Dec. 23,
2015


Synod E-News
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FEATURED NEWS & EVENTS
blue_star.jpgThe Synod Office will not be staffed between the Christmas and New Year break, and there will be no Synod E-News on Dec. 30.  

For assistance during this time, please contact staff via their cell phones listed below:
    Bishop Mark Narum    701-629-9992
    Sherie Heine                 701-721-5025
    Lisa Ahlness                  701-220-9011
         
Looking for a gift that makes a difference? 
Consider a Good Gift!
The ELCA Good Gifts Catalog is filled with possibilities for giving a gift that will impact many more than just the recipient.  This Christmas, consider giving a gift in the name of your loved ones to support a child's education, a pastor's training, a meal program in rural America, a water development project across the globe.  These are just a few options your Good Gift could help make happen.
Check out the Good Gifts Catalog
 

Advent...   
and Bacon for World Hunger!
This season of Advent (and beyond) the Sending Team invites congregations, confirmation and church school students, Women of the ELCA groups and more to use piggy banks and the following resources to raise awareness and financial resources for World Hunger.  AND...  don't forget...  the congregation that collects the most money per member will be presented with a special award at  the 2016 Synod Assembly.

Downloadable Resources:
For more information contact Sherie  or a member of the Synod's Sending Team.  
Register now for...
First Call Theological Education Retreat
January 25 -27, 2016       Metigoshe Christian Center
 
All First Call Leaders (in the first three years of their call) attend this continuing education event lead by Western North Dakota Synod staff.     Event Information
Spiritual Renewal Retreat for Rostered Leaders
January 22-24, 2016 @ Metigoshe Ministries Christian Center
*Only two rooms remaining for this retreat.
Met Min Retreat Center
This Synod is blessed to have an incredible group of men and women who work to focus our attention toward living lives of deep faith in the risen Christ. One way you could show your appreciation for your rostered leader is by registering them for the Spiritual Renewal Retreat. 
This retreat will be about rest, renewal, and some time thinking about dependable strengths.
The cost is $140 for an individual, $280 for a couple, and there will be a small additional fee for children. There is limited availability for this retreat.  If you have questions, or to register, please call the Synod office at 701-223-5312.
Martin Luther Reformation Tour
November 17-27, 2016 
To celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Rev. Marv Mutzenburger, Lutheran Pastor and Professor of Religion at Bismarck State College, will host a Martin Luther Reformation Tour to Germany. For more information on this tour, you may phone Marv at 701-223-1512 or email [email protected].  Or contact Satrom Travel at 1-800-833-8787 or 701-258-5000 or [email protected].
 



In Mission Together
 
Women from Western ND Supporting Women in Seminary

The Western North Dakota Synodical Women's organization and the WND SWO Board is pleased to give nine women from Western North Dakota who are currently enrolled in an ELCA seminary programs a monetary gift from the W.I.S.E. (Women in Seminary Education) Fund. The money that grows this fund is given by ELCA women living in Western North Dakota who want to support and show their appreciation to these women. The total scholarship amount to be disbursed was $7,600.00.   
  

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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
Calvary Lutheran, Alamo
United Lutheran, Almont
Ambrose Lutheran, Ambrose
Lebanon Lutheran, Amidon

Rostered Leaders
Rev. Marvin Odland
Rev. Todd Olson
Rev. Cal Oraw

In Celebration
Rev. Christoph Schmidt and Rev. Taryn Montgomery on the birth of their daughter, Rhoda

Rev. Christina and Russell Martin on the birth of their son, William

Rev. Joel and Amanda Samuelson on the birth of their son, Jonah

For Healing & Comfort
Rev. Jeff Giles
Marcella Nelson
Rev. John Streccius and Family (at the passing of his mother, Lois)

Our Partnership Ministries
Central African Republic (C.A.R.) - Our Companion Synod
 Upcoming Events
  • Jan 16-17  LYO Board Retreat, Camp of the Cross, Garrison
  • Jan 19-24 Rural Plunge (Seminary students from Luther and Gettysburg across the synod)
  • Jan 22-24 Rostered Leaders Spiritual Renewal Retreat @ Metigoshe Ministries
  • Jan 25-27 First Call Rostered Leaders Theological Education Retreat @ Metigoshe Ministries
  • Feb 5-6 Western ND Synod Council (Zion, Minot)
Synod Transitions
Calls Accepted
Erin Gullickson to Concordia Lutheran, Benedict and Our Savior's Lutheran, Max

 Upcoming Ordinations  
Erin Gullickson, Jan. 3, 2016
at Camp of the Cross, Garrison

Resignations from Call
Rev. Muriel Lippert from Shepherd of the Prairie Parish, Williston

Transfers
Rev. Steven Olson from East Central Synod of Wisconsin

Interim Contracts
Rev. Steven Olson serving McClusky - Goodrich Lutheran Parish
 

 Save the Dates
Western ND Synod Assembly

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

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

 

Western North Dakota Women of the ELCA Gathering

June 16-17, 2017 at the Grand Hotel, 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]