Pacifica Synod

As the Future Unfolds… Glimpses into the Church on the Pacific Rim

The writer of Ecclesiastes asked "…who can tell what the future holds?" (10:14)

Looking forward into the days, years and decade ahead, great opportunities and great challenges await us as leaders of the Lutheran Church. Among the questions many are asking are: "What are the trends that are reshaping our context here on the Pacific Rim?" "What new resources are now available and ready for our ministry?" Armed with first-hand experiences and insights, and much knowledge in their areas of expertise, two presenters come to Pacifica to give us glimpses into the unfolding future as we continue to be both a worshipping and mission-driven church. Kenneth Inskeep is the Director of Research and Development at the ELCA Churchwide Office. With a strong Lutheran theology and understanding of the church, Ken will look with us at current demographic information; trends on the Pacific Rim; congregational development in the Southwest; current and anticipated population, racial, ethnic, household and family statistics and changes. Pastor Jonathan Eilert has had an integral part in the development of the forthcoming Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal and worship resources. A recent member of the ELCA Church Council and a parish pastor utilizing these resources on a day-to-day basis, Pastor Eilert will bring us theological insights and practical and creative thinking about Lutheran worship today. Members of our synodical worship team that have participated in ELW training will join him. Together they will offer experiential times for worship and utilizing the new ELW resource.

Jeremiah wrote "'…there is hope for your future', says the Lord" (31:17)
and
Saint Paul said "…the present and the future all belong to you" (I Cor. 3:22)