In a little more than two months, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, this church's highest legislative authority, will open in Minneapolis. I will attend the CWA as a voting member (first timer).

The assembly Web site has information about the topics voting members will consider, registration information and other information about the event. Find all of these resources at www.elca.org/assembly.

The key topics planned for discussion at this assembly include:

• "Confessing Our Faith Together", a proposal for full communion between the ELCA and the United Methodist Church
• "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," a proposed ELCA social statement (herein lies the hot buttons)
• "Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies," yet another group of church minefields regarding ordination of persons in a same-gender committed relationship
• A fundraising proposal for a churchwide HIV/AIDS strategy
• Proposal for further development of a Lutheran Malaria Initiative
• Proposal for development of a social statement on justice for women
• Elections of a vice president, members of committees, boards, and ELCA Church Council
• Budget proposals for 2010 & 2011
• Memorials from synod assemblies
• Resolutions from voting members
• Constitutional and bylaw changes
  

50 Days of Prayer

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson has asked members to pray and study Scripture -- focusing on this church and the 2009 Churchwide Assembly -- for the 50 days prior to the assembly. "50 Days of Prayer" begins June 28. Members are asked to pray daily and use the assembly's daily lectionary for reflection. Congregations are invited to use suggested petitions for prayers during Sunday worship. Find resources and instructions at www.elca.org/50days.