March 9,
2016

Synod E-News
Helpful Links:  News    Events    Gospel Seeds      Call Process      News from Congregations     Continuing Education    Staff Reflections   Synod Website     ELCA Website    

FEATURED NEWS & EVENTS FeaturedNews
New Resource Sections Added to Synod E-News
Check out two new additions to Synod E-News:
Stewardship Corner: a new ministry of our synod's Stewardship Table will feature a story, event, or resource that can help you and your congregation in our stewardship ministries.
Featured Resource: back by popular demand, this section will feature a book, video, or curriculum that is available on loan from the synod's Resource library.  New Items are added regularly.

Join us for a GIFTS Event on Saturday!
Join Dr. Diane Jacobson of Luther Seminary and the Book of Faith Initiative as she leads participants on a journey through the books of Judges and Ruth.  This event will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bismarck.  $15 registration fee includes lunch.  Learn More 
Open Bible over a desk or table. Open word of God waiting for the pastor or believer. The need of coming back to the word of God as source of guidance. Note Shallow depth of field
Discerning God's Call Retreat, March 18-19
Wondering if God is calling your to ministry in new ways in your congregation or the larger church? 
Join Krista Lind, AiM, Associate Dean of Student Resources and Candidacy at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN and Rev. Amy Currant, Dean for Vocation at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA, in a guided weekend of exploring God's call to ministry. Bishop Mark Narum and Beth Anderson will also be present for conversations about candidacy and opportunities to serve throughout the church. Learn More
People finding Christianity, religion and faith. Large crowd of people walking to and forming the shape of a cross on a white background with room for text or copy space in the cross. Tilling the Soil Event, April 9
Come dream about ministry possibilities around us. Tilling the Soil is designed to unleash creative possibilities for Gospel proclamation while giving tools and resources to help engage the mission field. Join Rev. Ruben Duran, ELCA Director of New Starts as he explains options and partnership opportunities to help fund exploration.   Rev. Keith Zeh, Director for Evangelical Mission for the NW Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota Synods, will share examples of new ministries being engaged in the territory he serves. 
Registration and Information
Bulletin Insert to Share
Congregation Members & Rostered Leaders encouraged to attend
 Synod Assembly Announcements
Before long we will be gathering together for the 2016 Synod Assembly.  While registration is still a month away, here are a few details to share:

Dates: June 10-11, 2016
(Mission Gala & Pre-Assembly Workshop will be held on June 9)

Location:  Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center, Bismarck, ND

Deadline for submitting Resolutions: March 31st 
View the Resolution Form and Worksheet for more information.

Registration Materials will be posted April 1st.

ELCA Special Guest:  Daniel Rift, Director of ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response.
Synod Assembly Worship Offering will support ELCA World Hunger. 
More Events and Notices MoreNews
Live-Stream Event - Grace based Evangelizing: Living and Telling the Story of Jesus Today
colorful_logo_people.jpg April 14, 2016,   6:30-9:00 p.m. CDT
Hosted by the 9 ELCA Directors of Evangelical Mission in the Synods of Region 3.  One congregation could host and invite neighboring congregations to join in this great event.
Click here for more information
Click here to register
Health Assessment LinkMayo Clinic Health Assessment & GO! Challenge yield big rewards
 Portico Benefits offers a 1% discount on health contributions from congregation when 65% of the ELCA-Primary health plan members and spouses in their synod take time to complete the online Mayo Clinic health assessment before April 30th.  Collectively we could save our congregations a combined total of $13,000. While the health discount is a valuable reward, the real reward is greater health - among ELCA leaders, congregations, and church budgets. By walking together in the wellness reformation, we can achieve it. So don't just take the health assessment. Complete your GO! Challenge as well to create a healthy, lasting lifestyle change. Learn more at MyPortico.
Rostered Women's Retreat, April 3-5
All rostered women are invited to a retreat at Sacred Heart Monastery near Richardton April 3-5. Take some time away to renew yourself after the demands of Lent and Holy Week.
Register online HERE
Recycled paper note pinned on cork board.Save the Date Message. Wedding Concept Image
Power and Boundaries Workshops
All rostered leaders in the ELCA are expected to participate in ongoing continuing education (at least every 3 years) on maintaining appropriate boundaries in ministry. Workshops will be held in both Minot and Bismarck this April. Visit the links below for more information & registration:
In Mission Together InMissionTogether

Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders

A "PK," or "preacher's kid," is a young person whose parent is a pastor. Elisa Perez-Trejo, 19, is a double PK. Both her parents are Lutheran clergy and seminary professors.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Perez-Trejo is a member of Iglesia Luterana Mexicana de Cristo, where she is a prominent leader in the youth organization. As such, she was selected as one of six young women from four countries to receive full scholarships to study at ELCA colleges. The ELCA's International Women Leaders initiative is supporting Perez-Trejo's study at Newberry College, Newberry, S.C.

The International Women Leaders initiative is a partnership between ELCA Global Mission, global companion church bodies and colleges and universities of the ELCA. Funded through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, this initiative represents an investment in the education of young women and recognition that women play an important role in the life and ministry of the global Lutheran church. The initiative brings emerging women leaders from around the world to complete four-year degrees at ELCA colleges and equips them to return home to take on even greater leadership in their churches and communities.  More
A "PK," or "preacher's kid," is a young person whose parent is a pastor. Elisa Perez-Trejo, 19, is a double PK. Both her parents are Lutheran clergy and seminary professors.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Perez-Trejo is a member of Iglesia Luterana Mexicana de Cristo, where she is a prominent leader in the youth organization. As such, she was selected as one of six young women from four countries to receive full scholarships to study at ELCA colleges. The ELCA's International Women Leaders initiative is supporting Perez-Trejo's study at Newberry College, Newberry, S.C.
The International Women Leaders initiative is a partnership between ELCA Global Mission, global companion church bodies and colleges and universities of the ELCA. Funded through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, this initiative represents an investment in the education of young women and recognition that women play an important role in the life and ministry of the global Lutheran church. The initiative brings emerging women leaders from around the world to complete four-year degrees at ELCA colleges and equips them to return home to take on even greater leadership in their churches and communities.
- See more at: http://elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Stories/2016/03/160309-Nurturing-tomorrows-leaders#sthash.CMXpt9zr.dpuf
A "PK," or "preacher's kid," is a young person whose parent is a pastor. Elisa Perez-Trejo, 19, is a double PK. Both her parents are Lutheran clergy and seminary professors.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Perez-Trejo is a member of Iglesia Luterana Mexicana de Cristo, where she is a prominent leader in the youth organization. As such, she was selected as one of six young women from four countries to receive full scholarships to study at ELCA colleges. The ELCA's International Women Leaders initiative is supporting Perez-Trejo's study at Newberry College, Newberry, S.C.
The International Women Leaders initiative is a partnership between ELCA Global Mission, global companion church bodies and colleges and universities of the ELCA. Funded through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, this initiative represents an investment in the education of young women and recognition that women play an important role in the life and ministry of the global Lutheran church. The initiative brings emerging women leaders from around the world to complete four-year degrees at ELCA colleges and equips them to return home to take on even greater leadership in their churches and communities.
- See more at: http://elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Stories/2016/03/160309-Nurturing-tomorrows-leaders#sthash.CMXpt9zr.dpuf
A "PK," or "preacher's kid," is a young person whose parent is a pastor. Elisa Perez-Trejo, 19, is a double PK. Both her parents are Lutheran clergy and seminary professors.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Perez-Trejo is a member of Iglesia Luterana Mexicana de Cristo, where she is a prominent leader in the youth organization. As such, she was selected as one of six young women from four countries to receive full scholarships to study at ELCA colleges. The ELCA's International Women Leaders initiative is supporting Perez-Trejo's study at Newberry College, Newberry, S.C.
The International Women Leaders initiative is a partnership between ELCA Global Mission, global companion church bodies and colleges and universities of the ELCA. Funded through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, this initiative represents an investment in the education of young women and recognition that women play an important role in the life and ministry of the global Lutheran church. The initiative brings emerging women leaders from around the world to complete four-year degrees at ELCA colleges and equips them to return home to take on even greater leadership in their churches and communities.
- See more at: http://elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Stories/2016/03/160309-Nurturing-tomorrows-leaders#sthash.CMXpt9zr.dpuf
A "PK," or "preacher's kid," is a young person whose parent is a pastor. Elisa Perez-Trejo, 19, is a double PK. Both her parents are Lutheran clergy and seminary professors.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Perez-Trejo is a member of Iglesia Luterana Mexicana de Cristo, where she is a prominent leader in the youth organization. As such, she was selected as one of six young women from four countries to receive full scholarships to study at ELCA colleges. The ELCA's International Women Leaders initiative is supporting Perez-Trejo's study at Newberry College, Newberry, S.C.
The International Women Leaders initiative is a partnership between ELCA Global Mission, global companion church bodies and colleges and universities of the ELCA. Funded through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, this initiative represents an investment in the education of young women and recognition that women play an important role in the life and ministry of the global Lutheran church. The initiative brings emerging women leaders from around the world to complete four-year degrees at ELCA colleges and equips them to return home to take on even greater leadership in their churches and communities.
- See more at: http://elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Stories/2016/03/160309-Nurturing-tomorrows-leaders#sthash.CMXpt9zr.dpuf
A "PK," or "preacher's kid," is a young person whose parent is a pastor. Elisa Perez-Trejo, 19, is a double PK. Both her parents are Lutheran clergy and seminary professors.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Perez-Trejo is a member of Iglesia Luterana Mexicana de Cristo, where she is a prominent leader in the youth organization. As such, she was selected as one of six young women from four countries to receive full scholarships to study at ELCA colleges. The ELCA's International Women Leaders initiative is supporting Perez-Trejo's study at Newberry College, Newberry, S.C.
The International Women Leaders initiative is a partnership between ELCA Global Mission, global companion church bodies and colleges and universities of the ELCA. Funded through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, this initiative represents an investment in the education of young women and recognition that women play an important role in the life and ministry of the global Lutheran church. The initiative brings emerging women leaders from around the world to complete four-year degrees at ELCA colleges and equips them to return home to take on even greater leadership in their churches and communities.
- See more at: http://elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Stories/2016/03/160309-Nurturing-tomorrows-leaders#sthash.CMXpt9zr.dpuf
 
The items highlighted below are available for preview from the Synod's Resource Library. 
To request to borrow a copy, e-mail your request to info@wndsynod.org or call 701-223-5312. Resources
Enough - Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity
by Adam Hamilton, Abingdon Press
Description
Money has great power in our lives and, when used wisely, helps us meet our goals, provide for our needs, and fulfill our life purpose.  But in recent years, many of us ignored this when managing and spending our money.  We found ourselves spending tomorrow's money today.  The result of all of this was not greater happiness and satisfaction, but greater stress and anxiety.

Enough is an invitation to rediscover the wisdom on prudent financial practices.  Find the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity.  This book could change your life by changing your relationship with money.

Book Review  by Rev. Steve Olson, Bismarck:
This book promises much and, I believe, delivers it.

I have used this book in conversations with leaders and various groups in my congregation.  Readers found it stimulating and often very challenging.  It gives the reader an invitation to "re-frame" how we look at what we have.  It is well grounded in Scripture and its teachings on wealth, possessions and personal stewardship.
I strongly recommend it for personal or group use.
Honoring our Neighbor's Faith: A Lutheran Perspective on Faith Traditions in America
Edited by Robert Buckley Farlee, Beth Ann Gaede
Description
Hundreds of Christian denominations and dozens of non-Christian traditions have followers in the United States.  How do we view this wide variety of beliefs and practices?  How does the Lutheran tradition compare with others?

Honoring our Neighbor's Faith deals with these questions by deepening our understanding of various faith traditions--as well as our own--making it a valuable resource for congregational study or personal exploration.

Use this book to explore thirty-two faith traditions that represent a wide spectrum of beliefs or stand out due to their size or public profile in America.

Publisher: Augburg Fortress
Year of Publication: 2016
Format:  Book

praying.jpg
 In Our PrayersPrayers
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
Trinity Lutheran, Drake
Grace Lutheran, Driscoll
Duck Creek Lutheran, Duck Creek, SD
Normanna Lutheran, Dunn Center

Rostered Leaders
Rev. Janis Sloka, III
Rev. Richard Smith
Rev. James Sorenson

For Healing & Comfort
Rev. Jeff Giles
Marcella Nelson
Gary & Rev. Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl

Our Partnership Ministries
ELCA Outdoor Ministry Sites
 Upcoming EventsEvents
  • Mar 12 -"Ruth and Judges" - GIFTS Event
    (Good Shepherd, Bismarck)
  • March 18-19 -
    Discerning God's Call Retreat
    (Camp of the Cross, Garrison)
  • April 2 -
    Synod All Team Meeting
    (St. Paul's Lutheran, Garrison)
     
  • April 9 -
    Tilling the Soil Event
    (BSC, Bismarck)
  • April 16 -
    LYO Board Meeting
    (Peace Lutheran, Burlington)
  • April 18 -
    Boundaries Workshop
    (Minot)
  • April 19 - Boundaries Workshop
    (Bismarck)
  • April 23 -Deitrich Bonhoeffer with Dr. Andrew Root - GIFTS Event (Minot) 
  • May 1-3 -
    Theology on the Prairie - "Sundays and Seasons for Seekers" with Paul Hoffman,
    (Camp of the Cross, Garrison)
Synod TransitionsTransitions
 
Upcoming Ordinations 
 Kevin Nelson, Peace Lutheran Church, Lincoln, March 19

Congregations in the
Call Process  
  • Dakota Prairie Parish, Bowman, Amidon and Rhame (Associate)
  • Grenora Lutheran Parish, Grenora and Zahl 
  • Dunn County Parish, Killdeer, Halliday, and Dunn Center
  • Calvary Lutheran, Lemmon
  • McClusky Goodrich Parish, McClusky and Goodrich
  • Christ Lutheran, Minot (Associate)
  • Zion Lutheran, Minot (Associate)
  • Prairie Hope Parish, Newburg, Maxbass, Westhope
  • Prairie Rose Parish, Roseglen, Ryder & Makoti
  • Noonan Lutheran Parish, Noonan and rural Crosby
  • Reeder Lutheran Parish, Reeder, Ralph & Bucyrus
  • Rugby-Leeds Lutheran Parish-Rugby & Leeds
  • Bethany Lutheran, Rugby and Wolford Lutheran, Wolford
  • First Lutheran, Williston (Associate)
  • Gloria Dei Lutheran, Williston
  • Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran, Williston
  • St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Wishek  
     

  Save the Dates
Western ND Synod Assembly
June 10-11, 2016 @ Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck, ND
June 2-3, 2017 @ Grand Hotel, Minot, ND
May 31-June 2, 2018 @ Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck, ND
June 6-8, 2019 @ Grand Hotel, Minot, ND

Western ND Fall Rostered Leaders Gathering
September 11-13, 2016 Medora, ND
 
Western North Dakota Women of the ELCA Gathering
June 16-17, 2017 at the Grand Hotel, Minot, ND  
Join Our Mailing List
Facebook        
Western North Dakota Synod-ELCA
701-223-5312
info@wndsynod.org
http://wndsynod.org
 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  beth@wndsynod.org
Copyright � 2015. All Rights Reserved.