HISTORIC REBUILT HURVA SYNAGOGUE TO BE DEDICATED TODAY

The third reconstructed Hurva Synagogue stands today in the center of Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter as a testimony to the Jews' commitment to their land and sacred heritage. The Hurva Synagogue was last destroyed by Jordan immediately after their conquest of the Old City in 1948.

http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Editorials/Article.aspx?id=170971

Planned Parenthood Distributes Graphic Sex Guide at Girl Scouts UN Meeting

Planned Parenthood is at it again...this time, with the Girl Scouts!

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/mar/10031202.html

CITY IN ARIZONA SAYS HOME BIBLE STUDIES ARE ILLEGAL

Here is another example of freedom eroding in America!

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=127793

SYNOD DENIES FT. PIERCE FLORIDA CHURCH THE RIGHT TO LEAVE THE ELCA

Here is a shocking story of how desperate the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is becoming as scores of its congregations are voting to sever ties. Former LCA churches are the most vulnerable in this "hard ball" strategy. Pray for St. Peter's in Fort Pierce. Pray especially that they will be able to hire an attorney that will help them gain the victory.

http://www.commonconfession.blogspot.com/

HOMOSEXUAL PASTORS LIKE THE ELCA'S PLAN TO MAKE THEM WELCOME, BOASTS THE ELCA NOW ISN'T THAT PRECIOUS???

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4476

ELCA bishops prepare to welcome gay clergy

PRAISE GOD FOR ALL ELCA MEMBERS WHO ARE STANDING ON THE WORD OF GOD AND VOTING TO WITHDRAW FROM THEIR APOSTATE CHURCH BODY!

Nearly 200 congregations have taken at least one vote to withdraw from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since August of last year when that body voted to sanction practicing homosexuals onto its clergy roster.

The national church body and its synods are all facing deep financial woes, but nonetheless, the bishops are hastening on to promote homosexual clergy in defiance of Scripture's clear teachings on the matter!

As far as the eye can see congregations of the ELCA have scheduled special meetings to consider voting out of the ELCA.

In the meantime, Christians throughout the ELCA are awakening to see the church they knew no longer exists. Thus many are opting out. If their congregations won't leave, individual members are leaving by the tens of thousands.

http://pewforum.org/news/display.php?NewsID=19805

TWO CONGREGATIONS IN YORK COUNTY, PA WILL VOTE TO LEAVE ELCA

Christ Lutheran Church, Dallastown, Pa., and St. Paul Lutheran Church in West Manchester, Township will soon vote to withdraw from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Pastor David Barnhart served Christ Lutheran in Dallastown from 1971 until 1979.

http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_14651058

What is the biggest theological battle the next generation will face?

http://video.christianpost.com/20091201/what-is-the-biggest-theological-battle-the-next-generation-will-face

ELCA BISHOP HOLDS FORUM IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE BLEEDING...

Bishop Mark Hanson of the ELCA held a forum last Sunday in hopes of slowing the withdrawal of many congregations from the "mother church." Anyone who has a basic knowledge of the Bible's teachings knows his answers do not compute.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100309/lutheran-head-rejects-claims-of-scripture-abandonment/pageall.html

Jews to world: 'Help non-Muslims pray on Temple Mount'

In 1967 Israel captured East Jerusalem, the Old City, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall. A short while later the Israeli government gave a large measure of control of the Temple Mount to the Muslims. However, between 1967 and 2000 Jews and Christians had reasonable access to the Temple Mount. Following the intifada in 2000, however, the Israeli government have allowed the Muslims to restrict the rights of Jews and Christians to pray or read Scriptures on the Temple Mount. As a result of Israeli governmental policy, it is becoming more and more difficult for Christians and Jews to enter the Temple Mount. Times for such visits are greatly restricted and accompanied by rules that should never have been permitted in the first place.

Every Jew and every Christian should have unrestricted access to one of their most holy sites. They certainly should be allowed to go there and pray.

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=127496

ELCA BISHOPS REACH CONSENSUS ON BRINGING PRACTICING HOMOSEXUALS ONTO THE CLERGY ROSTER

The bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) were instructed by the Churchwide Assembly to implement the decision to recognize practicing homosexuals on the church's clergy roster. A major step to advance that directive was taken recently.

The article, from the ELCA's own news service refers to "ELM pastors"--these are practicing homosexuals who were ordained by an outside group called the "Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries." Many of these pastors are presently serving ELCA congregation even though they are without any official ELCA recognition.

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4472

http://www.prettygoodlutherans.com/?p=7356

CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO WITHDRAW FROM THE ELCA

Over 170 congregations have successfully voted to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) since August 2009. Listed below are those known to have begun the process with their first or second vote.
*First vote **Second vote

** Community Church of Joy, Glendale, AZ
** Concordia Lutheran Church, Kingsburg, CA
* Rancho Penasquitos Lutheran Church, San Diego, CA
* St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, La Mesa, CA
** St. Luke Lutheran Church, San Diego, CA
* El Camino Pines Lutheran Church, Frazier Park, CA
** Bethel Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO
* St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO
* Hope Lutheran Church, Miami, FL
** Shepherd of the Woods Church, Jacksonville, FL
* St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fort Pierce, FL
* Bethel Lutheran Church, Springfield, GA
* Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, GA
* Laurel Hill Lutheran Church, Cllyo, GA
** Mt. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Haralson, GA
* Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, IA
** Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines, IA
* Skien Lutheran Church, Sloan, IA
* Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waukee, IA
* Faith Lutheran Church, Moline, IL
* Hosanna Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL
** Joyful Harvest Lutheran Church, Johnsburg, IL
* Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Rockton, IL
* St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lindenhurst, IL
* St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Oregon, IL
* Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, MI
* American Lutheran Church, Long Prairie, MN
* Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church, MN
* Community Church of Hope, Rosemount, MN
* Christ Lutheran Church, Otsego, MN
* Christ the King Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, MN
* Faith Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, MN
** Central Lutheran Church, Elk River, MN
* Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Maple Lake, MN
* Hosanna Lutheran Church, Lakeville, MN
* Moe Lutheran Church, Roseau, MN
* Wagen Prairie Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls, MN
** Rejoice Lutheran Renewal Church, Northfield, MN
* Rodnes Lutheran Church, Erskine, MN
* Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Afton, MN
* South Zumbro Lutheran Church, Kasson, MN
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN
* Sychar Lutheran Church, Silver Bay, MN
** Singaas Lutheran Church, Hendrix, MN
* Zoar Lutheran Church, Tofte, MN
* Calvary Lutheran Church, Evergreen, MT
** Peace Lutheran Church, Belgrade, MT
* Christ Lutheran Church, Whitefish, MT
** Golden West Lutheran Church, Conrad, MT
** Pondera Valley Lutheran Church, Conrad, MT
* Hope Lutheran Church, Smithfield, NE
** Thanksgiving Lutheran Church, Bellevue, NE
* Hope Lutheran Church, Harvey, ND
* First Lutheran Church, Harvey, ND
* Peace Lutheran Church, Hazen, ND
* St. James Lutheran Church, Niagara Falls, NY
* Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Weddington, NC
* First Lutheran Church, Barberton, OH
* St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Maumee, OH
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Hermiston, OR
* East Lake Andes Lutheran Church, SD
* St. John’s Lutheran, Boerne, TX
* Zion Lutheran Church, Mission Valley, TX
** St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, New Braunfels, TX
* St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Weesatche, TX
* Zion Lutheran Church, Castroville, TX
* First Lutheran Church, Orange Grove, TX
* Apostles Lutheran Church, Chesapeake, VA
** Morning Star Lutheran Church, Mt. Jackson, VA
** St. John’s Lutheran Church, Roanoke, VA
* Christ Lutheran Church, Odessa, WA
* Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Chimacum, WA
** Richland Lutheran Church, Richland, WA
* Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, WI
** Olivet Lutheran Church, LaCrosse, WI
* Peace Lutheran Church, Edgar, WI
** Stanfold Lutheran Church, Rice Lake, WI
* Trinity Lutheran Church, Pell Lake, WI

Since the ELCA voted to sanction homosexual pastors at their Churchwide Assembly in August 2009, approximately 160 congregations have successfully taken their first vote to withdraw. Most congregations voting to leave have chosen to join Lutherans in Mission for Christ (LCMC). An additional 68 congregations voted to withdraw from the ELCA but did not achieve the necessary 2/3s majority.
The ELCA constitution requires congregations seeking to withdraw from the church body to cast their votes at a legally called congregational meeting and obtain a 2/3s majority vote. If that number of votes is achieved, the bishop or his assistant is invited to address the congregation to defend remaining in the ELCA. A second vote to withdraw is required at least 90 days following the first vote. It also must receive a 2/3s majority.

List as of 3/10/10. Inform us regarding any additions, corrections or changes that should be made to this list. The list is posted and regularly revised on our blog which may be accessed at thevineandbranches.org under “News and Information.”