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Rev. Norma Malfatti
Director for
Evangelical Mission/
Assistant to the Bishop
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Over the last few years congregations across the synod have been invited to take the Congregational Vitality Assessment (CVA) and just over 100 congregations have participated! The CVA is a tool to help congregations get a sense of the vitality of their relationships with God, each other and the world, including aspects of their congregation that are promoting vitality and what might be distracting them from it. After taking the CVA many congregations are asking the question, "what's next?" Transformational Ministry: Rooted in God's Mission could be that answer.
Transformational Ministry is a process congregations can use to grow deeper in their relationship with God through prayer and Scripture study; grow stronger relationships among people in a congregation and between congregations; and grow in their relationship with the community around them. At the heart of Transformational Ministry are the Great Commandments (love God, love neighbor) and the Great Commission (go, baptize, teach) and asking how are we, as the people of God, being gifted and sent out into the world to proclaim God's love in Jesus through words and actions? While there is no silver bullet, one size fits all answer to this question, because no congregation is the same, the tools learned through this process can support congregations in answering this and other questions.
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 The Eagle's Healing Nest is a center for Veterans who are struggling. They have exhausted the Veteran's Affairs resources, but are not quite ready to return home. This organization states that, "we pride ourselves in healing the invisible wounds of war." Too many soldiers return after service struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have seen or lived through a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. When issues become chronic and last longer than a month then it can be diagnosed. For some it can be treated, but others may take a much longer time frame.
This facility is located in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. A couple local churches got together to assist the veterans. Donna Sandmeyer, a member of one of the churches, donated twenty Lutheran Men in Mission Master Builder Bibles. This was done in memory of her husband who served in the Air Force.
"These bibles present a tool for lay leadership to lead studies. They are a wonderful resource since they have a variety of ways to study scripture. Having 20 copies on sight allows the men to all be studying 'on the same page'. The men were enthusiastic to receive such a quality resource that would be easy to use."
She understands that healing happens in relationships and that this resource of a men's Bible can aide in rebuilding their lives. Who do you know that could benefit from a quality Bible that through their brokenness helps them grow closer to God? Individuals living in nursing homes could have great Bible studies using the 20,000 questions provided. These Bibles are also great gifts for graduates or fathers this Father's Day.
Lutheran Men in Mission is very proud to offer such a high quality Bible. You can order them through the resource page of the ELCA. If you order 10 or more they are $20 plus shipping. Order some and make them available to the men in your life. |
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Dear friends in Christ,
 Last year was an exciting time of growth and new beginnings for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our first comprehensive campaign,Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, reached $80 million - or 40 percent - of our $198 million, five-year goal, allowing important work to begin and the expansion of existing ministries. In the 2015 Campaign Report, you will get a glimpse of what gifts, including yours, have made possible so far.
As we enter the third year of this five-year effort, I invite you to continue giving of your time and talents for this amazing initiative. I encourage you to talk with your family, friends and congregation members regarding the effectiveness of our work. Together, we are bringing new life to the church here at home and around the world. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
In Christ,
 The Rev. Ronald T. Glusenkamp
Director, The Campaign for the ELCA
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The new ELCA Federal Credit Union will open soon
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The new ELCA Federal Credit Union, with offices in the Lutheran Center Building in Chicago, will soon be open for business. The grand opening celebration will be Monday, June 6. ELCA members, congregations, synods and the churchwide organization-and their employees-are all eligible to join the credit union to take advantage of a portfolio of deposit accounts, loans and other services. This new ELCA-sponsored credit union supports the ELCA's mission to promote responsible stewardship of members' and congregations' financial resources. Because this is a financial cooperative, credit union members will see more competitive rates on deposits and loans, fewer fees and enhanced services. Learn more by visiting the credit union website,elcafcu.org. As a financial institution rooted in your faith community, the ELCA Federal Credit Union looks forward to serving you. >More
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Lutheran Disaster Response
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The last few months have been a somber season. We have seen one of the highest concentrations of significant disasters in decades. As a church, we are called to respond.
Through Lutheran Disaster Response, your gifts will provide help and hope in the face of devastation. Thanks to a generous donor, your gift now will be matched - dollar for dollar - until we reach $100,000.
For the first time in decades we face the potential for extreme child malnutrition, even starvation. More people are displaced now than ever before. In the U.S., communities face weeks if not months waiting for floodwaters to recede and repairs to begin.
Our church is known for our capacity to respond effectively to disasters. In many of the areas hardest hit, Lutheran Disaster Response is already there. Through dedicated colleagues, trusted partners, our network of affiliates and companion churches, we have presence and knowledge of the needs at the local level.
It is by faith and grace that this time of despair can be turned into a season of hope.
With gratitude for your partnership in this ministry,
The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director
ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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 IN OUR PRAYERS
Of Healing:
for Pastor John Califano
for Pastor Charles Lindholm
for Pastor Peter Klotz
Prayers of Comfort
for Pastor Gus Wedemeyer and family at the death of his wife, Erna
for Pastor Peter Klotz and family at the death of his father, Theodore
Prayers of Thanksgiving
as Pastor Peter Klotz and Karen are married on May 21st
as Pastor Wendy Cook marries Herb Bahrmann on May 28th
We hold in Prayer
pastors and congregations of the Foothills and Southern Tier Conference Congregations and Leaders
Bishop Eaton and ELCA unit Executives
ELCA Region 9 Synods and Bishops
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SYNOD ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
on site registration at Assembly on June 5 will be available, however, no meals will be available for purchase. The guaranteed assembly rate of $109 at the Radisson deadline was also May 15. Please call the Radisson directly regarding room availability.
 Be sure to access all of your Synod Assembly materials either by downloading off the synod website http://upstatenysynod.org/document-center/ or by signing up for the Guidebook App. To get the guide, choose one of the methods below: - Download 'Gudebook' from the Apple App Store or the Marketplace Android Marketplace
- Scan the following image with your mobile phone (QR-Code reader required, e.g. 'Red Laser', ('Barcode Scanner')
- Visit https://guidebook.com/g/sa2016from your phone's browser
"A Place for All"
Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
at 8:00 PM EDT
A live webcast on growing diverse communities of faith. Join ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and her 3 guests: Rev. Ruben Duran (director for new congregations for the ELCA); Rev. Matt Stuhlmuller (pastor, Redeemer Church, Chicago); Mikka McCracken (director for planning and engagement, ELCA World Hunger).
"You and your children can live..." 2 Kings 4:7b 
Make plans to attend the 5th National Gathering of Cherish All Children!
Date: Thursday October 20 @ 7:00 pm - Sunday luncheon October 23, 2016
Place: Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY, just outside of Buffalo.
Wondering how your congregation can help end the trafficking of children? Then the Cherish All Children National Gathering is for YOU! For more information or to register visit call 612.280.1259 or go to
 Help people to stay informed, be inspired and get involved. CLICK HERE to link your website to the latest edition of Global Links.
"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)
Over the next few weeks, ELCA Advocacy will share reflections from seminarians at Gettysburg Seminary who traveled to Honduras earlier this year in order to connect and better understand the conditions driving so many to leave their communities in Central America. Each entry highlights something the author learned when they met with individuals from communities the ELCA accompanies or is in relationship with.
We hope these reflections shed light on the power of walking and advocating alongside affected communities. We thank Gettysburg Seminary and all who shared their stories with us. Please visit our ELCA Advocacy blog to read moreĀ and check back each week for new stories.
 Thank you to all who completed the Portico Health Assessment!! With your help all Portico participating employers in our synod, including congregations, will benefit from a 1% reduction in this year's health care costs.
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