July 29,
2015


Synod E-News
NEWS & EVENTS
gardening-things.jpg
Horticulture Days Event - August 14-15
Come to a time of renewal and inspiration at Badlands Ministries and explore the dynamic ways horticulture has impacted North Dakota these past 92 years.  The day includes speakers, tours of local yards in beautiful Medora, a BBQ and much more!  The event is sponsored by Badlands Ministries, Dickinson Research & Extension Service, Medora Chamber of Commerce, and the Medora Convention and Visitors BureauLearn More.

Picnic
Interfaith Picnic - Bismarck
You are welcome to attend an Interfaith picnic being planned by a group of Muslim and Christian leaders:  Rola Koleilat and Darlene Hyder, along with Gretchen Deeg and Rebecca Aardahl.  The goal is to  assist us in fostering understanding and collegiality between faith communities.  More Info
Rise Up Together: The Tour 
Rachel Kurtz, AGAPE*, and Joe Davis will be bringing a taste of the ELCA National Youth Gathering experience to the WND Synod in September.  Two congregations will serve as stops on the Rise Up Together Tour!  Join Rachel, David, and Joe at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bismarck at 7 pm on September 11 & at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot at 7 pm on September 12.  An offering will go to support ELCA World Hunger.  Learn more at www.hiphopoutreach.com.
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry Seeking Executive Director

The Executive Director is accountable for all aspects of the organization and reports to the Board of Directors. S/He is the key spokesperson for the organization.  More details and instructions on how to apply for this position are posted at www.lutheranpartners.org. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2015. 

Abundant Gardens Veggie Salad
Do you anticipate a bountiful harvest?  Plenty of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, corn and potatoes?
Western North Dakota Synod Staff would be happy to put your produce to good use!  Once again, Bishop Mark and staff will be preparing the Sunday evening meal - September 13th - at the Fall Rostered Leader's Gathering in Medora.  They would utilize your donated veggies in the preparation of a healthy meal.  (We may even be willing to share the recipes with you!)  If you are willing to donate any of the listed vegetables, please contact the Synod Office (701-223-5312) or WND Synod Office.
datebook-header-purple.jpg
Save the Dates: Fall Programming in WND Synod
There are several great events coming up in the synod next fall featuring noted speakers from across the country.  Be sure to add these dates to your calendar!
Celebrating All the Gifts of God's People  
The Center for Worship and Music Studies course catalog is now available and registration is now open for the first fall term.  A catalog was mailed to all congregations and is available online.  Online Catalog   
Draft Copies of 2016 Synod Compensation Guidelines Now Available
Drafts of the 2016 WND Synod Compensation Guidelines are now available.  The documents will be reviewed for approval by the WND Synod Council at their meeting in September.  To assist congregations and rostered leaders in determining how housing etc. applies to their particular situation,  we have separated the guidelines out into 3 separate booklets for pastors with a parsonage provided, pastors receiving a housing allowance in lieu of a parsonage, and lay rostered leaders.  If you have any questions or feedback on these draft documents, please contact synod staff or a member of synod council.

 
In Mission Together...
ELCA Youth Gathering impacts both youth and adults
My trip to Detroit for the Youth Gathering was a very humbling experience as a Christian and as a parent. I loved hearing all the speakers talk about their personal experiences with Jesus. Also watching 30,000 people (majority kids) get excited about being God's hands & feet!
 
I would like to see the youth gatherings be mandatory for the confirmation students 8th grade and above. If only all children could have seen the run down, boarded up houses with homeless people living in bushes. It truly was eye opening on what others endure in times of struggle. Bishop Narum gave an awesome sermon as did Bishop Eaton. Thank you to everyone for allowing me to chaperone this trip.

 

 Jesus is...

            GOOD NEWS!

-Camie Anderson, Adult Chaperone from Prairie Lutheran Parish of Stanley, Ross & Palermo

 

praying.jpg
 In Our Prayers 
We will pray together through the synod's roster of congregations and rostered leaders.  Please keep the ministries and ministers below in your prayers this week.
 
Congregations

English Lutheran, Maxbass
Grace Lutheran, McClusky
Zion Lutheran, McGregor
Medora Lutheran, Medora

  

Rostered Leaders

Rev. Larry Giese
Kim Gifford, S.A.M.
Rev. Jeff Giles

 

For Healing & Comfort

Rev. Jeff Giles

Rev. Marvin Holje
Rev. Lawrence Thompson 

 

Our Partnership Ministries

Lutheran Social Services of ND

 Upcoming Events

 View all Synod Events
View Congregation Events

Synod Transitions

Installations

July 26 - Rev. Dana Holter at Trinity Lutheran, Sentinel Butte, ND

 

September 20 - Rev. Martha Harrison Trinity United Lutheran Parish (Glenburn and Lansford)

 

Upcoming Retirements
Rev. Karen Edwards, July
Rev. Robert Edwards, July
Rev. Jim Reeb, August
Rev. Kay Reeb, August


Resignations
Rev. Adam Roberts from St. Luke's Lutheran, Wishek

Save the Dates for Future Synod Assemblies:

June 10-11, 2016 at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck, ND

June 2-3, 2017 at the Grand Hotel in Minot,ND

 The Synod E-News is sent to rostered leaders and congregations of the Western North Dakota Synod, and subscribers each week.  If you would like to submit an item for publication in E-News or on the synod website please send to  [email protected]