“The Once and Future Church” is the theme of the 2011 Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly May 6-7.  Assembly participants will explore the challenges and opportunities our congregations will face in the future shaped by the growing population of adults aged 20 to 40.  We will be guided and encouraged to find ways to engage this “Millennial” generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our keynote presenter will be Dr. Rodger Y. Nishioka of Columbia Theological Seminary, who researches the attitudes and interests of young adults in their 20s and 30s.  He has investigated why so few young adults stay in the denomination in which they were raised, even though they are active as high schoolers. He will share his research results about what young adults are seeking and how the church can respond to this “post-denominational” population.  You will be inspired and energized by Dr Nishioka’s insight, wisdom and humor as he points us to God’s future.

If your congregation has not yet selected voting members to this year’s assembly, please consider inviting leaders under age 40 -- and leaders with a passion for reaching younger generations. In addition, each congregation may register one additional voting member under age 25.

The 2011 annual meeting at Franconia Mennonite Church will also observe the historic action taken last summer by the Lutheran World Federation, in which Lutherans repented publicly to Mennonites for the persecutions suffered in the 16th century as a result of the condemnations of the Anabaptists by Lutheran reformers. After the LWF Assembly approved the statement, ELCA Presiding Bishop and LWF President Rev. Mark S. Hanson described this act of repentance and reconciliation as "communion building and communion defining."  Since last summer a small group of Mennonite and Lutheran pastors have been meeting for prayer, conversation, consolation and examination of past offenses in order to live into God’s future of hope, justice, mercy and peace.

Registration is now open for the Assembly, and early registration is due by March 18.  Registration materials were sent to all congregations.  Information and forms are available on the Synod website at  http://www.ministrylink.org/assembly2011.

The final deadline for registration is Friday, April 8.