|
|
|
|
|
Northeastern Minnesota Synod Post Assembly News
Greetings!
The Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly was held May 3-5 in Grand Rapids at Zion Lutheran Church. The 335 voting members and several visitors enjoyed a weekend of spiritual renewal, theological education, missional work.
|
 Reflection on the Synod Assembly from Bishop Aitken
I write this the day after our Synod Assembly. A big thanks to all who worked up front and behind the scenes to make this one of the most faithful and fruitful synod assemblies I have ever participated in. Dozens of people stopped me during and after the assembly to tell me this was their first synod assembly and they were nurtured in faith, challenged in spirit, and filled with gratitude for our shared work together as a synod. There were many for whom this was not their first assembly, who shared that this was their best assembly ever! It is often at assembly, that people find out for the first time what kind of church we are in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. What I mean by this is that folks often comment to me, "I had no idea our church was so involved in our country and around the world . . . I am proud of our church and will go back to my congregation and tell the bigger story of who we are." Our speakers and mural artist all worked together to thread the assembly theme "Always Being Made New" together over the weekend. That's teamwork, and that's what our Lord calls us to do in the church. Remember, You are in Christ, And you are now, tomorrow, and until the day
you meet our Lord face to face being made new!
|
|
 Worship The synod assembly opened and closed with worship. In his sermon Friday evening, Pastor Scott Jacob set the tone for the weekend by focusing on the Assembly theme: "Always Being Made New" and the urgency of living into God's mission for us.
Sunday morning worship was highlighted by the painting of a mural by Pastor Paul Oman throughout the service. His mural depicted the image of Christ at the banquet table as referenced in Bishop Tom Aitken's sermon. After receiving communion, people were anointed with oil and SENT FORTH to their family, home congregation and community. 
|
|
Celebrations and Awards
Fifteen pastors will celebrate ordination anniversaries in 2013. Pastors recognized at Saturday's banquet were:
25 Years: Douglas Paulson, Larry Hendry, Stephen Blenkush
35 Years: Judd Larson, April Ulring-Larson, Erik Holleque, Jack Koch, Jerome Evavold, Larry Quanbeck
50 Years: Len Anderson, Dan Johns
60 Years: Elden Landvik, Jim Almquist, John Reppe
65 Years: Chester Hoversten
School of Lay Ministry graduates of the two year program were recognized:
Lynne Zack, Steve Teff, Gwen Degner, and Don Streufert
Recipients of the Lutheran Social Service on MN Servant of Christ Award:
Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa
First Lutheran Church of Duluth
Recipient of the Holy Cow! Look What We Did for World Hunger award is First Lutheran Church of Duluth.
Jane Jewett of Palisade received the Ken Peterson Award for her work on hunger, justice, and poverty issues.
|
 Business of the Assembly
Four plenary sessions were held over the three day assembly.The work of voting members included:
- Re-electing John Olsen of Aitkin as Treasurer of the Synod, Pastor David Carlson to the Synod Committee on Discipline, and Mrs. Rachel Berry to the Synod Council At Large position.
- Approved the 2014 Compensation and Professional Expense Guidelines.
- Approved a 2014 Synod Budget of $1,282,700.
- Passed Resolution 13-1a as amended.
- Participated in a Committee of the Whole focused on congregational mission planning.
|
 Assembly Offering
As in years past, offering received at Friday and Sunday services was designated for the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Seminary Scholarship Fund. This year's offering totaled $8,378 to be distributed to the synod's seminary students. Contributions may be given to this fund at any time. It is the only financial support to seminary students from our synod. |
 Run/Walk for the Camps
The First Annual 5k Run/Walk for the Camps took place at 6:30 am Saturday morning. Over $1,700 was raised by more than 85 participants who braved the 30 degree, rainy weather.
 Quilts, Quarters and Marketplace These events, held at each Synod Assembly, totaled over $23,898 this year.
Final totals for the Run/Walk and World Hunger Appeal will be publicized when all money is sent in.
|
 Links referenced at Synod Assembly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
