Category: Video

Updated - The Truth About Grace

04/28/2013

Grace Lutheran Church Council President and its Pastors respond regarding the issues surrounding their congregation and the ELCA.

"A message from Anne Carter, Rev. Rolf Nestingan, and Rev. David Irgens."

(New Update: from Dean Kallenbach)

Friends,

The former members of Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, who have had their voting status removed by action of the Northwest Wisconsin Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) supported by a ruling by Polk County Circuit Court Judge Molly GaleWyrick on Tuesday, gathered for worship this morning in the Stokes and Mundt Funeral Home in Altoona. 386 individuals in attendance at the service. Following the communion services, children went to Sunday School while the adults had coffee before moving to a question-and-answer session and then a business meeting.

In that meeting, the former Grace members in attendance voted unanimously to form a new congregation. Saving Grace Lutheran will be an affiliate of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), a centrist, congregation-based Lutheran church body which recognizes Scripture as the sole source and norm of faith and life.

The church council that had been representing the members at Grace Lutheran Church was appointed as the council of Saving Grace for at least the next year when there will be a new constitution and elections.

A constitution committee was appointed, as ws a relocation/property committee to find a semi-permanent place to worship. According to Saving Grace President Anne Carter, the congregation needs a good space, a good kitchen and plenty of parking.

Pastors Rolf Nestingen and David Irgens were asked if they were willing to serve the congregation. Both pastors agreed, and their response was greeted with a standing ovation.

The business staff -- formerly of Grace Lutheran -- will continue to work with Saving Grace on a part-time basis to start, according to Anne .

According to the Saving Grace LCMC Facebook page, "Saving Grace Lutheran was formed after the ELCA closed the doors of Grace Lutheran Church, removing the congregation and staff until further notice. There is where Saving Grace was born in the heart of Eau Claire. Saving Grace church's mission is to make Jesus Christ known to others and to serve the people; in the heart of Eau Claire with a heart for the world as well as to serve our brothers and sisters in other countries."

The Facebook page lists the address of the new congregation as 800 Wisconsin St, Building D2 420K, Box 65 in Eau Claire (54703). The congregation phone number is listed as 715-797-1020.

I understand a news release regarding the new congregation is being developed, and I'll share that when I see it.

In related news, Grace Lutheran Church has had a long-standing television ministry. In anticipation of the many questions viewers would have based on the court decision this past week, leadership of what was formerly Grace Lutheran Church and is now Saving Grace Lutheran recorded a video that aired this morning on WQOW-TV 18 at 6 a.m.. That video -- nearly one-half hour in length -- is available on You Tube, and may be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJnO9hLZrdE&feature=youtu.be

As I understand it (thought I wasn't in town to see it), the Grace Lutheran broadcast for this Sunday (the normal 10:30 a.m. broadcast) was a recording of a choral presentation from several years ago.

Finally, according to the Grace Lutheran Church website, no Sunday service was held at the church today. According to the web site, "During this time of transition, the Grace Lutheran Church building on 202 West Grand Avenue will be closed. During transition, Grace ELCA will worship at First Lutheran..." No reason was given why the new leadership of Grace Lutheran Church chose to worship in a different building.

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He's Alive!

03/31/2013

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The Jewish Jesus: Suffering Servant

03/28/2013

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“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

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An Unexpected Christmas

12/24/2012

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"They won't be expecting that!” Unless they have read and trust God’s Word.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

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“Doesn’t Matter If You’re Straight or Gay”

06/08/2012

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“Doesn’t Matter If You’re Straight or Gay.”

So says a song played at the ELCA’s 2012 Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Extravaganza is “. . .the annual gathering of adults (professional and volunteers) who work with children and youth in ELCA congregations around the country.” (see here)

This performance was recorded on video and placed on youtube by the “ELCA Youth Ministry Network,” which makes me think they are happy with this portrayal of the denomination, a song that encourages people to live in sin. (What about repentance ELCA leaders?)

The song is called “Party in the ELCA” (it is a parody of a Miley Cyrus song “Party in the USA.”)

The chorus goes:
"We don’t put our hands up when we’re singing to God…
Traditional is how we praise
Nodding our head? No way!
Stand and sit on repeat all day!
We’re coming as we are (sinners and saints)
Doesn’t matter if you’re straight or gay
YEAH! It’s a party in the ELCA!
YEAH! It’s a party in the ELCA!"
(read here)

In the comments section of a different video of the song, (see here) someone who claims to be the singer in this video says that he will be recording this song with another singer who goes by the name, Agape. (see Agape collaborate on "Party in the ELCA" here, at the 3 min. mark)

What makes that of interest is that Agape is scheduled to perform at the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. (see here) I wonder if this song will make an appearance there? After all, they are already singing it for a gathering of the ELCA youth's leaders.

Also during a difference performance of the song and we find out “that the bishop of the ELCA is in the house.”
(see here)

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Environment, Climate Change and Going Green in the ELCA

05/22/2012

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The ELCA seems to love doing anything and everything that is not evangelism and sharing the good news of salvation in Christ with those who desperately need to hear. The ELCA's leaders do what they think is of utmost importance and mostly disregard what Jesus commanded them to do, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” - Matthew 28:29-30

Here are three examples of how the ELCA is “majoring in the minors” of environmentalism and climate change:

Last month, a letter entitled, “A Statement by Religious Leaders in Iowa on Global Climate Change” was published and was signed by two synodical bishops of the ELCA.
The letter starts off saying, “Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our world today . . .” and later states, “As people of faith, we are called to take responsible precautionary action to limit global climate change to the fullest extent possible and to prepare now for the climate impacts that are unavoidable. “ (see here)
Also happening last month, “GreenFaith and Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) announced a collaboration to enroll Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations nationwide in the GreenFaith Certification Program.”
“The GreenFaith Certification Program requires participating churches to ‘green’ their buildings and grounds, develop relationships with environmental justice advocacy organizations and interfaith partners, and to integrate creation care into education and worship.” (see here)
"Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the life and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). . .”
Below are a couple of videos along with information about a 2009 “Climate Action Festival” held at the ELCA’s Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (see here) and a 2010 "Earthfest" held at the ELCA's Gettysburg College.