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2007 Synod AssemblyThe Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod met in assembly May 31 to June 2 in The Woodlands. A one page highlights (designed to be a bulletin insert) willl soon be available and can downloaded by clicking on the link below. Synod Highlights In order to view and print the highlights you will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your system. You can download the reader for FREE from the Adobe site - click the link below and follow the prompts.
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June 2nd Highlights ...
Bishop Hanson, the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, led the fourth ballot for synod bishop. The assembly again spent time in listening to scripture and a time of prayer before voting.
Voting members and visitors then heard a report from the Mission Endowment Fund. This fund, created under the leadership and vision of Bishop Paul Blom and his wife Marie has grown to over $850,000 and has distributed over $165,000 to seminarians, campus ministry, seed money for new ministries, young congregations, and new starts. Pastor David Roschke, who presented the report, again asked those gathered to give to the Mission Endowment Fund so that it can reach its $1 million mark by the time of Bishop Blom's retirement in August.
Bishop Hanson led the assembly in singing the hymn "Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading." After a period of silence for prayer and a reading from the book of Hebrews, the fifth and final ballot was cast.
The people gathered then had the opportunity to hear reports from the Lutheran Men in Mission, the Women of the ELCA, and the new Immigration Task Force. The final four resolutions where also discussed and voted on. This was followed by a very powerful video about the continuing recovering efforts from Hurricane Katrina. A copy of this video, created by Pastor John McCullough Bade, was made available to every congregation.
The newly elected members of the synod assembly were then installed in a brief service.
This was followed by the announcement of the results of the final ballot for
synod
After a standing ovation, bishop-elect Rinehart addressed the assembly. He spoke of how humbling this experience has been and of his deep desire to be a leader who will listen to and visit with the people of the synod, leading to a continually renewing sense of outreach and discipleship.
With a final message of thanks, Bishop Paul Blom then led the closing litany and proclaimed the 2007 Synod Assembly of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod to be closed. Return to 2007 Synod Assembly Page
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The
third day of the synod assembly began with a thank you to the Synod Staff and
Management Team of the synod. Bishop Blom presented plaques to everyone
and offered a word of thanks and appreciation.
The
final two candidates, Pastors Mike Button and Mike Rinehart, were then asked a
series of questions that were written by members of the Management Team.
Mike Button, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX (pictured to the
left) was the first to speak. Pastor Button then left the assembly and
Mike Rinehart, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Conroe, TX (pictured to the
right) reentered the assembly hall and addressed those gathered, answering the
same questions from the Management Team.
bishop.
Pastor Mike Button received 117 votes and Pastor Mike Rinehart received 219
votes. Bishop Hanson proclaimed Mike Rinehart elected as the next bishop
of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod.