August 5,
2015


Synod E-News
NEWS & EVENTS
Walk for Water
Have you heard? ELCA World Hunger's Walk for Water was a huge hit at the ELCA Youth Gathering. After the Sunday morning offering, money raised totaled more than $402,000 of our $500,000 goal. Thank you! Not only were youth energized by giving back, thousands participated in an unforgettable walk designed to simulate what the average woman in Sub-Saharan Africa experiences collecting water each day. Continue the momentum by furthering the Walk for Water experience in your community. Learn How Your Congregation Can Lead Your Own Walk for Water!
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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.
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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!
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: 1 participant's reflections


 

 This summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Detroit, MI. To say that I had a great time is an understatement. Due to the extremely generous donations of our congregation, we were able to have a total of 11 members of our church, 8 youth and 3 chaperones, travel to this gathering.

 

This trip was such an amazing experience for me. I grew in so many ways over the course of a few days. I met people who were not ashamed to exclaim their love for God and his creation. I met people who spread God's word in both physical and emotional actions. I saw a city that was broken, but yet, was still strong; strong with faith in God and his promises to help and provide in times of need. My eyes were opened to a whole other side of just what exactly it means to be apart of God's kingdom. I prayed, laughed, cried, and rejoiced along side 30,000 of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

I was able to see God's love and truth in the simplest of things: (1) the thankfulness of a waiter  for our tips, (2) how appreciative people were for our time spent cleaning up their neighborhoods, and (3) how beautiful it was to look around Ford Field every night, and see that you're not alone in your life journey. I wish that I could go back and experience it all over again."

- submitted by: Shelby Wittenberg,Faith Lutheran Church, Bismarck

 

 

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 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

Our Savior's Lutheran, Mercer
Bethany Lutheran, Minot
Christ Lutheran, Minot
First Lutheran, Minot

  

Rostered Leaders

Erin Gullickson, TEEM
Rev. Janet Gwin
Gail Hagerty, TEEM

 

For Healing & Comfort

Rev. Jeff Giles

Rev. Marvin Holje
Rev. Lawrence Thompson 
Rev. Janis and Laura Sloka on the death of Laura's father 

 

Our Partnership Ministries

Faith-Based Initiative on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

 Upcoming Events

 View all Synod Events
View Congregation Events 

Synod Transitions

Installations

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

 

September 20 - Rev. Joe Natwick, Associate Pastor at St. John Evangelical Lutheran, Dickinson

 

Upcoming Retirements
Rev. Jim Reeb, August
Rev. Kay Reeb, August


Resignations
Rev. Ben Loven from First Lutheran, Williston
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]