Synod Office Summer Hours
This summer the synod office will have amended hours to accommodate the overlap of staff vacations. Staff will still fulfill their designated hours June-August, however, the phone will be answered by voicemail, and the office will be closed to meetings and drop-in visits on Fridays.
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Listening
I love listening to the rain falling on the roof as I am falling asleep even if there are sounds of the deep thunder rolling across the sky. There is a sense of peacefulness, comfort even, as I am safe and sound snuggled in the protection of my home. What is less comforting is when those rains, thunder and lightning are accompanied by big winds where you hear the trees groaning, the sudden sounds of branches snapping off or sometimes even that big lightning strike.
Listening is important.
The definition of a "Disciple" is one who listens and learns. As Disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to listen: to Christ, to the Word, to our neighbors. We cannot learn without listening. We cannot hear the call of Jesus if we do not listen. We cannot begin to reach out and meet the needs of our neighbors without listening. Listening is active - not passive. We are also called to listen to others who disagree with us whether those disagreements come in the form of political rhetoric, interpretation of scripture, or deep seated frustration, anger and pain.
Most likely all of us have been listening to the tragic news coming out from St. Paul, Baton Rouge, Dallas, and Orlando. Encourage your congregations to listen to Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's comments regarding this violence and how the Church is called to listen, taking a closer look at our hearts and actions (or in-action). Her message brings some very important discussion points that all of us need to respectfully talk about in our congregations. Be sure to include these hurting people in your individual prayers as well as congregational prayers.
Some have also been listening and responding to the needs of those affected by the flooding in West Virginia. Has your congregation included this Lutheran Disaster Response insert in your bulletins? There will be on-going needs for these brothers and sisters. Remember them in your prayers even as their "headline news" scroll further down by the 20 second sound bytes.
Others have been listening and responding to the needs of their local neighbors who are reeling from gruesome murders, drownings, ATV accidents, tornado damage and other locales facing heartache and grief. AS we lift up these brothers and sisters in prayer, may we also be listening to where and how God might be calling us to reach out in love and compassion.
Mrs. Brenda Tibbetts
Assistant to the Bishop, NE MN Synod
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As the 2016 Churchwide Assembly nears, you are invited to participate in 6 weeks of prayer prior to the Assembly, Daily Prayers for each day of the Assembly, and a Prayer for the Sunday after the Assembly.
The prayer for Week 2 (July 10) is:
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is divided, reunite it; Direct the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by that truth and peace, as this church prepares to gather in assembly. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The prayer for Week 3 (July 17) is:
Almighty God, grant to your Church your Holy Spirit and the wisdom which comes down from heaven, that your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ's holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve you and in the confession of your name my abide to the end. Direct the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by your wisdom, as this church prepares to gather in assembly. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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Playing Hymns with a Worship Band
Friday, July 22, 2016 - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville, MN
There has been so much dynamic new worship music written with the "praise band" in mind. However, do you ever wonder if your band-led services should include some music that wasn't written in the last ten minutes? What about the legacy of all the great hymns of the faith? Is there a way to include that music in your contemporary services without having it feel like an academic exercise?
Instructor Jay Beech answers this question with a resounding "YES"! Jay has taken his love of hymnody, plugged it into his internal groove generator, and created very cool arrangements for the worship band.
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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.
Oak Lake Lutheran Church Country Fair
Saturday July 16, 2016 from 10am -2:30pm.
53131 Shadow Oak Road, Kerrick, MN 55756 218.485.8710
Silent Auction, Horse drawn wagon rides, Antique car and tractor show, Face Painting and kids games, Cake walk, Food, Crafts, Quilt Raffle, Health Booth, Petting Zoo, Music and Farmers Market.
Service of Ordination for Ms. Sue Eld Johnson Service of Ordination to Word and Sacrament for Ms. Sue Eld Johnson will take place on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Family of God Lutheran Church, 4097 Martin Road, Duluth, MN 55803. All area clergy are invited to attend and vest. The color of the day is red. Sue is being called to serve Jesse Lake and Suomi Lutheran Churches, in Talmoon and Deer River, MN. The joint installation service will be held at Jesse Lake Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m. July 24th, 2016 with a potluck brunch to follow.
"Viva la Justicia"- Witness for Peace summer fundraiser, July 28th -
The annual Witness for Peace fundraiser will be held this year on Thursday evening, July 28th, at the Red Herring Lounge, 208 E. First St., Duluth. From 6:30 - 8:30 pm there will be light refreshments and a cash bar available, along with music, presentations about Witness for Peace with a focus on our work in Honduras, a display of art produced by local artists inspired by the movement for eco-justice and indigenous land rights in Honduras, and a silent auction. Donations to support WFP's work with our partners in Latin America are gratefully appreciated. - After 8:30 pm, there will be a concert performance by the popular local music group "Chase Down Blue," with a cover charge for those coming only for the concert. Please come and support the work of Witness for Peace as we celebrate the struggle for justice and human rights in the Americas. - For more information, contact Lyn Clark Pegg at carolynpegg@yahoo.com
125th Anniversary at Bethlehem Lutheran, Aitkin.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church of rural Aitkin, Minnesota, is celebrating its 125th Anniversary on Sunday, July 31, 2016
. Everyone is invited to join the festivities. The day begins with worship at 9:30 a.m., a picnic lunch at 11:30 a.m., and a program at 1:30 p.m. Many pastors preached at Bethlehem while they were students in college and seminary, all are welcome to attend. Bethlehem is located at 36696 320th Street, Aitkin, MN 56431; phone 218-927-3935.
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Employment Opportunities
Youth and Family Minister
First Lutheran Church in Little Falls, MN is looking to fill a position for a full time Youth and Family Minister. The Youth and Family Minister of First Lutheran Church will develop and carry out ministries of faith formation for children, youth and families to live a life centered in Christ.The Youth and Family Minister will lead by example, work creatively and collaboratively, and provide dynamic leadership, vision and organization. Experience in youth ministry is preferred but not required. Previous experience in a similar role could apply. Intended start date is September 1, 2016. For more information, contact Pastor Jake Dyrhaug at jdyrhaug@flclittlefalls.org
Director of Youth, Families & Christian Education
Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, Minnesota is seeking a full time position as Director of Youth, Families and Christian Education. The position includes coordinating high school, middle school (including participation in Confirmation) and elementary school groups and vacation Bible school and Sunday school as well as providing intergenerational opportunities for the entire congregation. It is desired that the applicant be prepared to take initiative, become involved in sharing the faith with youth and their families at church, school and in the community, and be a vital participant in the life of the congregation. Support and mentoring will be available for a person filling this position. For a complete job description and application form you may contact our church office at: Faith Lutheran main office (218-894-1546); faithlutheranstaples@gmail.com. For other question or more information about the job and compensation, please contact: Joyce Anderson (218-894-1574); flcyouthfamily@gmail.com
High School Ministry Leader
St. Mark's Lutheran Church in North St. Paul, MN is looking for a High School Ministry Leader! This position encompasses leading a ministry of accompaniment, compassionate action, and faith formation with high school youth. You must be able to coordinate a year round ministry to foster an atmosphere of faith and learning with a diverse group of young people and dedicated adult leaders as well as collaborate with other staff on inter-generational events. Part-time-25 hours/week. For more information contact Pastor Ivy Huston at
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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!
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Staff Listing
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Phone: 218.724.4424
Bishop
Assistant to the Bishop
Call process
Director for Evangelical Mission
Assistant to the Bishop
Candidacy
Youth Ministry
Communications/Office Support
NE MN Synod, ELCA
1105 E. Superior St.,
Upper Suite
Duluth, MN 55802
FAX: 218.724.4393
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Online Reflections Editor
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Anne Laechel
218-828-9374
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