Minutes of Lutherans Reform!

Lutherans Reform! met on August 28, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Paul Lutheran Church 250 Trinity Road York

Opening devotions were led by Sally Gausmann
We had introductions of those in attendance: Fred and Roberta Anderson, Bob Kitchen, Kathy and Rod Lilley, Barry Kendall, Lawrence Cunnings, Jonathan Jenkins, Paul and Sally Gausmann, Paddy Rooney, Allison Michael, Amy Schifrin, Dave Hefner, Phil Kline and Tom Shelley

We reviewed the “summary” of the previous meeting.
Alternative Benevolence report was added to the agenda

John Douglas gave a Churchwide assembly report. He shared some Good Soil information and his reflections on his experience. Sally Gausmann also added some of her thoughts. We discussed the existence of an extraordinary roster, the two hermeneutics that are at work in the ELCA and whether there is still a possibility to bring things back to our confessional and orthodox roots.

Bob Kitchen gave a report on law suits currently being brought against the ELCA and whether the financial implications of those suits will have an effect on the financial health of the church.

A Coalition meeting of Lutheran Core and Word Alone will be held on Sept. 28 in Lindenhurst, IL. Bob Kitchen will attend. Paddy Rooney and Paul Gausmann are also considering attending. Some things that could be discussed include:
How we continue to work within the ELCA, How we can network better, Organizing for 2009

Standards of behavior and enforcement of V&E continues to be complicated by local option and we are not sure at this time how our synod will respond to the latest decision at churchwide.

In terms of upcoming elections Larry Cunnings reminded us of how important is for us to get the word out about the issues and we need to have an avenue for presenting orthodox teaching and let lay folks know what is happening – Larry, Cathy and Paul will talk more about how to organize publicity and information for lay people in our synod.

The next Society of the Holy Trinity retreat will be Dec. 3&4 – their membership continues to grow. They have been dealing with the Marks of the Church.

A White Rose Cluster has been formed in York County. We will meet for Morning Prayer every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran, York and for other Saints days at other York parishes. Other cooperative efforts will also hopefully arise such as joint youth work and perhaps a marriage retreat.

Our October event has been cancelled because we were not able to get another speaker arranged.
There is an alternative event on Nov. 11 from 2-5 at St. James in Lebanon. We hope to eventually have a joint event with ELCF.
Nov. 27-28 – Amy speaking at the Bishop’s retreat.

There is a desire among some to have an organized way to respond to those who feel they are conscious bound not to give Benevolence in the traditional way. Barry Kendall has information on this for those who have concerns about this in their congregation.

We would like to explore being a branch of ELCF. That would enable us to benefit from their 501C status. Paul will explore this.

Our next meeting will be Sept. 25, 2007 at 1:30 at Saint Paul, Trinity Road, York.

Respectfully Submitted,


Sally Gausmann