25.6% have taken the Health Assessment---YES!!!
The first report from the Board of Pensions was released today on progress for members/spouses who have taken the "Embody Health" (Mayo Clinic) Health Assessment (HA). First report: 25.9% that means we are tied for second with the NW Pennsylvania Synod and 16.4% behind the NW WI synod (42.3%). As you may recall when 65% of our members/spouses who are insured by the ELCA Health Plan have taken this 15-20 minute "Health Assessment" each congregation in our entire Synod will receive a 2% discount in its health care premiums for the ENTIRE YEAR 2010! More> |
Congregational Leadership Day
"Leadership for 2010 and Beyond"
Saturday, Feb 20th, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cross of Calvary Lutheran, Olivia, MN
Cost: $10 for those who register by Feb 8
Leadership is important to the life of everyone of the congregations of the SW MN Synod. This event is sponsored by the Equipping Congregations Board and is designed to give practical and concrete resources for leaders like council members, committee members and elected officers. There will be keynote presentations from Bishop Jon Anderson looking at the Bible and Luther's Catechism for teaching us about leadership and Pastor Andrew Hermondson-Olson teaching about "Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times." More Info Workshop Info |
The Power of Story in Local
Congregations
Ministry in the biblical traditions has utilized stories of faith for identity and renewal since its beginning. Jews celebrate the founding story of the exodus in their homes each Sabbath, and their tradition is laced with rabbinical midrash. Early Christians put the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus into the story forms of preaching, liturgy, and a unique genre called the Gospels. Narrative forms and storytelling are so much a part of Jewish and Christian practice, in fact, that most congregations take them for granted. More> |
Holden Village
Holden Village, a Lutheran center for retreat and renewal seeks a pastor to proclaim the gospel, facilitate daily worship and weekly Eucharist and serve as a spiritual/theological leader for the village. The pastor should be ordained on the roster of the ELCA, LCMS, or denominations with which the ELCA is in full communion. An understanding of and committment to Lutheran theology and traditions in worship is required. The pastor should be an outstanding preacher, and be flexibly creative in worship exression. Competence in pastoral care is also desired. Start: August - September, 2010 for a two year term. Interested applicants should contact the Holden Village Directors at director@holdenvillage.org. | |
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SW MN Synod
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| "By God's Grace, together we have what we need."
Living in Christ's Mission: *Engaging Leaders...
*Equipping Congregations...
*Serving in God's World... |
Looking Towards Holy Week
It's not too late to look for resources for special services. We have monologues and dramas, descriptions of Tenebrae services, adaptations of the Seder meal, and simple Easter skits that youth groups can do at a sunrise service. We have videos for Sunday school and illustrated storybooks for a "children's time" during worship. Finally, for prize-winning procrastinators, we have several complete series of Lenten services with sermon ideas (and a strict confidentiality policy regarding who is requesting last-minute assistance). Just call the Resource Service Center.(sara.johnson@swmnelca.org) | |
