:20 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2003

The Rev. Harold L. Usgaard said at the conclusion of the 16th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly that much mission work has been accomplished, but much work must still be done.

Usgaard, Bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said clergy and laypeople must pay special attention to how they continue to spread the word and teachings of Christ.

"I've learned in ministry that while goals are important," he said, "the process by which we reach those goals is important as well."

Usgaard shared his seven ministry principles:

1. We should discern what the Lord wants for the church. The church is not about us, it is about God.

2. We all have a part in the church and a special gift to offer. We should identify that part – and gift – and fulfill our role.

3. We cannot perform ministry alone. We must seek to work face to face and in person as often as possible.

4. We must emphasize the grace in others. By emphasizing this grace, we can work together toward healing.

5. We must remember that there is almost always hope. We must always keep trying, even when we may not succeed.

6. We should seek alternatives. If our first, second or even third attempt does not work, we should try again.

7. We must remember that believers are servants of the Lord. If we believe in God, we must be a servant of Him.

Usgaard's suggestions were well received by attendees, who gave him a standing ovation at the conclusion of his remarks.

"I believe we've taken some important steps," Usgaard said. "And I'm excited about the future as well."

Also during the fifth plenary, attendants voted unanimously to accept the proposed 2004 budget.

Voting results were announced. Click here for election results.

First call pastors who received gifts from the endowment fund for debt retirement, retiring rostered personnel, and those celebrating ordination anniversaries were recognized and honored. Rostered personnel who died in the last year were prayed for by name.

It was also announced that the synod assembly offering, designated for Iambi Hospital in Tanzania, raised $19,500 with more donations still coming in. The goal was to raise $20,000 to ship two containers of building materials to the hospital.

Attendants were reminded the 17th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly is scheduled for April 23-24, 2004.

The 16th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly concluded shortly after 3 p.m.

Photos: