A sermon preached at the 1918 reorganizing convention of the ELS reminded the faithful few that their purpose was to extend God’s kingdom and they “should not weary in this work.” Since its reorganization in 1918, the ELS has participated in foreign mission work in fifteen nations. Working through the synods of the Synodical Conference, early missionaries served…
Posts by Dennis Fritz (Page 6)
In the 1980s the focus for home missions shifted from offering aid to established churches to that of supporting exploratory missions. Former President Orvick observed, “Where would we be today if it were not for the dedicated efforts of our members and our mission boards who, with limited resources, boldly took steps to organize mission…
Mission work always has received much attention in our Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Already at the 1918 convention, a Home Mission Board was established. Much of the early mission work in those days was found in supporting small groups who had been displaced or left without church buildings as a result of the merger of 1917.…
1 Peter 1:18-19 “You know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, not with things that pass away, such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like a lamb without blemish or spot.” The celebrity world has been shocked recently with…
In observance of the synod’s centennial year, the Lutheran Youth Association (LYA) is holding its annual convention in Parkland, Washington. The site was selected because, in 1918, this location was the home of the first president of our reorganized synod. By God’s grace, the ELS has endured these one hundred years “Even When Steeples Are…
During this anniversary year, the Lutheran Sentinel continues to be the voice of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Until 1982, the Lutheran Sentinel was published in a bi-weekly format. An early editor wrote, “We have tried to live up to both the name and the motto (It Is Written!) of the paper… We have endeavored to…
The first issue of the Luthersk Tidende (today, Lutheran Sentinel) was dated July 16, 1917 which was one year prior to the reorganization of the synod. That inaugural issue said, “If there are enough subscribers for the paper, it will come out twice each month with eight or sixteen pages. If not enough favor is…
Fourteen congregations sent representatives to the 1919 constituting convention which was hosted by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Along with twenty-two clergy, these congregations are regarded as the charter members of the reorganized synod. This constitution remained in force until 1986, when the present constitution and bylaws were adopted.
The first officers elected for the reorganized ELS in 1918 were: Bjug Harstad, President (Parkland, Washington); John A. Moldstad, Vice-president (Chicago, Illinois); C.N. Peterson, Secretary (Minneapolis, Minnesota); A.J. Torgerson, Treasurer (Northwood, Iowa). Committees also were elected for Missions, Publications, History, and Constitution. It also was determined to continue the publication of the Luthersk Tidende (today, Lutheran Sentinel).
People in Brazil celebrate it on September 7th. Canadians celebrate it on July 1st. The French celebrate it on July 14th. Mexicans celebrate it on September 16th. On July 4th, we Americans join together in celebrating our “Independence Day.” Countries all over the world have designated special holidays where their people join together to celebrate…