LFL—Forward to the Future
by Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb
There is no fabled "summer slowdown" here at LFL’s
national Life Center. Much of our work is focused on the future. So
read on and join in our eager expectation.
1979-2009
Thirty Years FOR LIFE!
2009 will mark the 30th anniversary of the incorporation
of Lutherans For Life. Much change took place over those years. The
ministry has grown in size. The national office has moved. Good
leaders have given way to more good leaders! The life issues are
more diverse and complex. Technology provides new, fast, and
exciting ways to communicate God’s message of Life. Receptivity to
the For Life message and connecting the Word of Life to the life
issues increased among pastors and congregations.
Some things did not and will not change. LFL remains
solidly grounded in God’s Word. We continue to be Gospel focused and
present a positive For Life message that changes hearts, minds, and
lives. Our commitment remains to equip Christ’s pastors and people
to be enthusiastic voices For Life.
Look forward with us celebrating what God continues
to do in and though Lutherans For Life.
2009 National Conference
Celebrating the Abundant Life
The 2009 National Conference will be in St. Louis, Missouri, July
24-25, at the Doubletree Westport. Our theme is
Celebrating the Abundant Life
based on LFL’s theme verse, John 10:10. The conference will be part
of our 30th anniversary celebration.
Bobby Schindler, brother of Terri Schindler Schiavo,
is scheduled to be our keynote speaker! Bobby works full-time for
"Terri’s Foundation" as an advocate for persons in danger of being
killed because they have been deemed "unworthy of life." The
foundation embraces the true meaning of compassion by opposing the
practice of euthanasia.
The conference agenda has been shortened a little
from previous years. We will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24th
with pre-conference leadership training for our grassroots leaders.
The conference will officially being at 4:00 p.m. with an
intergenerational, celebratory, fun-for-life event. That will be
followed by an opening worship service, banquet, and keynote
address. Saturday will include a prayer breakfast, plenary session,
and workshops. We’ll conclude at 4:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us in
Celebrating the Abundant Life.
Renewal For Life Update
Many hours are being spent getting ready to move into a more active
phase of Renewal For Life (RFL). This initiative seeks to
equip pastors and congregations to be Christ-centered, enthusiastic,
ongoing "Voices For Life."
June was spent introducing RFL at the conventions of
the Association of Free Lutheran Churches, the Church of the
Lutheran Brethren, and the Association of American Lutheran
Churches. In September a presentation will be given to the Council
of Presidents of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
As we move into the winter months, we will be
presenting at circuit and regional meetings introducing RFL directly
to pastors and inviting their participation. Participating
congregations will establish a Life Advocate and gain access to our
RFL online library. Our goal is to have 1,000 congregations
participating in the next two years!
Remember, Renewal For Life is about renewing
the three R’s:
Responsibility – The responsibility to address the life issues
as they affect God’s people belongs to the Church and her pastors.
Relevancy – The Church and her pastors have what it takes to
address these issues—the very relevant Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Resources – The Church and her pastors cannot assume this
responsibility effectively and efficiently without help. LFL pledges
to renew the resources we offer and the means we use to deliver
them.
2008 State Conferences
With no national LFL conference in 2008, you are encouraged to
attend local and state LFL conferences:
South Wisconsin LFL Conference
9/27, Concordia University, Mequon
$10 per person, which includes lunch.
For more information:
www.lfl-wi.org,
e-mail
dchadwick@netwurx.net or call 920-474-7143.
LFL of Missouri State Conference
10/18, Christ Memorial LC, St. Louis.
Dr. Jean Garton will speak at the evening Dessert Social. For more
information go to:
www.lflofmo.org, e-mail
lflofmo@yahoo.com, or call 314-631-9240.
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