NEWS FROM NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH (NALC)

Growth in the NALC

More than 207 congregations have voted to join the North American Lutheran Church since the August 2010 convocation. The total includes 183 that have completed the voting process and been received as member congregations of the NALC, and remainder have passed at least one congregational vote indicating their intention to join the NALC in the future.

For a list of congregations that have joined the NALC, go to:

http://thenalc.org/congregations.php


FOUR PERSONS NOMINATED TO BECOME BISHOP OF NALC

Four pastors have been nominated to serve as the
next bishop of the North American Lutheran
Church. The 2011 NALC Convocation Aug. 11-12 in
Hilliard, Ohio, will elect a new bishop to serve a
four-year term.

The Rev. John F. Bradosky, the Rev. James T.
Lehmann, the Rev. Paul A. Schultz, and the Rev.
Jacob Larry Yoder have been nominated to serve
as the NALC’s chief pastor and evangelist.

For more information go to: http://thenalc.org/documents/newsletters/2011/News-May-2011.pdf

RESULTS MAY 15: CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE THE ELCA

1. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, STARBUCK, MN unanimously passed second vote to leave the ELCA. LCMC

2. FRANKLIN LUTHERAN CHURCH (SOLDIER'S GROVE) VIROQUA, WI passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 38-19. LCMC

3. HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, LADYSMITH, WI passed first vote to leave the ELCA, 113-21.

4. SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, SALISBURY, NC passed second vote to leave the ELCA 199-14. Joining NALC and LCMC.

5. CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH, YANKTON, SD passed second vote to leave the ELCA and join NALC, 55-7.

6. PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, EDMOND, OK passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 109-6. Voted to join NALC.

7. DENNY PARK LUTHERAN CHURCH, SEATTLE, WA unanimously passed second vote to leave the ELCA. Joined LCMC.

8. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, KENT, WA passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 88%. Joined LCMC.

9. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, (SCANLON) Cloquet, MN passed its first vote to leave the ELCA, 33-3 (May 1).

10. CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH, BROOKFIELD, WI passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 168-21. Voted to join NALC.

11. EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, MERRILLVILLE, IN failed to pass their first vote to leave the ELCA. The vote was approximately 50-50.

12. FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, FAITH, NC passed first vote to leave the ELCA.

13. ANTIOCH LUTHERAN CHURCH, DALLAS, NC passed second vote to leave the ELCA.

14. GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, MANISTEE, MI passed first vote to leave the ELCA and join the NALC 117-13.

15. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA passed second vote to leave the ELCA and join the NALC by 91%.

16. IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ALTONA, IL passed second vote to leave the ELCA and join NALC by 97.1%.

17. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, MONROEVILLE, OH passed first vote to leave the ELCA, 73-1. Voted to join NALC, 74-0.

18. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH (Groten Township) MONROEVILLE, OH passed first vote to leave ELCA 45-0.

19. ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, SHELDON, IA passed second vote to leave the ELCA and join the NALC 163-48.

20. FAITH COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, LONGMONT, CO passed first vote to leave the ELCA and join the NALC 165-3 (May 9).

21. ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH, SCHIOCTON, WI passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 41-4. Voted to join NALC.

CONGREGATIONS SHEDULED TO VOTE MAY 15 TO LEAVE THE ELCA

If you know of additions or changes to this list, please notify us: wordabide@aol.com

* indicates first vote ** indicates second vote


Hope Lutheran Church, Hubbard Lake, MI *
Peace Lutheran Church, Edmond, OK **
Calvary Lutheran Church, Brookfield, WI **
Grace Lutheran, Huntington Beach, CA**
Antioch Lutheran Church, Dallas, NC **
Zion Lutheran Church, Kent, WA **
Faith Lutheran Church, Faith, NC *
Christ the King Lutheran Church, Yankton, SD **
Denny Park Lutheran Church, Seattle **
Trinity Lutheran Church, Monroeville, OH *
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Merrillville, IN *
Hope Lutheran Church, Ladysmith, WI *
St. John Lutheran Church, Starbuck, MN **
Franklin Lutheran Church, Viroqua, WI **
Salem Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC **
Denny Park Lutheran Church, Seattle, WA **

LATEST RESULTS: CHURCHES VOTING TO LEAVE THE ELCA

1. VINEMONT LUTHERAN CHURCH, REINHOLDS, PA passed first vote to leave the ELCA, 46-1. Voted to join NALC. (May 8)

2. BADGER LUTHERAN CHURCH, BADGER, SD passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 35-7. Earlier voted to join NALC. (May 8)

3. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, ROCK PORT, MO passed first vote to leave ELCA. (May 1)

4. ST. MARTIN LUTHERAN CHURCH, MAIDEN, NC passed second vote to leave ELCA (May 8), 91-1. Also voted to affiliate with NALC.

5. EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, EXPORT, PA passed first vote to leave ELCA, 124-23,
(May 8). Voted to join NALC.

6. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, BOYDEN, IA passed first vote to leave the ELCA, 95-19, (May 1).

7. FREEMONT LUTHERAN CHURCH, LINDSBORG, KS passed second vote to leave the ELCA and join NALC. (Date not certain).

(United Lutheran Church, Gonvick (Berner) MN voted to join NALC May 8. They had already taken second vote to leave the ELCA.)

8. ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH, PAYNE, OH passed first vote to leave ELCA, 46-10, (May 1) .

9. ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, CLYDE, OH passed second vote to leave ELCA, 74.5%, (May 1). Voted to join NALC and LCMC.

(Bethany Lutheran Church, Catawba, WI and Bethel Lutheran Church, Hawkins, WI, a two-point parish voted to join the NALC.)

10. WATERLOO RIDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, DORCHESTER, IA passed second vote to leave the ELCA, (May 8).

11. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, CONCORD, NC passed first vote to leave the ELCA, (May 1). Intend to affiliate with NALC.

CONGREGATIONS SCHEDULED TO VOTE MAY 8 ON LEAVING ELCA

PLEASE REMEMBER THESSE CONGREGATIONS IN PRAYER.
Contact us with any additions or changes: wordabide@aol.com

* first vote ** second vote

Badger Lutheran Church, Badger, SD **
Vinemont Community Lutheran Church, Reinholds, PA *
St. Martin Lutheran Church, Maiden, NC **

RESULTS MAY 1, 2011: CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE THE ELCA

1. ST. LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, MONROE, NC passed second attempt at second vote today, 51-9. They then voted to join LCMC. NC Synod representatives at the meeting told the congregation, their vote was not in order and probably would not be recongized by the Synod or the ELCA. The congregation told them the could do whatever they felt necessary but it would not change things for St. Luke's.
ACCORDING TO MEMBER OF ST. LUKE'S CHURCH COUNCIL, THE BISHOP AT FIRST ADVISED THE CONGREGATION THAT THEY NEED NOT START OVER BUT COULD TAKE ANOTHER SECOND VOTE. The bishop later changed his mind and told them otherwise, but based on the bishop's original statement, the council chose to take another "second" vote.

The following are three congregations of the Britton Lutheran Parish, Britton, SD
2. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, BRITTON, SD passed first vote to leave the ELCA 167-33.
3. LAKE CITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, BRITTON, SD passed first vote to leave the ELCA 100%.
4. PLEASANT VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH, BRITTON, SD passed first vote to leave the ELCA 98% yes.

5. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, SELBY, SD passed first vote to leave the ELCA 89%.

6. MAYER MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, NEWBERRY, SC passed first vote to leave the ELCA 90%.

7. HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, FOSSTON, MN lost second vote by 7 votes.

8. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, HATTON, ND passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 76-15. They also voted to join the LCMC.

9. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, PILLAGER, MN passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 53-5.

10. OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH, CHAMPION, MI passed second vote to leave the ELCA 33-0.

11. NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OAK GROVE, MN passed second vote to leave the ELCA 33-5. Voted to join LCMC.

12. PHILADELPHIA LUTHERAN CHURCH, GRANITE FALLS, NC lost its first vote to leave the ELCA, 75-34. Motion failed by one vote.

13. FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, STURGEON LAKE, MN passed first vote to leave the ELCA, 95%.

14. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, KETTLE RIVER, MN passed first vote to leave the ELCA, 80%.

15. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, LEWISTON, ID passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 71-1 and voted to join NALC 70-3.

16. ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH, FORT WAYNE, IN passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 71-4 and voted to join the NALC 71-3.

17. ST. PETRI LUTHERAN CHURCH, FLANAGAN, IL failed to pass first vote to leave the ELCA with only 1/3 in favor of departure. This vote followed by a staw poll one week earlier which passed with 2/3 in favor.

18. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, BESSEMER CITY, NC passed first vote to leave the ELCA and join the NALC, 27-1.

19. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, EATON, OH passed first vote to leave the ELCA and join NALC by 96%.

20. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, THORNVILLE, OH passed second vote to leave the ELCA, 85% and voted to join NALC, 90%.

21. ST JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, KITTANNING, PA passed second vote to leave the ELCA and voted to join the NALC 96%.

22. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, RURAL VALLEY, PA passed second vote to leave the ELCA and join the NALC nearly unanimously.

23. ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, ARLINGTON, TX passed second vote to leave the ELCA and join NALC by more than 90%.

24. HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, CEDAR HILL, TX passed second vote to leave the ELCA and joint the NALC and LCMC nearly unanimously.

25. FERTILE LUTHERAN CHURCH, FERTILE, IA passed second vote to leave the ELCA.

FAHLUN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF NELSON, MN COMPLETED DISAFFILIATION PROCESS APRIL 24

Fahlun Lutheran Church of Nelson, MN completed the disaffiliation process April 24. Fahlun intends to join its parish partner, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Nelson (which completed the disaffiation process in January 2011), in affiliating with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).

ADDITIONS TO APRIL 16 UPDATE OF CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE THE ELCA

Based on a report in The Lutheran, May 2011, we have made the following additions and changes to our April 16 Update of congregations voting to leave the ELCA.

1. Added: Thai Mission, Rockville Md - passed second vote.
2. Changed: St. John Lutheran Church, Howard Lake MN - passed second vote.
3. Added: Peace Lutheran Church, Port Charlotte, FL - passed second vote.
4. Added: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bailey's Harbor, WI - passed second vote.
5. Added: New Hope Lutheran Church, Comfrey, MN - passed second vote.
6. Added: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Estherville, IA - passed second vote.
7. Changed: Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove, IA - passed second vote.
8. Changed: Immanuel Lutheran Church, La Vernia, TX - passed second vote.
9. Changed: Zoar Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA - passed second vote.
10. Changed: Brighten Heights Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA - passed second vote.
11. Changed: St. John Lutheran Church, Meyersville, TX - passed second vote.
12. Added: Grace Lutheran Church, Snyder, TX - passed second vote.
13. Added: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Graytown, OH - passed second vote.
14. Changed: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Yorktown, TX - passed second vote.

There are a few other congregations listed in The Lutheran that do not match with ELCA yearbook. We are investigating and will report if additional congregations should be listed.

To date, our April 16 Update lists 471 congregations that have taken two successful votes to leave the ELCA and 82 congregations whose second vote is pending.
Our total of members lost to the ELCA through the congregations listed is 276,300 (since August 2009).

This number does not include the membership losses through the establishment of new congregations, nor does it include the thousands that have left the ELCA on their own.

PLEASE NOTE, WE HAVE 26 CONGREGATIONS ON OUR LIST THAT ARE SCHEDULED TO VOTE IN MAY. PLEASE INFORM US IF THERE ARE OTHERS TO ADD.

NOTHING BETWEEN by Pastor David Barnhart

NOTHING BETWEEN

“For there is one God, and one
mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5).

None but Christ should ever stand between the Church and God. The Church is the Body of Christ, comprised of those who have been redeemed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Church was established by Jesus Christ. He is the head of the Church. Christ alone empowers the Church, and one day He is coming back, not for denominations or religious organizations, but for His Church.

Under the New Testament pattern the Church is identified through local congregations in specified geographical areas, with no authority over them, save the Word of God. Paul wrote: “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). When Paul sent letters to “the church of God which is at Corinth,” or to “the churches of Galatia,” or “to the saints in Philippi,” he was not addressing denominations or organizations but only those “sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints” (1 Cor. 1:2).

Denominations are man-made organizations, created to better enable local congregations and individual Christians to carry out their missions and ministries. This is well and good if the servant role is maintained by organized denominations. However, many denominations have changed the role of a servant to one of domination and control over local churches. Today many denominations, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), have usurped the right to control the property of local congregations, even subjecting them to accept beliefs that are contrary to the clear teachings of Scripture. The bitter consequence of this unbiblical type of church polity is evident as local congregations endeavor to break the shackles of their denomination’s imposed authority.

Over the years denominations have placed themselves between local congregations and God through their arrogant insistence that they are the supreme authority regarding matters of faith, truth and practice. The hubris of denominations to draft statements and position papers concerning doctrines and social issues that go against the Word of God stinks to high heavens. Such arrogance has all but destroyed the credibility of these denominations to speak authoritatively to our society about anything.

No denomination, local congregation or individual Christian has the right to say or do anything that contradicts the clear teachings of Scripture. Denominations may pass resolutions or adopt official statements that seek to justify abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, same-sex marriages and a host of other evils, but that does not make it right in the eyes of God. When a denomination makes sin and apostasy part of its official doctrine and practice, Christians have an obligation to oppose it and, where necessary, depart from it.

God’s Word alone is the supreme authority concerning all issues of faith and life, and God will have the last Word! Every denomination and congregation should be pro-life because the Bible is pro-life. Every denomination and congregation should stand for the biblical concept of marriage between one man and one woman, and they should oppose all teachings that are contrary to the Bible.

Over the years, it has been painful to watch local congregations being swallowed up through denominational mergers. Why would a congregation allow itself to be brought under the control of a national church body that requires it to accept teachings and practices contrary to Scripture, or obtain permission to end its relationship with that same denomination? Such decisions could occur only if people are no longer sitting at the feet of Jesus to learn what the Holy Spirit has spoken through His Word!

It is gratifying to see church bodies such as the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, the American Association of Lutheran Churches, the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ and the North American Lutheran Church establish polity wherein congregations have the freedom to control their own property and make their own decisions.

None but Christ should stand between the local congregation and God, and no higher authority should exist for the local congregation than God’s Word. The only stand a local congregation should take on any matter of doctrine or practice should be one based on God’s Word, not on denominational statements or policy.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor:
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.
Charles A. Tindley

The article above is an editorial in the Spring 2011 issue of The Vine and Branches. If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive this magazine produced by Abiding Word Ministries, send your name and address to wordabide@a0l.com. There is no charge for the publication. AWM depends on the freewill gifts from those who stand with us.

CHURCHES SCHEDULED TO VOTE IN MAY 2011 TO LEAVE THE ELCA

Please inform us of any additions or changes needing to be made to this list.
wordabide@aol.com

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE CONGREGATIONS IN YOUR PRAYERS!

* indicates first vote ** indicates second vote

May 1
1. Grace Lutheran Church, Thornville, OH **
2. St. Luke Lutheran Church, Monroe, NC** (second attempt)
3. St. John Lutheran Church, Hatton, ND **
4. Hope Lutheran Church, Cedar Hill, TX **
5. Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Watertown, SD*
6. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Goodland, KS **
7. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Champion, MI **
8. Trinity Lutheran Church, Avoca, IA **
9. Philadelphia Lutheran Church, Granite Falls, NC *
10. Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church, Newberry, SC *
11. St. Mark Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN **
12. Grace Lutheran Church, Bessemer City, NC *
13. First Lutheran Church, Britton, SD *
14. Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church, Britton, SD*
15. Lake City Lutheran Church, Britton, SD*
16. Hope Lutheran Church, Fosston, MN **
17. St. John Lutheran Church, Grove City, OH **
18. First Lutheran Church, Rural Valley, PA **
19. First Lutheran Church, Pillager, MN **
20. New Life Lutheran Church, Oak Grove, MN **
21. Trinity Lutheran Church, Lewiston, ID **
22. Faith Lutheran Church, Sturgeon Lake, MN *
23. Trinity Lutheran Church, Kettle River, MN *
24. St. Petri Lutheran Church, Flanagan, IL *
25. Grace Lutheran Church, Eaton, OH *
26. All Saints Lutheran Church, Arlington, TX **
27. Faith Lutheran Church, Rock Port, MO *

May 8
Badger Lutheran Church, Badger, SD **
Vinemont Community Lutheran Church, Reinholds, PA *
St. Martin Lutheran Church, Maiden, NC **

May 15
Hope Lutheran Church, Hubbard Lake, MI *
Peace Lutheran Church, Edmond, OK **
Calvary Lutheran Church, Brookfield, WI **
Grace Lutheran, Huntington Beach, CA**
Antioch Lutheran Church, Dallas, NC **
Zion Lutheran Church, Kent, WA **
Faith Lutheran Church, Faith, NC *
Christ the King Lutheran Church, Yankton, SD **
Denny Park Lutheran Church, Seattle **
Trinity Lutheran Church, Monroeville, OH *
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Merriville, IN *
Hope Lutheran Church, Ladysmith, WI *

May 22
Shiloh Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC *
Bethel Lutheran Church, Santa Maria, CA **
American Lutheran Church, Gothenburg, NE *
Fron Lutheran Church, Starbuck, MN *

VOTING RESULTS APRIL 17, 2011: CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE THE ELCA

1. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, BLOOMER, WI failed to pass first vote to leave the ELCA, 125 yes, 159 no.

2. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELLSWORTH, IA passed second vote to leave ELCA 93%. NALC.

3. ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH, HALLETTSVILLE, TX passed second vote to leave ELCA. LCMC.

4. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, HAWKINS, WI passed second vote to leave ELCA, joined NALC.

5. BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH, CATAWBA, WI passed second vote to leave ELCA, joined NALC.

6. ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH, HALLETSVILLE, TX passed second vote to leave ELCA, 87%. Joined NALC.

CONGREGATIONS SCHEDULTED TO VOTE APRIL 17 TO LEAVE THE ELCA

1. Bethel Lutheran Church Hawkins, WI **
2. Bethany Lutheran Church, Catawba, WI **
3. St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hallettsville, TX **
4. St. John Lutheran Church, Bloomer, WI *