Pastor Aaron Hamilton delivering the convention essay

The Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) held its annual convention on June 19-22, 2023. Over 200 pastors and lay delegates gathered on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) in Mankato, Minnesota for the convention. The convention opened each day in the college chapel with devotions led by ELS pastors. A communion service was also held for convention attendees and members of our fellowship.

The convention theme We are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made was based on Psalm 139:14. Pastor Aaron Hamilton of Scottsdale, Arizona, delivered the convention essay, which can be found on the convention page: www.els.org/convention. Video archives of the convention may be viewed at www.vimeo.com/lutheranism.

The ELS declared fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Kenya and attendees were greeted by President Gwachi Evans Mokua via Sykpe. Besides regular convention activities, a new building on the campus was dedicated, as well as a military monument.

Submitted by Rev. Paul Fries, ELS Communication Director

Dedication of the Bethany Activity Center by BLC President Gene Pfeifer

Dedication of the ELS Military Monument by ELS President Glenn Obenberger

 

 

Members of the CELC Planning Committee who were present at the CELC convention
Back: Bradley Kerkow, Thomas Nass, Mark Schulz
Front: Timothy Buelow, Nathan Seiltz

As one of the items of business, the CELC convention in Korea on June 6-8 elected officers for the coming three years. The following incumbents were reelected to the Planning Committee: Thomas Nass (WELS), president; Timothy Buelow (ELS), vice president, Nathan Seiltz (WELS), secretary, and Bradley Kerkow (ELS), member at large. Elected as a new member of the Planning Committee was Jonathan Bare (WELS).
The convention also ratified two new appointments for six-year terms on the Commission on Theology: David Kamwata (Zambia) and Joel Otto (WELS). The convention ratified the following reappointments: Andrés San Martin (Chile), Timothy Schmeling (ELS), and Holger Weiss (ELFK-Germany) for six-year terms on the Global Theological Education Commission; and Mark Schulz for a three-year term as treasurer.

Thanks were extended to John Hartwig (WELS) for six years of service on the Planning Committee. Thanks were likewise extended to John Brenner (WELS) and Davison Mutentami (Zambia) for twelve years of service on the Commission on Theology.

All friends of the CELC are encouraged to pray for God’s blessing on our leaders—that they may have health and wisdom to serve well. If you have reason to contact the CELC, feel free to contact any leader. They are eager to serve.

Davison Mutentami and John Brenner being recognized for their service

 

             Nicolas Proksch (ELS) | Exegesis of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

A highlight of the CELC convention in South Korea on June 6-8, 2023, was the presentation of five theological essays by pastors representing the five regions of the CELC. The reading of each essay was followed by a discussion involving people from around the world.

The five essays represented the traditional branches of theology (exegetical, doctrinal, historical, and practical), with topics of interest to people everywhere—including the end times, civil government, original sin, and evangelism.

The CELC thanks the essayists for their work in confessing the Lutheran Christian faith and in strengthening the theological foundation of the CELC.

These essays are meant for study by others apart from the convention. They may be found on the CELC Convention webpage here.

 Pictured (left) Ugis Sildegs (Latvia) | Civil Government

       

 Kebede Yigezu (Ethiopia) | Formula of Concord, Articles I+II

Angus Cheung (Hong Kong) | History of Lutheranism in Eastern Asia

Mario Gálvez (Chile) with translator Thomas Heyn (ELS) | Training the Laity for Evangelism

 

What a blessed day of the Lord it was at Resurrection in Kiev, Ukraine on Sunday, June 4. For months Bishop Horpynchuk was guiding 70+ refugees and visitors in the study of God’s Word using the Catechism. After finishing the course, the people who wished to become members confessed their faith in the Lord and 55 joined in fellowship with the local congregation, the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC), and all the members of the CELC. God is indeed good!

This is what Bishop Horpynchuk wrote:
Dear Brother, thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and wise advice! The Lord has blessed us with [the] Baptism of 3 people, and 55 people after studying Luther’s Catechism (with Gausewitz’s explanations) have become Communicant members of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue with Catechism and new people enrolled in the Catechism class. The Lord is good and faithful, His Word never returns empty.

On June 11, there were two additional confirmations. Bishop Horpynchuk wrote:
Dear Brother, On Sunday we were blessed with [the] Confirmation of two more people: sister Olha and brother Valentyn. They have both studied Catechism and became communicant members of the ULC. They received the Book of Concord, a ULC tradition[al] gift for Confirmation, as an encouragement to study Lutheran Confessions and remain in the Word of Christ. Thank you for your encouragement, advice, and support!

In the midst of the chaos and destruction of the war, the pastors and congregations of the ULC are continuing to hold worship services, and there are many visitors who want God in their lives during this difficult time. Many haven’t heard the gospel before, and the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ brings comfort and peace to their hearts and lives. All glory be to God! He is always in control, and he can bring good even in times of war.

Submitted by Rev. Roger Neumann, WELS liaison with the Ukrainian Lutheran Church