On-Line Reflections - Jan. 30, 2017 Deacon Brenda Tibbetts, Assistant to the Bishop, Northeastern Minnesota Synod REFORMATION, TRANSFORMATION AND RE-FORMATION “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery…For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” - Galatians 5:1, 13-14

Reformation: This is the year we observe the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. It is also the year we are embarking into unchartered waters with the Inauguration of a new president. Bishop Tom asked us to reflect on the Reformation and what it means to us personally to follow Christ from an ELCA Lutheran perspective. Many of us took advantage to travel to the Minneapolis Institute of Art where we had the opportunity to see up close and first hand artwork as well as many other pieces of clothing, furniture, relics etc. from the Reformation period. Actual letters written by Martin Luther, choir books written in beautiful script, amazing craftsmanship brought to life the medieval rhythm of daily life both in and outside of the church. Great economic and great educational gaps between wealthy landowners and peasantry certainly formed a volatile backdrop for reform. Freedom was no longer just a privilege of the wealthy, educated and titled aristocracy. The dawning of the age of the printing press coupled with Luther’s reforms, changed the world. Transformation: The reforms which came out from Martin Luther’s time were very

much a draw for me having grown up in the Baptist Church where full participation (at that time in my life) was limited not by socio-economic means but by gender. Freedom. Freedom was what I experienced and welcomed in my formative high school years as I served as the organist and choir accompanist at two congregations - one Baptist and one Lutheran. The freedom I experienced (to taste wine at communion!) in being encouraged to discuss theology with my Lutheran Pastor, to question scripture and tradition, critiquing scripture with scripture, and most profoundly for me at that time, was that women could actually participate in the worship service itself outside of the musical realm. “You mean girls and women can be lectors in church and they are encouraged to continue to ask questions about faith and the Bible? And you are telling me that women can also serve communion not just set up and clean up? Plus, even I would be welcome to preach?!” Freedom. Five hundred years following the Reformation, I wonder how many Lutherans realize this full blessing of freedom to be who God has created us to be as individuals and to become the people of God that Christ calls us to be - as individuals and as community. This grace-filled freedom first experienced many years ago in my life, was and continues to be transformative. I do not take it for granted. It changed my world.

Figure 1 Pr. Kari Williams at the Luther Exhibit

Figure 2 Pr. Jake Dryhaug and members of First Lutheran, Little Falls at the Luther Exhibit

Re-Formation: I believe the Holy Spirit is leading us into the next 500 years and into “Re” - Formation. As we recall God’s faithfulness in the past, we are simultaneously called to boldly

share and witness to the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit’s re-forming of our fellowship of believers to be on guard, to protect and cherish these freedoms, to teach and preach freedom - not slavery, to boldly proclaim not just through our words but also our actions - this blessed freedom of being named and claimed in the waters of baptism given a mission to embody that single commandment which gives guidance and courage to stand up for the voiceless and to care for those in need, no exceptions. Love God, love neighbor. Period.

This past weekend, Pr. Amy Odgren and I were blessed to spend a 24-hour retreat with our Synod’s seminarians (candidates), the Candidacy Committee, and our First Call Pastors. What an amazing group of individuals who have heard and answered God’s call to ministry! These women and men of varying ages are filled with passion to share God’s love in the world and with the neighbor. The ministry gifts, energy and hope they bring to the church is ushering in a time of Holy Spirit re-formation for our congregations. It is my hope and prayer that as the people of God, we will be attentive to the Spirit’s re-forming, reconfiguring our mission to work together, loving God and loving our neighbor more than we love our buildings. It will take great listening, great trust, hard work and great courage. God is faithful. And these new leaders emerging in our time and place? They are making a difference in the world. Thanks be to God! God’s grace and peace be with you all - Deacon Brenda Tibbetts, Assistant to the Bishop

Figure 2 Members of Trinity Lutheran, Cook viewing a display at the Luther Exhibit

First Call Pastors serving in the NE MN Synod First Row: Mark Wagner, Deb Hanson-Carlson, Megan Reedstrom, and guest Ruth Popkin (from NWMN) Second Row: Sierra Westerman, Sue Johnson, Katie Slack, Peter Kowitz, Beth Pottratz Third Row: Ben Schori, CJ Boettcher, Eric Thiele, Andy Berry Missing: Liz Cheney, Kim Sturtz