May 19, 2009
by Frank Imhoff

Registration is open for the Book of Faith Jubilee, which will be held Aug. 14-16 at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. The jubilee will include several keynote addresses. Workshops and affinity groups will address such topics as teaching the Bible in congregations, opening the Bible at home, the Bible and the arts, and the Bible and culture. The three-day conference will precede the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Book of Faith Initiative began with the endorsement of the 2007 Churchwide Assembly. The purpose of the initiative is "to increase biblical literacy and fluency for the sake of the world."

Sally J. Peters, director, Center for Lifelong Learning, Luther Seminary, said about 600 people are expected to attend. "We want to ‘equip the equippers' – pastors, Christian educators, youth directors, Bible study leaders – anyone who is interested in learning and teaching our Book of Faith," she said. "They will have the opportunity to engage others and develop lasting relationships in affinity groups with people who have similar interests. They will participate in worship that brings Scripture to life in new and exciting ways."

Luther is one of eight seminaries of the ELCA. The seminary will host the event in partnership with the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative, Augsburg College, Augsburg Fortress, and The Youth and Family Institute. Augsburg College is one of 28 colleges and universities of the ELCA, and Augsburg Fortress is the publishing ministry of the church; both are in Minneapolis, as is The Youth and Family Institute.

ELCA News Service