RESULTS-- CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE ELCA OCTOBER 31, 2010

* Indicates first vote; * Indicates second vote

Salem (Welcome) Lutheran, Brenham, TX ** successfully took second vote 105-10 NALC

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX * successfully took first vote 92.5% 72-5.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Letcher, SD * first vote failed 11-27.

Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH** successfully took second vote (95%) 558-28. Vote to join LCMC passed 553-26; Vote to join NALC passed 519-60.

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thomasboro, IL** successfully took second vote 96%.

American Lutheran Church, Rantoul, IL,** successfully took second vote 97%.

St. John Lutheran Church, Royal IL, ** successfully took second vote 97%.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, IL,* successfully took first vote.

First Lutheran Church, Paxton, IL * failed first vote.

First English Lutheran, Marysville, OH* successfully took first vote. 81%

Trinity Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, IA successfully took first vote. 89%

Peace Lutheran Church, Rockdale, TX ** successfully took second vote. 85%

St. John Lutheran Church, Greenville, OH ** successfully took second vote. 93%

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mansfield, OH * successfully took first vote 109-23. Voted to join NALC

Millers Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC ** successfully took second vote. 90% Voted to join NALC
Friendship Lutheran Church, Taylorsville, NC first vote failed. 50-50

St. John Lutheran Church, Pocahontas, MO ** successfully took second vote October 17.

Calvary Lutheran Church, Brookfield, WI * successfully took first vote 185-40.

Bluffs Trinity Lutheran Church, Fremont, NE ** successfully took second vote; joined LCMC.

Trinity Lutheran Church of Madera, Madera, CA * successfully took first vote; joint LCMC.

UPDATE 10/28/10 CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE THE ELCA SINCE AUGUST 2009

Our update includes the following changes and additions from the list posted October 13, 2010:

* indicates first vote ** indicates second vote

1. Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove, NC *
2. Trinity Lutheran Church, Landis, NC **
3. Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Nelson, MN *
4. St. Peter Lutheran Church, Armour, SD **
5. Trinity Lutheran Church, DeKalb, IL **
6. St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Annapolis, MD *
7. St. Paul Lutheran Church, Greenville, OH **
8. Redeemer Lutheran Church, Owosso, MI **
9. First Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, MI **
10. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, GA *
11. Reformation Lutheran Church, Culpeper, VA *
12. Hegland Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN *
13. Peace Lutheran Church, Rockdale, TX *
14. First English Lutheran Church, Menahga, MN **
15. First Lutheran Church, Roseau, MN **
16. Folden Lutheran Church, Vining, MN **
17. Faith Lutheran Church, Mentor, MN **
18. Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Badger **
19. Zion Lutheran Church, Skanee, MI *

20. Fertile Lutheran Church, Fertile, IA*

21. Westminster Lutheran Church, Westminster, CA **

22 Immanuel Lutheran Church, La Vernia, TX *

The following list of churches that have taken their first and/or second votes since August 2009 represent a potential net loss of 208,756 baptized members. Add to that number thousands who left to begin new Lutheran congregations and still thousands more who have left on their own, and the figures are staggering. The ELCA has announced it is laying off some 60 employees; several synods have also had to let employees go.

The list of congregations that have scheduled votes to leave the ELCA this year and next is growing. We have posted 20 churches that are voting on Reformation Sunday, October 31.

Please note also, that missing from our list are at least 50 congregations that have voted, but we do not have the information at this time.

AALC - The American Association of Lutheran Churches;
AFLC - Association of Free Lutheran Congregations;
CLB - Church of the Lutheran Brethren
ELCM - Evangelical Lutheran Conference and Ministerium;
FELC- Fellowship of Evangelical Lutheran Churches
LCI - Lutheran Church-International
LCMC - Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ;
LC-MS Lutheran Church Missouri Synod;
NALC - North American Lutheran Church




Churches that have successfully taken first and/or second votes to leave the ELCA since August 2009 are:



ARIZONA 5** 1*
** Light of the Desert Lutheran, Cave Creek LCMC
** Light of Christ Lutheran, Chandler LCMC
** Community Church of Joy, Glendale LCMC
** Victory Lutheran Church, Mesa LCMC
* La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, Scottsdale
** Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Tempe LCMC

CALIFORNIA 24** 2*
** St. John’s Lutheran, Arroyo Grande LCMC
** Sierra Lutheran Church, Auberry LCMC
** Chinese Life Lutheran Church, Alhambra LCMC
** Christ the King Lutheran, Fallbrook LCMC
** Shepherd of the Mountains, Frazier Park AALC
** Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, Galt AALC
** St. Mark Chinese Luth, Hacienda Heights LCMC
** Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Irvine LCMC
** Concordia Lutheran Church, Kingsburg LCMC
** Lutheran Church of Cross, Laguna Woods LCMC
** St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, La Mesa FELC
** Emanuel Lutheran Church, Lodi LCMC
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Los Banos LCMC
** Mount of Olives Lutheran, Mission Viejo LCMC
** Calvary Lutheran Church, Modesto LCMC
** Grace Lutheran Church, Redway
* Life Lutheran Church, Richmond
** Grace Lutheran Church, Ridgecrest LCMC
** Rancho Penasquitos Lutheran , San Diego LCMC
** St. Timothy Lutheran Church, San Diego LCMC
** Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, San Jose LCMC
* St. Timothy Lutheran Church, San Jose
** Good Shepherd Lutheran, Torrance
** Red Hill Lutheran Church, Tustin LCMC
** Mt. Calvary Faith Lutheran, West Covina LCMC
** Westminister Lutheran Church, Westminister LCMC

COLORADO 4**
** Faith Lutheran Church, Castle Rock LCMC
** Bethel Lutheran, Colorado Springs LCMC
** St. Luke’s Lutheran, Colorado Springs NALC
** Lutheran Church of the Cross, Evergreen LCMC

FLORIDA 7** 1*
* Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Dade City
** St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fort Pierce LCMC
** Shepherd of Woods Church, Jacksonville LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Lakeland LCMC
** Hope Lutheran Church, Miami LCMC
** Peace Lutheran Church, Palm Bay LCMC
** St. John Lutheran Church, Palatka LCMC
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Titusville LCMC
Note: Although St. Peter Lutheran of Fort Pierce voted unanimously to withdraw, the ELCA will not allow them to leave with their property.

GEORGIA 7** 1*
** Laurel Hill Lutheran Church, Clyo LCMC
** Wingard Memorial Lutheran, Clyo LCMC
** Christ the King Lutheran Church, Evans NALC
* Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fayetteville
** Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Hartwell LCMC
** Bethel Lutheran Church, Springfield LCMC
** Holy Trinity Lutheran, Springfield LCMC

IDAHO 3** 1*
** Zion Lutheran Church, Deary LCMC
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Hayden
** First Evangelical Lutheran, Idaho Falls LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Pierce LCMC

ILLINOIS 10** 11*
** Trinity Lutheran Church, DeKalb
** First Lutheran Church, Dongola LCMC
** St. John of Union County Luth, Dongola LCMC
** St. Peter Lutheran Church, Emden LCMC
* St. John’s Lutheran Church, Flanagan
** Joyful Harvest Lutheran, Johnsburg LCMC
* Messiah Lutheran Church, Joliet
** First Lutheran Church, Kirkland NALC
* Calvary Lutheran Church, Lee
** St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lindenhurst LCMC
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Metropolis
** Faith Lutheran Church, Moline LCMC
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Oregon LCMC
* First Lutheran Church, Pontiac
* Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Quincy
* American Lutheran Church, Rantoul
* Calvary Lutheran Church, Rockford
** Prince of Peace Lutheran, Rockton LCMC
* St. John Lutheran Church, Royal
* Hosanna Lutheran Church, St. Charles
* Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thomasboro

INDIANA 2** 4*
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Auburn
* St. John Lutheran Ft. Wayne (Lake Twp.)
* Antioch Lutheran Church, Hoagland
** St. James Lutheran Church, Holland LCMC
** St. Mark Lutheran Church, St. Joe LCMC
* St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Stendal

IOWA 15** 13*
** St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Bode LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines LCMC
* Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove
** Samuel Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove
** Prince of Peace Lutheran, Evansdale AALC
* Fertile Lutheran Church, Fertile
** Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fontanelle LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Hudson LCMC
** Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Inwood LCMC
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Irwin LCMC
** Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville LCMC
** Bethany Lutheran Church, Kelley LCMC
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Marion
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona
* St. John Lutheran Church, Plainfield
* Elim Lutheran Church, Randall
* Salem Lutheran Church, Roland
* Zion Lutheran Church, Ruthvan
** United Lutheran Church, Shelby LCMC
** Skien Lutheran Church, Sloan LCMC
* Bethel Lutheran Church, Story City
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Story City LCMC
** Stratford Lutheran Church, Stratford LCMC
** Ulensvang Lutheran Church, Thor
* Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church, Waterville
* Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church, Waukon
* Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waukee
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Williams

KANSAS 5**
** First Lutheran Church, Clay Center LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Clyde LCMC
** Christ the King Lutheran, Dodge City LCMC
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Linn LCMC
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Palmer LCMC

KENTUCKY 3**
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Augusta AALC
** Hopeful Lutheran Church, Florence LCMC
** Hebron Lutheran Church, Hebron LCMC

MARYLAND 2** 2*
* St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Annapolis
** Lutheran Church of Redeemer Damascus LCMC
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Joppa LCMC
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Sabillasville

MICHIGAN 8** 2*
* St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bridgewater
** St. Michael Lutheran Church, Canton LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Felch LCMC
** First Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain
** Our Savior’s Lutheran, Iron Mountain LCMC
** Redeemer Lutheran Church, Owosso NALC
** Christ Lutheran Church, Reese LCMC
** Christ Lutheran Church, Shingleton
* Zion Lutheran Church, Skanee
** Christ Lutheran Church, Warren LCMC

MINNESOTA 40** 9*
** Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, Afton LCMC
** Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Badger
** Trefoldighed Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
** Lutheran Ch. of Master, Brooklyn Center LCMC
** Discover Church, Brooklyn Park LCMC
** Wangen Prairie Lutheran, Cannon Falls LCMC
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crosby NALC
** Lund Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes LCMC
** Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran LCMC
** Central Lutheran Church, Elk River LCMC
* First Lutheran Church, Ellendale
** Grace Lutheran Church, Erskine NALC
** Rodnes Lutheran Church, Erskine LCMC
** Hope Lutheran Church, Floodwood LCMC
** Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fridley LCMC
** Calvary Lutheran, Golden Valley
* United Lutheran Church, Gonvick
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover LCMC
* Hawley Lutheran Church, Hawley
* Hegland Lutheran Church, Hawley
**Singaas Lutheran Church, Hendrix
* Looney Valley Lutheran Church, Houston
* St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake
** Christ the King Lutheran, Hutchinson LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Hutchinson LCMC
* South Zumbro Lutheran Church, Kasson
** Hosanna Lutheran Church, Lakeville
** American Lutheran Church, Long Prairie LCMC
** Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Maple Lake LCMC
** Christ Lutheran Church, Maple Plain LCMC
** Bethany Lutheran Church, Menahga LCMC
** First English Lutheran Church Menahga LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church Mentor NALC
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minneapolis LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Monticello LCMC
* Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Nelcon
** Rejoice Lutheran Renewal Church, Northfield
** Salem Lutheran Church, Osakis
** Sauk Valley Lutheran Church, Osakis
** Christ Lutheran Church, Otsego LCMC
** First Lutheran Church, Roseau LCMC
** Community Church of Hope, Rosemount
** Rushford Lutheran Church, Rushford LCMC
** Sychar Lutheran Church, Silver Bay
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Springfield LCMC
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield
** Zoar Lutheran Church, Tofte LCMC
** Folden Lutheran Church, Vining
** Riverside Lutheran Church, Wannaska

MISSOURI 1** 1*
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Ava NALC
* Christ Lutheran Church, Stover

MONTANA 18**
** Peace Lutheran Church, Belgrade LCMC
** Bethany Lutheran Church, Bigfork LCMC
** Little Missouri Lutheran Church, Capitol LCMC
** Our Savior Lutheran Church, Chester LCMC
** Golden West Lutheran Church, Conrad LCMC
** Pondera Valley Lutheran Church, Conrad LCMC
** First Lutheran Church, Dillon
** Calvary Lutheran Church, Evergreen LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Flaxville LCMC
** Pleasant Prairie Lutheran, Flaxville LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Great Falls LCMC
** St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Ledger LCMC
** Peerless Lutheran Church, Peerless LCMC
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Popular
** Scobey Lutheran Church, Scobey LCMC
** Valier Lutheran Church, Valier LCMC
** Christ Lutheran Church, Whitefish LCMC
** American Lutheran Church, Winifred LCMC

NEBRASKA 5** 4*
* Peace Lutheran Church, Alma
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Axtel
** Thanksgiving Lutheran Church, Bellevue LCMC
* Peace Lutheran Church, Deshler
** Fridhem Lutheran Church, Funk LCMC
** Bethel Lutheran Church, Holdrege
** Christ the Servant Lutheran, Norfolk LCMC
* St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Republican City
** Hope Lutheran Church, Smithfield LCMC
Note: Although Bethel Lutheran, Holdrege voted successfully (twice) to withdraw, their ELCA synod will not allow them to leave with their property.

NEW YORK 5** 3*
** St. Nicodemus Lutheran, East Aurora LCMC
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Delhi LCMS
** Advent Lutheran Church, Elmont LCMC
* Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gallupville
* First Lutheran Church, Lyons LC-I
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Middleburgh
** St. James Lutheran Church, Niagara Falls LCMC
** St James Lutheran Stewart Manor LCMC

NORTH CAROLINA 10** 8*
** Well of Hope Lutheran Church, Charlotte LCMC
* Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove LCMS
* Millers Lutheran Church, Hickory
** New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Hickory NALC
** Center Grove Lutheran Church, Kannapolis
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Landis NALC
* Bethel Lutheran Church, Lincolnton NALC
** Grace Lutheran Church, Newton NALC
* St. James Lutheran Church, Newton
** Christiana Lutheran Church, Salisbury NALC
* Organ Lutheran Church, Salisbury
** St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury NALC
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury
* Union Lutheran Church, Salisbury
** Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, Statesville LCMC
* St. John Lutheran Church, Statesville
** Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Weddington LCMC
* Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Wilkesboro

NORTH DAKOTA 2** 3*
* Peace Lutheran Church, Devil’s Lake
* Anselm Trinity Lutheran Church, Enderlin
** Peace Lutheran Church, Hazen
* Mabel Lutheran Church, Sutton
** First Lutheran, Washburn

OHIO 9** 7*
** St. Michael Lutheran Church, Ashland
** First Lutheran Church, Barberton
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cardington LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Cincinati
* Puritas Lutheran Church, Cleveland
* Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Columbus
* Zion Lutheran Church, Columbus (Obetz)
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Crestline
** Greenford Lutheran Church, Greenford
* St. John Lutheran Church, Greenville
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Greenville LCMC
** First English Lutheran Church, Mansfield
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Maumee
* Resurrection Lutheran Church, Port Clinton
* Grace Evan. Lutheran Church, Springfield
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sulphur Springs

OREGON 2**
** Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Boardman
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Hermiston

PENNSYLVANIA 8** 5*
** Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Abington NALC
** Christ Lutheran Church, Dallastown LCMC
* Dunmyer Lutheran Church, Johnstown
** St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran, Millersburg
** St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Muncy
* St. James Lutheran Church, Philadelphia
* Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh (Brentwood)
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sarver
* Zion (Shaffers) United Lutheran, Seven Valleys
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, West Manchester
** St. Paul Lutheran, McConnellsburg ELCM
** St. Paul Lutheran , Big Cove Tannery ELCM
** Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Little Cove ELCM
(The last three congregations listed were kicked out of the ELCA for calling a non-ELCA pastor and for holding dual membership in another church body.)

SOUTH CAROLINA 2** 1*
** Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, Conway
* Lake Wylie Lutheran Church, Fort Mill
** Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, York

SOUTH DAKOTA 17** 1*
** East Lake Andes Lutheran, Armour LCMC
** St. Peter Lutheran Church, Armour
** American Lutheran Church, Castlewood NALC
** Hope Lutheran Church, Delmont AFLC
** Lands Lutheran Church, Hudson LCMC
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Hudson LCMC
** Calvary Lutheran Church, Irene
** Ladner Lutheran Church, Ladner
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Lake Norden
** Shepherd of the Hills, Lead LCMC
** Our Savior Lutheran Church, Long Valley
** Deep Creek Lutheran Church, Midland
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Midland
** First Lutheran Church, Philip NALC
** Bethlehem Lutheran, Pierpont LCMC
**Trinity Lutheran Church, Platt LCMC
** First American Lutheran, Tripp
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitewood NALC

TEXAS 21** 8*
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alice
** St. John’s Lutheran, Boerne
* Salem Lutheran Church, (Welcome) Brenham
** St. John Lutheran Church, Dime Box
** Grace Lutheran Church, Ennis LCMC
** Holy Ghost Lutheran, Fredricksburg NALC
** Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Giddings
** Living Word Lutheran Church, Grapevine
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Haskell
** Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Inez
* Immanuel Lutheran Church, La Vernia
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, New Braunfels
** First Lutheran Church, Orange Grove
** St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Point Comfort
* St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Portland
* Peace Lutheran Church, Rockdale
* Peace Lutheran Church, Rosenberg
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rosenberg
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Taylor
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Taylor LCMC
** Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Taylor LCMC
* St. John Lutheran Church, Thrall
** Our Savior Lutheran Church, Three Rivers NALC
** First Lutheran Church, Tivoli
* Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tyler NALC
** Zion Lutheran of Mission Valley,Victoria LCMS
** St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Weesatche
** St. John Lutheran Church, Winters LCMC
** Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Yoakum
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Yorktown NALC

UTAH 1**
** Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Roy

VIRGINIA 4** 1*
** Apostles Lutheran Church, Chesapeake
* Reformation Lutheran Church, Culpeper NALC
** Lebanon Lutheran Church, Lebanon
** Morning Star Lutheran Church, Mt. Jackson
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Roanoke

WASHINGTON 7** 3*
** Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Bremerton AALC
** Lutheran Church of Redeemer, Chimacum LCMC
** Christ the Servant Lutheran, Lacey LCMC
* Emmanuel Lutheran, Longview
* Central Lutheran Church, Morton
** Christ Lutheran Church, Odessa
** Richland Lutheran Church, Richland LCMC
** St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Rochester LCMC
** Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Stanwood
** Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Walla, Walla



WEST VIRGINIA 1*
** St. Timothy Lutheran, Charleston NALC

WISCONSIN 17** 4*
** St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Big Falls
* Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline
** Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville LCMC
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Dupont
** Peace Lutheran Church, Edgar LCMC
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Gillett LCMC
** Northland Lutheran Church, Iola LCMC
** Hitterdahl Lutheran Church, Iola LCMC
** Olivet Lutheran Church, LaCrosse LCMC
** St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Luck LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Manawa LCMC
** Bethlehem Lutheran, (Pella) Marion LCMC
** Grace Lutheran Church Oconto Falls LCMC
** First Lutheran Church, Ogdensburg LCMC
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Pell Lake LCMC
** Stanfold Lutheran Church, Rice Lake LCMC
* Peace Lutheran Church, Split Rock, WI
** Living Water Lutheran, Sun Prairie LCMC
** North West Prairie Lutheran, Viroqua LCMC
** South West Prairie Lutheran, Viroqua LCMC



WYOMING 1*
* Christ the King Lutheran Church, Newcastle

CONGREGATIONS SET TO VOTE THIS WEEK ON LEAVING THE ELCA

Please inform us about other congregations that are scheduled to vote this week but are not listed here. wordabide@aol.com

October 27
Westminster Lutheran Church, Westminster, CA **

October 28
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, DeSoto, IL *

October 31
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thomasboro, IL **
American Lutheran Church, Rantoul, IL **
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Royal, IL **
Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH **
(The above four congregations represent a net membership loss for the ELCA of over 9,000.)

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Dade City, FL **
Trinity Lutheran Church, Letcher, SD *
Salem (Welcome) Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX **
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, IL *
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX *
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Greenville, OH **
Miller’s Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC **
Peace Lutheran Church, Rockdale, TX **
First Lutheran Church, Lyons, NY **
First Lutheran Church, Tulare, CA *
Zion Lutheran Church, Philo, IL *
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Edgemere, MD *
First English Lutheran Church, Marysville, OH *
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hunter Station, PA *
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Red Cross, PA*
First Lutheran Church, Hoople, ND *
First Lutheran Church, Paxton, IL *
Trinity Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, IA *
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mansfield, OH *
Friendship Lutheran Church, Taylorsville, NC *
Calvary Lutheran Church, Brookfield, WI *

RESULTS FOR CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE ELCA OCTOBER 24

First Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, MI second successful vote 108-42, LCMC.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, GA first successful vote 178-25.
Reformation Lutheran Church, Culpeper, VA first successful was vote taken August 29.
Hegland Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN first successful vote was taken August 29 - 26-1.
First English Lutheran Church, Menahga, MN second successful vote 59-5. LCMC
(Kissinger Lutheran Church, Wyomissing, PA has rescheduled their vote.)
Westminster Lutheran Church, Westminster, CA second successful vote 95% LCMC
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, DeSoto, IL first voted failed 44-29.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, La Vernia, TX first successful vote 149-6. NALC
First Lutheran Church, Northwood, IA first vote failed 119 yes-63 no.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE TRUE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

by Pastor David R. Barnhart

When Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus that first resurrection morning, she encountered two angels who asked her: “Woman, why are you weeping?” Mary responded, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him” (John 20:13). That is exactly the way I feel as I observe what is or is not being taught today in so many churches regarding the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul defined the gospel as the salvation Christ obtained for us through His life, death and resurrection. God offers us this blood-bought salvation as a free gift, without any merit or works on our part. Salvation is offered to us by grace through faith, plus nothing.

Today, liberal church leaders have decided the teaching of the Bible regarding salvation is no longer acceptable, especially teachings about “the atonement” or “the blood.” Instead, they say, the gospel must be given a new interpretation in keeping with our enlightened culture, wherein peace and social justice are the ultimate goal.

In the September 2008 issue of The Lutheran, published by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Steven Marsh, assistant to the bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod, distorted the gospel when he defined Christ’s resurrection as an “issue of justice.” His interpretation of Christ’s death and resurrection are straight from the handbook on Liberation Theology. Marsh wrote: “If justice is faithfulness to the values of the kingdom of God—values that would have everyone living in harmony, equality and peace—then the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth was and is an issue of justice.” Marsh goes on to say, “Right relationship is justice, and we can be publicly resurrected to right relationship with each passing moment. That makes resurrection not just an issue of justice but an issue of public justice.”

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America members and all Bible-believing Christians should be outraged that the gospel of Christ is being so perverted. This perversion of the gospel is being taught in most mainline denominations and by the emergent church movement. Sadly, it is even being taught in portions of the evangelical church as well.

Paul could not have been more clear when he stated: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed” (Gal. 1:8). And then to reinforce the seriousness of this departure from truth, Paul stated again, “if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed” (Gal. 1:9). Let there be no mistake, those who pervert the divinely revealed gospel of Christ will answer to God.

The tragedy of this perversion of truth is found in the millions of lost souls who enter their churches Sunday after Sunday and never hear the clear call of the gospel to repent of their sin and be saved. Jesus did not tell His Church to go into the world and preach “peace and social justice,” rather He commanded us to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel of salvation.
Peace, justice and other noble aspirations are not the essence of the gospel. These things, important as they are, will come to fruition only when unregenerate hearts are converted to Christ. Christ did not die to bring about social justice; He died to deliver all who will believe in Him from eternal death to eternal life! He died to restore us to a right relationship with God. It is only as salvation is received by faith that we are enabled to live in a right relationship with God and with our fellowmen.

NEGLECT OF THE GOSPEL BY EVANGELICALS
While I am saddened to see the gospel of Christ being perverted in liberal and emergent churches, I am equally saddened to see it being neglected in evangelical churches. Over the past several years, I have sat under the preaching of numerous pastors who, though holding to a high view of Scripture, chose to substitute the authentic proclamation of the gospel for sermons that could have been delivered by a Unitarian or a psychologist. Such sermons rarely mention sin, the need of repentance or God’s plan of salvation.

While it is appropriate to offer biblically based instruction designed to help Christians mature in various areas of their lives, Sunday morning is no time to get off task. It is wrong to set aside the preaching of the gospel to accomplish these secondary matters. On any given Sunday, most churches are filled with people who are not saved. They don’t need a message on social justice or “How to Have a Happy Marriage,” or “Principles to Prosperity,” they need to be led to the cross through the proclamation of the Word of God.

Whether the authentic gospel of Christ is being changed or challenged by liberals, redesigned and repackaged by emergent church leaders, or neglected by evangelical pastors, the result is the same—the lost remain lost, without help or hope!

In light of the Lord’s soon return, we pastors are urged to resist the temptation to preach what people want to hear, and instead tell them what they must know in order to have eternal life. As Paul said, “Preach the Word in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:1-3). Tell them of Jesus and His great sacrifice on the cross to redeem them from sin and death. The proclamation of the true gospel of Christ never grows old or fails to yield eternal results.

CHURCH EXODUS IN FINLAND OVER HOMOSEXUAL ISSUES

Archbishop Kari Makinen

At least 18,000 people have resigned from the Finnish Lutheran Church because they believe it is too negative on homosexuals. The exodus could cost the church some $2 million in revenue.

http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Up+to+18000+leave+Lutheran+Church+over+statements+on+gay+current+affairs+programme/1135260979317

CONGREGATIONS SCHEDULED TO VOTE OCTOBER 24 TO LEAVE ELCA

REMEMBER THESE CONGREGATIONS IN PRAYER...

First vote * Second vote **

October 24
First English Lutheran Church, Menahga, MN **
First Lutheran Church, Floresville, TX*
First Lutheran Church, Northwood, IA *
Kissinger Lutheran Church, Wyomissing, PA *
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Everett, WA*

October 27
Westminster Lutheran Church, Westminster, CA **


October 28
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, DeSoto, IL *

RESULTS-- CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE ELCA OCTOBER 17, 2010

St. John's Lutheran Church, Boyertown, Pa. first vote failed 139 yes - 207 no.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Landis, NC second successful vote 84 yes, 2 no, 4 abstensions.
Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove, NC first successful vote 151 yes, 7 no.
St. Martin's Lutheran Church, Malvern, OH second vote failed 44 yes, 23 no.
Bethany Lutheran Church, Emmetsburg, IA first voted failed 73 yes, 68 no.
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Nelson, MN first successful vote 100%.
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Armour, SD second successful vote 61 yes, 11 no. (October 10)
Trinity Lutheran Church, DeKalb, IL second successful vote 54-3.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Springfield, OH first successful vote 78.1% voted to leave the ELCA and join the NALC.
St. Martin's Lutheran Church, Annapolis, MD first vote successful; do not have vote tally at this time.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Greenville, OH second successful vote 83%. Joining LCMC.
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Owosso, MI second successful vote 65-2. Also voted to join NALC.

THE UNREDEEMED CONSCIENCE IS UNRELIABLE by David R. Barnhart

Truth is timeless! Neither God nor His Word are subject to change. “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Yet, we are being told today by preachers and politicians that we must change with the times and not be so unyielding in our positions regarding correct doctrine and morality. Such advice is a slippery slope to hell. In this critical hour, it is imperative that each Christian examines his or her heart in light of the Scriptures to determine exactly what God has spoken and what He expects from us in terms of faith and obedience.

In 1521 Martin Luther stood trembling before Emperor Charles V and prelates of the Roman Church at the Diet of Worms. He had been summoned on charges that he was a heretic. Luther knew that by going to Worms, he risked being burned at the stake for his writings and teachings. Even so, Luther stood his ground when confronted with a demand that he recant what he had written. “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted one another— my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Here I stand.”

THE FOLLY OF THE ELCA’S ‘BOUND CONSCIENCE’ DECEPTION
Vast portions of the church no longer look to God’s Word for guidance on moral issues, but instead look to self-acclaimed experts whose vocabulary does not include the word “sin.” The authoritative declaration “Thus says the Lord” is being replaced in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with the self-serving expression— “My conscience is bound to what I personally believe.”

At their 2009 Churchwide Assembly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) used Luther’s words at Worms to justify a twisted concept of a “bound conscience,” regarding the ordination of practicing homosexuals. Their carefully orchestrated plan called upon members of the ELCA to respect one another’s conflicting opinions on this issue based on the principle of a “bound conscience.” What a perversion of truth! One is reminded of Israel’s rebellion when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

Luther’s conscience was not bound by his own reasoning, or the norms of his culture, or by the teachings of the Roman Church. Luther’s conscience was captive to the Word of God. What you and I believe about anything has no validity if our beliefs are contradicted by the teachings of the Bible. Scripture alone must be the only basis of rightly judging all matters of faith and practice.

The ELCA’s concept of a “bound conscience” is certainly not being applied to congregations wanting to exit the denomination but whose property is being held hostage by the leaders of their respective synods. Their “bound conscience” concept is not being honored when ELCA pastors are censured and otherwise persecuted for speaking out against the ELCA’s acceptance of homosexual perversions, or when they seek to lead their congregations to withdraw from the ELCA.

CONSCIENCE MUST BE WASHED IN THE BLOOD
According to Scripture, the unregenerate conscience is incapable of rendering a right or reliable judgment about anything. Like the soul of man, the conscience also must be born again! Paul writes that in the last days people will “fall away from the faith,” because they follow “deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons from those whose consciences had been seared as with a branding iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

Each of us—body, soul, mind, conscience and spirit—must be washed in the blood of the Lamb! The only solution for a sin-impaired conscience is salvation in Jesus Christ. God’s Word instructs us: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:22-23). Scripture further declares: “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14).

UPDATE 10/13/10 CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE THE ELCA SINCE AUGUST 2009

First vote* Second vote**

Additions to our list since September 27, 2010
St. John Lutheran Church, Arroyo Grande **
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Marion, IA*
Bethel Lutheran Church, Story City, IA *
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Linn, KS ** LCMC
First Lutheran Church, Clay Center, KS ** LCMC
Zion Lutheran Church, Clyde, KS ** LCMC
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Palmer, KS** LCMC
Christ Lutheran Church, Warren, MI ** LCMC
Christ Lutheran Church, Stover, MO * AFLC
Looney Valley Lutheran Church, Houston, MN *
Rushford Lutheran Church, Rushford, MN ** LCMC
Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, MN *
Riverside Lutheran Church, Wannaska, MN **
Bethel Lutheran Church, Lincolnton, NC * NALC
Organ Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC *
Peace Lutheran Church, Devil’s Lake, ND *
Trinity Lutheran Church, Lake Norden, SD * NALC
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitewood, SD ** NALC
Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX ** NALC
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Winters, TX ** LCMC
Apostles Lutheran Church, Chesapeake, VA** LCMC
Lebanon Lutheran Church, Lebanon, VA
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Bremerton, WA ** AALC
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Torrance, CA ** LCMC

Please remember these congregations scheduled to vote October 17
St. Martin Lutheran Church, Annapolis, MD *

St. Peter Lutheran Church, Glasford, IL *

St. John Lutheran Church, Boyertown, PA *

Grace Lutheran Church, Springfield, OH *

Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove, NC *

Bethany Lutheran Church, Emmetsburg, IA *

St. Martin Lutheran Church, Malvern, OH **

We have added to our list the chosen Lutheran Affiliation for congregations that have voted out of the ELCA. This is a work in progress. Several congregations hold membership in more than one Lutheran body, but we have room for only one.

Send additions or corrections for any part of
this listing to: wordabide@aol.com

AALC - The American Association of Lutheran Churches;

AFLC - Association of Free Lutheran Congregations;

ELCM - Evangelical Lutheran Conference and Ministerium;

FELC- Fellowship of Evangelical Lutheran Churches

LCMC - Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ;

LC-MS Lutheran Church Missouri Synod;

NALC - North American Lutheran Church

Listed below are those known to have been successful in their first and/or second vote.

ARIZONA 5** 1*
** Light of the Desert Lutheran, Cave Creek LCMC
** Light of Christ Lutheran, Chandler LCMC
** Community Church of Joy, Glendale LCMC
** Victory Lutheran Church, Mesa LCMC
* La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, Scottsdale
** Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Tempe LCMC

CALIFORNIA 23** 3*
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Arroyo Grande LCMC
** Sierra Lutheran Church, Auberry LCMC
** Chinese Life Lutheran Church, Alhambra LCMC
** Christ the King Lutheran, Fallbrook LCMC
** Shepherd of the Mountains, Frazier Park LCMC
** Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, Galt AALC
** St. Mark Chinese Luth, Hacienda Heights LCMC
** Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Irvine LCMC
** Concordia Lutheran Church, Kingsburg LCMC
** Lutheran Church of Cross, Laguna Woods LCMC
** St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, La Mesa FELC
** Emanuel Lutheran Church, Lodi LCMC
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Los Banos LCMC
** Mount of Olives Lutheran, Mission Viejo LCMC
** Calvary Lutheran Church, Modesto LCMC
** Grace Lutheran Church, Redway
* Life Lutheran Church, Richmond
** Grace Lutheran Church, Ridgecrest LCMC
**Rancho Penasquitos Lutheran , San Diego LCMC
** St. Timothy Lutheran Church, San Diego LCMC
** Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, San Jose LCMC
* St. Timothy Lutheran Church, San Jose
**Good Shepherd Lutheran, Torrance LCMC
** Red Hill Lutheran Church, Tustin LCMC
** Mt. Calvary Faith Lutheran, West Covina LCMC
* Westminister Lutheran Church, Westminister

COLORADO 4**
** Faith Lutheran Church, Castle Rock LCMC
** Bethel Lutheran, Colorado Springs LCMC
** St. Luke’s Lutheran, Colorado Springs NALC
** Lutheran Church of the Cross, Evergreen LCMC

FLORIDA 7** 1*
* Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Dade City
** St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fort Pierce LCMC
** Shepherd of Woods Church, Jacksonville LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Lakeland LCMC
** Hope Lutheran Church, Miami LCMC
** Peace Lutheran Church, Palm Bay LCMC
** St. John Lutheran Church, Palatka LCMC
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Titusville LCMC
Note: Although St. Peter Lutheran of Fort Pierce voted unanimously to withdraw, the ELCA will not allow them to leave with their property. The synod has removed the pastor from the clergy roster and now wants them to accept a synod-appointed pastor. Stay tuned...

GEORGIA 7**
** Laurel Hill Lutheran Church, Clyo LCMC
** Wingard Memorial Lutheran, Clyo LCMC
** Christ the King Lutheran Church, Evans
** Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Hartwell LCMC
** Bethel Lutheran Church, Springfield LCMC
** Holy Trinity Lutheran, Springfield LCMC

IDAHO 3** 1*
** Zion Lutheran Church, Deary LCMC
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Hayden
** First Evangelical Lutheran, Idaho Falls LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Pierce LCMC

ILLINOIS 9** 11*
** First Lutheran Church, Dongola LCMC
** St. John of Union County Luth, Dongola LCMC
** St. Peter Lutheran Church, Emden LCMC
* St. John’s Lutheran Church, Flanagan
** Joyful Harvest Lutheran, Johnsburg LCMC
* Messiah Lutheran Church, Joliet
** First Lutheran Church, Kirkland NALC
* Calvary Lutheran Church, Lee
** St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lindenhurst LCMC
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Metropolis
** Faith Lutheran Church, Moline LCMC
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Oregon LCMC
* First Lutheran Church, Pontiac
* Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Quincy
* American Lutheran Church, Rantoul
* Calvary Lutheran Church, Rockford
** Prince of Peace Lutheran, Rockton LCMC
* St. John Lutheran Church, Royal
* Hosanna Lutheran Church, St. Charles
* Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thomasboro

INDIANA 2** 4*
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Auburn
* St. John Lutheran Ft. Wayne (Lake Twp.)
* Antioch Lutheran Church, Hoagland
** St. James Lutheran Church, Holland LCMC
** St. Mark Lutheran Church, St. Joe LCMC
* St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Stendal

IOWA 15** 12*
** St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Bode LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines LCMC
* Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove
** Samuel Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove
** Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Evansdale
** Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fontanelle LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Hudson LCMC
** Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Inwood LCMC
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Irwin LCMC
** Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville LCMC
** Bethany Lutheran Church, Kelley LCMC
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Marion
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona
* St. John Lutheran Church, Plainfield
* Elim Lutheran Church, Randall
* Salem Lutheran Church, Roland
* Zion Lutheran Church, Ruthvan
** United Lutheran Church, Shelby LCMC
** Skien Lutheran Church, Sloan LCMC
* Bethel Lutheran Church, Story City
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Story City LCMC
** Stratford Lutheran Church, Stratford LCMC
** Ulensvang Lutheran Church, Thor
* Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church, Waterville
* Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church, Waukon
* Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waukee
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Williams

KANSAS 5**
** First Lutheran Church, Clay Center LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Clyde LCMC
** Christ the King Lutheran, Dodge City LCMC
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Linn LCMC
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Palmer LCMC

KENTUCKY 3**
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Augusta
** Hopeful Lutheran Church, Florence LCMC
** Hebron Lutheran Church, Hebron LCMC

MARYLAND 2** 1*
**Lutheran Church of Redeemer Damascus LCMC
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Joppa LCMC
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Sabillasville

MICHIGAN 6** 2*
* St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bridgewater
** St. Michael Lutheran Church, Canton LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Felch LCMC
* First Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain
** Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain LCMC
** Christ Lutheran Church, Reese LCMC
** Christ Lutheran Church, Shingleton
** Christ Lutheran Church, Warren LCMC

MINNESOTA 35** 9*
** Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, Afton LCMC
* Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Badger
** Trefoldighed Lutheran Church, Battle Lake
** Lutheran Ch. of Master, Brooklyn Center LCMC
** Discover Church, Brooklyn Park LCMC
** Wangen Prairie Lutheran, Cannon Falls LCMC
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crosby NALC
** Lund Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes LCMC
** Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran LCMC
** Central Lutheran Church, Elk River LCMC
* First Lutheran Church, Ellendale
** Grace Lutheran Church, Erskine NALC
** Rodnes Lutheran Church, Erskine LCMC
** Hope Lutheran Church, Floodwood LCMC
** Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fridley LCMC
** Calvary Lutheran, Golden Valley
* United Lutheran Church, Gonvick
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover LCMC
* Hawley Lutheran Church, Hawley
** Singaas Lutheran Church, Hendricks
* Looney Valley Lutheran Church, Houston
* St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake
** Christ the King Lutheran, Hutchinson LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Hutchinson LCMC
* South Zumbro Lutheran Church, Kasson
** Hosanna Lutheran Church, Lakeville
** American Lutheran Church, Long Prairie LCMC
** Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Maple Lake LCMC

** Christ Lutheran Church, Maple Plain
** Bethany Lutheran Church, Menahga LCMC
* First English Lutheran Church Menahga
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minneapolis LCMC
** Faith Lutheran Church, Monticello LCMC
** Rejoice Lutheran Renewal Church, Northfield
** Salem Lutheran Church, Osakis
** Sauk Valley Lutheran Church, Osakis
** Christ Lutheran Church, Otsego LCMC
** Community Church of Hope, Rosemount
** Rushford Lutheran Church, Rushford
** Sychar Lutheran Church, Silver Bay
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Springfield LCMC
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield
** Zoar Lutheran Church, Tofte LCMC
** Riverside Lutheran Church, Wannaska

MISSOURI 1** 1*
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Ava
* Christ Lutheran Church, Stover

MONTANA 18**
** Peace Lutheran Church, Belgrade
** Bethany Lutheran Church, Bigfork
** Little Missouri Lutheran Church, Capitol
** Our Savior Lutheran Church, Chester LCMC
** Golden West Lutheran Church, Conrad
** Pondera Valley Lutheran Church, Conrad
** First Lutheran Church, Dillon
** Calvary Lutheran Church, Evergreen
** Zion Lutheran Church, Flaxville
** Pleasant Prairie Lutheran Church, Flaxville
** Faith Lutheran Church, Great Falls
** St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Ledger LCMC
** Peerless Lutheran Church, Peerless
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Popular
** Scobey Lutheran Church, Scobey
** Valier Lutheran Church, Valier
** Christ Lutheran Church, Whitefish
** American Lutheran Church, Winifred

NEBRASKA 5** 4*
* Peace Lutheran Church, Alma
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Axtel
** Thanksgiving Lutheran Church, Bellevue
* Peace Lutheran Church, Deshler
** Fridhem Lutheran Church, Funk
** Bethel Lutheran Church, Holdrege
** Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, Norfolk
* St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Republican City
** Hope Lutheran Church, Smithfield
Note: Although Bethel Lutheran, Holdrege voted successfully (twice) to withdraw, their ELCA synod will not allow them to leave with their property.

NEW YORK 5** 3*
** St. Nicodemus Lutheran Church, Aurora
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Delhi
** Advent Lutheran Church, Elmont
* Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gallupville
* First Lutheran Church, Lyons
* St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Middleburgh
** St. James Lutheran Church, Niagara Falls
** St James Lutheran Church, Stewart Manor

NORTH CAROLINA 9** 7*
** Well of Hope Lutheran Church, Charlotte
* Millers Lutheran Church, Hickory
** New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Hickory NALC
** Center Grove Lutheran Church, Kannapolis
* Bethel Lutheran Church, Lincolnton NALC
** Grace Lutheran Church, Newton
* St. James Lutheran Church, Newton
** Christiana Lutheran Church, Salisbury NALC
* Organ Lutheran Church, Salisbury
** St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury NALC
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury
* Union Lutheran Church, Salisbury
** Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, Statesville
* St. John Lutheran Church, Statesville
** Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Weddington
* Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Wilkesboro

NORTH DAKOTA 2** 3*
* Peace Lutheran Church, Devil’s Lake
* Anselm Trinity Lutheran Church, Enderlin
** Peace Lutheran Church, Hazen
* Mabel Lutheran Church, Sutton
** First Lutheran, Washburn

OHIO 8** 7*
** St. Michael Lutheran Church, Ashland
** First Lutheran Church, Barberton
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cardington
** Faith Lutheran Church, Cincinati
* Puritas Lutheran Church, Cleveland
* Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Columbus
* Zion Lutheran Church, Columbus (Obetz)
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Crestline
** Greenford Lutheran Church, Greenford
* St. John Lutheran Church, Greenville
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Greenville
** First English Lutheran Church, Mansfield
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Maumee
* Resurrection Lutheran Church, Port Clinton
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sulphur Springs

OREGON 2**
** Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Boardman
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Hermiston

PENNSYLVANIA 8** 5*
** Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Abington NALC
** Christ Lutheran Church, Dallastown LCMC
* Dunmyer Lutheran Church, Johnstown
** St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran, Millersburg
** St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Muncy
* St. James Lutheran Church, Philadelphia
* Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh (Brentwood)
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sarver
* Zion (Shaffers) United Lutheran, Seven Valleys
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, West Manchester
St. Paul Lutheran, McConnellsburg ELCM
St. Paul Lutheran , Big Cove Tannery ELCM
Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Little Cove ELCM
(The last three congregations listed were kicked out of the ELCA for calling a non-ELCA pastor and for holding dual membership in another church body.)

SOUTH CAROLINA 2** 1*
** Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, Conway
* Lake Wylie Lutheran Church, Fort Mill
** Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, York

SOUTH DAKOTA 16** 2*
** East Lake Andes Lutheran, Armour LCMC
* St. Peter Lutheran Church, Armour
** American Lutheran Church, Castlewood NALC
** Hope Lutheran Church, Delmont AFLC
** Lands Lutheran Church, Hudson LCMC
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Hudson LCMC
** Calvary Lutheran Church, Irene
** Ladner Lutheran Church, Ladner
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Lake Norden
** Shepherd of the Hills, Lead LCMC
** Our Savior Lutheran Church, Long Valley
** Deep Creek Lutheran Church, Midland
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Midland
** First Lutheran Church, Philip NALC
** Bethlehem Lutheran, Pierpont LCMC
**Trinity Lutheran Church, Platt LCMC
** First American Lutheran, Tripp
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitewood NALC

TEXAS 21** 7*
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alice
** St. John’s Lutheran, Boerne
* Salem Lutheran Church, (Welcome) Brenham
** St. John Lutheran Church, Dime Box
** Grace Lutheran Church, Ennis
** Holy Ghost Lutheran, Fredricksburg NALC
** Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Giddings
** Living Word Lutheran Church, Grapevine
** Trinity Lutheran Church, Haskell
** Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Inez
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, New Braunfels
** First Lutheran Church, Orange Grove
** St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Point Comfort
* St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Portland
* Peace Lutheran Church, Rosenberg
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rosenberg
** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Taylor
** Immanuel Lutheran Church, Taylor LCMC
** Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Taylor LCMC
* St. John Lutheran Church, Thrall
** Our Savior Lutheran Church, Three Rivers NALC
** First Lutheran Church, Tivoli
* Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tyler
** Zion Lutheran of Mission Valley, Victoria
** St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Weesatche
** St. John Lutheran Church, Winters LCMC
** Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Yoakum
* St. Paul Lutheran Church, Yorktown

UTAH 1**
** Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Roy

VIRGINIA 4**
** Apostles Lutheran Church, Chesapeake
** Lebanon Lutheran Church, Lebanon
** Morning Star Lutheran Church, Mt. Jackson
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Roanoke

WASHINGTON 7** 3*
** Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Bremerton AALC
** Lutheran Church of Redeemer, Chimacum LCMC
** Christ the Servant Lutheran, Lacey LCMC
* Emmanuel Lutheran, Longview
* Central Lutheran Church, Morton
** Christ Lutheran Church, Odessa
** Richland Lutheran Church, Richland LCMC
** St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Rochester LCMC
** Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Stanwood
* Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Walla Walla

WEST VIRGINIA 1*
** St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Charleston NALC

WISCONSIN 16** 4*
** St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Big Falls
* Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline
** Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville LCMC
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Dupont
* Peace Lutheran Church, Edgar
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Gillett LCMC
** Northland Lutheran Church, Iola LCMC
** Hitterdahl Lutheran Church, Iola LCMC
** Olivet Lutheran Church, LaCrosse LCMC
** St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Luck LCMC
** Zion Lutheran Church, Manawa LCMC
** Bethlehem Lutheran, (Pella) Marion LCMC
** Grace Lutheran Church Oconto Falls LCMC
** First Lutheran Church, Ogdensburg LCMC
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Pell Lake LCMC
** Stanfold Lutheran Church, Rice Lake LCMC
* Peace Lutheran Church, Split Rock, WI
** Living Water Lutheran, Sun Prairie LCMC
** North West Prairie Lutheran, Viroqua LCMC
** South West Prairie Lutheran, Viroqua LCMC

WYOMING 1*
* Christ the King Lutheran Church, Newcastle

RESULTS - CHURCHES VOTING TO LEAVE ELCA - OCTOBER 9-10

1. Rushford Lutheran Church, Rushford, Minnesota ** second successful vote 212-101
2. Bethel Lutheran Church, Lincolnton, NC * first successful vote--64 yes - 3 no. Also voted to join NALC.
3. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitewood, SD ** second successful vote 48-2. Earlier voted to join NALC.
4. St. John's Lutheran Church, Winters, TX ** second successful vote 77-1. Voted to join LCMC.
5. Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX ** second successful vote 88%. Voted to join NALC.
6. Trinity Lutheran Church, Lake Nordin, SD * first successful vote 74-4. Also voted to join NALC.
7. Organ Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC * first successful vote 176-77.*
8. Christ Lutheran Church, Stover, MO * first successful vote; plan to join AFLC
9. St. Timothy Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA * first successful vote 80+%.
10. Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, MN * first successful vote 108-26; also voted to join LCMC.
11. Fir-Conway Lutheran Church, Mt. Vernon, WA * second attempt at first vote failed.
12. St. Peter Lutheran Church, Armour, SD ** second successful vote 61-11.

ELCA SECRETARY RELEASES LATEST FIGURES FOR CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE THE ELCA

According to David Swartling, secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 544 congregations have taken first vote to leave the denomination through October 1, 2010. Of that number 395 passed their first vote; 181 failed. Of the 395 congregations that passed their first vote, 258 have successfully passed their second vote; 16 failed in second attempt. Thus far 204 congregations have been officially removed from ELCA roles, representing a net loss to the ELCA of 112,818 members.

(Swartling reported that a total of 576 first votes had been taken because some congregations took more than one first vote.)

Editor's Note: If you count all the congregations that have successfully taken their first vote and are waiting to take their second vote, then add those who successfully have taken their second votes to leave the ELCA since August 2009, it represents a net loss to the ELCA of over 200,000 members. This figure is based on the congregations recorded on our list and posted on this site. The 200,000 figure does not include ELCA members who have left on their own,, those ELCA members who have left to establish new congregations, or the members of 50+ congregations not yet included on our list because we have yet to identify them.

ELCA COLLEGE IN MINNESOTA TEACHES SEX ETIQUETTE TO FRESHMEN

An ELCA College, Gustavus Aldolphus College in St. Peter Minnesota, offers special instruction to freshmen for having sex of all kinds and etiquette when having sex in the dorm--put hat on door!

Congregations looking for another reason to get out of the ELCA need to read this article and listen to the videos. This is how your benevolence dollars are being used.

Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., proclaims on its website that it is "a church-related, residential liberal arts college firmly rooted in its Swedish and Lutheran heritage" and its core values are excellence, community, justice, service and faith.

But one senior is wondering just where in those values he can fit a presentation to incoming freshmen that introduces them to the etiquette of having sex in dorm rooms without being interrupted by roommates and a "lesbian" who proclaims, "I like sex. No, I love sex" and tells students, "I am normal."

The issue has been raised by student Phil Cleary on his Gustavus.campusreform.org website, where he has posted several videos captured at the 2010 orientation for freshman in the class of 2014. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=212213

CONGREGATIONS SCHEDULED TO VOTE ON LEAVING ELCA

* indicates first vote ** indicates second vote

PLEASE INFORM US OF ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS

October 9
Rushford Lutheran Church, Rushford, MN **

October 10
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitewood, SD **
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Armour, SD **
Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, MN *
Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Fredricksburg, TX **
St. John Lutheran Church, Winters, TX **
Bethel Lutheran Church, Lincolnton, NC *
St. Timothy Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA *
Trinity Lutheran Church, Norden, SD *
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Dannebrog, NE *
Fir-Conway Lutheran Church, Mt. Vernon, WA*


October 17
St. Martin Lutheran Church, Annapolis, MD *
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Glasford, IL *
St. John Lutheran Church, Boyertown, PA *
Grace Lutheran Church, Springfield, OH *
Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove, NC *
Bethany Lutheran Church, Emmetsburg, IA *
Zion Lutheran Church, Philo, IL *

October 24
First English Lutheran Church, Menahga, MN **
First Lutheran Church, Floresville, TX *
First Lutheran Church, Northwood, IA*

October 27
Westminister Lutheran Church, Westminster, CA **

October 31
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thomasboro, IL **
American Lutheran Church, Rantoul, IL **
St. John's Lutheran Church, Royal, IL **
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, IL *
Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH **
(The above four churches alone represent a net membership loss to the ELCA of over 9,000 members.)
Trinity Lutheran Church, Letcher, SD *
Salem (Welcome) Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX **
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Dade City, FL **
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX *
St. John Lutheran Church, Greenville, OH **
Miller's Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC **

RESULTS CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE ELCA OCTOBER 3, 2010

Christ Lutheran Church, Warren, MI ** second successful vote 97%. Joined LCMC.
Loony Valley Lutheran Church, Houston, MN * first successful vote 58-29.
St. Mark Lutheran Church, Marion, IA * first successful vote 309-151
Faith Lutheran Church, Seguin, TX - second effort on first vote failed to pass by a few votes- October 3

St. John's Lutheran Church, Arroyo Grande, CA ** second successful vote September 26
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Toledo, Ohio voted 151-49 to stay in ELCA September 26
Lebanon Lutheran Church, Lebanon, VA** second successful vote August 27; voted to join NALC Sept 19.
Apostles Lutheran Church, Chesapeake, VA has successfully taken its second vote.
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Torrance, CA ** second successful vote 104 yes - 3 no