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CONCEPTS DOMINATE - Rich Stasenko

As I reflect on the 2008 Alaska Synod Assembly three concepts dominate: Faith Book Initiative, Global Climate Change and the Book of Revelations, and Appreciative Inquiry

But the experience was more than these concepts My first impressions were made by the physical beauty of the Lutheran Church of Hope

Thanks to the Helpers in "Helper" aprons all went smoothly and pleasantly The Faith stories were memorable and inspirational, each unique and each touching on a truth that was from the heart with the Holy Spirit's work clearly communicated

The beauty of the snow which fell all day on Friday just stimulated the excitement and fellowship of Alaskans and those who were from outside to become more of a community through sharing shovels, brooms, and stories of nature's adornment of trees and autos and driveways

The food got better and better as the Assembly went on in my view so that the last day was the tastiest rather than "Left-over Day" How did they do it all at Hope Lutheran?

The communication processes were positive and constructive overall Especially I liked the interactions of the Cluster meeting It was powerful to see the Seward Peninsula Cluster assimilate the information of the Synod and Churchwide, together with members expressing their unique perspectives

Dr Rev Barbara Rossing's Bible studies tied everything together, challenging us to repent our way of living--always seeking MORE--rather than being active caretakers of our Earth, living in eternal life in Christ

We were challenged to confront today's empire of destructive behaviors to live lives  that respect God's creation I pray we meet that challenge when we return to our homes With God all things are possible In my view, the 2008 Alaska Synod Assembly was evidence of that

Richard Stasenko,
Shishmaref Lutheran, Shishmaref

I find it a joy to reconnect with people from yesterday as well as dialogue with new faces today

From the Thursday evening opening, "Then I saw a new heaven… " to the Saturday noon closing with the prayer: "Lord, listen to your children praying" there was a fine balance involving faith sharing, global warming through the eyes of Bible stewardship, voting on nominees and resolutions, interspersed with periods of fellowship and visiting

To meaningfully examine global warming through the eyes of Bible stewardship is a momentous task requiring more time that the schedule allowed It appears to me compacting the time of Synod assembly invariably places more responsibility on the Council History will reveal its long-term value either way

Two resolutions stand out in my mind: Speak out forcefully against racism, especially that against Alaska Native women; and Be sensitive to the many people with special needs and the uniqueness they bring in serving our Lord

However, when the paper has yellowed, the print faded, and the dust settled, the warm and enriching relationships which we share in Christ will remain

The Rev Dr Paul D Beran
Interim Pastor
Shepherd of the Valley, Juneau

Lutheran Church of Hope
Anchorage, Alaska
Was a good day to be inside

On the outside
By nightfall
Eighteen inches of snow
Was stacked on our cartops
Like ice cream on a cone

But outside magic wasn’t my only surprise
As 45 years of attending these things
Assemblies
Or “conventions” as we used to call them
Has somewhat dulled my expectations

I remember some of the ones in the past
When I skipped out and played 18 holes
Or
Sought out a salmon-laden-stream
Or
Once when we decoyed duck into our sights
Instead of listening to report after report after report

Blame it onto my age, I guess
Or perhaps the snow outside
But this Assembly was good
Worth my time
Meaningful
Even speaking to issues of my heart
Faith stories
Environmental concerns
Human sexuality
Congregational Bible reading

But true to form
I had to skip something
Because I needed time
One-on-one
With a friend

I talked And she listened
She talked, and I listened
That’s what “Assemblies” are for
Mostly
In my opinion
Listening!

It's when we gather
To gather
To reap
To sow
To water and grow

And when “Assemblies”
Become too busy “for gathering”
It’s those kinds of “assemblings”
That lead me out to the duck pond
Instead of into relationships
Renewed and renewing
Called into celebration

Been going to ‘em for 45 years
This was one of the better ones
If not the best
No “snow job”
Just a lot of beautiful snow!

"Muskeg" Al Solmonson
Petersburg Lutheran Church