Today's Top Stories:
Bishop Aitken's Onlines: October 11th 2018
Join a Respectful Conversation About Enbridge Line 3
The Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Minnesota Synods of the ELCA invite the community to attend an October 25 conversation designed not to change minds, but to soften hearts in a conversation about Enbridge Line 3. We have forgotten how to disagree without fighting. But the church can be a source of peace, lighting the way to show our communities how to love each other even when we disagree. Since 2012 over 4,000 Minnesotans have participated in Respectful Conversations designed not to change minds but soften hearts on important topics. Come participate in an empathy-building dialogue. “This was a wonderful experience.” Thursday, October 25, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Hope Lutheran Church 305 – 10th St S, Walker, MN 56484 Please reserve your spot so we can plan for the complementary dinner by clicking on: http://bit.ly/RegisterRCP. The Respectful Conversations Project is a program of the Minnesota Council of Churches designed to strengthen civic life. Congregations and community groups throughout the state host conversations that explore issues through the lens of deeply held convictions while maintaining, even enhancing, relationships among those who disagree. Bishop Aitken's Onlines: October 8th 2018
L to R: Pastor Scott Jacob, Pastor Steve Blenkush, Bishop Tom Aitken,
Pastor Marty Hancer, Pastor Tim Martenson, Pastor Chris Hill.
This Friday, October 12th, at 2 pm, we will conduct the Rite of Christian Burial and celebrate the life and witness of the Rev. Martin Hancer at his home congregation, Mount Olivet Lutheran, Minneapolis.
Pastors are welcome to robe and process at the memorial service, the color of the day is green. Marty was a good colleague and brother in Christ to many of us in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. He lived the Christian faith with clarity and conviction. He served his entire pastoral ministry, except the last two years, here in our Synod at First Lutheran, Brainerd, and Trinity Lutheran, Princeton. He was well loved at both of those congregations as well as his last call, Emmanuel Lutheran, Hollywood, California. Many of you knew him and loved him as I did. Only a couple months ago, Marty asked me to preach at his funeral. We go back 27 years. He was part of a group of us that made annual retreats together to the Lake for fellowship, spirituality and joyful camaraderie. He didn't want to give up hope that he might lick this cancer thing, but he was also a faithful and wise planner, careful to prepare for what might lay ahead for the sake of his beloved family, friends, and church. There are so many powerful stories about how Marty shared the good news of Jesus to so many of you. I invite you to share one of your stories through email this week. (thomas.aitken@nemnsynod.org) That kind of sharing is what heals, especially at a time like this, when someone is taken from us who seems far too young to die. None of us knows the future. We are given faith through the Holy Spirit to know Jesus, the Savior, who came to love us, show us that love, die for our sake, rise again for us and claim us as his partner in the work of reconciliation. In that way we can know something very important: God's unconditional love will never let us go, and our connection to Jesus will never end. At a time when it seems we are living in "post-truth" culture, this is the truth; God and God's scandalous love will win out. Prayer: Holy God, create in us again, the confidence that we are known and loved by you forever. Be with Laurie, Marty's spouse, and with Amanda and Megan, their grown children. Grant us the joy, even in the midst of sorrow that only you can give. Through Jesus Christ our brother and Lord. Amen. +Bishop Thomas M. Aitken Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA The Reverend Martin R. 'Marty' Hancer
Hancer, Reverend Martin (Marty) R.
Oct. 27, 1960- Oct. 3, 2018 Our dear Marty, age 57, passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2018 after a valiant battle with cancer at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, CA. The family's mantra during this time was "#makinglemonade" and "God's got this". Marty was born Oct. 27, 1960 in Bloomington, MN. Marty graduated from Bloomington Lincoln High School, earned his BA from the University of Minnesota, and received his Masters of Divinity at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Pastor Marty accepted calls at First Lutheran in Brainerd, MN, at Trinity Lutheran in Princeton, MN, and most recently at Emmanuel Lutheran in North Hollywood, CA. Pastor Marty shared the Gospel of Christ passionately and authentically in a manner that was encouraging and inspiring. His leadership and ministry style was warm, loving, inviting and honest. His easy going manner, smile and humor made him liked and loved by everyone he met. His legacy of sharing God's love and grace will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be dearly missed by all! He is preceded in death by his parents, James R. & Wilma M. (Gaulke) and brother Kevin. He is survived by his best friend and wife Laurie (Bergstrom), cherished daughters Amanda and Megan, brothers James, Burke (Paula), and sister Michelle (Dean) Williams, cousins, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. So., Mpls. Memorials preferred to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Cathedral of the Pines Camp, or to Marty's family for future distribution. The Rev. Martin Hancer
The Rev. Martin Hancer died earlier this week from a quick spreading cancer. He was a faithful and beloved pastor in our Northeastern Minnesota Synod for many years serving First Lutheran in Brainerd, and then Trinity Lutheran in Princeton. He took a call two years ago to Emmanuel Lutheran in Hollywood, California. Marty was also a close friend of mine, along with of a group of colleagues that met twice a year together for faith and theology conversation, fun, and fellowship at the Lake. We've been tracking with him over his illness. Marty's supreme gift to the church and world was his faithful focus on Jesus and the gospel. We lift his family up to you; his wife Laurie, his daughters Amanda and Megan, all of them very active in our life together over the past 27 years. Funeral details are still pending. We will post a full obituary and funeral details as they become finalized.
Rest Eternal grant him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him. +Bishop Thomas M. Aitken Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA ELCA Conference of Bishops statement on East Jerusalem hospitals
In early September, members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) were saddened and dismayed to hear reports that the U.S. government was planning to discontinue financial assistance to Augusta Victoria Hospital and five other East Jerusalem hospitals.
We appreciate and strongly affirm ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s Sept. 6 letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, calling for the “release of $25 million of U.S. FY 2017 funding that will help to ensure that there is no interruption in the treatment of Palestinians at the East Jerusalem hospitals, especially the most vulnerable cancer and kidney patients referred to Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) from Gaza and the West Bank.” She noted that, as an institution owned and operated by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), “Augusta Victoria Hospital is able to operate because of the support of LWF member churches, like the ELCA, and long-standing partnerships with countries like the United States. In the last decade the U.S. government, through USAID, has invested nearly $10 million in AVH to bolster its capacity as a cancer center. In addition, the U.S. government has provided over many years tens of millions of dollars in aid to help cover the costs of the cancer patients and others referred to AVH and the other East Jerusalem hospitals.” Eaton stressed the urgency of U.S. government action, saying: “The delay in the disbursement of the 2017 funding for the East Jerusalem hospitals is contributing to an acute and severe cash-flow crisis for AVH and the other hospitals,” and that immediate release of the funds is necessary “so that AVH can make payments to pharmaceutical suppliers of cancer medications, pay staff and avoid any interruption in the treatment of patients.” In the past several weeks, neither the LWF nor the ELCA have received any official announcement about the status of this funding and, therefore, we appeal to President Donald Trump to instruct the U.S. Department of State to release this vital funding so these patients will receive the treatment and care they need. https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7950 --- About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.5 million members in more than 9,300 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther. For information contact: Candice Hill Buchbinder 773-380-2877 Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org From the ELCA; Four Ways to Use "Stories of Faith in Action"
Click HERE 2018-2019 Young Adults in Global Mission
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Annika Johnson
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Karissa Vetsch
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Maddie Lindahl
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Annika Johnson -First Lutheran in Duluth, MN. She will be serving in Madagascar and you can reach her by clicking here
Karissa Vetsch-Bay Lake Camp in Deerwood, MN. She will be serving in Australia, and you can reach her by clicking here.
Maddie Lindahl-Lutheran Campus Minstry-Twin Cities University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. She will be serving in Senegal, and you can reach her by clicking here.
The YAGM volunteers will be sent to serve in 14 countries in 11 country programs alongside our companions in Argentina/Uruguay, Australia, Cambodia, Central Europe (Hungary and Serbia), Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Rwanda, Senegal, Southern Africa, and the United Kingdom. Young adults serve in a variety if areas, including congregational ministry, human rights work, development projects, healthcare, education, and youth work. A year of service through YAGM program helps young adults to think more critically about their own identity, God's work in the world,and their place within it all.
Together in Mission,
The Reverend Raphael Malpica Padilla
Executive Director ELCA Global Mission
and
Andrew G. Steele
Director ELCA Global Church Sponsorship
- We want to make sure you are aware of the newly called YAGM volunteers in this synod and hope you will consider sharing widely the news of their service. Life them up in your websites and newsletters, sharing their blogs and newsletters throughout the synod. YAGM volunteers are often eager to share newsletters, blogs, make Skype calls, and participate in presentations during worship or education hour. We invite your prayers as they prepare for their journey, and as they continue to discern their call in their lives.
- These volunteers may reach out to you and request financial support from your synod and from local congregations. Each volunteer commits to raising $5000 to support their year of service, and additional contributors to the ELCA help to support the additional $10,000 per young adult in program costs. The total $15,000 is the average cost per YAGM, which covers all costs associated with their service. We would love for you to consider the ways that you can support these YAGM, financially and otherwise.
Together in Mission,
The Reverend Raphael Malpica Padilla
Executive Director ELCA Global Mission
and
Andrew G. Steele
Director ELCA Global Church Sponsorship
+Bishop Aitken’s Reflections
On the Synod Journey and Youth Gathering
Life with 451 Northeastern Minnesota youth and mentors and with another 30,000 other ELCA youth last week in Texas was filled with Jesus’ love, grace and hope. I can’t begin to tell you how significant time on the bus, at Galveston, in Houston, at worship each day, at table conversations, at faith interaction stations, in service projects have been for thousands!
There is something powerful going on in the life of our church and the life of our youth. The risen Jesus – the One through whom all creation was made and through whom all creation is being redeemed was working in and through both our own Synod’s Journey, and the Gathering of our whole church to open our eyes to the goodness God intends for each person and all of creation. God’s love changes the way we see ourselves and the world. We lived together as one Body on Christ –experiencing the Good News and doing the Good News: God’s kind of love, inclusion, and justice! We learned that we can share both our joys and our struggles. The presenters, young and old, shared powerfully how God has changed everything for them! The laughter of young people is such good music to our ears in these days of cultural dysfunction all around us in this country. Where the world tries to divide, Jesus unites was an ever present theme under the theme “This changes Everything.” ( Go to: ELCA.org/gathering)
The insights of our young people are incredible. Just listen to them. As we take time, each of us, to notice, welcome and listen to the youth in our sphere of influence and vice versa, we become more whole. It happened this past week and I’m grateful to God for, once again, a powerful ELCA event that focuses on Jesus and his love for all people.
Some “Take- a ways”
+Bishop Tom Aitken
There is something powerful going on in the life of our church and the life of our youth. The risen Jesus – the One through whom all creation was made and through whom all creation is being redeemed was working in and through both our own Synod’s Journey, and the Gathering of our whole church to open our eyes to the goodness God intends for each person and all of creation. God’s love changes the way we see ourselves and the world. We lived together as one Body on Christ –experiencing the Good News and doing the Good News: God’s kind of love, inclusion, and justice! We learned that we can share both our joys and our struggles. The presenters, young and old, shared powerfully how God has changed everything for them! The laughter of young people is such good music to our ears in these days of cultural dysfunction all around us in this country. Where the world tries to divide, Jesus unites was an ever present theme under the theme “This changes Everything.” ( Go to: ELCA.org/gathering)
The insights of our young people are incredible. Just listen to them. As we take time, each of us, to notice, welcome and listen to the youth in our sphere of influence and vice versa, we become more whole. It happened this past week and I’m grateful to God for, once again, a powerful ELCA event that focuses on Jesus and his love for all people.
Some “Take- a ways”
- By grace you have been saved through faith!
- God is not looking for someone perfect, God is looking for you!
- Walking alongside people for as long as it takes is what God’s love is all about
- We don’t need to “fix” people, just accompany them
- The world needs us!
- Look at and listen to those who look and sound different from you
- Love people who love causes you don’t understand
- You Belong (so does everybody else (John 4:1-42))
- Who in your life feels they don’t belong?
- When you live by grace – you don’t have to be afraid of the truth – any truth!
- God is not waiting for you to become a self-help project
- Our wounds give God something to grab ahold of!
- Satan is the accuser who is always saying you are not enough!
- The Self that God loves is your actual self; Your ideal self is not real, YOU are!
+Bishop Tom Aitken
Please go to the following link to help:
National Council of Churches
Laments Opening of US Embassy in Jerusalem, Deaths of Palestinians
WASHINGTON: The National Council of Churches laments the move of the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. We have previously warned that such an unwise and prejudicial action would make a peace settlement even more difficult to achieve and would indeed lead to violence. Today’s deadly violence bears out the truth of this warning.
At the time of this writing, at the border between Israel and Gaza, at least 61 Palestinians who were protesting the opening of the embassy have been killed by Israeli forces and 2,700 more have been injured. This is in addition to dozens already killed and thousands more wounded in recent weeks leading up to this move. The National Council of Churches condemns this violent and disproportionate response by Israeli forces. We consider it an illustration of the failure of Israel, the United States, and the international community to address the injustice of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and the inability to conclude a two-state solution.
Moreover, we are deeply chagrined that Robert Jeffress, a Southern Baptist minister who has condemned Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Mormons, and others to hell led prayers at the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem. We are further disappointed by the presence of evangelical pastor John Hagee, a proponent of the misguided theology of Christian Zionism, among the invited speakers. Their unfortunate participation in today’s ceremony reflects the reality that yesterday’s event in Jerusalem represents pandering to a segment of evangelical Christianity here in the US rather than an affirmation of the hopes, dreams, aspirations, and prayers of Christians who live in the Holy Land.
Finally, the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem illustrates the increasing isolation of our country within the international community when it comes to policy in the region. In failing to help constructively address the prolonged crisis in Syria, and after unilaterally withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, today’s event in Jerusalem reflects the United States’ apparent abdication of its role as an honest proponent, broker, and partner for peace.
At the time of this writing, at the border between Israel and Gaza, at least 61 Palestinians who were protesting the opening of the embassy have been killed by Israeli forces and 2,700 more have been injured. This is in addition to dozens already killed and thousands more wounded in recent weeks leading up to this move. The National Council of Churches condemns this violent and disproportionate response by Israeli forces. We consider it an illustration of the failure of Israel, the United States, and the international community to address the injustice of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and the inability to conclude a two-state solution.
Moreover, we are deeply chagrined that Robert Jeffress, a Southern Baptist minister who has condemned Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Mormons, and others to hell led prayers at the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem. We are further disappointed by the presence of evangelical pastor John Hagee, a proponent of the misguided theology of Christian Zionism, among the invited speakers. Their unfortunate participation in today’s ceremony reflects the reality that yesterday’s event in Jerusalem represents pandering to a segment of evangelical Christianity here in the US rather than an affirmation of the hopes, dreams, aspirations, and prayers of Christians who live in the Holy Land.
Finally, the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem illustrates the increasing isolation of our country within the international community when it comes to policy in the region. In failing to help constructively address the prolonged crisis in Syria, and after unilaterally withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, today’s event in Jerusalem reflects the United States’ apparent abdication of its role as an honest proponent, broker, and partner for peace.
ELCA presiding bishop's pastoral message on situation in Gaza
5/15/2018 2:45:00 PM
May 15, 2018
Like so many here in our country and around the world, I am appalled and saddened by yesterday's escalation of Israeli military action against protestors in Gaza. Many reports indicate that at least 60 Palestinians, including six children, have died and more than 2,000 have been injured as a result of Israel's disproportionate use of force. Our church will support a planned medical mission from The Lutheran World Federation's Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem to Gaza to assist the wounded.
I join Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar of our partner church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), who today said:
We mourn with the families of the dead and dying and pray for the recovery of the injured. We believe that violent actions against the Palestinian civilians will hinder the potential for peace and reconciliation efforts between Israel and Palestine and will only lead to more violence and bloodshed.
I endorse his call "upon the Israeli government to show restraint and to pursue negotiations with Palestinian leaders rather than choosing violent action against unarmed protestors."
Yesterday's events should also be seen in the context of the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. When that decision was announced late last year, I said:
This unilateral action would not support the cause of peace and a two-state solution but rather would unnecessarily create further tensions and possible violence that would make efforts to bring them back together for talks much more difficult.
I also support the ELCJHL's long-standing position, affirmed by Bishop Azar today, that "any final status agreement will include Jerusalem as a shared city for Jews, Christians and Muslims with free access to holy sites for all and that it must serve as capital of both Palestine and Israel."
Always, but especially in this time of deep distress, I urge us all to join his call to "continue to pray, advocate and faithfully work towards a peaceful and just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
God's peace,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
5/15/2018 2:45:00 PM
May 15, 2018
Like so many here in our country and around the world, I am appalled and saddened by yesterday's escalation of Israeli military action against protestors in Gaza. Many reports indicate that at least 60 Palestinians, including six children, have died and more than 2,000 have been injured as a result of Israel's disproportionate use of force. Our church will support a planned medical mission from The Lutheran World Federation's Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem to Gaza to assist the wounded.
I join Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar of our partner church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), who today said:
We mourn with the families of the dead and dying and pray for the recovery of the injured. We believe that violent actions against the Palestinian civilians will hinder the potential for peace and reconciliation efforts between Israel and Palestine and will only lead to more violence and bloodshed.
I endorse his call "upon the Israeli government to show restraint and to pursue negotiations with Palestinian leaders rather than choosing violent action against unarmed protestors."
Yesterday's events should also be seen in the context of the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. When that decision was announced late last year, I said:
This unilateral action would not support the cause of peace and a two-state solution but rather would unnecessarily create further tensions and possible violence that would make efforts to bring them back together for talks much more difficult.
I also support the ELCJHL's long-standing position, affirmed by Bishop Azar today, that "any final status agreement will include Jerusalem as a shared city for Jews, Christians and Muslims with free access to holy sites for all and that it must serve as capital of both Palestine and Israel."
Always, but especially in this time of deep distress, I urge us all to join his call to "continue to pray, advocate and faithfully work towards a peaceful and just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
God's peace,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
+Bishop Thomas M.Aitken
Bishop Aitken's Message for:
Lutheran Social Service
Center for Changing Lives
“...As the Father has sent me, so I send you”
(From John 20, the Gospel Lesson last week for Pentecost)
I'm proud of the 67 ELCA congregations all over our synod, for other congregations and church groups, for the city of Duluth, for assistance through grants and individual donors who helped to build this 3-story building to house life-giving services to homeless youth. We did it together because just as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus has sent us out to love others. Serving 800 youth each year in Duluth, we are pledging to put an end to youth homelessness through the programs that will operate out of this Center for Changing Lives because no child or teenager should be without a bed and roof over their head or hope for their future - ever.
(From John 20, the Gospel Lesson last week for Pentecost)
I'm proud of the 67 ELCA congregations all over our synod, for other congregations and church groups, for the city of Duluth, for assistance through grants and individual donors who helped to build this 3-story building to house life-giving services to homeless youth. We did it together because just as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus has sent us out to love others. Serving 800 youth each year in Duluth, we are pledging to put an end to youth homelessness through the programs that will operate out of this Center for Changing Lives because no child or teenager should be without a bed and roof over their head or hope for their future - ever.
Common characteristics of the young people who end up in Duluth from all over the State and who will be served through this Center:
100% of them are our youth, our brothers and sisters, loved by God!
100% of them scared, not scary
90% come from low income/poverty
80% come from abuse, including sexual abuse
85% have parents with chemical dependency
85% are disconnected from their primary caregiver during their formative years.
(Read: Kicked out of the house because of lack of proper parenting skills)
A quote I like:
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security”
-Pope Francis, Evangeli Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel (p. 49)
What these life-giving Services are:
1st Floor:
100% of them are our youth, our brothers and sisters, loved by God!
100% of them scared, not scary
90% come from low income/poverty
80% come from abuse, including sexual abuse
85% have parents with chemical dependency
85% are disconnected from their primary caregiver during their formative years.
(Read: Kicked out of the house because of lack of proper parenting skills)
A quote I like:
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security”
-Pope Francis, Evangeli Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel (p. 49)
What these life-giving Services are:
1st Floor:
- Teen Health Center: care to low-income, at-risk, and homeless youth ages 13-24, walk in health care
- Truancy Action Office: LSS works with 300 plus kids in three local school to catch truancy problems early
- LSS Together for Youth: Supportive and safe place for LGBTQ youth
- Oh No Eighteen: Supports youth ages 16-21, so they can live on their own after the age-out of foster care; life skills, job searching, budgeting and renting as well as the Leadership Council which is comprised of former foster youth who promote and educate others about foster care.
- 10 low-income apartments for you 18-23 who meet MN guidelines for homelessness.
- Youth receive life skills, employment, mental health care, addictions and trama help
- 10 Transitional Housing bedrooms - not apartments. For youth ages 16-21 for up to 18 months with support in education and employment goals. 2 of these beds are emergency Self-Referral beds for youth in immediate danger.
Contact Us:
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Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
1105 E. Superior St., Upper Suite
Duluth, MN 55802
Office Hours:
M-F: 8:30am-4:30 pm
Telephone: 218.724.4424
Email: info@nemnsynod.org
Fax: 218.724.4393
1105 E. Superior St., Upper Suite
Duluth, MN 55802
Office Hours:
M-F: 8:30am-4:30 pm
Telephone: 218.724.4424
Email: info@nemnsynod.org
Fax: 218.724.4393
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Resources
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Bishop Aitken always has an abundance of good information to be shared. Now, instead of finding it at the bottom of the home page, he has an entire page dedicated to sharing these resources. it will be found under the home drop down list or by clicking this link.
One of Bishop Aitken's greatest joys as a Bishop, is the Bishop Visitations to Confirmation Students and parents in our Synod. He takes the Teaching Office of Bishop both seriously and joyfully and loves to be part of youth faith formation in this way and has been able to personally connect with so many across our Synod. If you would like, you may supply the names of those being Confirmed to the Synod Office and he will send a pastoral letter to each one, reminding them that they are joined to Christ forever, and encouraging them in their continued journey into the gift of faith.
You may send names and addresses to tammy.segelcrilly@nemnsynod.org
You may send names and addresses to tammy.segelcrilly@nemnsynod.org
Bishop's Online Reflections for Sept 27, 2018
When you look at the big picture, we are all in it together. Last night, friends and guests of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) celebrated neighbors helping neighbors by giving a breathtaking total of $1,028,175 – and we could not have done it without you!
On behalf of the tens of thousands of individuals and families impacted by LSS every day of the year, thank you for taking part in our 2018 Celebration for Changing Lives. Your generosity really does make it possible for all Minnesotans to access the support they need to live full and abundant lives, and we are truly grateful.
We are particularly grateful to the exceptionally generous matching donors who inspired guests to give more generously; to our Premier Gala Sponsor, Thrivent; to all who sponsored tables and invited their friends and neighbors to attend; to our volunteers; and of course, to everyone, both far and near, who supported our work by giving.
Once again, from all of us, thank you for joining our Celebration.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Chris Beach
Vice President and Chief Development Officer
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
#allmn
On behalf of the tens of thousands of individuals and families impacted by LSS every day of the year, thank you for taking part in our 2018 Celebration for Changing Lives. Your generosity really does make it possible for all Minnesotans to access the support they need to live full and abundant lives, and we are truly grateful.
We are particularly grateful to the exceptionally generous matching donors who inspired guests to give more generously; to our Premier Gala Sponsor, Thrivent; to all who sponsored tables and invited their friends and neighbors to attend; to our volunteers; and of course, to everyone, both far and near, who supported our work by giving.
Once again, from all of us, thank you for joining our Celebration.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Chris Beach
Vice President and Chief Development Officer
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
#allmn
Bishop's Online Reflections Sept 3 2018
Our Labor in the Lord
Bishops have the unique honor and responsibility to ordain pastors in this church. Summer has been the usual time for this Rite to take place as graduations from Seminary generally happen in spring and candidates are ready for a “call” to a congregation. These are powerful gospel moments for this bishop. Ordained in our synod this summer were: Rebecca Hinz serving Bethlehem Lutheran rural Aitkin, Sarah Fike serving First Lutheran in Hibbing, and Erin Coutts serving First Lutheran in International Falls and Bethany Lutheran in Loman. These three servants of God took vows of faithfulness and leadership in our church, synod, and congregations. Each of those solemn and joyful occasions of ordination centered on the ancient charges, vows, gestures and blessings that remind us that setting aside those who have proved qualified and ready to serve in this office are vital to our life together.
The work of pastors is first and foremost to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ centered on God’s love. It includes announcing God’s forgiveness, teaching theology and a Lutheran understanding of Scripture, Presiding at the Holy Sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, where the mystery and power of the Spirit and Christ’s presence strengthen faith in us. Pastors also listen to the joys and pains of their flock and lead in missional planning. Their labor is one of servant leadership; it is gentle and strong, spoken and modeled, done with humility and confidence both.
I am proud of our newly ordained: Proud of their education, their unique gifts, their faithful work to prepare themselves and their acceptance of calls to congregations to do the good work of a pastor. When they were installed in their respective congregations, congregational members where asked if they would regard these new pastors as servants of Christ, pray for them, honor their work, and live in the peace and unity in Christ that pastors regularly preach and teach.
Their response? “We will and we ask God to help us.”
Our world needs to hear and see from each one of us in the church, the Christ-way of living, the way of life that loves others, includes all people, works for peace, sees the good in others, stands up boldly against evil (and not merely personal evil, but corporate evil) and sees Christ in others, especially those who are sick, in jail, hungry and homeless. This kind of life is the “way of the cross” which seeks not to lord power over others, but empowers others to a life of good deeds that will bless the whole world. It is our labor, our good labor in the Lord as Scripture says.
As we begin our fall programming in each congregation, may we think on these things in our congregational life together and bless our communities
+Bishop Thomas M. Aitken
Bishops have the unique honor and responsibility to ordain pastors in this church. Summer has been the usual time for this Rite to take place as graduations from Seminary generally happen in spring and candidates are ready for a “call” to a congregation. These are powerful gospel moments for this bishop. Ordained in our synod this summer were: Rebecca Hinz serving Bethlehem Lutheran rural Aitkin, Sarah Fike serving First Lutheran in Hibbing, and Erin Coutts serving First Lutheran in International Falls and Bethany Lutheran in Loman. These three servants of God took vows of faithfulness and leadership in our church, synod, and congregations. Each of those solemn and joyful occasions of ordination centered on the ancient charges, vows, gestures and blessings that remind us that setting aside those who have proved qualified and ready to serve in this office are vital to our life together.
The work of pastors is first and foremost to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ centered on God’s love. It includes announcing God’s forgiveness, teaching theology and a Lutheran understanding of Scripture, Presiding at the Holy Sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, where the mystery and power of the Spirit and Christ’s presence strengthen faith in us. Pastors also listen to the joys and pains of their flock and lead in missional planning. Their labor is one of servant leadership; it is gentle and strong, spoken and modeled, done with humility and confidence both.
I am proud of our newly ordained: Proud of their education, their unique gifts, their faithful work to prepare themselves and their acceptance of calls to congregations to do the good work of a pastor. When they were installed in their respective congregations, congregational members where asked if they would regard these new pastors as servants of Christ, pray for them, honor their work, and live in the peace and unity in Christ that pastors regularly preach and teach.
Their response? “We will and we ask God to help us.”
Our world needs to hear and see from each one of us in the church, the Christ-way of living, the way of life that loves others, includes all people, works for peace, sees the good in others, stands up boldly against evil (and not merely personal evil, but corporate evil) and sees Christ in others, especially those who are sick, in jail, hungry and homeless. This kind of life is the “way of the cross” which seeks not to lord power over others, but empowers others to a life of good deeds that will bless the whole world. It is our labor, our good labor in the Lord as Scripture says.
As we begin our fall programming in each congregation, may we think on these things in our congregational life together and bless our communities
+Bishop Thomas M. Aitken
STATEMENT IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
March 5, 2018
As part of our work together , the bishops of the ELCA , this past week at the Conference of Bishops, discussed our precious young people, and the relentless violence that happens to them in this country, and the peaceful Kingdom God has called us to create in our personal and corporate lives together. Please read our Statement and share it widely, for we are called to be light to the world.
-Bishop Thomas Aitken, Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STATEMENT
-Bishop Thomas Aitken, Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STATEMENT
My Neighbor is Not for Sale
We are pleased to present our sixth congregational discussion guide, “My Neighbor is Not for Sale.”Joining our previous studies – “My Neighbor is Muslim”, “My Neighbor is on Medicaid”, etc. – “My Neighbor is Not for Sale” brings congregations the facts, figures, and stories of the insidious world of sex trafficking of children and youth in our country. It also represents our first collaboration with Cherish All Children, a 10-year-old Lutheran social ministry, which has recently become a service of LSS of Minnesota.
It has been a shock to so many of us to learn that, what we used to call prostitution, has been quietly and quite creepily replaced by an Internet-driven industry of luring kids into phony relationships, controlling them, and selling them in the sex trade right under our noses in communities everywhere.
The images we grew up with of adult women on the corners of the “red light district” soliciting men has been replaced with an invisible web of adults preying on children and youth. Our new awareness has also made us question whether those women in the “red light district” ever really had many choices in life themselves.
Over the past couple of years, the State of Minnesota has contracted with LSS and others to offer “Safe Harbor” services in several communities that reach out to youth trapped in trafficking, help them escape the life, and support them in getting back into strong and healthy lives, utilizing our years of experience working with homeless youth.
Our new affiliation with Cherish All Children adds a rich dimension of congregational outreach and education and a focus on helping our children and youth protect themselves from trafficking by teaching them to beware of the signals that they are being lured into the danger zone.
I wish you blessings on your journey of awareness and enlightenment.
Jodi Harpstead, CEO
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
MY NEIGHBOR IS NOT FOR SALE download pdf
We are pleased to present our sixth congregational discussion guide, “My Neighbor is Not for Sale.”Joining our previous studies – “My Neighbor is Muslim”, “My Neighbor is on Medicaid”, etc. – “My Neighbor is Not for Sale” brings congregations the facts, figures, and stories of the insidious world of sex trafficking of children and youth in our country. It also represents our first collaboration with Cherish All Children, a 10-year-old Lutheran social ministry, which has recently become a service of LSS of Minnesota.
It has been a shock to so many of us to learn that, what we used to call prostitution, has been quietly and quite creepily replaced by an Internet-driven industry of luring kids into phony relationships, controlling them, and selling them in the sex trade right under our noses in communities everywhere.
The images we grew up with of adult women on the corners of the “red light district” soliciting men has been replaced with an invisible web of adults preying on children and youth. Our new awareness has also made us question whether those women in the “red light district” ever really had many choices in life themselves.
Over the past couple of years, the State of Minnesota has contracted with LSS and others to offer “Safe Harbor” services in several communities that reach out to youth trapped in trafficking, help them escape the life, and support them in getting back into strong and healthy lives, utilizing our years of experience working with homeless youth.
Our new affiliation with Cherish All Children adds a rich dimension of congregational outreach and education and a focus on helping our children and youth protect themselves from trafficking by teaching them to beware of the signals that they are being lured into the danger zone.
I wish you blessings on your journey of awareness and enlightenment.
Jodi Harpstead, CEO
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
MY NEIGHBOR IS NOT FOR SALE download pdf
+Bishop’s Visitation to Confirmation Students
Bishop’s Visitation to Confirmation Students and their parents
Bishop Aitken invites you to request him for a Bishop’s Visitation to your Confirmation Class. What works best for his schedule is to schedule so these visitations are to clusters of congregations. He encourages parents to come that night as well so he can meet them and include them in the teaching time. He will teach the gospel, talk about Christian Vocation, the role of the Christian in our world, our call in Christ and end with Communion and Commissioning for service with Anointing oil from Palestine.
Bishop’s Visitation to Confirmation Students and their parents
Bishop Aitken invites you to request him for a Bishop’s Visitation to your Confirmation Class. What works best for his schedule is to schedule so these visitations are to clusters of congregations. He encourages parents to come that night as well so he can meet them and include them in the teaching time. He will teach the gospel, talk about Christian Vocation, the role of the Christian in our world, our call in Christ and end with Communion and Commissioning for service with Anointing oil from Palestine.
Bible and Brew Study Retreats
Believing and Having Faith
Bishop Aitken is open to leading a Bible and Faith Study for men’s, women’s or mixed men and women’s Retreats around the theme Belief and Faith. He uses the Gospels as well as other Biblical texts around the meanings of trust, fidelity, faith and believing. You could arrange with one of our Camps (where he has done these already) or at a location of your choosing. He presents a Biblical understanding of what faith and belief really are, and in particular, as a Lutheran Christian.
You may contact the synod office to make arrangements with him.
Bishop Aitken is open to leading a Bible and Faith Study for men’s, women’s or mixed men and women’s Retreats around the theme Belief and Faith. He uses the Gospels as well as other Biblical texts around the meanings of trust, fidelity, faith and believing. You could arrange with one of our Camps (where he has done these already) or at a location of your choosing. He presents a Biblical understanding of what faith and belief really are, and in particular, as a Lutheran Christian.
You may contact the synod office to make arrangements with him.
Minnesota Council of Churches Response to Executive Order on Refugees ..click here
"Evangelicals join Letter denouncing President Trumps order on Refugees" click HERE
Just what are Your Congregation's Intentions?
East Jerusalem Hospital Advocacy Update
The Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem has faced periodic financial challenges due to lack of payments from the Palestinian Authority (PA) for the treatment of patients referred to the hospital by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. To learn more about the background of the issues facing this Lutheran World Federation (LWF) run hospital see this Peace Not Walls blog.Earlier this year, the situation reached a critical level when the hospital had to turn patients away because it was running out of vital medication to treat those who were critically ill. While the PA at that time made promises to resolve the situation, in effect it has failed to do so. For further details see the latest LWF Advocacy Update.
Having been alerted to this crisis situation, on October 13 ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton wrote a letter to the PLO Ambassador in Washington, Dr. Husam Zomlot, appealing to him to bring the situation “to an immediate, positive conclusion.” You can read her letter here.
Contact your elected officials today at the ELCA Action Center, and ask them to convey these concerns to Ambassador Zomlot as well.
The Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem has faced periodic financial challenges due to lack of payments from the Palestinian Authority (PA) for the treatment of patients referred to the hospital by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. To learn more about the background of the issues facing this Lutheran World Federation (LWF) run hospital see this Peace Not Walls blog.Earlier this year, the situation reached a critical level when the hospital had to turn patients away because it was running out of vital medication to treat those who were critically ill. While the PA at that time made promises to resolve the situation, in effect it has failed to do so. For further details see the latest LWF Advocacy Update.
Having been alerted to this crisis situation, on October 13 ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton wrote a letter to the PLO Ambassador in Washington, Dr. Husam Zomlot, appealing to him to bring the situation “to an immediate, positive conclusion.” You can read her letter here.
Contact your elected officials today at the ELCA Action Center, and ask them to convey these concerns to Ambassador Zomlot as well.
Ever wonder where your gifts to the church go?
see the following video.....and think about how you would like to give to mission support.
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A Pastoral Letter regarding
our Neighbors and the Gospel
May 31, 2018
To: All Northeastern Minnesota Synod Congregations
Greetings to you in Jesus’ name:
You are a member of a church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Together, we are able to tackle difficult social issues with grace and courage. This is because we have been set free by the gospel. The core biblical and theological truth of God’s love in Christ, demonstrated through Jesus’ teachings, healings, the cross and resurrection, gives us confidence that we are justified by God’s amazing grace that sets us free to live like him.
Over the past couple of years, many of you engaged deeply in the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Sermons were given all across this synod about Martin Luther’s incredible and life-changing biblical insights which free us from worrying about whether God really does love and save us. Like Luther, we are so empowered by this truth that we now use our lives and energy to love the neighbor; whoever that neighbor may be.
With God’s love, we can courageously love and serve our neighbor and even learn to reconcile differences regardless of whatever religion or creed. In the culture we live in right now, we all know how dangerously volatile the attitudes are of some toward Muslims, Refugees, People of Color, Native Americans, LGBTQ persons and other marginalized individuals. Christians offer a different model to the world in how to deal with our neighbors.
I commend all of you who have been in or are engaged in utilizing bible studies from our partners at Lutheran Social Service: And Who is My Neighbor? My Neighbor is Muslim, My Neighbor is Not for Sale, Not Even One Night (homeless youth). All resources are downloadable and can be found on the LSS Minnesota Website.
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” -2 Corinthians 5:16-21
You are empowered by Jesus to live like him. This is the promise of our baptism and the Holy Spirit’s work. His courage is in us. His gifts of compassion are already planted in our hearts. Be bold in the good work of compassion, understanding and blessing. Offer the world around you an alternate way of dealing with people who are different from you rather than the racism, bigotry, degradation, misrepresentation, fear and hatred we so often hear. Offer the way of the Christ who lives in you.
In Christ our Lord,
+Bishop Thomas M. Aitken
To: All Northeastern Minnesota Synod Congregations
Greetings to you in Jesus’ name:
You are a member of a church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Together, we are able to tackle difficult social issues with grace and courage. This is because we have been set free by the gospel. The core biblical and theological truth of God’s love in Christ, demonstrated through Jesus’ teachings, healings, the cross and resurrection, gives us confidence that we are justified by God’s amazing grace that sets us free to live like him.
Over the past couple of years, many of you engaged deeply in the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Sermons were given all across this synod about Martin Luther’s incredible and life-changing biblical insights which free us from worrying about whether God really does love and save us. Like Luther, we are so empowered by this truth that we now use our lives and energy to love the neighbor; whoever that neighbor may be.
With God’s love, we can courageously love and serve our neighbor and even learn to reconcile differences regardless of whatever religion or creed. In the culture we live in right now, we all know how dangerously volatile the attitudes are of some toward Muslims, Refugees, People of Color, Native Americans, LGBTQ persons and other marginalized individuals. Christians offer a different model to the world in how to deal with our neighbors.
I commend all of you who have been in or are engaged in utilizing bible studies from our partners at Lutheran Social Service: And Who is My Neighbor? My Neighbor is Muslim, My Neighbor is Not for Sale, Not Even One Night (homeless youth). All resources are downloadable and can be found on the LSS Minnesota Website.
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” -2 Corinthians 5:16-21
You are empowered by Jesus to live like him. This is the promise of our baptism and the Holy Spirit’s work. His courage is in us. His gifts of compassion are already planted in our hearts. Be bold in the good work of compassion, understanding and blessing. Offer the world around you an alternate way of dealing with people who are different from you rather than the racism, bigotry, degradation, misrepresentation, fear and hatred we so often hear. Offer the way of the Christ who lives in you.
In Christ our Lord,
+Bishop Thomas M. Aitken
Current for Curran Fundraising Idea
This idea came from the East Central Wisconsin Synod women. The object is to “sell” each rectangle for $20. A filled board generates $500. To generate additional funds “sell” the rectangles more than once and/or get someone to provide matching dollars.
This idea came from the East Central Wisconsin Synod women. The object is to “sell” each rectangle for $20. A filled board generates $500. To generate additional funds “sell” the rectangles more than once and/or get someone to provide matching dollars.
- Purchase a 20”x30” sheet of black poster board.
- Use narrow gray duct tape to divide it into 25 rectangles and also wrap the edges with the duct tape.
- Use a gray Sharpie pen to make the vertical broken lines.
- Create a description sheet, a cute sun and purchase some stickers of the sun. The stickers can be used to show that a panel has been purchased. If you have enough donors to fill the board more than once just put more stickers on each panel. Have fun with it.
- Contact Mary Jo Mettler at djmjmettler@gmail.com and she will send you an electronic copy of her description and sun plus a vendor for stickers.
Current for Curran....
Dear Friends
As you know the solar project at Phebe Hospital is successfully generating power. In November 11 of us traveled to Phebe to celebration the formal dedication dedication of the system. It was an awesome event. As part of the trip we traveled to Curran Hospital in ZorZor, which is about 45 miles north of Phebe, but takes about 3 hours to travel to.That gives you some idea of the condition of the road. ZorZor is about a 30 minute drive from the Guinea border so many of the patients Curran treats come from there.
Curran will be the next recipient of a solar array similar to the one at Phebe. The solar panels for the array have been donated by First Solar, over $40,000 has been received from Women of the ELCA through the generous donations at the Triennial events in Minneapolis and just this week a donation of $2,000 was given that required a match before it would be received. Generous folks came forward and donated over $3,400.
We need to raise an additional $200,000 hopefully by Easter (86 days) Attached is a simple fundraising idea I got when I gave a presentation for the East Central Wisconsin Synod Women of the ELCA in November. I hope you will consider using it in your church or organization. Perhaps you can even find donor(s) who will match a portion of the donations collected.
Blessings on your day
Mary Jo Mettler
As you know the solar project at Phebe Hospital is successfully generating power. In November 11 of us traveled to Phebe to celebration the formal dedication dedication of the system. It was an awesome event. As part of the trip we traveled to Curran Hospital in ZorZor, which is about 45 miles north of Phebe, but takes about 3 hours to travel to.That gives you some idea of the condition of the road. ZorZor is about a 30 minute drive from the Guinea border so many of the patients Curran treats come from there.
Curran will be the next recipient of a solar array similar to the one at Phebe. The solar panels for the array have been donated by First Solar, over $40,000 has been received from Women of the ELCA through the generous donations at the Triennial events in Minneapolis and just this week a donation of $2,000 was given that required a match before it would be received. Generous folks came forward and donated over $3,400.
We need to raise an additional $200,000 hopefully by Easter (86 days) Attached is a simple fundraising idea I got when I gave a presentation for the East Central Wisconsin Synod Women of the ELCA in November. I hope you will consider using it in your church or organization. Perhaps you can even find donor(s) who will match a portion of the donations collected.
Blessings on your day
Mary Jo Mettler
Bishop Aitken's Online May 7, 2018
A sincere thanks to all the Synod assembly planners, my Staff, the musicians, speakers, pages , Synod council, our vice president and secretary and all those who helped make the assembly a success! I just received a video from Pastor Konstatin from Cheboksary, Russia (one of our Companion Partners), please watch it!
Bishop Aitken's Response to President Trump's words and actions
I have not been able to ignore nor abide our president's recent remarks about people from other lands: Africa, Haiti etc...
When Christians recognize that our life in Christ calls us to joyful and ultimate loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ, and his alternate life-style of unconditional love and courage, we cannot but stand against bigoted statements and the systemic racism we live in. Our God-given faith calls us to engage the very underlying assumptions of the cultures of vulgarity, supremacy and bigotry. Jesus would be surprised by followers of his who do not see in every person someone that God loves whether near or far away from us. We who live "in Christ" as the New Testament declares over and over have been given the good and holy task of loving each person and coming to the aid of the marginalized. We are empowered already by the Spirit of God to boldly live into God's dream for the world which doesn't include demeaning others but as St. Paul says, lives joyfully into the reconciling work of Jesus.
Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.
And open our lives to the courage of Jesus.
A Prayer of Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471)
Grant to me, O God,
to know what I ought to know,
to love what I ought to love,
to pray what delights you most,
to value what is precious in your sight,
to hate what is offensive to you.
Do not allow me to judge according to the sight of my eyes,
Nor to pass sentence according to the hearing of the ears of the foolish;
But to discern with true judgment between things visible and spiritual,
And above all things to pursue what is the good pleasure of your holy will,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
When Christians recognize that our life in Christ calls us to joyful and ultimate loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ, and his alternate life-style of unconditional love and courage, we cannot but stand against bigoted statements and the systemic racism we live in. Our God-given faith calls us to engage the very underlying assumptions of the cultures of vulgarity, supremacy and bigotry. Jesus would be surprised by followers of his who do not see in every person someone that God loves whether near or far away from us. We who live "in Christ" as the New Testament declares over and over have been given the good and holy task of loving each person and coming to the aid of the marginalized. We are empowered already by the Spirit of God to boldly live into God's dream for the world which doesn't include demeaning others but as St. Paul says, lives joyfully into the reconciling work of Jesus.
Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.
And open our lives to the courage of Jesus.
A Prayer of Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471)
Grant to me, O God,
to know what I ought to know,
to love what I ought to love,
to pray what delights you most,
to value what is precious in your sight,
to hate what is offensive to you.
Do not allow me to judge according to the sight of my eyes,
Nor to pass sentence according to the hearing of the ears of the foolish;
But to discern with true judgment between things visible and spiritual,
And above all things to pursue what is the good pleasure of your holy will,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.