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Southwest California
Synod Staff
Dean W. Nelson
Bishop
Assistants to the Bishop
Mission Support
The Rev. Laurie Arroyo
Lay Mission Leadership
AIM Agnes S. McClain
Rostered Mission Leadership
Maria Paiva
Director of Evangelical Mission
Directors The Rev. O. Dennis Mims African Descent Ministry Support Staff Andreas Hirsch Accountant Melissa Onnen Chaddick Administrative Assistant Sherri Miller Administrative Assistant Courtney Bassler Communications Assistant
1300 E. Colorado Street
Glendale, CA 91206
818-507-9591 Phone
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Synod Meetings & Events
Held at Synod Office unless otherwise noted
Monday, January 23
Entrance Interviews
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Tuesday, January 24
Foothill Collegium
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Prison Ministry Meeting
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lutheran Health Ministries of the Foothills
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 25
Chapel
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 26
I-LERT Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Pacifica Synod Offices, Santa Ana
LA Metro Collegium
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 28
Mission Team for Lay Leadership
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
ELM Worship
9:00 a.m - 9:30 a.m.
ELM (Equipping Leaders for Mission)
9:30 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
Memorial Service for Darcy Jensen
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Trinity, Santa Barbara
Bishop's Colloquy
6:00 p.m.
Hilton Pasadena
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Synod Council
Vice President
Dr. Joyce Thompsen
Secretary
The Rev. Keith G. Banwart, Jr.
Treasurer
Dr. Jim Gilbert
Members-At-Large
The Rev. Terry Tuvey Allen
Ms. Tempie Beaman
The Rev. James L. Bessey
Mr. Robert Chillison
The Rev. Rustin Comer
The Rev. Lynn J. Enloe
Mr. Jeremy Hovland
Ms. Vickie Kropenske
Mr. Paul Muller
Ms. Kristal Shipp
The Rev. Dr. George Villa
Conference Representatives
LA Metro
Mr. Eugene Williams
South Bay
Mrs. Margarita Gonzales
Twin Valleys
Ms. Jan Smith
Central Coast
Ms. Mary Bankert
Greater Long Beach
Ms. Nancy Neyer
San Gabriel Valley
Ms. Gladys Chow
Tehachapi
The Rev. Glen K. Egertson
Foothill
Mr. Ross McConnell
Channel Islands
Mr. Ted Jensen
Youth Representative
Mr. Caleb Arndt
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Intercessions
Please pray for the following:
The family and friends of Pastor Darcy Jensen who passed on Tuesday, December 20.
Aida Arroyo
Louise Bergmann & family
Gladys Carlson
Jerry Frantz
AIM Barbara Hoffman & family
The family & friends of Darcy Jensen
Pastor Ray Kibler
George Liesenberg
Pastor Luther Olmon & family
Pastor Dan Parr
Pastor Carlos Paiva
The family of Tom and Pastor Mary Todd Pendergast
The Rev. Dr. Jarvis Streeter
Susan Tapia
AIM Gerri Wilkowski
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Important Dates!
Mark your calendars for some very important dates coming up throughout the year!
Tuesday, January 24 Those who are interested in being involved in Prison Ministry are welcome to attend at meeting at the Synod Office to discuss this new ministry. The meeting is at 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 29 - Tuesday, January 31
Bishop's Colloquy
Hilton Hotel - Pasadena
168 South Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA
Wednesday, February 15
Resolutions for the 2012 Synod Assembly are due.
Any questions contact the Synod Office.
Senior Fest Gathering
California Lutheran University
Lutheran adults for learning, devotions, and fellowship with the intent to enhance their physical, spiritual, social and intellectual lives.
Friday, March 9
7:30 p.m.
Samuelson Chapel at California Lutheran University
Bishop Hanson will be addressing the topic of Vocation and Reflection. This event is free and open to the public.
Contact Linda LeBlanc, Church Relations Office at California Lutheran University.
Friday, June 1 - Saturday, June 2
Synod Assembly 2012
Hilton Hotel - Glendale
100 West Glenoaks Blvd
Glendale, CA
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Did you know Lutherans have their very own credit union?
The Synod has had an ongoing relationship with Lutheran Credit Union of America for many years. You may think that you need a local branch, however they are as close as picking up the phone or a click of the mouse. They understand us and can relate to our needs, and they can relate to yours too!
Does your church need a loan? Or do you need a great rate auto loan? Credit Card? Home Loan? Home Equity Line of Credit? Free checking account? Free bill payment? Even a free box of checks! Call 800.729.7307 and speak with one of LCUA's friendly, knowledgeable member service officers to find out how Lutheran Credit Union of America can help you too.
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ELCA.org Redesigned
If you have visited the Churchwide website lately, you may have noticed that there were some changes.
The main page of the ELCA.org website has been redesigned to feature more stories about the ELCA and the many ministries that it involves. However, the majority of the website still remains the same.
If you haven't had the chance to see the new changes, click here.
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Annual Congregational Report Cover Now Available
For those of you who would like to purchase the ELCA Annual Report Cover for your congregation, click here.
Bring a spiritual and missional
message to your congregational annual meeting with the new 2012 Annual Report Cover.
A bundle of 50 covers cost $5.50 and a $1 handling fee.
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Stories of Faith in Action Now Available
Stories of Faith in Action is a free resource full of dynamic stories of how God is changing lives around the world through the mission and ministry of the ELCA.
You'll also find information on Mission Support (the financial contributions given by synods and congregations to fund churchwide ministries), including budget numbers, and more. This is a very useful resource for the Epiphany season and for congregational meetings.
To order your free copy of Stories of Faith in Action, call 800-638-3522 or order online at www.elca.org/resources. Ask for ELCAMA1008. The resource is free; you only pay for shipping.
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Global "placeMAPS": Lenten dinner resource
Is your congregation hosting Lenten dinners this year?
Consider lending a global flavor to your meal by ordering ELCA Missionary Sponsorship placeMAPS. Add crayons to your table for young and old to enjoy while coloring, remembering and praying for your missionary.
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Remember the hungry this Lenten Season
Does your congregation host a meal before Lenten services? Why not gather for a meal and help fight hunger at the same time? Enjoy global cuisine. Learn about the world. Discover how our church is making a difference. Visit www.elca.org/hunger/lent.
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Using The Lutheran as a Resource for Lent
The Lutheran's February issue can help you and your congregation begin a study for Lent and also offers many resources for your Lenten journey.
Get your conversation started with the cover article, "Falling into the river," which explains how Lenten spiritual practices invite us to encounter and experience the flow of God's unspeakable grace. And get 6 ideas for spiritual practices you can do during Lent. (A study guide is available for the cover article at The Lutheran;click on "study guides." It's free to print and Web subscribers.)
Read "Addition, not subtraction" to learn about 10 things your family can add this Lent. And see what the ELCA presiding bishop has to say about "Finding our place during Lent."
Ponder Luke 15:11-32 with Peter W. Marty, who says the parable of the prodigal son is really about the dad's character and unconditional love. Ask: "What is sin?" Two ELCA teaching theologians say sin is still relevant no matter how much society contends it's an outmoded, old-fashioned idea.
Go in-depth into "Insiders and outsiders" and see what that means for the church today.
Rethink the sacraments with "Applesauce communion" -God's hospitality stretches beyond our understanding.
Or discuss what a Lutheran can learn from visiting a monastery (download a study guide for this article-and for more than 300 others that are free to print and Web subscribers-at www.thelutheran.org;
click on "study guides").
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Like us on Facebook!
The Southwest California Synod is now on Facebook! Click here to find our Facebook page and like us. Now, you will get updates about Synod events and other information to share with those that you serve!
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Change lives with chickens
A dollar is all it takes to provide a family living in poverty with a little chick. Soon enough, the chick begins producing eggs. Its eggs make nutritious, protein-rich meals, and can be sold at the marketplace for income -- helping a family escape hunger for good. Your congregation can help.
Host a "Buck-a-Chick" sale! ELCA congregations have already raised more than $85,000 through this creative fundraiser. For $1, members can purchase and decorate a paper chick for themselves or in honor of loved ones. Hang the colorful chicks in a prominent spot -- like the sanctuary or narthex. It's perfect for Easter!
Download the coloring page here.
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Upcoming Webinars on Ending Family Violence Initiative
The Lutheran Community Foundation is sponsoring some free Webinars as part of its Ending Family Violence Initiative.
Some topics include:
- How to Reduce the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church
- Stop Teen Violence Before it Starts
- Domestic Violence 101 for Christian Clergy
- What to do if a Registered Sex Offender Comes to Church
All of the seminars are free and open to anyone - register online.
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Synews, the email newsletter of the Southwest California Synod, ELCA, brings you news and information from the synod office in an environmentally friendly format. Please share this information with those you serve. |
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Resolutions for Synod Assembly 2012
Deadline February 15
According to the Southwest California Synod consitution, "resolutions may come from any institution, agency, synod ministry board, coalition, congregation, or individual and must bear the signatures of at least five people who are members of the Southwest California Synod. Resolutions from Synod Mission Teams or Committees must be submitted to the Executive Committee.
If there are any questions regarding resolutions, please contact the Synod Office as soon as possible. |
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Living into the Future Together
Spring Conference Gatherings
LIFT conferences to explore missional planning in congregations will be held in each of the nine synod conferences. Rostered Leaders and congregational council members should attend the event in their conference. Allot 3 to 4 hours for the conference. The location of each conference will be announced in future issues of Synews. Bishop Nelson, Synod VP Joyce Thompsen and Synod Council members will lead the gatherings.
At the 2011 Churchwide Assembly the following action was adopted:
Make support for the work of congregations one of the highest priorities of this church and requested congregations, in collaboration with synods, to begin, develop, review or redefine their unique mission plans by the end of 2012.
Central Coast:
Sunday, February 26 at 3:00 p.m.
Tehachapi:
Saturday, March 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Channel Islands: 
Sunday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
San Gabriel Valley:
Sunday, March 18 at 2:30 p.m.
Greater Long Beach:
Saturday, March 24 at 9:00 a.m.
LA Metro:
Saturday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m.
South Bay:
Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m.
Twin Valleys:
Saturday, March 31 at 9:00 a.m.
LIFEhouse, Northridge
Foothill:
Sunday, April 1 at 4:00 p.m.
The Churchwide Assembly took these actions on LIFT:
- Make support for the work of congregations one of the highest priorities of this church and requested congregations, in collaboration with synods, to begin, develop, review or redefine their unique mission plans by the end of 2012.
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Synod Prison Ministry Meeting
Those who are interested in being involved in Prison Ministry are welcome to attend an upcoming meeting at the Synod Office.
The potential to minister to inmates, parolees and their families-and to change lives - is enormous. Based on the current work of three congregations (Hope and Hollywood in Los Angeles and St. Matthew's in North Hollywood) there will be a first meeting to explore a Synod-wide prison outreach ministry. We will outline goals and objectives, and seek to identify resources, congregations and individual volunteers.
Join us from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24 at the Synod Office in Glendale. Bring your ideas and resources to share! |
New Session of ELM Classes  Begins in January
It is never too late to sign up for ELM classes!
The current course is "Worship as the Center of Our Life Together" meeting January 28, at the Synod Office in Glendale.
This course explores the basic shape and theology of Christian Worship and its expression in the Lutheran Church. It considers historical patterns of worship as well as the shifting nature of worship in today's church.
The two key focuses of the course will be 1) skills and techniques for worship leadership, and 2) creating worship that is culturally and contextually appropriate.
The Rev. James Bessey, course leader, is pastor of Christ Lutheran, Long Beach, and chair of the Southwest California Synod's Worship Committee. He has served parishes in Los Altos, Burlingame, San Francisco, and Berkeley. Pastor Bessey has a B.A. in music from California Lutheran University as well as an M.Div. from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. His post-graduate studies were at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley with an emphasis on multi-cultural worship. Pastor Bessey also served as part of the introductory team for Evangelical Lutheran Worship in our synod.
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World Association for Christian Communication Photo Competition 2012 Launched
The annual photo competition of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC), 2012, has been launched.
The theme is Communication for All. Communication rights invoke spaces and resources in the public sphere for everyone to be able to engage in transparent, informed and democratic debate. They invoke unfettered access to the information and knowledge essential to responsible democracy, empowerment, active citizenship and mutual accountability. They invoke political, social and cultural environments that encourage the free exchange of a diversity of creative ideas, knowledge and cultural products. Communication rights invoke the need to ensure a diversity of cultural identities that together enhance and enrich the common good.
The WACC Photo Competition 2012 seeks photos that illustrate the notion that communication is a basic human right, essential to people's dignity and community; or how communication promotes democratic values and social justice; or how communication helps restore voice and visibility to people, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Winners of the competition will be awarded cash prizes. There will be one first prize and five commendations. The first prize is $500 and each commendation will be awarded $200. Winning photos will be seen around the world, so preference will be given to photos that convey meaning without relying on the written word.
To participate in the competition, photos must be loaded on Flickr group. If you do not have an account on Flickr, you need to create one by following this link, and then join the competition.
The closing date is May 1, 2012. Winners will be announced later in May.
For more information about the competition, contact Terry. |
Protect your children and your community of faith from Child Sexual Abuse At the 2010 Southwest California Synod Assembly, the resolution "Protecting Congregations and their Communities from Child Sexual Abuse" was brought before the voting members. These voting members overwhelmingly approved the resolution, which called for congregation in the Southwest California Synod to rededicate themselves to safeguard God's children from sexual abuse, provide a process for congregations and agencies to train pastors, lay staff, teachers, and volunteers in identifying and preventing child sexual abuse, by bring the light of the Gospel to bear in our world. There are two parts to the Training: Part 1 - will provide an understanding of the dynamics of sexual abuse, including what to do if you have concerns about a person's behavior or if you suspect that someone has been molested, and how to recognize signs that a person may have been abused. This is excellent training for any adult concerned about the safety of children and youth. Part 2 - offers concrete steps you can take to help prevent sexual abuse in church and school settings. This training is designed for clergy, lay staff, and volunteers with youth who are responsible for planning, implementing, or supervising congregational ministries, activities and programs.
Upcoming Trainings in the Southwest California Synod
Saturday, February 4,
9:00 am to 12 p.m.
Christ Lutheran, Long Beach
NOTE: An additional CPR Training (Adult, child, infant CPR, airway obstruction and AED ceritication) is offered the same day from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. The cost is $30 and a 2 year certification is issued  through the AHA. This event is also $10 per person. RSVP to Christ Lutheran at (562) 598-2433.
Saturday, February 11th, 9:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
Mt. Carmel Lutheran, San Luis Obispo
Saturday, March 10th
9:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Santa Barbara
Please RSVP for any of these trainings. Cost is $5 per person.
Rev. Jared Carson
Initiative Liaison
First Lutheran Church & School
2900 W Carson St.
Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: 310-320-9920
E-mail: carsonj@flchurch.org |
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Rostered Leader and Congregation Reports Due
The Rostered Leader's Report to the Bishop, Annual Congregational Report and Letter of Intent should be filed as soon as possible. The most expeditious way to complete the reports is online. For the Rostered Leaders Reports, click here. And, click here for Congregation Reports.
The Letter of Intent as well as the other reports will also be sent via US mail.
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Giving Just Got Easier!
 If you attended one of the Bishop's Stewardship Events you know that the top ten list included making it easy to give. We've made giving to the Southwest California Synod even easier.
Scan our new QR - Quick Response Code - with your smart phone and you'll be directed to the Giving Page of the Synod's website.
Please don't hesitate to visit frequently and spread the word! |
News from the ELCA Board of Pension/Portico Benefit Services
2012 Health Assessment Now Open
ELCA-primary health plan members
Each year, you have the opportunity to earn personal wellness account credits, but you need to take the assessment each year in order to earn them. In 2012, you can earn a $150 credit, then do follow-up activities and earn a $350 credit. If you have an eligible spouse, together you can earn $1,000 into the plan member's personal wellness account.
Reminder: We Have a New Name
The ELCA Board of Pensions changed its name to Portico Benefit Services. Why a new name? Why this name? Click here to learn more. |
 LRCC News
Retreats at LRCC!
There are many retreats coming up at LRCC such as the Youth Workers, Scrapbooking, Rubies 'n Pearls A retreat for girls and women (ages 13 and up) and Winter retreats (from January - March) for kids from 3rd grade to high school and for families too!
To register, download the form from the LRCC website, fill it out and fax or mail it into the LRCC Admin Office.
To find out more about LRCC's retreats, click here.
2012 Summer Staff Applications are Available!
If you or somebody you know would like to work at camp this summer, please check out our Summer Staff employment information below.
Apply EARLY as last year there were more applications that positions open.
We are looking for quality young people who love kids and Jesus, want to spend a summer living in Christian community and are willing to have their life changed.
To find the application and the employment opportunities, click here. |
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Lutheran Malaria Initiative Contributes to Global Decline in Malaria Deaths
The World Health Organization recently released its World Malaria Report 2011, showing that the concerted global effort in recent years to combat malaria, including campaigns like the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI), means that a third fewer people in Africa are dying of malaria now than in 2000.
"This is incredible progress," said John Nunes, president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief. "When we started the LMI campaign, a child was dying of malaria every 30 seconds. Then we learned that rate had dropped to one child every 45 seconds. These new figures mean that a child in sub-Saharan Africa now dies every 60 seconds. That is still too many children dying from a disease that is completely preventable and treatable, but the remarkable progress in such a short period of time shows me that, working together, we really can end malaria deaths by 2015."
The Lutheran Malaria Initiative, a partnership of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), and made possible with support from the United Nations Foundation, seeks to raise $45 million to combat malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, the region most affected by this devastating disease. With programs currently in Mali, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, LMI is reaching 2.4 million people with messages about prevention and treatment.
Lutherans invite students to help end malaria
The ELCA Malaria Campaign will provide new opportunities for college and university students attending Lutheran schools and ELCA campus ministries to engage in the global fight against malaria. See www.elca.org/malaria/grants for more information and application materials. Read this story and more at www.elca.org/news.
ELCA Malaria Campaign offering envelope
Now is the perfect time to order a fresh supply of ELCA Malaria Campaign offering envelopes. Place them in the pew racks, tuck them inside offering envelope boxes or distribute them to members to help our church do its part in the fight against malaria. Malaria is a preventable, treatable disease that claims the life of a child every 45 seconds. Click here to order the envelopes. |
 From the ELCA Youth Ministry Network
Lutheran Theology: How is God at Work in the World?
Sunday, February 5 at 2 pm presented by Dr. Jeremy Myers.
Register for this webinar here.
How does Christ forgive my sins? How does the Spirit call us into faith and service? Does God cause bad things to happen? The way we describe God and God's work in our world matters. It communicates a certain understanding of God to our youth.
This workshop will introduce you to a few of the tenets of Lutheran theology that can help us notice, interpret and profess what we think God might be doing in the lives of our youth.
Dr. Jeremy Myers is a religion and youth ministry professor at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. He is a commissioned Associate in Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He lives in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul with his wife and two kids.
Practice Discipleship: The ELCA Youth Ministry Training Project The ELCA Youth Gathering in partnership with the ELCA Youth Ministry Network is happy to present Practice Discipleship: The ELCA Youth Ministry Training Project. This special training opportunity is being offered to all youth and family ministry professionals and volunteers at no cost. Hotel Shuttle for New Orleans (Gathering and the Extravaganza)
There are a few simple rules that you must follow to get this discounted rate: - In order to book your discounted airport/hotel shuttle reservations online, you must book no later than 24 hours prior to your flight arrival time.
- Changes to an existing reservation can be made by phone (866-596-2699) only if you made your original reservation online.
- The round trip ticket discount is only for tickets bought through this web page.
For more information regarding transportation, click here. |
Young adults: new opportunity for service
The Young Adults in Global Mission program is offering Madagascar as a new country program for 2012! In addition to Madagascar, opportunities abound for service in nine other countries around the world. This volunteer program is open to young people between the ages of 19-29. Final application deadline is March 1. Learn more at www.elca.org/yagm.
Indonesia: We go to live with the people to realize the love of Jesus
Lutherans in Indonesia are celebrating their 150th anniversary. Learn more about a unique institution in their church, a deaconess training school at the southern end of scenic Lake Toba in the crater of an ancient volcano. Hear the students sing and how they are taught in a two-minute video at www.elca.org/companionvoices.
Sponsors needed for missionary in Nigeria
You can be a sponsor for the Rev. Lancelot Themba and Kwena Mkhabela, ELCA missionaries in Nigeria, where Themba serves as regional representative for theological education and evangelism in western Africa. Sponsors from Oregon, Montana, Colorado, Northern Texas, Northern Louisiana and the Minneapolis area are especially welcomed to minimize their travel time and maximize their effectiveness while on home assignment. For more information, write missionarysponsorship@elca.org or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
This annual event in the global ecumenical movement will be observed Jan. 18-25, 2012, in the northern hemisphere. Worship resources and materials for your use are available at www.elca.org/ecumenical. |
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News from Lutheran Social Services - Van Nuys
Lutherans Looking Forward Breakfast
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 4th for the Lutherans Looking Forward Breakfast at the Woodland Hills Country Club. This is a free breakfast (a goodwill offering is taken) for all of our churches. Lutheran of the Year and Congregation of the Year will be announced and awarded.
Golf Tournament
Monday, May 14th, 2012 for our annual Golf Tournament. If you are a golfer, you won't want to miss this great tournament. |
Souper Bowl of Caring is February 5, 2012
The Super Bowl takes place on Sunday, February 5, and approximately 100 million Americans are expected to tune in to watch. As many are enjoying abundant food and friendship while hosting or attending parties, ap proximately 1 billion people will be hungry.
The Souper Bowl of Caring is an ecumenical, youth-led movement that promotes opportunities to fight hunger by raising funds, collecting canned goods and participating in service projects.
The money you raise can be donated to the hunger-related charity of your choice. This year, please consider making a difference locally and globally. Select a local organization to receive half of what you raise, and send the other half to ELCA World Hunger. Gifts to ELCA World Hunger support the projects of this church that respond to hunger and poverty in over 50 countries -- including hundreds of soup kitchens and food pantries right here in the United States. What an incredible way to make a worldwide impact! Learn more at www.souperbowl.org. |
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