SYNOD ASSEMBLY: “God’s Work. Our Hands. The Earth.”
Clergy, Rostered Ministers, and other delegates of the Southwest Washington Synod gathered May 30th and 31st in Olympia for the 2008 Assembly themed; “God’s Work. Our Hands. The Earth.” Much of the assembly focused on a singular message: Green. Those in attendance were givien the message through scripture, song, resolution and example to do what we can as Christian stewards of God’s creation to care responsibly for the earth. This message was a seed planted in the few in hopeful prayer that as is the case for all of God’s good blessing, the seed my grow and bear good fruit in sharing of this message of creative stewardship.
Dr. Terry Fretheim was one of two keynote speakers as he led the assembly through several scripture studies of the Genesis creation narratives. Dr. Fretheim, Professor of Old Testament the Hebrew language of Luther Seminary, provided what he suggests to be the design of God’s intent for creating the universe. “God’s creative work intentionally relies upon us as created beings,” said Dr. Fretheim, “to in turn be co-creators with God in accomplishing His will for creation. God enters the mess of this world to create that which is good. We are designed to do the same.
*The June/July 2008 edition of the Synod Office’s newsletter, Moments for Mission, is posted outside pastor’s office. Please refer to that posting for additional information.