Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; God will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6 This last weekend, I had the privilege of accompanying some of our synod's students to Washington, D.C. for the March for Our Lives. Despite the massive politicization of the event, the basic call was for students, of students and by students asking for a fresh attempt to make schools safer and to alleviate gun violence. Their premise was that universal background checks, raising the legal age for purchasing guns to 21, and regulating access to military grade weapons would be important first steps towards their goals. The rally was filled with testimony, song - and scripture and prayer, too. Three of our students have agreed to share their testimony about that experience:
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by Bishop Bill GohlThey said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. - Mark 16:8 Beloved, all:
In an age of bitter divisions in families and widening chasms among neighbors, sometimes we've come to see the wisdom of not saying anything, of keeping the peace. We know what it means to be afraid of saying anything that could compromise the fragile relationships that bind us together. by Bishop Bill GohlI attend a meeting of the Conference of Bishops twice each year. The work we do is important to the life of our church, but those who don't attend these meetings rarely know what was accomplished. In an effort to encourage greater awareness of the work of the Conference of Bishops, I'm sharing a summary with you here.
by Bishop Bill GohlAt the request of Pastor Sara Yotter, Joy Reigns (Edgewater), and LYO members and alumni, I authored the following Statement in Solidarity, with assistance from Bishop Tracie Bartholomew (New Jersey Synod), Bishop Michael Burk (Southeastern Iowa Synod) and Bishop Bob Humphrey (Virginia Synod) as a component of our churches commitment to accompany our children and youth who are inviting peers, families and allies to support them in the March for Our Lives. The Conference of Bishops adopted it as a statement from the Conference to this Church, and over 50 of our colleagues signed on in personal support and public witness. +bg Our children and youth are like a young Jeremiah prophesying to the people: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
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