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Stewardship education grants
"Wrestling with Tradition" forum
Building an inclusive church
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Room for everyone

A pastor, a rabbi, a priest, and an imam...no, it's not a joke. Bishop Rimbo took part in an interfaith panel on NBC last week to discuss Pope Francis' first year. The religious leaders admired the pope's inclusive nature, his humility, and his ability to reach out. "He's opening the doors for the whole church to enter into a new day," said Bishop Rimbo. Watch the video here.

 

Quadrant visits wrap up

Our series of strategic plan quadrant visits wrapped up recently in Brooklyn and Queens. With over 100 people attending the final Leaders Retreat, there was lots of energy in the room; see pictures here. A big thank you to all who participated in the quadrant visits!

 

"We need to find the places where we're not present and reach out."

Our very own Bishop Rimbo was recently profiled by the Wall Street Journal in the article "Lutheran Bishop Robert Alan Rimbo Is Reaching Deep." The article details how, amidst dwindling and aging congregations, Bishop Rimbo has been inclusively working to draw in more diverse churchgoers. Innovative ministries such as Church of the Parables are also described. Share this article through your congregation's website or newsletter using the PDF here.

Synod Assembly News

Alternate voting members

As your congregation elects and registers voting members for Synod Assembly, we encourage you to also register alternate voting members. Having an alternate voting member registered will allow you swap their name in in case another voting member is unable to attend for any reason. Alternate voting member registrations are free (unless they will still attend as a visitor). All voting member registration--including alternates--will close on May 10. If you have any questions, contact Rebekah Thornhill.

Disaster Relief

"We wouldn't have what we have without you."
The village of Mastic Beach was one of many communities along the south shore of Long Island to take the brunt of Superstorm Sandy. Read about how many volunteer groups came from New York and around the country to help on the Disaster Relief blog. "We wouldn't have what we have without you," said one staff member. Volunteer opportunities abound in Long Island and New York City. Check out the Disaster Relief webpage for ways you and your congregation can help.
Our Wider Church

 

Stewardship education grants available

Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) is requesting grant proposals from ELCA seminaries, synods, congregations and other ministries for projects, workshops or events that encourage stewardship growth. Proposals of primary interest will be those which assist in seminarian education or first call theological education. Proposals that assist in stewardship leadership education among laity and clergy will also be considered, and those that involve collaboration between groups of congregations or ministries within the ELCA will be viewed favorably. Learn more here.

 

A call to peace and prayer for Ukraine

"We have watched with dismay, along with the rest of the world, as tensions rise and peace is jeopardized in Ukraine," wrote Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, along with other Christian leaders, in a statement released March 5. "We call on all of those involved--whether governments, movements, or individuals--to repent of aggression and violence, and turn instead to the way of peace through dialogue. We also call upon the faithful people of our churches to pray throughout the season of Lent for wisdom, peace, and justice to prevail in Ukraine." Read the letter here.

For Rostered Leaders

 

"Wrestling with Tradition" forum

In recent years, particular interpretive questions have surfaced about descriptions of Judaism and "the Jews" in the Gospels and Acts. These questions, of course, become crucial during the Christian observance of Holy Week. The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT) invites all to their "Wrestling with Tradition: Christians and Jews in Dialogue about the Revised Common Lectionary" forum on April 7 at The Interchurch Center. Register here.

 

"What does it mean to be Lutheran?"

This question will be the focus for the annual Deacons' Retreat and Study Day, taking place on March 28 at The Graymoor. Pastor Jonathan Linman, Assistant to the Bishop for Formation, will lead our discussion on Lutheran identity for the 21st century. Register here by March 21.

Events

Building an Inclusive Church

Building an Inclusive Church training will equip you and your congregation with ways to intentionally welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Grounded in scripture and discipleship, this training allows you to explore your own Christian call to hospitality and evangelism. This training is for those in the welcoming process, thinking about starting, or who just would like more information. The training will be April 11-12 in Scarsdale. Find more information here.

From Our Committees

 

Youth Ministry Now Sustainable Youth Ministry

In the world of youth ministry, there are a handful of constant factors that thrive over the long haul. A presentation by Mark DeVries on April 2 at the next Youth Ministry Now lecture will introduce those factors and offer a strategic design for instilling these foundational patterns into the fabric of any youth ministry, regardless of its model. Learn more here. The Child Youth and Family Ministry Network recommends this series of free luncheons and lectures for pastors and youth ministry leaders.

Transitions
  • Pr. Stephanie Pope was called as pastor of St. Andrew, Bristol, CT (New England Synod) on March 2. She begins on April 5.
  • Pr. John Havrilla resigned as pastor of Good Shepherd, Pearl River, effective August 31.
Calendar

View the complete synod calendar.  

New on www.mnys.org

We're Praying

  • For comfort for those affected by the building collapse in East Harlem

  • For health and healing for Pastor Jane Gaeta, who is recovering from spinal surgery
  • For health and healing for Ira Nebrasky, husband of Pastor ElizaBeth Nebrasky, who is undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • For comfort for those affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, and strength for those who come to their aid
  • For health and healing for Walter Straub, husband of Deacon Carol Straub, who is undergoing cancer treatment
  • For ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission Rachel Birkedal, serving in Mexico
  • For ELCA missionaries Pastor Theodore and Jane Zimmerman serving in Hong Kong
  • For Bishop Larry Wohlrabe, the staff and people of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod
  • For the care of God's creation
  • For the unity of this church and its mission

Download the synod prayer calendar here.


This e-letter is intended to convey information from synod staff, committees or auxiliaries, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. All items must be received by the Friday before publication. Items normally run for two weeks. Send submissions to Sarah Gioe.