Oregon Synod

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Comment by Travis Larsen on October 13, 2009 at 5:01pm

How are people using the initiative to address the interpretation gap between the two sides of the homosexuality issue? I am working on putting together a discussion (taking queues from the bishop's Bible Study, Thanks Dave) on the different approaches to scripture that exist. My hope is to show how such different approaches to scripture can exist. All without making judgments. It should be a good conversation.

Comment by Nate Porter on February 18, 2009 at 8:10pm

I'm not a true Oregonian (although I was born there), but am part of SW Washington and want to work together on seeing God's Word come alive in exciting new ways in the PNW. Any and all are welcome visit our join the SWW Synod group also! Peace and prayers.

Comment by Julie Mankin on November 22, 2008 at 9:08pm

Today the Education Committee and the Commission for Congregational Ministries met today to brainstorm about the Book of Faith initiative.

I wanted to relay one comment from Tonia Lindquist that spoke to me about the power of this initiative. Tonia said, "This initiative is about changing people. When you encounter Christ through Scripture it changes YOU. This initiative is very powerful for our synod's congregations and for our Church."

My question is how are you using this opportunity?

Comment by Tonia J. Lindquist on September 23, 2008 at 1:00pm

Welcome Pr. Tom. We have been doing a few small things with the BOF at Gethsemane. Have you had any feedback?

Comment by Tom Hiller on September 23, 2008 at 12:16pm

Hello, everybody. As we read the Bible, let us listen to the Living Word! -- Hiller (listening for it)

Comment by Tonia J. Lindquist on September 20, 2008 at 4:34pm

I think that is true of new members and also true of life long lutherans - I think they forget some of the stores or don't realize/remember that there are two creation stories. It is all very interesting. This is why we are looking to become fluent in our first language of faith - it is part of our journey and it changes us as we engage with others around the scriptures. Peace.

Comment by Glenn Chase on September 20, 2008 at 3:07pm

I can relate to Pastor Matthew's story! Years ago it became clear to most of us at Bethel that few of the kids knew what I would call the, "basic bible stories". Noah, Adam & Eve, Jonah are foreign names to the kids. But it's not just the kids. Bethel baptized two adults last year and we are on track to baptize two more this year. All came from unchurched backgrounds with little working knowledge of the stories.

Comment by Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke on September 18, 2008 at 12:04am

We're on our way!! I'm interested in what from the synod office might be fun or helpful. I have bible studies I've done on my bishop's page but don't know if those are useful to people. I want to get to play, though!!

Comment by Matthew Eagan on August 26, 2008 at 5:40pm

Tonia,
So, I think I'm signed up now. Not sure if there's more I have to do. Let me know if there's a test or something. I can probably name the books of the Bible at least until the minor prophets. Never can find Jonah. At Calvary, we'll be offering classes based on "Opening the Book of Faith." Also, I'll be challenging members to read the Bible in a year, using the schedule provided on the Book of Faith Web site. I thought I'd ask for spontaneous comments during worship on latest passeges people have read. You should have heard the surprise from my confirmation kids last year when we read the story of Samson. "I can't believe this is in the Bible!" one kid said. It's very modern, like a tv show or a comic book, full of deception, sex and violence. Great stuff!

Comment by Glenn Chase on August 26, 2008 at 11:45am

Tonia:
Thank you for siging me up on this site. I will check it regularly and continue to pray about this in the Bethel community. Perhaps this could be a community wide innitiative that includes the Spiritual Directors etc.