HOUSTON–Rev. Jotham Johann spoke for many convention attendees and delegates when, during the July 16 Service of Reconciliation, he acknowledged that “it has been a blessed week but a long week.” Echoing the convention’s forgiveness focus, Johann—one of the convention’s chaplains—emphasized that despite differing opinions on resolutions, amendments, and elections, “It’s never too late to reconcile in Christ.”
Johann is associate executive director for the LCMS World Mission National Team.
Based on Compline, the church’s final prayer office of the day, the Service of Reconciliation invited convention delegates and attendees to read Psalms, sing hymns, pray and hear several Scripture passages. They also spent time in silence for self-examination and reflection on God’s Word. “It’s time to forgive and be forgiven,” Johann told delegates.
Johann also begged for unity, noting that while the “unholy trinity” of Satan, the world, and the flesh desire conflict and frustration among Christians, “Christ changes people.” He asked that, despite potential differences or allegiances, the Synod’s members join together “to support the president-elect and newly elected board members and leaders.”
The 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is meeting July 10–17 at the George R. Brown Convention Center under the theme “ONE People–Forgiven.” Among the approximately 3,000 participants are some 1,200 clergy and lay voting delegates.
Posted July 16, 2010
