Resolution Eleven ...

A Resolution to Request that the Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod Institute a Mission Partnership Program Between Churches in the Western Half of the Synod and Congregations Affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

WHEREAS, in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the financial, emotional, and spiritual burdens on congregations afflicted by disaster have placed them under significant strain;

WHEREAS, many members of churches outside the areas affected by the hurricanes are unaware of the continuing plight of the churches affected by them.

WHEREAS, many in the communities affected by the hurricanes feel their needs have been forgotten by the nation, by the church at large, and by their brothers and sisters in Christ;

WHEREAS, congregations outside the Eastern half of the Synod are called to reach out in love to their brothers and sisters in other congregations; and,

WHEREAS, God, through the Holy Spirit, has given all of us a new mission field, where the harvest is plenty but the workers are few; now,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod implement a “mission partnership” in which congregations affected by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina are partnered with congregations in the Western half of the Synod for the purpose of:

1.   A shared, and specific, ministry of mutual prayer for one another;

2.   Exploring ways in which partnered congregations may undertake joint service or educational projects for the purpose of strengthening their ties of fellowship and Christian love for one another;

3.   Reviving apostolic correspondence between them, so that the sharing of good news and ministry successes (and needs) by one will serve to encourage and uplift the other;

4.   Supporting, including through financial support, of each other’s mission and ministry priorities, so that suffering congregations may be sustained in their ministry through their emergence from this crisis; and,

5.   Other activities (such as a program of regular visitation by members of partnered congregations) designed to impress upon hurricane-stricken congregations that they are not alone in their struggles, and that their brothers and sisters in Christ have not forgotten them but, instead, have heard their plea and intend to answer their cries for help, comfort, and consolation.
 

Person Submitting Resolution: Kathy Patrick, Arthur Murphy, Joye Roll, Herb Palmer, Kathy Palmer, Faith Lutheran Church, Bellaire, TX

Implications of Resolution (if adopted)

1.   What is the financial impact of this resolution on the synod budget?

None

2.   What are the personnel implications within our synod (or churchwide)? Who will be responsible for implementations of the resolution?

The Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod would need to maintain a list of congregations that need or are willing to be partners, and to assist in facilitating the formation of such partnerships. Synodical staff should consider developing a list of shared educational and/or service opportunities to be pursued by partnered congregations.

3.   How does this resolution enhance and forward the mission of the church and our synod?

This resolution enhances the mission of the church and our synod because it affirms that we are all one body in Christ. The call of the Holy Spirit to service it is not limited by state or synodical boundaries. The churches in Louisiana and East Texas are wounded and in need of healing and support; they cannot survive without dedicated pastoral staff to help to stabilize and support the movement of these congregations from survival to revival. Just as St. Paul asked the Church in Rome to provide financial support to the church in Jerusalem, so we should be willing to respond to the need of these churches for our prayers, our love, and our support.

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