Between Feb. 22 and Mar. 3 a deadly series of storms raced across the Midwest and the South, spawning at least 64 violent tornadoes that killed more than 50 people and injured many more in 14 states. Hundreds of homes, farms and businesses were damaged or destroyed during the outbreak.

Currently, ELCA Disaster Response and ELCA congregations are providing spiritual care, coordinating volunteer response through local partner agencies, and laying the groundwork for further response as communities repair and rebuild. No ELCA congregations have reported severe damage. More information, resources, and how you can help are available at www.elca.org/disaster.

May 1-3, Bethlehem, Minneapolis. How does being missional affect giving? Congregational leaders--both lay and clergy--concerned with creating financial sustainability and congregations dedicated to the mission of God in the world have the opportunity to hear from church leaders who are on the forefront of this discussion. There will also be time to engage in conversation facilitated by the keynote speakers. For more information and to register, click here.

The Saint Paul Area Synod is a co-sponsors of this conference, meaning leaders from this synod are eligible for a $50 discount (enter "ELCA" as the promotional code). Register before Mar. 15 to receive early bird pricing, a total cost to individuals of $195.

If you have ELCA-primary health coverage, take the 2012 Mayo Clinic Health Assessment on the EmbodyHealth web portal at www.elcaforwellness.org today. You'll earn $150 wellness dollars just for taking the 15-minute assessment. Plus, you will help your congregation or organization earn a two-percent discount on health contributions--a synod-wide savings of $44,000--if 65 percent of plan members complete the assessment by April 30.

Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) is gearing up for the launch of an exciting new program called Jubilee. Growing out of an interest expressed by members of several Minnesota congregations hoping to allow people to participate in LVC who are not able to or interested in leaving their homes, Jubilee is a non-residential version of LVC. Volunteers still commit to a year-long placement and will offer support for a social justice organization. Participant applications are being accepted now. LVC is in need of financial support to make this program happen. Learn more

Important: This year, all voting members must register for the synod assembly using the online form. Register by April 16 to receive early bird pricing. If you have questions, contact Julie Keefe, assembly registrar. In addition, visit the assembly homepage often for new details and updates.

Apr. 12, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul. Mary Sue Dreier, associate professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, will lead rostered leaders from our synod in a conversation on missional planning for congregations. There will be discussion around the kinds of planning currently underway in congregations, and resources helpful to those who wish to begin or strengthen their congregational planning will presented. More

We are one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.