Rev. James Hazelwood, NE Synod Bishop

Grace Lutheran Church West Springfield is pleased to announce it will host a lunch event Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2013, featuring special guest the Rev. James Hazelwood, newly elected bishop of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), the national organization with which Grace is affiliated.

Bishop Hazelwood grew up outside of the Christian faith, but at the age of 21, he discovered that Jesus Christ had a profound interest in him. He was baptized in the mountain waters at ELCA Camp El Camino Pines in California’s Los Padres National Forest. Following 25 years as a parish pastor, first in Brooklyn, N.Y., and then in Charlestown, R.I., he was elected bishop of the ELCA New England Synod in June 2012. An avid motorcyclist, he blogs frequently at http://www.bishoponabike.com.

All who are interested in sharing lunch and conversation with our new bishop are welcome to attend. Please RSVP on the sign-up sheet in Jung Hall or email the church office at contact@gracelutheranonline.com.