For the first time in 18 years, thousands of Lutherans in northern Illinois will soon have a new leader. Electing a new bishop tops the agenda this week for the29thannual assembly of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.It's being held at Augustana College in Rock Island, Thursday through Saturday.
After serving three, six year terms, Bishop Gary Wollersheim says it's time to retire.I love the job but I'm 65 and want to teach the grand kids to fish.
Wollersheim has been a pastor for nearly 40 years, first serving congregations in the Chicago area, then working as assistant to the bishop for eight years, before his first election as bishop in 1998.I try to be cheerleader and coach, and help people do the mission God gave them.
His duties have also included serving as a trustee ofAugustanaCollege and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. The Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA is based in Rockford, and covers 22 counties. Its 155 congregations have about 100,000 members.
Six hundred delegates are expected to attend the annual assembly.
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