2005 Synod Assembly

Opening Worship Prepares Assembly for Tasks to Come

(Live Update added 10:55 a.m., Friday, May 6, 2005)

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Echoing those words from Luke 6, Bishop Harold Usgaard set the tone for the 2005 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly. For the third year, Presentation Hall provided a dedicated space which greatly enhanced the worship experience.

Supported by the strains of the Choral Arts Society and in the context of liturgy from Renewing Worship, Bishop Usgaard related the gospel text to the synod's vision statement. "We profess to be a synod called into God's marvelous light. Love your enemies; bless those who curse you, today. Let us do it today."

The bishop spoke directly to the resolutions regarding the blessing of same-sex unions and the rostering of gays and lesbians in committed relationships. "People are watching us" and wondering if "people of faith are any different" in how they handle their disagreements, he asked. "We are called into a community where differences are valued. God knows it; when will we learn it?"

Bishop Usgaard set this discussion in the context of the whole of Christian life. "This is about a lifestyle. This is about how we are to live. If you need to find a lifestyle that Jesus expects, this is it. We are to be merciful, just as God is merciful to us."

This isn't going to be easy, Bishop Usgaard noted. "If you're looking for something that is counter cultural, try this one. You'll never be accused again of fitting in." However, the bishop continued, "What a powerful statement. What a witness to the world."

Wrapping up his sermon, the bishop urged the voting members to take Jesus' words seriously as they begin the work of the synod. "It's how we are to live. It's a lifestyle; it's the lifestyle. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

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