2003 Synod Assembly

Third Plenary

Added 11:25 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2003

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato received the Servant of Christ Award at the 16th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly.

The award, given by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), annually recognizes one congregation that has greatly aided the LSS mission. Mark Peterson, LSS president, presented the award to church representatives Saturday morning.

"Lutheran Social Service has pledged that wherever we are, whatever can do, with whatever resources we can secure, we will continue to change lives," he said. "Bethlehem Lutheran is an important part of that mission."

Peterson said Bethlehem Lutheran promotes social service and justice, both locally and globally. It maintains several service connections to help those with special needs while it continues a tradition of strong LSS support.

The award was presented at the third plenary, following Peterson's general update of LSS.

Peterson said LSS changed the lives of an estimated 100,000 Minnesotans last year, helping families and individuals in each of the state's 87 counties. He said 6,000 volunteers and more than 2,000 employees aided people in 300 communities.

But Peterson said Minnesota's budget deficit could result in several state services being cut or reduced. Such actions would increase the number of people LSS would be called to serve.

"This is not politics as usual," he said. "These proposals will create great harm to vulnerable people. Period."

Peterson encouraged attendants to contact state legislators and express concern for the services being cut. He said services for children, seniors and developmentally disabled people are especially important to protect.

Peterson said because the state legislature is still in session, there remains time to protect these services. However, the legislative session will soon end so advocates must contact their legislators now.

Attendants voted for the position of Southeastern Minnesota Synod Vice President, and members of the Congregational Renewal Team, Committee on Consultation, Committee on Discipline, Augsburg College Corporation, Board of Social Ministry, Lutheran Campus Ministry Board and Luther Seminary Board of Directors.

Voting results will be announced later today.

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