Yesterday afternoon at Bethel in Madison our synod got together for a very unique pageant filled worship service. We installed a new bishop to lead and oversee this South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. The Rev. Bruce Burnside was elected in May at the Synod Assembly. He officially began his duties in July, but our liturgical proclamation of his leadership position waited until now.

The liturgical color for these events is usually the festive red, and it was for this installation as well. Clergy from all over the synod are invited to form a long precession, and the red vestments overwhelm the space and sensibilities. The music is always wonderful for installation, and it was yesterday, too.

Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson preached, and his sermon spoke to the 21^st century difficulties and joys of pastoral leadership in congregations. He also challenged churches to be more than settled but to also be sent. When someone’s cell phone went off in the middle of the sermon, he quipped, "That better be Jesus."

The blessing and laying-on-of-hands includes other bishops from around the ELCA as well as bishops from other denominations, particularly the Episcopal Church. A bishop’s cross (used in the ELCA since its beginnings) was placed around his neck, and Bishop Burnside arose to the applause of the assembly.

Our bishop has his hands full, and office is more than a full time job. Tough decisions await with money being exceptionally tight on the synodical level. He will also need to shepherd this synod through difficult discernment issues regarding sexuality in this new century. There is no end to the problems which walk into a bishop’s office every week.

So, let us put our bishops (Bruce and Mark) into our prayers on a regular basis. They have been called by God into these unique leadership roles. Now, they need our full support as together we do the mission of Jesus Christ in south central Wisconsin.

Pastor B.

There I was almost asleep on the passenger side of our Chevy S-10 while Susan drove through the barren, windswept landscape of Wyoming on I-80. With a Twins baseball cap cocked over my eyes, I was close to dozing off when a fly took refuge in my nose.

Pffft. Swat. Squirm. Yuck.

I tried again. This time it alighted on my forearm with just enough tickle to demand my awake attention and a flick of the wrist. Try again for a few well deserved winks. The pestering fly bothered my foot, then my ear, and then my knee. The time for sleep had ended. It was time for war.

My weapon? A paper back book Susan was reading. My enemy’s defense? Speed, agility, camouflage (black fly in a black interior), and an amazing ability to never land anywhere for more than two seconds. Also, the interior terrain favored the fly. There are wondrous few flat surfaces suitable to the full span and power of a paperback swat.

I should note that I restrained myself from taking a swing when the fly landed on Susan’s arm (which was attached to the hand holding the steering wheel) and when in perched on my beloved’s nose (tempting as it was).

After two awkward tries and failures in more favorable landing zones, the fly disappeared. Did the fly know I was armed and dangerous? Minutes went by. No fly. I relaxed, put my feet against the dashboard, cocked the cap, and closed my eyes.

The fly landed on my toe.

Eventually, after several fits and starts, I won the battle, but at the next rest stop we picked up another one and started the war all over again. This pattern repeated itself all the way to Salt Lake City.

The moral of the story? You don’t have to big and mighty to make a difference. Also, add to your list of traveling essentials a piece of armament you can easily hide under your car seat - a fly swatter.

Pastor B.