+Bishop Aitken’s Report to the Synod 2017

What Does this Mean?

What Does this Mean? Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. What Does this Mean?

It means God’s got you for life! Christ never leaves you……never!

Remember who you are: Your life is hid in Christ Jesus

YOU “You are more than….. Just another student, parent, employee, senior More than another “consumer” You’re more than your failures Or your triumphs Your life is not your own You are a child of God, precious, wanted and honored You are baptized into Christ, and his work in the world. Receive this oil – in the sign of the +cross - as a reminder of this truth.”  

From: “The Freedom of the Christian” 1520 “God has given me in Christ all the riches of Righteousness and Salvation, so that from now on I need nothing except faith……….. ……… Why should I not therefore freely, with all my heart, do all things pleasing to God, who has overwhelmed me with irresistible riches?” From: “The Freedom of the Christian” 1520

“I will give myself as a Christ to my neighbor And do nothing in this life except what is: Necessary/profitable/salutary for my neighbor “ ( -Freedom of a Christian, LW 31  

LSS Center for Changing Lives for Homeless Youth - Duluth Last Friday, Senator Al Franken visited the building 67 NE MN Synod Congregations contributed!

“ Behold, from faith flows love that serves one’s neighbor, And takes no account of gratitude or ingratitude Praise or blame Gain or loss We do not distinguish friends from enemies because God’s love makes us free” (LW 31)

What Gives you Joy?

What Does this Mean? For my congregation? Your Pastor and Vision Team Your Synod Staff DEM Pr. Amy Odgren and Synod Resources Take Joy in doing your Intentional Mission Plan (Oct. 31, 2017 - Goal!)

Fed by Christ Himself - for the Journey: Holy Communion in Petrozavodsk, Russia, June 2016 Luther: “If you see and feel your need, you are worthy and sufficiently prepared, for he has not instituted the sacrament to act as a poison and to harm us, but to grant comfort and salvation.” -Admonition Concerning the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Our Lord -1530