President's Newsletter May 7, 2004 Dear Fellow Workers: Ascension Day (May 20) and Pentecost (May 30) are key festivals for us in the Christian church. They also carry pertinent messages for all involved very directly in the work of the church. Our ascended Lord is in control of all things for the good of his church. "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" (Ephesians 1:22, 23). This means that, even when difficulties arise in the church externally, Christ nevertheless is present and active through his Word and governs the hearts of his people according to his purposes. Pentecost can serve as a reminder that the Holy Spirit truly works through Word and Sacrament in converting stony hearts and preserving them in the faith. "Repent and be baptized everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:38, 39). May you have this May comfort! Vacancies First Evanger Lutheran, Fertile, MN, and Grace Lutheran, Crookston, MN Our Redeemer Lutheran, Kallangur, QLD, Australia (independent) Faith Lutheran, Clara City, MN Calls Rev. Carl Wosje has accepted the call to serve as interim pastor at Our Savior Lutheran, Bishop, CA. Mrs. Christina Westendorf has accepted a part-time call to teach kindergarten at Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran School, Okauchee, WI. Colloquy The Rev. Jong-In Kim was colloquized on April 16, 2004, and found to be in doctrinal agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Rev. Kim attended our Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary for two years. Assignment Committee The synod's Assignment Committee met on May 5. This year there are three candidates of theology available from our seminary; also two men will be serving as vicars. Call day is set for Thursday, May 13, at 3:15 p.m. at the BLC Trinity Chapel. Resignation The Rev. Mark Tuffin has resigned from the clergy roster of the ELS and also from Our Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church, Kallangur, Australia. Retirement The Rev. Harold Vetter, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran, Iola, WI, will be retiring in June of this year. Dedications Beautiful Saviour Lutheran Church, Springboro, OH, dedicated a rental facility for its worship site on April 18, 2004. The building, which seats approximately 80, is the former community post office and is located at the center of town. Family of God Lutheran Church, Fort Mohave, AZ, dedicated a new sanctuary on April 25, 2004. The building seats approximately 190 and was constructed by Builders for Christ, an agency of the WELS Kingdom Workers. Pastor Bill Mack, his wife Patti and granddaughter Trinity at Messiah Lutheran Church's tenth anniversary celebration in Omro, WI Geraja Lutheran This year our Doctrine Committee is bringing a resolution to our convention pertaining to the Lutheran Church of Indonesia - GLI (Geraja Lutheran - Indonesia). The GLI is seeking fellowship in the CELC, and it is our desire to express formally our fellowship with this church. We want to extend encouragement for the proclamation of the Gospel in a heavily populated country that experiences much religious persecution and political unrest. "Circuit Breakers" - Naw! We are happy to note that certain circuit pastoral conferences have been combining activities in 2004. In April the Great Lakes Pastoral Conference met in Litchfield, IL, with men from five circuits represented -yes, pastors from the state of Missouri also came! On May 4-5 pastors in Circuits #10 and #11 met in Medford, Oregon. And near the end of this month the two MN circuits (#8 and #9) are scheduled to gather in Cold Spring, MN. Prayer Requests The Rev. Herbert Larson sent a bit of news for the brethren. " I am again living in my own home after an 8-month absence. My chemotherapy continues yet for several weeks. I am grateful to our Lord for the gift of life, for renewed strength and health, and for his answers to our countless prayers. Thanks to the brethren who have offered prayers on my behalf." His e-mail address is. Lynette Jones is recuperating at home and doing very well after her recent surgery. She is planning on returning to teach her classes at Bethany in the fall. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Prof. Rudolph Honsey has recently undergone hip replacement surgery. He is now in the nursing home part of the Mankato Lutheran Home where he is receiving intensive therapy and doing very well. Please keep him and his wife Betty in your prayers. Mr. Wayne Wiechmann, father of Joslyn Moldstad, went to live with Jesus on April 30, 2004. He was a Lutheran elementary school teacher for a number of years, serving in many capacities as organist, choir and athletic director, and coach. His funeral service will be at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls, WI, on May 7, 2004. Please keep the members of the Wiechmann family in your prayers. Great Lakes Pastoral Conference at Litchfield, IL, April 20-21, 2004 Convention Reports The Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM) prepared by Synod Secretary Craig Ferkenstad and also the Convention Handbook containing the President's Report should arrive in the mail for our pastors and delegates by the middle of this month. New Addresses and New Phone Numbers Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 912 Sandalwood, Richardson, TX 75080 Phone - office/home (972) 783-9355 Rev. Karl Kuenzel - Skyexpress Enterprises, Rev. Karl Kuenzel, 6410 NW 82 Ave, PMB 136, Miami, FL 33166 Rev Roger Kovaciny Phone - 011-380352-522534 In the saving grace of our crucified, risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ, John A Moldstad President Evangelical Lutheran Synod JAM:ma