Participants at the CELC Europe regional meeting on May 24-26, 2024
It was an encouraging time of singing, Scripture, and prayer for everyone at the CELC Europe regional meeting in Ozolnieki, Latvia, on May 24-26, 2024. There were 23 participants, not including the Latvian church pastors and members.
On Friday, May 24, the first presentation of the conference was given by Ilars Plume of Latvia. Highlights of the presentation included discussions on ways in which the gospel is distorted, and the modern-day relevance of private confession and absolution. The second presentation was by Bjarte Edvardsen of Sweden. Bjarte spoke about the unique certainty of Christian hope anchored in God’s saving work and promises, which come outside of oneself. This was followed by a presentation from Michael Hartman on the ministry in the United Kingdom. Michael shared news about the upcoming London church launch on June 9 and some of the recent social media projects in the UK.
On Saturday, May 25, Mark Paustian presented two sessions on Lutheran apologetics. The first session focused on the importance of asking questions and listening carefully to those outside the church. The second focused on the simple power of sharing a Bible story in an evangelism opportunity. Following the sessions, Chairman Holger Weiss and Vice-Secretary David Åkerlund led the group through some updates and administrative matters.
On Sunday, May 26, participants were invited to a church service in Ozolnieki. It was wonderful to confess sins together and receive the Lord’s Supper as a concrete expression of the one faith that we share. The choir and congregation sang beautifully as well.
Elected and installed as officers of CELC Europe were: Chairman Holger Weiss, Vice-Chairman Ugis Sildegs, Secretary David Åkerlund, and Vice-Secretary Luke Wolfgramm. Next year’s convention was approved for the end of May 2025, hosted by the ELFK (Evangelisch-Lutherische Freikirche of Germany).
Submitted by Conifer Berg, Holy Word Lutheran Church in London
