Bishop Mansholt, the newly elected bishop of our East Central Synod of Wisconsin, will lead a forum at Grace Lutheran in Tomahawk on Wednesday, September 24th.  We will begin with a potluck at 5:30 and the forum will begin at 6:30.
“Mission” is Bishop Mansholt’s passion, or, more precisely, “missional,” as that word is being used across the church in North America.  His observation is that the church in North America has become weighed down with institutional concerns and preoccupied with itself.  A new “re-formation” is needed to focus on God’s mission and what God is calling us to be and do.  After sharing a meal together, we will dwell in God’s Word, center- ing upon and listening to God, God’s mission, and God’s call to us.  Next, we will gather in prayer, opening our- selves and seeking God’s Holy Spirit to remove our individual agendas and to focus on what and where people see God’s call.  We will end with what Bp. Mansholt sees as the shared task of accountability for each of us, of Grace, synod, and ELCA together.  He uses the word “succession” to describe this, meaning that he sees his task and that of the synod to assist Grace to identify and do God’s mission at Tomahawk.  This includes keeping the projection of this identity and mission consistent and strong through all changes of pastors and other challenges the congregation or synod may face.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET BISHOP MANSHOLT AND BISHOP DITLHALE

Bishop Ditlhale
South Africa

Meet Bishop and Margaret Ditlhale from the Western Diocese in South Africa on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 from 6:30 to 7:45 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wausau! (630 Adams Street, Wausau, WI 54403).
All are welcome to come and share in this time together!
Carpool to Wausau from Grace.  Meet at the church at 5:30.  Please contact the church office if you wish to carpool.

BISHOP MANSHOLT AND BISHOP DITLHALE WILL LEAD A DISCUSSION ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 AT THE SYNOD OFFICE IN APPLETON
They will present their perspective & vision and respond to questions & ideas concerning “companion relationships”.
Carpool for this event at the Synod Office will leave from Grace at 8:00 AM and return at 4:30. Contact the Grace Church office for arrangements.