Dear Friends,
In a little over two weeks a thousand plus ELCA members from around the country will gather for the ELCA 2019 ChurchWide Assembly. Voting delegates will be making decisions on the future of our church like the elections of a new Secretary of the ELCA and Presiding Bishop. Those gathered will also have much to celebrate, like the 50th Anniversary of women’s ordination and commemorating ten years of policy change for LGBTQIA+ Rostered Ministers.
ReconcilingWorks will be present throughout the Assembly in several different ways. If you are in Milwaukee for this gathering, we hope to see you.
Stories of the intersections of the LGBTQIA+ community and the ELCA:
Join ReconcilingWorks and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries in our room in the convention center (Room 101B) to explore and learn about the past 50 years of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) history in the life of the Lutheran church and the ELCA. This interactive space will provide participants with a fuller image of the Body of Christ through the gifts and visions of LGBTQIA+ people. Spend time learning about the LGBTQIA+ history, listen to stories of LGBTQIA+ Lutherans, pray for the church and one another, learn about the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community that still remain in the church and society, and leave with the awareness and some supporting resources to advocate for the lives of LGBTQIA+ people.
LGTBQIA+ Celebration & Reception: (Update on DATE!)
After ten years of waiting, let’s celebrate the gifts of LGBTQIA+ Rostered Ministers in the ELCA! Join ReconcilingWorks and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries for a fun-filled evening on August 7th from 7:30-9:00 PM at Rock Bottom Brewery in Milwaukee for a time of fellowship, joy, and sharing.
Storytelling and Morning Prayer:
Start your day with ReconcilingWorks and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries from 8 – 8:15 AM every morning of the assembly outside of convention center (Room 101B). Gather to hear the stories of LGBTQIA+ leaders and prayer.
Thank you for all of your leadership and support in the holy work of LGBTQIA+ welcome, inclusion, and celebration in the Lutheran Church!
Much joy,
Aubrey Thonvold
Executive Director
PS. If you are a voting delegate for ChurchWide Assembly please let us know by completing this quick form!