WordAlone sponsors conference

—on proposed ELCA worship resources

by Betsy Carlson (Editor, WordAlone Network)

September 25, 2003

“Reclaiming Evangelical Worship,” is the theme of a WordAlone conference, Nov.16 – 18 at Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka, Minn., that will evaluate the proposed worship resources coming from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

“The ELCA is working on new worship resources with new hymns and orders of service,” says Gracia Grindal, professor of rhetoric at Lutheran Seminary. “The WordAlone Network, as a reforming movement within the ELCA, will discuss these proposed new worship resources and examine them in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Augsburg Confession.”

Martin Luther reformed the communion service so that worshippers clearly hear that Christ is giving himself to believers, rather than receiving an offering of sacrifice from the worshippers. The proposed worship resources may reverse Luther’s reforms. It is essential for congregations to be well informed, and know what is at stake in the preparation of the new worship resources.

Keynote speakers are Dr. Walter Huffman, professor of worship and dean of chapel at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Steven D. Paulson, associate professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., Dr. Oliver K. Olson, Minneapolis, Minn., and Grindal. Preachers include Pastor Jaynan Clark Egland, WordAlone president, and Associate Pastor Mark Tiede of Zion Lutheran in Anoka.

Registration is $40.00 per person. There is no registration fee for seminarians. A brochure with more information will be mailed soon, or call WordAlone (651-633-6004 or toll free at 888-551-7254) or email at info@wordalone.org.

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