People and organizations looking for new members,or networking opportunities often send me emails because the words "anglican," "catholic" and "priest" appear in my email address. Today I received a notice from a Lutheran church located not far away from St. Hilda's. I suppose that the text was written for insiders because of its frank admission that the members of the parish, or at least the ones with the power, admit that they are acting as a "change agent." Here follows their notice:
[Sunday, June 13, the community of St. John's Lutheran Church , 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave. , will gather at 10:30 a.m. to affirm it's calling to be a congregation of love, welcome, and service with a special Affirmation of Christian Ministry liturgy. Recognizing its role as a change agent in the ELCA, St. John’s looks forward to claiming a role as a more diverse community, to be an agent of reconciliation for people who are struggling with the changes, and to be positive participant in the Southeastern Synod. The Rev. Jane Fahey, pastor at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, will preach. Pastor Brad Schmeling starts a new Bible study series June 2, Wednesday nights at 7.]
The first question that comes to my mind upon reading this is, if the ELCA has been wrong for all these centuries in such a profound way about the scriptural teachings regarding the correct use of our sexuality, then what else might she be in error on?
It is better to not belong to such an uncertain church. In such an environment all belief is up for change. When the ultimate theological question is asked, "What think ye of Christ, whose son is he?" You will be amazed at the answers you will get from this crowd.
4 comments:
Father,
We are absolutely certain of the grace of God that comes through Jesus Christ, and take seriously his call to love our neighbors.
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with you always!
Pastor Bradley Schmeling
St. John's Lutheran Church,
as you say, "around the corner from St. Hilda's."
Yeah, that's great, but it's better to hear the word of God and keep it.
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 7).
Remember what ELCA stands for:
Every
Liberal
Cause in
America
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