wfn.org | ELCA Assembly Participants Discuss Ideas on Rural Ministry

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 10, 2001

ELCA ASSEMBLY PARTICIPANTS DISCUSS IDEAS ON RURAL MINISTRY
01-CWA20-LS

     INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) -- There is hope for rural ministry, said
members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), but
congregations must share ideas and educate others about the rural
crisis. ELCA participants in the 2001 Churchwide Assembly discussed
rural ministry in a hearing Aug. 9.
     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the
ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 8-14 at the Indiana Convention Center. There
are more than 2,000 people participating, including 1,040 ELCA voting
members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known:
Sharing Faith in a New Century."
     "We're seeing a way of life being lost before our eyes," said
Sandra LaBlanc, director for rural networking and resources, ELCA
Division for Outreach.
     Each day in the U.S., five family farmers or ranchers leave their
occupation, LaBlanc said.  She works from a Des Moines, Iowa, office and
is the only ELCA staff person on the rural desk. LaBlanc said she gets
from 200 to 500 e-mails each day from rural Americans voicing their
concerns.
     Participants at the hearing shared ideas and asked questions about
the crisis in rural America. The Rev. Leland Eilert, of the ELCA's
Southern Ohio Synod, encouraged the ELCA to add another staff person to
the rural desk.
     "Just as it is important for us to be in the city for good," he
said, referring to an ELCA program to strengthen inner-city
congregations, "it is equally important for us to maintain our roots in
the land."
     Others had advice for synods and congregations. The Rev. Sandra
Larson of the ELCA Eastern North Dakota Synod, said that synod has
created an endowment that helps congregations pay seminary interns who
serve in eastern North Dakota, and pastors who lead congregations there.
     LaBlanc said there are practical things Lutherans can do to help
farm families in crisis. ELCA members can pray for farmers, buy local
produce, advocate for agricultural policies and stay informed on rural
issues. Each person at the hearing received a green ribbon to wear in
support of farm families.
     The Rev. David Poling-Goldenne, director for education and
evangelism, ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries, highlighted 26
rural congregations that are success stories in a recent book
"Discovering Hope," which he co-authored.
     "The good news is that there is vitality in the rural church,"
Poling-Goldenne said to participants in the assembly.
-- -- --
     Information about assembly actions is at
http://www.elca.org/assembly/01 on the ELCA"s Web site. Recorded updates
during the assembly are available by calling 773/380-2477.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html