Greetings from the 2011 Churchwide Assembly. Much deliberation is ongoing here, voting members engaged in the business of the church. Maybe you’ve been following the live feed from the plenary hall or daily worship. That gives you a sense of what’s happening here in Orlando. I’ve been keeping my ears open as I move from event to event, and thought I’d share some of what I’ve overheard.
Bishop Hanson, preaching at the opening worship, used an evocative phrase: “God’s disrupting, interrupting grace.” I’m going to think on that phrase for a long time.
A happy subscriber of Gather, at the Women of the ELCA breakfast: “I never go anywhere without Gather!” That’s what we like to hear!
Newly-elected churchwide president, Jenny Michael (l.), talking with Beth Meyer, former president of the Nebraska Synodical Women's Organization at this morning's breakfast.
“Make malaria history by 2015.” That was said by Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl as the assembly voted to launch the ELCA Malaria Campaign. (You’ll be hearing more about how Women of the ELCA will be part of that campaign in the coming months.)
“Uplifted by our church that allows + encourages young ppl in leadership. As we debate some of r youngest bring the greatest wisdom.” That’s a tweet sent this morning during the discussions about social statements.
“@WomenoftheELCA Thank you for the gift! I LOVE jump drives and resources!” That’s a tweet in response to the gift Women of the ELCA made to every voting member: a flash drive loaded with more than 35 program resources, Bible studies and reflections.
Today will be a long day of deliberating; there are many matters before the house. If you haven’t seen a churchwide assembly in action before, check out the live streaming at elca.org/assembly. If you’re tweeting, follow the hashtag #CWA11 for the inside scoop, including fun comments reviewing the ties of speakers. (So far, ELCA vice president Carlos Pena seems to be winning in the tie category!)
Linda Post Bushkofsky, a veteran of many churchwide assemblies, is the executive director of Women of the ELCA.