Northeastern Minnesota Synod
Online Reflections
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week of April 17, 2016  
Synod Assembly

There are only one week left before Synod Assembly! If you haven't already registered, please do so as soon as possible. Spouses who are attending the Assembly as guests should be registered too, to be able to attend the Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen.

Click Here for more information.

Bulletin of Reports
Due to updates made to the Bulletin of Reports, the documents have been temporarily pulled off of the Synod website. Check back on Friday, April 22 for the updated files. Changes were made to the Table of Contents, Agenda, Rules & Procedures, Nominees Biographical data, and the page numbering.

What do I do about Worship? 
My Pastor is at Synod Assembly!
Most of our Pastor's will attend Synod Assembly and not be available for Worship on Sunday May 1st. We have an alternative for you!

Bishop Aitken has recorded a video of his sermon for May 1st.
If you would like to use the video, you are welcome to do so.
He also has a transcript of it, so that someone from your congregation may download and read it.


Click here to download Word

Bishop Aitken's Sermon 5-1-16
Bishop Aitken's Sermon 5-1-16

Russian Deacons Visiting Apr 21 - May 5
Evgeny Raskatov

Dear friends in Christ,
 
What a privilege to welcome two deacons from our companion synod, the Ingrian Lutheran Church of Russia, Evgeny Raskatov from the central office of the ELCIR in St. Petersburg, and Sergey Anikin from the Lutheran parish in Saratov, Volga Deanery.
 
During the next few days, they will be arriving in Minnesota, visiting Luther Seminary, and beginning to experience church life in our synod. The following presentations by these emerging young leaders are lined up in various parts of our synod, and each will provide an opportunity for an offering to support God's work through their ministry and the ELCIR.
 
Please find a presentation near you and encourage your congregation to attend. These are open to everyone in the synod and the community.
 
Apr 24 - Sun
3:00 p.m. presentation
Immanuel Lutheran, Proctor - 614 2nd St, Proctor, MN 55810
Lake Superior Conference
 
Apr 27 - Wed
6:00 p.m. supper followed by presentation
Bethlehem Lutheran, Two Harbors - 601 4th Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Lake Superior Conference
 
Apr 28 - Thu
5:45 p.m. supper followed by presentation
Immanuel Lutheran, Tower -304 Spruce St, Tower, MN 55790
Laurentian Conference
 
May 1 - Sun
2:00 p.m. presentation in sanctuary
First Lutheran, Brainerd - 424 S 8th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Torske luncheon (youth fundraiser) from 11:00-2:00 in fellowship hall
Heartland Conference
 
May 3 - Tue
6:00 p.m. supper followed by presentation
Emmanuel Lutheran, Sandstone/Dell Grove - 16726 Grindstone Lake Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072
Kettle River Conference
 
Many thanks to all the congregations and hosts for their hospitality. And thank you for continuing to keep in your prayers our synod's ministry of accompaniment with our Russian brothers and sisters in Christ.
 
Grace and peace,
 
Pastor David Carlson, chair
ELCIR Companion Synod Task Force
+Bishop's Visitation to Confirmation Students
 
Bishop Aitken continues to invite you to do a Visitation/ Teaching/Anointing on a Wednesday night (or whenever you meet) for your Confirmation Class. He encourages parents to come that night as well so he can meet them and include them in the teaching time. Pastors and Confirmation teachers are welcome of course to be there, but he will teach about Christian Vocation, the role of the Christian in our world, our call in Christ and end with Communion and Commissioning for service with Anointing oil from Palestine. It's best to gather a cluster of congregations for this - that has worked well in the past.
PV for Phebe Update
April has a number of activities taking place. April 8 Dr. Sibley, Phebe Medical Director, arrived for the weekend. He was able to visit Global Health Ministries and make arrangements for a shipment of very needed supplies. Saturday he and I were participants in Jason Edens', Ex. Director at RREAL presentation for the Heartland Conference Women of the ELCA spring gathering. Dr. Sibley got a standing ovation.
We have made presentations at Effie Freidheim Lutheran Church in Effie, Grace Community Church in Bigfork, SW MN Synod Women of the ELCA group in Glencoe so far. Upcoming are the East Central Wisconsin Synod Women of the ELCA Convention in Eau Claire WI and a display at the NE MN Synod Assembly.
Bless you all for your support to this effort.
Mary Jo Mettler
Synod Photo Directory

Hello Ordained Ministers, Associated in Ministry, and Deaconesses!
 
Bishop Aitken would like every Rostered Leader to have their picture taken (free of charge) for an updated Synod Directory. It's been seven years since the last one and we are overdue.
 
The Synod Pictorial Directory helps us all stay connected. Plan on taking a few minutes and getting your picture taken. Collars on pastors are encouraged.
 
Lifetouch Studios will be holding 2 photo sessions during the Synod Assembly. Friday from 2pm-5pm in the Pelican Room.Saturday 8am-6pm in the Pelican Room.
 
Please stop by and have your photo taken. You will receive afree 8x10 photo. No Appointment Necessary. Take a 5 minute break and get your photo taken.
 
What do we need from you? Your smiling face of course! Also, the name, location and address where you serve, phone number and email. We will have a list on hand, you will need to verify for accuracy.
Bulletin Board

For Sale: 8 cemetery plots 
at Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy
Lot 47, section 21, spaces 5 - 12. Plots for sale at $800 each, or, $1500/pair, or, all 8 plots for $5600.00. Plots are valued at $1200.00 each. Deed transfer fees are included in the sale price.  Please contact Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 218-525-1922 if interested.

Monthly Partners
Many people have automatic withdrawal from checking or savings accounts for a variety of reasons - i.e. pay bills or make donations to organizations. The ELCA provides this opportunity also through a program called Monthly Partners. 
The Synod Hunger Committee is suggesting that congregation members be made aware of the opportunity to donate to World Hunger using this means of giving, which provides a consistent way to assure funds are available for the ongoing work of ELCA World Hunger. The Synod and congregation will receive "credit" toward the Holy Cow award given at the Synod Assembly. https://community.elca.org/monthlypartners

Events Around the Synod

We have recently changed the policy regarding the inclusion of congregational fundraising events in the Online Reflections. If you would like to have your event included, please send a brief press release, including the Who, What, Where, When & Why of your event, in an email to anne@lolbaxter.org. No PDF flyers please
. Only the text information will be included.


Children of Eden
Zion's New Wine Youth Ministry Production of the musical Children of Eden - Zion Lutheran Church, 1000 Washington Ave., Cloquet, MN will be held on April 21, 22 & 23 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday April 24 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 which includes the performance and dessert and beverage at intermission. New Wine is made up of high school students from area churches.

Norske Torske Lunsj - First Lutheran, Brainerd
424 South 8th St
May 1, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Tickets: $12 for ages 10 and up; $6 for kids 9 and under. - Join us for a plate of deliciousness! Torske is baked, flakey cod fish served with boiled potatoes, bread and vegetables. There will also be some Scandinavian delicacies and dessert!
All proceeds benefit camperships for local students to attend Bible Camp at Camp Hiawatha, Camp Vermilion, and Voyagers Lutheran Ministries.

Interfaith Fundraiser for Gloria Dei Rebuilding Fund
Sunday, May 1st - 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Hosted by Temple Israel, 1602 E 2nd Street, Duluth
Come enjoy a traditional Jewish lunch, good company and an exciting silent auction. Suggested donation $10, $25 for families.

Employment Opportunities


Youth Director Position
Lutheran Church of the Cross (LCC) in Nisswa, MN, is seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Family Ministry to revitalize the ministry to youth in grades 7-12 and their families. We seek someone who has the skills for relational ministry to both youth and their parents. This person will also be part of a team that works on an integrated birth-to-graduation children's and youth ministry structure at LCC. Our congregational mission centering on the six marks of discipleship (prayer, scripture reading, worship, service in Christ's name, stewardship and hospitality will be a central part of all youth and family ministry programming. Most importantly, a love and passion for Christ and youth ministry is essential. The person in this position will work closely with the Director of Children and Family Ministry and Associate Pastor.
For more information or questions, please contact Pastor Andy Smith. Resume can be sent to: Lutheran Church of the Cross, Attn: Pastor Andy Smith, PO Box 29, Nisswa, MN 56468. Deadline is when the position is filled.

Music & Worship Director
Full-Time Music and Worship Director wanted for Zion Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids. Searching for candidates with music degree and training/experience in pipe organ, piano, conducting and music writing software programs. Can you 'play well with others,' and enhance our faith journeys through exceptional music and worship experiences? Zion offers a competitive salary and benefits package. For position description and application information, contact Pastor Paul Leslie - paul@ziongrandrapidsmn.org. May 23, 2016 application deadline.
Shepherds Wanted
Ever thought about serving those who serve?  The US Navy is looking for exceptional men and women for full time (active duty) or part time (reserve duty) in the Navy Chaplain Corps.  Training, travel, and mentoring provided, along with outstanding military benefits.  Navy Chaplains not only serve the sailors of the US Navy, but also the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard.  This is a rewarding mission, as the fields are white with harvest.  With max age recently changed to 58, you may now be eligible to apply. Sound interesting?  Then we should talk.   Call, text, or email at the contact info below, with no obligation or hard sell. LT Dayton Nelson, Officer Recruiting, US Navy 
5905 34th Ave S. - Minneapolis, MN 55450
Dayton.Nelson@Navy.mil - Cell: 612-749-1545
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Northeastern Minnesota
Synod, ELCA

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The purpose of our

synod is to nurture a

Christ-centered climate

conducive to healthy,

mission-focused

congregations and

their ministries

throughout the world!

Staff Listing
Phone: 218.724.4424
 

  Bishop

Brenda Tibbetts, AiM - 122

  Assistant to the Bishop

Pastor John Dietz - 125

   Director for Evangelical Mission

   Assistant to the Bishop

   Candidacy 

   Youth Ministry 

   Communications/Admin.

   Bookkeeper/Receptionist

   

NE MN Synod, ELCA

1105 E. Superior St.,

Upper Suite

Duluth, MN  55802

 

FAX: 218.724.4393    

Online Reflections Editor

Anne Laechel
218-828-9374

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