2003 Synod Assembly

First Plenary

Added 12:50 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2003

A group of religious and city leaders welcomed attendants of the 16th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly.

Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede, a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, said the assembly theme is especially appropriate for this region. He said the theme, "Making Christ Known: For the Healing of the World," emulates Rochester traditions.

"In my campaign, I talked about Rochester being a city of healing," he said at the assembly’s first plenary. "We have healing to do and it’s great to see that theme for your assembly."

The Rev. Harold L. Usgaard, Bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, led about 700 attendants as they accepted the proposed assembly agenda shortly after 11 a.m.

Clergy, laypeople and others received updates on several topics. Clark Cary, chair of the synod’s hunger task force, said local donations to the cause increased $23,000 last year. That means the synod gave $250,000 last year to a program he said is essential.

"Healing takes place through Christ, food and justice," he said. "The hunger appeal continues to meet the immediate and long-term needs of many people."

The Rev. Dr. James Childs, director of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Studies on Sexuality, also provided a brief update.

Childs said the national task force continues to work diligently toward defining the ELCA's view on issues related to human sexuality.

"We’ve met with people representing the theological perspective, the gay and lesbian perspective, those who work in human science," he said. "In each case we’ve profited greatly. We've obtained a new understanding."

Childs took no questions. Instead, Usgaard encouraged attendants to speak with Childs privately during the assembly.

Synod Treasurer Jeff Setterlund briefed attendants on the audit report, which was accepted shortly after noon. He also introduced this year's proposed budget, but took no questions on it. Voting members will be asked to vote approval on the proposed budget tomorrow.

Paul Mainz, Dean of the Zumbro River Conference, concluded the First Plenary with a prayer for lunch.

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