A Message from the Synod Council Moderator During the time in the service that is called “Opportunity for Praise” our hearts were touched. The congregation shared their praise for help and strength in bad times and joys in good times. There was sorrow at the report of a death, joy at the baptism decision of an adult son who is now going to join the fellowship, praise for the recovery of an ill family member, and thanksgiving for the recovery of an addict. It clearly bound them together as they prayed for one-another. We enjoyed an excellent sermon and hymns. After the service we had time to talk to some of the congregation. We found that not all of the members are of the same tribe. There are spouses of Indians who married outside the tribe. There are Caucasians, like the two missionaries who feel called to worship there. Pastor Irvin Porter is Nez Perce Tribe through his mother (Idaho) and the Pima Tribe through his father (Arizona.) In reading the church brochure I found a familiar name in the list of former pastors. Reverend Iris Martin served from 1978 to 1990. Her daughter Joyce Martin Emery preached there recently. What a joy to find that connection. I had the opportunity to talk to Jeri Nordstrom, who some of you might remember from the Synod Committee on Representation. Jeri is from the Tlingit Tribe in Alaska. She will be graduating from Dubuque Seminary in June as a Commissioned Lay Pastor. She is being honored by her tribe as a Tlingit artist this spring and will be visiting in Alaska for that ceremony. She has donated two of her wall hangings (which are very valuable) to the tribe and they have now commissioned a third wall hanging. After she graduates from Dubuque she plans to return to Alaska and work there. She is a beautiful person and if you have seen her in her Indian robes which she wears for all ceremonies you will remember her. I am sure that with her energy and charisma, she and her husband will bring many people to God. It is so encouraging to see what the churches in our Synod are accomplishing. We have a strong sense of pride in the great things that are being done in the name of Christ. The Presbyterian Churches are on the move! In Jesus’ service, Pat Baer Synod Council Moderator

Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (Archive on Tuesday, April 01, 2008) Posted by shaworth  Contributed by shaworth

Return