ELCA News Blog
June 20, 2006
ELCA synod leaders prepare to introduce 'Evangelical Lutheran Worship'
by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
Teams of leaders from each of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are preparing to introduce "Evangelical Lutheran Worship" -- the new "cranberry red" hardcover book or pew edition that will serve as the ELCA's primary book of worship -- to the 10,585 congregations of the church. Attending one of three consecutive training events starting June 19 at the Lutheran Center Chapel in Chicago and St. Luke Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Ill., synod leaders are receiving in-depth exposure to the worship resource.
"Synod leaders will be the first to have preliminary copies of Evangelical Lutheran Worship in their hands, adding to the anticipation of publication in October 2006," wrote the Rev. Michael Burk, executive for worship and liturgical resources, ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop, in an email to staff of the ELCA churchwide organization.
The training events include the first announcement of a national worship conference to take place in 2007. The events also include singing music featured in the worship book, conversations with church leaders about theology, liturgy and practical matters, and preparation for hosting day-long "introductory events" of Evangelical Lutheran Worship in ELCA synods starting fall 2006.
Synod leaders will lead the introductory events intended for pastors, musicians, lay leaders and others, said Burk. An Evangelical Lutheran Worship "Introductory Kit" will be sent to all ELCA congregations in the fall, he added.
In April 2006 congregations received an Evangelical Lutheran Worship "Preview Kit" that included a brochure, a pew edition sampler (an assortment of actual pages and content from the upcoming pew edition), an audio CD, posters, bookplates, and offering envelopes.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog