2015 Synod Assembly Report

The Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly was held on June 19-20 2015 at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove PA. Attending from St. Mark's were delegates Ray Huff and Gary Weber, together with Pastor Elkin. There were several highlights for St. Mark's:

Ray Huff, Walter Haussmann, and Lou Kolb completed two years of studies, and at the Saturday liturgy were commissioned as Authorized Lay Worship Leaders in the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Congratulations to them! Of course, we have known of their capabilities for some years as they have served the Lord Jesus here at St. Mark's in worship leadership when Pastor Elkin has been away.
Bernadette Jones presented the workshop on Milestone Ministry on both days. She talked about how the program was developed at St. Mark's and the long list of events which in which we rejoice with people, from the youngest to the most senior of members.

Bishop Driesen The keynote address was given by Mr. John Roberto of Lifelong Faith Associates, and he also led four workshops on related topics. The overall subject was faith formation for all ages, and especially the importance of digital technology in serving members and in bringing new worshipers into the church. The Bible study was led by Dr. Hoffman from Gettysburg Seminary on early portions of Mark's Gospel and its relation to faith formation. Both of these speakers were well-received.

Holy Eucharist As in previous years, the Assembly considered a series of memorials and resolutions dealing with social and environmental issues. In succession, but not without debate and some dissention, the Assembly approved the following:

A memorial relating to Eco-reformation. The memorial calls on the ELCA to make "climate change and ecological justice" major themes in ELCA planning of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
A resolution addressing the same issue at the Upper Susquehanna Synod level.
A memorial calling for the "transition to clean, renewable energy" and for the removal of fossil fuel companies from ELCA pension funds.

There was of course the regular business of the Synod, fretting about budgets and procedures, elections, resolutions, anniversaries, etc. The work of the Gospel continues through special events and through mundane matters as well.

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