Stronger Together
We are stronger together than we are on our own. We know this as individuals, created by God for relationships and community. We know how important friends, family and other connections are for health and resilience.
The same is true for faith communities. We are stronger together. God uses our collective faith and gifts to do more than we can do as single congregations. Trinity lives this out as part of the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. On June 6-7, the synod gathered in Cedar Falls for our biennial synod assembly, “Created to be Connected.” Over 230 voting members worshipped together, heard reports, voted on synod mission goals (budget) and nominees for synod leadership positions, and approved a memorial calling churchwide organization to take actions to address the role Lutherans played in Indian Boarding Schools.
Other highlights included:
– Bishop Kevin Jones reporting the creation of a Mission Table to disburse up to $70,000 per year in grants to congregations developing new ministries
– Pastor Emily Harkins sharing stories from The Dwelling, a mission congregation she leads in Winston-Salem, N.C.
– Trinity gave over $365,000 to synod and churchwide ministries in 2023-24, supporting congregations, hunger/disaster relief and leadership development across the wider church.
Voting members from Trinity included Marge and Harlan Baack, Earl Kiefer, Sharon Lindgren, John and Sarah Swegle, Pastor Daniel Hanson and myself. Reflecting on the experience, they said:
It reminded me that we are part of something so much larger than our own congregation.
The church service and Communion was so inspiring, made us feel at home, and humbled.
In hearing Pastor Emily share about the Dwelling, I’m reminded of the Spirit’s creative power…It reminded me of the Spirit’s work in chaotic human experiences.
The opening worship at Fredsville Lutheran Church was inspiring with the theme, “Seeds and Soil.” One can see that the Word of God sown in the Spirit dwells among them.
One of my takeaways is the ever-changing landscape within the wider church…. Even within our own Synod churches are having to adapt due to financial struggles. I think we (Trinity) are fortunate….we are open to new ideas and new ways to reach people in our community (as well as helping the wider church).
We are truly blessed with our Bishop and Synod staff!
Thanks be to God for our connections across the wider church!
(For a full assembly recap, go to neiasynod.org )
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