http://www.elca.org/news Official news releases of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 2009-08-28T15:04:47 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The 11th Biennial Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) acted on a variety of topics including adoption of a full communion relationship with the United Methodist Church, funding for a churchwide HIV and AIDS strategy, development of a Lutheran Malaria Initiative, a social statement on human sexuality, revisions of ministry policies, a social statement on justice for women and budget proposals. The assembly re-elected Carlos ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4278 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4278 2009-08-28T11:04:47 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Most of the 65 synodical bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) want leaders, congregations and pastors to stay in conversation following the adoption of a social statement on human sexuality and the opening of the ELCA's ministry to people in committed same-gender relationships. Many bishops wrote to their respective synods following the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Some letters are posted on synod Web sites. "It will be good for... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4277 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4277 2009-08-26T13:35:27 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) elected lay leaders and clergy to serve on the ELCA Church Council, churchwide committees and boards. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, met here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people participated, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly was "God's work. Our ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4275 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4275 2009-08-26T11:24:52 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is sharing some significant actions taken at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly with its ecumenical and global partners. Two significant actions include the adoption of the ELCA's 10th social statement, "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," and the modification of ministry policies that govern pastors and other professional church leaders in committed same-gender relationships. The assembly, the chief legislative a... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4274 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4274 2009-08-24T16:55:51 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The Rev. Ishmael Noko, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Geneva, recalled on Aug. 22 that The Third LWF Assembly met in Minneapolis 52 years earlier to the day under the theme "Christ Frees and Unites." Noko applied that theme to the 2009 Church Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, met here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4272 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4272 2009-08-24T13:06:28 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- In final comments to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, pledged to the voting members "to speak well of you and of this church, and I ask you to do the same." The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, met here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people participated, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The them... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4271 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4271 2009-08-23T09:13:51 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 2009 Churchwide Assembly engaged one another in serious discussion about the church’s mission and direction during its session on Aug. 22. The conversation, an effort to prepare voting members for effective ministry following the assembly, was led by the Rev. Mark S. Hanson , ELCA presiding bishop, and the Rev. Stephen Bouman, executive director, Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission in the 4.6 m... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4270 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4270 2009-08-23T09:05:59 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly resolved during their session on Aug. 22 to advocate on behalf of a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. They called the church to lift up the voices within both communities, especially those of victims of violence. The resolution also calls for care for the people of Gaza and support for U.S. financial assistance that funds “peace and cooperation for all pa... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4269 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4269 2009-08-23T08:52:08 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Nancy Arnison, director for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) World Hunger Program, highlighted the church body’s hunger and disaster response ministries Aug. 22 at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. She also introduced the assembly to the Rev. Daniel Rift, the new director of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, met here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people partic... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4268 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4268 2009-08-22T19:32:41 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Attendees of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church America (ELCA) heard messages about the service and mission of organizations that work in collaboration with the ELCA and other Lutheran denominations. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,405 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembl... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4266 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4266 2009-08-22T19:25:48 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The winners of the 2009 "God's work. Our Hands." Video contest winners were announced Aug. 22 at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,405 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "God's work. Our hands." The theme for th... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4265 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4265 2009-08-22T19:07:17 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – A social statement on health care adopted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) six years ago should commit the church to working on plans to provide more adequate health care today, said a resolution passed by the 2009 ELCA Churchwide assembly Aug. 20. That resolution, which passed by a vote of 799-128, said the church believed that “each person should have ready access to basic health care services that include preventative, acute and chronic physical an... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4264 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4264 2009-08-22T18:57:32 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 2009 Churchwide Assembly approved all recommended amendments to ELCA Constitutions, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions that the ELCA Church Council recommended for endorsement. All were approved with more than the two-thirds of votes required for passage. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, met here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people participated, includin... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4263 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4263 2009-08-22T16:05:19 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – The president of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS), the Rev. Gerald B. Kieschnick, told the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly Aug. 22 that its decisions earlier this week to allow and support rostering those in lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships would “undoubtably cause additional stress and disharmony” in the ELCA and beyond. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 1... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4261 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4261 2009-08-22T14:47:50 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly returned to office its incumbent vice present, Carlos Peña of Galveston, Texas. He was elected to a second six-year term on the fourth ballot with 580 votes, 60.8 percent of the votes cast. Sixty percent were required on the fourth ballot. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4260 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4260 2009-08-22T11:04:59 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA)-- Voting members of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) approved a 2010 current fund income proposal of $76.69 million for the churchwide organization, and an ELCA World Hunger Appeal income proposal of $18.7 million. They also approved a current income proposal of $76.77 million and a World Hunger income goal of $19 million for 2011. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4259 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4259 2009-08-22T10:59:11 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) urged all in the church to continue discussing their differences, and meet “not in our agreements or our disagreements, but at the foot of the cross — where God is faithful, where Christ is present with us, and where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are one in Christ.” The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, spoke shortly after the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly approved controversial chan... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4258 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4258 2009-08-21T22:39:01 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Peter Mayer, lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, sees his involvement at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly as evidence that he’s “not your usual rock and roll entertainer.” Mayer was at the assembly Aug. 21 to perform a concert, with proceeds to benefit the ELCA HIV and AIDS Strategy and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI). The assembly affirmed both earlier in the week. He said he feels “privileged to be involv... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4256 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4256 2009-08-21T22:28:32 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Leaders of organizations favoring and opposing further involvement of people who are gay and lesbian in the church praised and denounced actions taken at the churchwide assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Both expressed a desire to have the church remain united and for those with disagreements on sexuality to respect one another’s views. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneap... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4255 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4255 2009-08-21T22:09:14 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- With debates closed and decisions made, the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States has voted to allow Lutherans in same-gender relationships to serve as pastors of congregations and serve in other professional leadership roles. This will result in a change in current ministry policies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which require that professional leaders abstain from "homosexual sexual relationships." At an Aug. 21 news conference the... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4254 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4254 2009-08-21T18:55:36 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) - The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted today to open the ministry of the church to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships. The action came by a vote of 559-451 at the highest legislative body of the 4.6 million member denomination. Earlier the assembly also approved a resolution committing the church to find ways for congregations that choose to do so to "reco... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4253 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4253 2009-08-21T17:45:41 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly narrowed the field to three candidates in its balloting for vice president. Voting a third ballot Aug. 21, voting members chose from a remaining field of eight candidates, selecting incumbent Carlos Peña, Galveston, Texas, Ryan M. Schwarz, McLean, Virginia, and Norma Hirsch, Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to voting, the eight nominees spoke to the assembly, answering questions about their vi... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4252 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4252 2009-08-21T14:25:47 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are in the middle of taking steps to make it possible for the Lutherans in same-gender relationships to serve as professional leaders in the denomination. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting membe... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4251 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4251 2009-08-21T09:39:21 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Ecumenical partners of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gave messages of thankfulness and prayer to attendees of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly during "Please know of our gratitude of you and prayers for you as you meet this week," said the Rev. John Thomas, general minister and president of the United Church in Christ, one of six of the ELCA's full communion partners. Thomas was one of three ecumenical partners to speak to the assembly. The churchwi... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4250 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4250 2009-08-21T09:34:28 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly gave strong affirmation Aug. 20 to the ministry of a disaster response agency it supports jointly with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). By a vote of 529 to 20, voting members affirmed the ministry of Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). They approved a memorial suggested by six synods in Pennsylvania, and one representing West Virginia and Western Maryland. It encourages the ELCA “to ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4249 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4249 2009-08-20T21:35:06 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly failed to elect a vice president on the second ballot. Voting took place Aug. 20. Incumbent Carlos Peña led on the second ballot with 657 votes. There were 686 votes required for election on the second ballot. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4247 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4247 2009-08-20T21:07:22 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have been asked to implement the newly adopted social statement on human sexuality by continuing the study of sexuality, assist members to welcome peole who are gay and lesbians, encourage comprehensive sex education programs in public schools, support the church’s work to combat HIV/AIDS and to take the “spirit of this statement” into all appropriate activities. In an action taken Aug. 20 by the ELCA Churchwide A... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4246 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4246 2009-08-20T20:41:33 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Three pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) set out on a mission 100 days ago -- to end hunger and poverty in the world by raising $5 million for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. "Our tour was not about records, but about revelation, revolution and revenue," said the Rev. Frederick "Fred" A. Soltow, one of the pastors. "The revelation is that there are over 2,100 verses in Scripture where God says that there shall be no poor or hungry; feed my peop... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4245 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4245 2009-08-20T20:30:40 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Lutherans have been discussing their beliefs about human sexuality since the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 21 years ago. The discussion continues at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in anticipation of an action that may allow Lutherans in same-sex relationships to serve as professional leaders in the church. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Cen... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4244 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4244 2009-08-20T18:13:53 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Bishop Gregory V. Palmer of the United Methodist Church (UMC) shared words of love in his homily at the Communion Service Aug. 20 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is “God’s work. Our han... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4243 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4243 2009-08-20T16:04:43 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- By a vote of 958-51, the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a full communion agreement Aug. 20 with the United Methodist Church (UMC). This is the ELCA’s sixth full communion relationship and the first for the UMC. The assembly also adopted an implementing resolution by a vote of 922-15. In 2008, the UMC General Conference adopted the same agreement. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA,... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4242 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4242 2009-08-20T09:28:02 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Two groups with widely diverging opinions on the social statement adopted Aug. 19 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America praised the church for its action and denounced what some consider a departure from biblical morality. “The church has supported families of all kinds and has acknowledged without judgment the variety of views within the ELCA regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusion,” said Emily Eastwood, executive director of Lut... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4241 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4241 2009-08-19T21:58:37 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- On a hot, sunny day in Iraq the Rev. Harry W. Griffith, an ELCA chaplain and commander in the U.S Navy Chaplain Corps received an unusual gift: 3,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Wednesday he urged the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to continue supporting the armed forces, especially the military chaplains. The chuchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are partic... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4239 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4239 2009-08-19T21:55:51 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The youth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are leaders, said Nicolette Faison, newly elected president of the Lutheran Youth Organization LYO of the ELCA. Faison spoke to the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly during Wednesday morning's plenary session. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4238 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4238 2009-08-19T21:44:02 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The futures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) are similar, said the Rev. Susan Johnson, ELCIC national bishop. "Sometimes the future looks very uncertain and very scary," Johnson said, "But the final reality is that this is God's church." Johnson spoke to the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Aug. 19. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4237 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4237 2009-08-19T21:39:05 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – In his first report to an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly, ELCA Secretary David D. Swartling thanked colleagues for their support in the two years since he was elected to the post and laid out several priorities. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4236 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4236 2009-08-19T20:58:16 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted 884 to 41 to raise $10 million dollars to support the ELCA HIV and AIDS strategy. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,405 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "God's work. Our hands." Planners hope to raise the money over the next... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4235 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4235 2009-08-19T20:38:36 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Strong winds and heavy rain damaged the 90-year-old metal steeple at Central Lutheran Church here and damaged a section of the roof of the Minneapolis Convention Center, the site of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). There were no immediate reports of injury, according to the Associated Press (AP). In addition, the AP reported that “outdoor tents and chairs” set up outside for the ELCA assembly were scattered, and some t... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4234 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4234 2009-08-19T20:09:57 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Aug. 19, to urge reform in the nation’s current immigration policy. By a vote of 870 to 67, voters agreed to urge comprehensive reform of U.S. immigration policies and processes, and to call for suspension of immigration raids until such reform is enacted. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapol... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4233 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4233 2009-08-19T18:23:53 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" with a vote of 676 (66.67 percent) to 338 (33.33 percent) on Aug. 19. The passing of the social statement on human sexuality required a two-thirds vote. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA vot... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4232 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4232 2009-08-19T16:16:51 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly began the process of electing a vice-president today. On the nominating ballot, potentially the first of five, voters failed to give any candidate the required 75 percent needed. With 899 legal ballots cast, incumbent Carlos Peña led the field with 607. He fell short of election by 79 votes. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at t... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4231 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4231 2009-08-19T15:55:53 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) treasurer told the ELCA churchwide assembly Aug. 19 that while the overall financial picture for the churchwide organization has been positive in the last two years, the economic downturn has lately meant adjustments to the national church’s budget. Treasurer Christina Jackson-Skelton also reported that in the same period, there has been “significant growth” in the ELCA Mission Investment Fund (MIF). Individuals and c... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4230 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4230 2009-08-19T15:33:41 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- When Carlos Peña reached College Station, Texas, from his home in Galveston, Texas, seeking refuge from Hurricane Ike last September, he started to receive phone calls from family and friends. The calls were from people from all over the state asking if he was okay and if he and his wife, Diane, had seen pictures of their business on CNN, submerged in nearly four feet of water. "I cannot describe the feeling of seeing all that I, and my father before me, had worked s... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4229 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4229 2009-08-18T20:34:02 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Aug. 18 to support a program that seeks to eliminate malaria in south-Saharan Africa by 2015. The Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI), with a fund-raising goal of $75 million, was endorsed by a vote of 989 to 11. It would create a shared effort in concert with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), Lutheran World Relief (LWR), and the United Nations Foundation. Th... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4227 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4227 2009-08-18T19:39:27 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The work of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative is already saving lives in Africa, the Rev. John A. Nunes, president and CEO, Lutheran World Relief, told the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. Voting members supported deve... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4225 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4225 2009-08-18T18:51:53 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Budget proposals for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) reflect a decrease in income expectations for 2010 and 2011. Voting members of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly received the first presentation of budget proposals for the denomination on Aug. 18. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including the 1,045 voting membe... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4224 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4224 2009-08-18T18:18:33 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) needs to become more knowledgeable and active when it comes to HIV and AIDS, said Cynthia Halverson, executive director of the ELCA Foundation and Development Services. Halverson was among those who spoke to the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly about the recommendation to raise $10 million to support the HIV and AIDS strategy in the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4223 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4223 2009-08-18T17:51:08 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Speakers opposing the social statement on human sexuality facing the Evangelical Church in America said they believed that endorsing the document would abandon the church’s reliance on the Bible and separate the Lutheran denomination from the majority of Christendom. But those favoring the document to be voted on later this week insisted that a greater acceptance of gays and lesbians in the church and its ministry is consistent with the command to care for one’s neighbor an... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4222 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4222 2009-08-18T16:03:48 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" -- a proposed social statement on human sexuality -- was formally introduced to the 1,045 voting members of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Aug. 18. The Rev. Peter Strommen introduced the statement which, if approved by the assembly, will become the 10th social statement of the ELCA. Strommen chairs the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality, which developed the proposed document u... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4221 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4221 2009-08-18T15:10:04 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), asked “What shall be our witness this week?” in his oral report to the ELCA’s eleventh biennial Churchwide Assembly here on Aug. 18. He suggested at least 15 ways the 4.6 million baptized members might answer the question over the next eight years. “As witnesses, we are never alone, for our witness is shaped and supported by the witness of others,” Hanson said, citing... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4220 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4220 2009-08-18T10:27:49 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- The diversity of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is well-represented by the Minneapolis Area and Saint Paul Area Synods, said the Rev. Peter Rogness, bishop of the Saint Paul Area synod and the Rev. Craig E. Johnson, bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,0... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4219 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4219 2009-08-18T00:12:14 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Voting members of the biennial assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America turned back a motion that would have required a two-thirds majority for changes in policies related to the rostering of clergy, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers and deaconesses. The vote, with 57 percent in opposition, came late in the evening of the first day of the gathering, Aug. 17. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is mee... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4217 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4217 2009-08-17T21:01:42 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- With jubilant and reflective song, heads bowed in prayer and expressions of peace and joy, more than 2,300 Lutherans opened the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with worship Aug. 17. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial ass... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4216 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4216 2009-08-17T18:40:37 MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- In anticipation of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) the ELCA Church Council, ELCA Conference of Bishops and vice presidents of the church's 65 synods received an overview from the denomination's presiding bishop and secretary. The council also received a financial report and conducted other business when it met here Aug. 16-17. The assembly begins Aug. 17 and concludes Aug. 23. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4213 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4213 2009-08-07T16:27:24 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Twitter phenomenon has spilled over into the multimedia coverage of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Minneapolis. This is the first year blogging and social media sites will be used during a churchwide assembly, said Ben McDonald Coltvet, managing editor of the ELCA Web site -- http://www.ELCA.org. "Twitter offers new opportunities for sharing information instantaneously, and it's a venue where anyon... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4203 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4203 2009-07-21T15:25:46 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church took a series of actions on the topic of human sexuality July 8-17 in Anaheim, Calif. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will also make decisions on matters concerning the topic at its 2009 Churchwide Assembly Aug. 17-23 in Minneapolis. The ELCA and Episcopal Church have been "full communion" partners since 2000. The relationship is based on a common confessing of the Christian faith. The denom... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4177 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4177 2009-07-09T16:59:32 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Comprehensive immigration reform, Israel and Palestine, Lutheran Disaster Response, and fuller participation in church leadership are topics of memorials recommended for specific discussion at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The recommendations were made by a 15-member memorials committee appointed by the ELCA Church Council, which met here last month. Memorials are requests from the church's 65 synods that as... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4172 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4172 2009-07-09T13:51:46 CLYDE, Kan. (ELCA) -- The Rev. Anita Strommen is a Lutheran pastor. Her congregation is United Methodist. The pairing reflects a growing effort by some Christian denominations to share ministry resources as never before, including clergy. "The congregation worried at first about having a pastor that wasn't Methodist," said Strommen, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). "For me it hasn't been an issue," she said. "I know what Lutherans teach.... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4171 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4171 2009-07-02T14:29:58 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preachers, presiding ministers and Bible study leaders chosen for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ECLA) Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis this August come from diverse backgrounds. The preachers, presiders and Bible study leaders were chosen by the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop. The Rev. Jennifer P. Ollikainen, associate for worship resources, said the goal with this group was to have "broad representation" of the church body. ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4170 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4170 2009-07-02T11:51:40 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) expressed "heartfelt commitment" to the unity of the ELCA and "deep confidence" that unity will not be lost because of decisions that will be made at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson commented on church unity in light of a proposed social statement on human sexuality, and a report and recommendation on ELCA ministry policies to be considered by the assembly. Hi... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4168 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4168 2009-06-22T16:47:51 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has asked the church's 4.7 million members to pray and study Scripture for 50 days starting June 29, in preparation for the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The assembly is the ELCA's highest legislative authority and meets every two years. The 2009 assembly is in Minneapolis Aug. 17-23. The assembly will act on a proposed social statement on human sexuality, ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4157 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4157 2009-06-09T10:28:38 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is inviting congregations and individuals to submit 30- to 90-second videos in a contest related to the ELCA tagline, "God's work. Our hands." The contest begins June 15 and runs through July 15, the deadline date for submitting video entries. ELCA Communication Services is managing the contest for the churchwide organization. ELCA members have many stories to tell about how God works in the world, said K... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4152 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4152 2009-05-26T14:39:05 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Voting members of the 2009 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly will act on a proposed social statement on human sexuality, a recommendation on ministry policies, a proposal for full communion, and funding proposals. They will also conduct elections, and consider memorials and resolutions. The assembly is Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. As many as 2,000 people -- 1,045 voting members elected by ELCA synods, plus ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4143 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4143 2009-05-22T10:34:07 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In an open letter to voting members of the 2009 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly, church leaders and theologians expressed concern over the "fidelity and future" of the denomination. As of May 22, more than 500 people had signed the letter. The letter, made available May 19, centers on two documents released earlier this year by the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality -- a proposed social statement for the church, "Human ... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4141 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4141 2009-04-30T10:18:22 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Three 60-year-old best friends are on a "mission from God." They plan to stop at 65 cities, covering 13,000 miles in 100 days -- all on a bamboo bicycle built for three. Their mission is to help bring an end to world hunger. The friends will begin their journey with a special blessing here May 13 at the Lutheran Center. "We are just three guys who like to ride bikes, being used by God for a wonderful purpose," said the Rev. Reinold "Ron" Schlak Jr., a pa... http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4122 http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4122