The Bishop's Sunday Sermon

[Brad Everett]

"National Bishop Susan C. Johnson has prepared a sermon for use by congregations on the Sunday of Convention, July 17. While traditionally prepared for use by a lay leader in the absence of a congregation's pastor who has been selected as a delegate for convention, all congregations are encouraged to use this message from our National Bishop."

The quote above comes from the ELCIC website at: http://elcic.ca/In-Convention/2011-Saskatoon/default.cfm
where one can download the sermon from the National Bishop. The sermon provides anyone interested, a glimpse into the future of what life will be like in the ELCIC. Most instructive is the Bishop's handling of the text—it means what she wants it to mean and Jesus' explanation is completely ignored.

BTW I am blessed to have a lay leader in my congregation who will be leading service this morning in my absence. He's reading a sermon I wrote—and while it isn't a homiletic masterpiece at least Jesus gets to explain His parable.

[Jeremy Loesch]

BTW I am blessed to have a lay leader in my congregation who will be leading service this morning in my absence. He's reading a sermon I wrote—and while it isn't a homiletic masterpiece at least Jesus gets to explain His parable.

Praise God for gifted laity!  And for pastors who prepare sermons to be delivered in their absence rather than relying on speeches written by someone else who doesn't know the people.

Excellent line.  While I am an LCMS Lutheran serving DE/MD/PA, I've appreciated your reporting of the ELCIC convention.  Thanks for your work.

Jeremy