2007 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
Called Into God's Marvelous Light...To tell the story!
2007 Synod Assembly > News > Saturday Morning Worship

Worship excites people to take their faith into the world
By Rev. Scott Olson

Bishop Usgaard presided during Saturday morning's worship service, which included holy communion. Photo by Rev. Todd Hawkins

“Take a look around. Who’s out there?,” Rev. Kathie Bender Schwich asked those gathered for worship Saturday morning. Rev. Bender Schwich, Executive for Synodical and Constituent Relations for the ELCA, drew on the story from John 21 of the disciples’ encounter with Jesus by the Sea of Tiberias following the resurrection. “The church has room for all God’s people,” she said, observing that, since the nets of the disciples did not break with the huge haul of fish, our church can do the same.

“Unfortunately,” she continued, “statistics would say that we as Lutherans invite someone to church only once every 17 years.” Although this is a scary proposition for us, Rev. Bender Schwich continued, as Jesus was there for the disciples with his presence so is he here for us.

The gathered community enthusiastically worshiped under the leadership of the Worship Team from Gloria Dei and Glory to God Churches, Rochester, with Bishop Harold Usgaard presiding. The worship style was blended using traditional hymns and contemporary songs in a praise band setting. Multi-media images added significantly to the worship experience. The day’s offering went to Lutheran Campus Ministry which is celebrating its 100th Birthday of ministry in the United States.

“Can you feel the excitement?, Rev. Bender Schwich concluded. “Come on; you don’t want to miss it!” Indeed, the voting members, renewed with God’s presence in Word, Meal and Song were strengthened for their work to be “Joyful Witnesses Called Into God’s Marvelous Light” responded “Amen!”

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