To Give Thanks to God for Synod Congregations Engaging in Mercy Ministries

To Give Thanks to God for Synod Congregations Engaging in Mercy Ministries

RESOLUTION 3-07 Reports R1.2.1, R60 (CW, 16–19, 161); Overture 3-04 (CW, 300)

WHEREAS, God the Father has extended His great mercy to all people through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (Titus 3:4–5; Eph. 2:4–5); and

WHEREAS, God the Holy Spirit leads us to respond to God’s mercy by extending mercy to our neighbor (Luke 6:36;

2 Cor. 1:3–4); and

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture describes such mercy as Christians serving in their vocations, meeting their neighbors’ bodily and spiritual needs (Matt. 25:31–40; Gal. 6:2; 1 Tim. 2:4); and

WHEREAS, Synod congregations corporately carry out works of mercy in their communities through such services as women’s shelters, food pantries, counseling and prison ministries, wellness ministries, and disaster response; and

WHEREAS, Such mercy ministries provide opportunities to witness Christ to our neighbor and invite our neighbor to Word and Sacrament ministry in local congregations; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for congregations that intentionally send members into their vocations to extend God’s mercy to their neighbors; and be it further

Resolved, That we praise our heavenly Father for all Synod congregations that corporately engage in mercy ministries in their communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to the Office of National Mission and its various ministries for providing invaluable inspiration and support for congregational mercy ministries; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give all honor and praise and glory to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for cultivating within Synod congregations the desire to extend mercy to one another and to their neighbor. 4. LIFE TOGETHER