What's Going On Here?

"Is that all you do all day at the convention?" My young daughter asked this question after wandering onto the convention floor several years ago during one of the business meetings. "Well, no," I said. "We do much more than this every day!"

Of course, the main purpose of our annual convention is to give our congregations and pastors the opportunity to review the work of various boards and committees, to make suggestions and to provide guidance for future work. The synod convention provides the opportunity for each congregation to have a voice in the work we do together for the Lord through discussing, debating and voting. Each congregation is entitled to send two voting delegates each year. But the convention isn't all business! There are many other opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. And every member of the synod is welcome to participate!

Is history your hobby? The ELS historical society meets each year just before the convention and presents topics of historical interest. This year's topic, Preserving Our Heritage through Correspondence and Artifacts, will review historical documents and offer practical advice on preserving things like family letters, clothing and quilts and other heirlooms.

Or perhaps music is your passion. If you enjoy hearing wonderful music, then the convention is the place to be. Along with the proclaimed word of God, each service scheduled throughout the week brings together talented musicians and a chapel filled with people eager to sing. Last year, I overheard one person say, "This must be what it sounds like in heaven!"

Do you like being involved? Do you like to know what's happening in your church body in areas such as missions, evangelism, doctrine or stewardship? Information booths are set up outside the convention hall throughout the week with information on all kinds of topics, with suggestions on how you can be involved in different areas of synod work. Whether or not you are a delegate, you may sit in on the convention proceedings. A special area is reserved for visitors. Or, if you are at home, you can keep up with the convention happenings through the ELS website: www.evangelicallutheransynod.org.

Perhaps the best convention opportunity of all is the opportunity for learning and growing in your faith. Regular services and devotions are held each day, led by a variety of ELS pastors and professors. On Wednesday evening a special service of Holy Communion is held. Members of our fellowship from around the country and around the world gather in Bethany Lutheran College's Trinity Chapel to be strengthened through the Word of God and the Lord's Supper. This service is enriched with special music from the Youth Honor Choir which also meets during the week of the convention.

The evenings are special times also. On Sunday evening, the seminary graduation service is held, followed by a reception for the graduates. On Monday evening, Cross Stitch, the ELS women's mission society, holds its annual meeting. This is a great opportunity to learn about home and foreign mission work of the ELS. On Tuesday evening of this year a special hymn festival will be held featuring the hymns of Paul Gerhardt to celebrate the 400th anniversary of his birth. The evenings also offer time for members from ELS congregations to get to know each other, encourage each other and share ideas.

If you are not sure whether or not you can stay for the whole convention week, do come for "Synod Sunday." A special afternoon worship service is held in the Bethany Lutheran College chapel, followed by a picnic. Everyone in the synod is welcome to attend!

You are invited to be a part of the ELS convention this year! Come and learn about the work we do together as the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and how you can serve the Lord through your church body!

Paul Fries is pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minnesota.