Emerging in Hope: 2022 Synod Assembly

“… that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,

and rise up and tell to their children, so that they should set their hope in God,

and not forget the works of God …”

Psalm 78:6-7

In preparation for the 2022 Saint Paul Area Synod Assembly, participants were encouraged to read through the booklet of materials that included a report from Bishop Lull. The verses from Psalm 78 were at the top of the report. Readers soon learned that while the pandemic and changes in our world and society would need to be considered as the SPAS moves forward, the focus of the assembly was children.

She stated, “In a recent conversation with a community leader, I was impressed by the pointed way he called on me and others to be dealers in hope. If what we are doing in our congregations is not helping others recognize the basis for hope in their lives, then we are falling short of the Psalmist’s cry and the purpose of our public witness. I pray that our time together on May 13-14 will renew our own enthusiasm and confidence as those who bring hope to others.”

The Guatemala Committee staffed a display table at the assembly, which took place at St. Andrew's in Mahtomedi. Thank you to Deanine Mann, Janet Metcalfe, Jennifer Reinhardt, Chuck Swanson and Amy Wallace for volunteering their time to share information about our ILAG partnership with assembly participants from congregations throughout our synod.

Deanine Mann, a member of the synod's Guatemala Committee, presented the annual report on our partnership with the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala. Click below to view her video presentation and you will hear updates including those ministries that focus on children and the hope that we share as we walk together with the ILAG as one in Christ.