How's that for a headline?.
It's true. Today the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America was scheduled to vote on a 34-page document that reportedly would establish a theological framework for differing views of homosexuality, that critics say would liberalize the ELCA and possibly open the door to the ordination of lesbians and gays in homosexual relationships. Voting on the document was scheduled for today, the decision on allowing clergy in same-sex partnerships is forthcoming. - Story
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That said, this afternoon a freak tornado came out of nowhere amidst a heavy rainstorm - no warnings, no prediction of severe weather. It began in South Minneapolis, not far from the Central Lutheran Church (pictured) which happens to be a stones throw from the Minneapolis Convention Center, where the ELCA is holding its convention. The tornado nicked the church, taking a bit of the steeple, tore up tents for the Convention and evidently lifted just after it past the Convention Center - no injuries and just minor damage - but lots of scared people downtown.
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My first thought was, "the finger of God..."! I know, people don't believe in that kind of stuff anymore. It's just a coincidence, I'm sure.
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Or is it?
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UPDATE: So another blog Orate Fratres picks up this story and it gets put on Spirit Daily this morning. Shouldn't I have gotten credit? I posted late yesterday afternoon. Oh! Oh! But what if other people understood the significance of the event in the same way I did? I still feel snubbed. Maybe it's because I make fun of Spirit Daily that they never pick up my stories? Maybe I should change my name to Terry Mary Nelson? Maybe I should start promoting Medj? Nah!
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Whatever - I'm told the resolution past - the ELCA is now a gay church.
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NEW UPDATE: No one stole this story from me - I was being dumb, stupid, silly, inappropriate. I'm sorry.
I took the kids into the basement amid the sirens and we were reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the Lutherans believe in omens or kismet or karma or...the Hand of God!!!
It was Hurricane Terry. My sources tell me Terry was spotted near the tent poles.
ReplyDeleteThe answer is blowin' in the wind.
ReplyDeleteI believe it.
This God you describe must also be unhappy with the expansion of highways, as the news story you link to notes that "the storm also caused flooding at a major highway construction problem on the southern edge of the city." And as for the damage to the Electric Fetus record store, well . . .
ReplyDeleteActually, this story reminds me of the prophet Elijah on holy Mount Horeb, where he had journeyed to experience the living God. As you recall, God wasn't heard in the earthquake, the loud wind, or the destructive fire, but as a still small voice.
Peace,
Michael
Yeah, but who's quiet enough at a convention to notice a still, small voice?
ReplyDeleteThose with ears to hear...ignore the obvious.
ReplyDeleteFrom today's Liturgy of the Hours:
Can he who made the ear, not hear?
Can he who formed the eye, not see?
Will he who corrections nations, not punish?
Will he who teaches men, not have knowledge?
The Lord knows the thoughts of men.
He knows they are no more than a breath. ~ Psalm 94
The Mt. Horeb example doesn't compare. The Lord has a long history of speaking through destruction, and there is ALWAYS collateral damage.
Terry, I hadn't put that together before. Interesting.
I heard that a busload of Lutheran liturgical lindy dancers was forced off the road by flooding down on the Crosstown and were never able to make it to the ELCA Convention.
ReplyDeleteAnd God Be Praised, the Church of St. Stephen, only a couple of blocks from the Electric Fetus was spared. Divine Intervention?
Ray - that is funny - many laughing Jerry's to you.
ReplyDeleteDon't you dare turn into Pat Robertson on me, Terry.
ReplyDeleteMy old neighborhood didn't fare so well. Not a bit surprised.
ReplyDeleteMy friend David Weiss writes:
ReplyDelete"Before everyone races to presume that such calamities express God’s anger, let’s remember that for generations far past and far more intuitively attentive to such phenomena, such swirling forces were merely indicative of God’s profound presence.
"Reread the description of Mount Sinai in the moments before Moses received the Ten Commandments and it could pass for our afternoon weather report here.
"I am not necessarily racing to ascribe God’s hand to our winds, but for anyone who wishes to, let’s be clear that high winds may be required to bring about Pentecost when churches (and convention centers) no longer have open windows making for the Spirit’s easy entry.
"And all of this was prelude to about three hours of testy (though mostly civil) conversation about the proposed Sexuality Statement.
"When the vote finally came, it passed 676-338."
Peace,
Michael
Don't worry Thom. Oops - wait a minute - a word of knowledge is coming! I'll get back to you...
ReplyDelete...and that's why the cross has fallen. It's no longer needed in an ecclesial community that has placed political correctness in the place of The Lord.
ReplyDelete"When the vote finally came, it passed 676-338."
ReplyDeleteLot of Israelites were positive that they were doing the right thing in making the Golden Calf, too. And we know how that turned out.
I'm with you on this one Terry.
ReplyDeleteAnd God's wrath is coming for us all soon for letting the world go this far down the path of darkness.
OUCH TERRY!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Meg--but I do know when someone needs a hug...
http://fratres.wordpress.com/2009/08/20/minneapolis-tornado-you-know-it’s-bad-when-even-gaia-says-you’re-not-christian-anymore/
Spirit Daily doesn't often pick up my stories either. And I wasn't aware of your fine coverage...
Grace. Blessings. Peace.
james mary
Oh James I'm sorry - I was just being silly - as if I was all sour grapes about it - I'm not. Very careless of me, I apologize.
ReplyDeleteThere were actually several other bloggers who made similar connections, I do not believe anyone got their inspiration from this blog. I'm not read by many folks.
Again, I apologize.
Your read by me!
ReplyDeleteNo harm , no foul.
To the bridge... JMJ
jm
If the tornado was meant to warn members of the ELCA about the dangers of letting homosexual men and women be members of the clergy, why did the tornado continue its path of destruction into south Minneapolis? Are the hundreds of people whose homes were damaged by high winds and downed trees and left without power for days also supporting homosexual clergy? Or did God take advantage of a perfectly good tornado to just warn humanity of his power.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the tornado just took a random path. We will never know.
People suffer for many reasons. Whether to punish or teach, it's something we all must endure. The tornado followed a path that was designed specifically for purposes not meant for us to know. I do know however that the cross on top of the church was turned upside down. My interpretation has surely been swayed!
ReplyDelete