Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

PLTS, like the other seminaries of the ELCA, is supported in prayer and mission by our surrounding synods. One of the synods with whom PLTS has a close relationship is the Grand Canyon Synod (Arizona and Las Vegas). I had the priveledge of representing PLTS at the G.C. Synod Assembly this past week in Tucson. Among the highlights of the week were hearing Bishop Mark Hanson preach (if you haven't yet heard his challenging message of boldness and ministry, you don't know what you're missing!), meeting Alton and Marlene Zenker (the interim bishop and his wife), meeting Bishop Mindaugas Sabutis, the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lithuania (whose election at age 29 required ammendment of the church's consitutional age restriction before he could assume the office to which he had been elected), witnessing the election of Pastor Steve Talmadge as bishop of the synod, speaking to the assembly to thank them on behalf of PLTS for their partnership and to debut the new PLTS DVD, and catching up with a number of our alumni who serve in that synod, as well as a number of prospective students who live there. Another highlight was conversation with pastors and other leaders who firmly believe that seminary education is a gift to future leaders, the cost of which is the responsibility of their home congregation. It was heartening to know that folks are taking this ministry seriously and see it as their gift to the church.
On the other hand, it was 108 degrees there in Tucson, so I did spend a bit of time in the pool! And, I played in the Bishop's Golf Tournament on Tuesday afternoon. The whole week was a great experience and a reminder for me of the many, many partnerships that PLTS is blessed to have.