North Conference

The North Conference made several significant changes to the opportunities for study and mutual support during this past year.

The weekly Pericope Study meeting,  that had been held Thursday mornings dating bask to the early 1970s, doubled! Recognizing that early morning might not work for all, a Tuesday noon Study meeting was added.  Attendance at both has remained solid. Each offers a slightly different approach to looking at the texts.

In addition, the Conference opted to hold a monthly Ministerium Meeting. Several sessions focused on getting to know each other as well as to better understand the different ministries each parish offers. We have explored mutual resolutions; studied and supported the innovative approach to Missions by Grace Lutheran Church; considered questions arising from the Lutheran education program that involves our children and youth through high school; and, begun to identify how we might collectively strengthen the Lutheran witness in the North Conference. We have also celebrated the Eucharist together at these meetings.

Through Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries we have found better ways to be involved in Habitat home building; strengthened the approach to newspaper advertising; shared in a ministry to youth on the west side of Rockford; and, offered various programs of fun and entertainment to members of the Conference.

Many of our retirees continue to continue to serve in Interim positions.

We celebrated the life of one of our retirees, The Rev. Karl Redelsheimer. Karl’s untimely death following surgery reminds us of how temporary our journey is together.

It continues to be a pleasure and privilege to serve the Conference as Dean.

The Rev. Frank S. Moyer