norm's news 8-18

FYI: Recently the ELCA, with 3 (?) bishops present, held a special "Reception Service" for 7 persons who formerly had been refused ordination because of their affirmation of gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/and transgender lifestyles. It was purely pagan, (yet ELCA approved) with prayers addressed to all the gods, so as to be "inclusive" of ALL GODS

Here is the response of one who wasn't impressed - as I and many others were't. I hope you saw the published "Order of Service". It was totally alien to anything Lutheran and/or Christian. But we can now rejoice, because the wicans and pagans liked it. Yet even they are wondering what we Lutherans are doing. Most of our ELCA members, however, are NOT wondering but keep voting to support the ELCA with their membership and money. They "don't want to get involved".
Evidently the Flame on their altar has gone out (and the one in their belly too) OR Christ has"removed their candlestand". Just think, Christians once chose to be eaten by lions rather than submit to this stuff. Norm




Just when I foolishly thought things could not get any worse with the ELCA, I was informed of this in another forum. The wiccans/pagans apparently were quite impressed with the rite of reception service for the 7 gay, lesbian, transgendered ELM pastors. It is on the wiccantogether.com website. The person who wrote the article found the service to be beautiful, and was surprised that there was a prayer to a goddess. The person who wrote this also stated:

"I'm not mad that there is a Goddess deity and/or personality being used in Christianity, but I just can't help but see where it fits in with standard Conservative Lutheran practices . Thanks in advance for the great discussion!"

Such irony that a pagan is wondering how this "fits with standard conservative lutheran practices". Answer: IT DOESN'T!!!!!

It is shameful. This is how the ELCA is being seen by everyone. Do you still want to be associated with this???

As for me & my family, only 26 more days and we will be out of the ELCA for good, one way or the other. It can not happen soon enough. This just sickens me

A great website with more info ishttp://www.exposingtheelca.com




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norms news july 11TH PT 2

It is a clean sweep. Immanuel voted 94.7% to leave. 168 yes, 6 no, 3
> abstain. So all 3 Illinois churches have voted to leave the ELCA

wlecome

Last Aug the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Mlps voted to allow the ordination of homosexuals who are in a life long committed relationship. This action was opposed by many people and as a result there has been a lot of discussion and actions taken in response to it by many individuals and congregations. My friend Rev Norm Olsen (Ret) of Starbuck has a e-mail list that contains news about such actions and other happenings with regards to the actions of the CWA. this blog will contain some of those e-mail from him and others. Word Alone was started as an org in opposition to Called to Common Mission the full communion agreement between the ELCA church and Episcopal church and it has spawned several spin off org such as Lutheran Churches Called to Missions (LCMC) which is where many former ELCA churches and members have landed.

for more info visit http://wordalone.org/