As repeat Voting Members for Holy Trinity at the Southwest California Synod assembly (and veterans of many more in the Pacific Northwest), Anita and I were interested in the daily Bible study but didn’t have high expectations. And we certainly didn’t expect what we got— a stand-up comedian. What a treat, as the Rev. Dr Mark Allan Powell of Trinity Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, laced insights with humor He emphasized baptism as the basis of our relation with God, with forgiveness through Christ on the cross. And he urged us to prepare ourselves to become “an easy target for the Holy Spirit.”

All of us from Holy Trinity wore special name badges-with a purple ribbon indicating the congregation’s 45th anniversary. Our other voting members got additional attention. Randy Pugh went to a floor mike to give a short but intense commentary against one of the resolutions. Alas, it passed anyway Debra Papageorge was one of many in the Synod recognized for completing the two-year training in the Synod’s Project ELM. (Ask her what that means and what her training might do for Holy Trinity.) Pastor Frank, as a former member of the California Lutheran University Board of Regents, participated in a CLU ceremony awarding an honorary Doctor of Divinity to the Rev. Dr Josephine Tso, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong (our synod’s companion synod).

CLU President Luther Luedtke and CLU Provost Joe Everson (both from our congregation) conferred the honor Pastor Janet had the role of assembly “closer,” as she delivered the homily during the final worship service. She admitted to second thoughts (like many of us have had after agreeing to a request) about accepting this preaching opportunity
offered by Synod Bishop Dean Nelson. But she quoted from the familiar Rite of Installation, “I will and I ask God to help me!”

She acknowledged the 35th anniversary of the ordination of Lutheran women in America to the office of pastor and the many gifts that women’s leadership brings to the church. In reflecting on the process that we experience of coming to faith and sharing our faith, she celebrated the graduation of the first ELM participants and she noted that “we need to use the gifts we are given…. We need one another … to live, share and be a blessing for the sake of the world…. “Focus on God’s vision, she stressed, so others can see and activate their potential.

Others from Holy Trinity had different involvement. Ana Abrahamson was again promoting Global Mission. Jerry Miller was elected to the synod Mission & Ministry Fund Committee (which also includes Vicki Arndt and Debra Papageorge of Holy Trinity). Larry Johnson was honored for 40 years of ordination. In the Hospitality Room, Bob Peper was again pouring coffee (including Fair Trade Coffee!) — and sharing information about California Lutheran Homes. (By the way, the Synod voted to serve Fair Trade Coffee at Synod events!)

Not there in person but in spirit, Jan Bowman had a hand in promoting a resolution in support of the Augsburg Fortress publishing ministry. She serves on the board of Augsburg Fortress.

Anita and I even found connections to our Pacific Lutheran University past. The keynote speaker, the Rev. Maria-Alma Copeland, is also a PLU graduate. She talked about the challenges to Christianity — from Hollywood, the media and even from scoffers within the church — because Satan is alive and well. But, she countered, the “DNA of our soul” comes from the blood of Christ.

Atone of the 21 workshops, Iran into another PLU grad. Audrey Bahr of Salem, Glendale (who ran for synod vice president, but lost) helped with the workshop about asset identification and sharing, As I wrote down the talents in Holy Trinity, I was gratefully reminded of the assets we have available.

The assembly also included various synod reports and the church-wide update by ELCA Secretary Lowell Almen. The approximately 360 voting members approved a 2006 synod budget of $1,618,026. The most contested resolutions related to sexuality issues in the synod and the ELCA. In conclusion, to get more information, ask one of our voting members for a look at the assembly information binder Or just ask for details.

Wait a minute! It’s not over until it’s over! Holy Trinity got a postscript. After the assembly finished Saturday morning, Synod Bishop Dean Nelson brought the Hong Kong contingent to Holy Trinity for conversation and refreshments. They also toured CLU and visited Ascension.