Resolution Twelve ...
A Resolution to Encourage Our Lutheran Congregations to
Undertake a Prayer Pilgrimage to New Orleans
WHEREAS, one aspect of a mature Christian faith is a commitment to
a continual conversation with God through prayer;
WHEREAS, confirmation and faith formation classes emphasize the
importance of prayer to the development of a mature faith;
WHEREAS, there is a need to raise awareness in our faith
communities, and particularly among our young people, of the significant
needs that remain to be met in the greater New Orleans area, and in the
churches of the Bayou Ministerium;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana
Gulf Coast Synod encourage each congregation to encourage its members, and
particularly all confirmands and their families, to undertake a prayer
pilgrimage to New Orleans, which would include a visit to sites important
to the understanding of the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and a commitment
to worship with one of the churches in the Bayou Ministerium.
Person Submitting
Resolution: Kathy Patrick, Arthur Murphy, Joye Roll, Herb Palmer, Kathy Palmer,
Faith Lutheran Church, Bellaire, TX
Implications of Resolution (if adopted)
1. What is the financial impact of this resolution on the synod
budget?
None
2. What are the personnel implications within our synod (or
churchwide)? Who will be responsible for implementations of the resolution?
A written prayer pilgrimage has already been prepared by Pastors John and
Robin McCullough Bade. The Bishop will need to send a letter to congregations
informing them that this pilgrimage opportunity exists. We hope the response
will be so overwhelming that the Synod will need to dedicate staff to coordinate
the timing of pilgrim’s visits.
3. How does this resolution enhance and forward the mission of the
church and our synod?
This resolution enhances the mission of the church and our synod because it
emphasizes two important aspects of faith formation: family devotions, prayer,
and reinforces our relationship as the church beyond one’s own congregation. A
commitment to attend a family prayer pilgrimage will give our young people eyes
to see and ears to hear about the significant needs of their fellow Christians,
and will affirm that no act of prayer is too insignificant, and no act of
service is too small, if the end result is that another human being
perceives—through the prayers of their brothers and sister in Christ--that they
are a loved and valued child of God.
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