Synod E-News
A Weekly Update on Ministry in Western North Dakota
In Mission Together:
Minot Men's Winter Refuge
Minot has seen a LOT of changes in the past few years. One of those changes was a shortage of affordable housing in the wake of the oil boom and the flood. Many single working men were finding themselves walking the aisles of Walmart to keep warm or attempting to sleep outside on our -40 degree nights.

So last winter, with the generous donation of a house from First Lutheran Church in Minot, and the support of multiple congregations from multiple denominations, and after getting all necessary paperwork together and city approval, the Minot Area Men's Winter Refuge was born and was off to an incredible start.

 

In its first (shortened) winter season, The Men's Winter Refuge was open for 63 nights (756 hours). The refuge was blessed with forty-three different volunteers who gave a total of 1747 hours of their time to serve their neighbors in need of a helping hand and a warm bed. In its first season the refuge served 23 men with an average length of stay at 12.5 nights.  Since its opening, volunteers have been blessed by their experiences at the refuge. Not just in their giving of their time but their receiving of fellowship and friendship from the people they serve. It's been said by a few volunteers, that they need this time of service more than the people they serve need them. More 

Lorentzsen Luncheon, March 19

Join speakers Jesse Veeder, folk musician, columnist and North Dakota Ambassador Award winner, and Bill Sorensen '73, former mayor of Bismarck, N.D., for a conversation about Inspirational Leadership in the Spotlight. This event  is hosted by Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. More 

Clergy Tax Preparation Guide
Tax issues for clergy can be complicated. To help you tend to your financial well-being, Portico offers resources to help you better understand your tax situation, both now and in retirement including the annual Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar - at no cost to plan members. More                                                
Scholarships available for EQ HR Events
Five Wellness Scholarships of $500 each are still available for rostered leaders interested in participating in an Emotional Intelligence and Human Relations Worship.  The closest workshops coming up this summer will be held in St. Paul, MN, Allen Spark, CO or Saskatoon, SK.  View a listing of all upcoming workshops.  Contact Lisa Ahlness for scholarship information. 
Take the Health Assessment and Save $
Health Assessment Link Got ELCA-Primary health benefits? Take the health assessment by April 30. If 65% of us do it, all our synod employers will save a collective $23,000.

 

New this year: To take the Mayo Clinic health assessment, access Mayo Clinic Healthy Living online directly through myPortico - no separate Mayo Clinic ID and password necessary. Go to PorticoBenefits.org/HealthyLiving for details. 

Legislation concerning concealed weapons and implications for congregations

We have had several inquiries regarding proposed legislation in the ND House regarding concealed weapons and implications for congregational ministry.  Synod Attorney Murray Sagsveen has compiled a list of the proposed bills as well as a summary of each and links to the actual text of the legislation.  More

Annual Report to the Bishop
Each year rostered leaders are expected to file an annual report to the synod bishop.  These ELCA reports are now available and posted on the synod website under Resources for Rostered Leaders. Find your report
More Synod News . . . 
Click the links below to read more about what's happening in the Western North Dakota Synod
 
Tax Info for Clergy Related to Health Coverage

Since they are not part of the Federal Health Exchange, Portico Benefits will not be issuing a Form 1095C as proof of health insurance, but learn what documents can be submitted in lieu of this form More

 

Submit a Resolution for Consideration by Synod Assembly
Use the Resolution Worksheet and Guidelines to submit a resolution for consideration by Synod Assembly.  Resolutions are due March 31, 2015.
  
Synod Transitions
Calls Accepted
Rev. Norman Paskowsky to Sherwood Area Lutheran Parish

Installations

Feb. 22, 2015, Rev. Brian Knutson at Zion Lutheran, Elgin, ND

March 8, 2015, Rev. Norman Paskowsky at Sherwood Area Lutheran Parish

 

Transfers
Rev. Brian Knutson, Oregon Synod
 

Rev. Kirsten Frantsvog, Eastern North Dakota Synod
 

       February 25, 2015
Save the Date:
2015 Synod Assembly
June 4:  Pre-Assembly Workshop & Mission Gala
June 5-6: Synod Assembly
Quick Links
Upcoming Events




Lorentzsen Luncheon, Bismarck - March 19



In Our Prayers . . .

Synod Congregations:
First Lutheran, Willow City
Sunne Lutheran, Wilton
Bethlehem Lutheran, Wing
St. Luke Lutheran, Wishek
Wolford Lutheran, Wolford

Those facing health concerns:
Rev. Jeff Giles
Linda Nygard (wife of Rev. Mark Nygard)
Rev. Karen Edwards
Rev. Stephanie Swanson
Carol Moen - retired AIM

Those who have lost loved ones:
Family of Rev. Tim Solberg
 

Others:

Our companion synod: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic 

Western North Dakota Synod-ELCA | 701-223-5312 | [email protected] | http://wndsynod.org
1614 Capitol Way
PO Box 370
Bismarck, ND 58502