Pentecost
The Festival of Pentecost marks the "birthday" of the church, the moment at which the prophecies foretelling the gift of the Spirit to all of God's people began to be fulfilled.  This year we continue in that same "spirit" by
celebrating the Affirmation of Baptism, also known as "Confirmation," of seven of our youth: (Alyssa J., Lauren L., Chanell N., Nathaniel N., Kevyn P., Robin R., and Sarah S.).  This marks for them the beginning of a new phase of their Christian lives, opening up new avenues of participation and experiences of service.  For the congregation, this means we move in new directions as they begin to share their gifts with us in our congregation. It is truly a day of celebration for us.

Bishop "Resigns"
On a less celebratory note, as many of you have read, Rev. Paul Egertson has resigned as Bishop of the synod effective July 31,200 1.  His resignation will take effect after the Synod Assembly, after the election of a new bishop, and 1 month prior to the August 31 date that his term would have otherwise ended. Bishop Egertson's resignation was called for by the national bishop's office 
because he participated in the "irregular ordination" of Anita Hill, a lesbian in a "long-term committed relationship" in St Paul, MN.

This was troubling not only because it violated the biblical and church prohibitions against ordaining practicing gay/lesbian people for ministry, but because Egertson crossed into another bishop's territory against the express
instructions of the National Bishop to refrain from doing so.  A final concern was Bishop Egertson's promise to resign if his actions in this area violated the constitution or policies of the church.

I find it interesting that the way in which he was allowed to resign - not immediately, but after the assembly, after the election, after he is, for all intents and purposes, done as bishop, but while still technically in office.  He is able to be the first currently sitting ELCA bishop "forced" to resign over an act of "ecclesiastical disobedience" on the gay/lesbian clergy issue, thereby making headlines all over the US for this issue.

He (and certainly much of the leadership of the ELCA) had assumed/hoped that the ELCA would have moved to fully include gay/lesbian pastors long ago, certainly by the end of his 6-year term in office.  By resigning at essentially the end of his term, Egerison gets the best of both worlds: he serves all but the least important month of office, and he gets to "put an exclamation point" (as he says) on the issue by getting as much publicity on this issue as he has
managed to get in his whole ministry.

We need to be clear on this...
There is NO excuse or justification for prejudice of any kind toward anyone, and the Gospel is to be proclaimed, according to Jesus, to all the world.  However, the scriptural witness is clear on the issue of homosexuality It is not thought of too highly, and certainly not intended for use by clergy, who are to be examples to their flock.  Even if it turns out to be caused by genetics, there are choices involved.  For a bishop to go against the authority of the church and scripture is wrong, and not helpful to the spread of the Gospel.

Sorry to get so cranky...
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Larry