Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Rev. Dr. Damon Laaker
Assistant to the Bishop
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“Peacemaking in a Culture of Violence” was the theme for the 2011 SCUPE Conference held in Chicago, March 1-4. I had the privilege of attending this conference along with Pastor Darrell Anderson.

The opening worship featured two powerful preachers, Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger. Prior to their speaking, we participated in a confessional exercise that had us take a piece of colored fabric and tear it in two representing the tearing that takes place with violence. Then as we heard the words of absolution, we were asked to tie our torn fabric together with those around us creating a great multicolored streamer representing the power of God to bind us together in love.

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Pastor Lee Griess
Director of Evangelical Mission
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

That’s our motto here in Nebraska, that’s the mantra that guides what we do - We Do Mission. Over the years, the Nebraska Synod has used phrases like: “The Welcome Place” and “Fill, Spill, Thrill” to describe our ministry. Now-a-days - We Do Mission - are the words we use.

In 2009, the ELCA began using the words “God’s Work. Our Hands” to describe our life together in the church and these three Nebraska Synod words – “We Do Mission” – reflect the same understanding. Yes, it is God’s work and we join hands in serving together when We Do Mission. From the smallest rural congregation to the big, multistaffed mission center, we all ask the same question… How does this connect us to God’s mission? Because together… We Do Mission. It is why Jesus called the disciples and this is the work of the Holy Spirit who brought the church together. It is all about mission.

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Lisa Kramme
Director of Faith Formation
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

I think I might need new contact lenses. While singing a hymn during worship this week, I misread the lyrics of “The Feast is Ready.”

“Tables are laden with good things; oh, taste the peace and joy he brings,” we sang. But instead of, “He’ll FILL you up with love divine,” I crooned, “He’ll TILL you up with love divine; he’ll turn your water into wine.”

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