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In Case You Missed It
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 Supporting healthier leadersYou already know this is true: Ministry is more demanding than ever, budgets are tighter than ever, and the cost of health coverage is higher than ever. In the ELCA, it's critical that we pay attention to our health together, strengthen ourselves for ministry, and work in our congregations and organizations to create places of healthy culture. It's time to put the "we" in wellness. Our goal isn't just earning a discount by April 30, but to create healthier leaders and a church culture supporting healthy lifestyles for all its members.
Working together to stop global warming
At our 2015 Synod Assembly, we voted to divest from fossil fuels in our investments. "We added the drop dead date of five years because it helps to make it an attainable goal that is within a reasonable timeline for making changes," said Frank Suttell, Synod Treasurer. "However, we're well ahead of schedule. We completely divested in six months." Read more about how two committees worked together leading up to the 2015 Synod Assembly and what divesting has meant in a recent News Feature.
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 Learn about a revival of Tennessee William's Orpheus Descending at St. John's, Manhattan from BroadwayWorld.com. Pr. Joel Brandt from Gloria Dei, Huntington Station was distributing ashes to commuters last Wednesday. See more in the Long Islander News. Read about MNYS Pr. Carl Weaver's tips for marriage after officiating at more than 1,000 marriages in the North Fork Patch.
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 Warm welcomes Bishop Rimbo and the synod staff appreciate the welcome hospitality provided by our local congregations and partner organizations as we visit and help proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and share the mission of our ministries each week. In the past two weeks, our staff was warmly received by the following communities: New Hope, Jamaica; Our Savior's, Glen Head; Immanuel, Manhattan; Advent, Manhattan; Parish Resource Center, Elmont; Trinity, Wyandanch; Leif Ericson Day School, Brooklyn; and Grace, Malverne. Thank you!
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 Register now for synod assembly
Register for our 2016 Synod Assembly before April 15 to receive the discounted registration rate. Even better, the first 50 voting members to register with the Guidebook discount will receive express registration and a free portable battery charger from Portico Benefit Services. Learn more here.
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 Synod staff transitions Bishop Rimbo and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce new staff transitions. Deacon Gayle Ruege has been named Senior Assistant to the Bishop, providing even greater support to Bishop Rimbo and being a communication and coordination link to all of the staff. With this she is taking on the administrative role that had previously been fulfilled in the Chief of Staff position. Rebekah Thornhill has become the Assistant to the Bishop for Communications and Events. She has been filling this position since last June and will continue to develop and manage our overall synod communication while overseeing major synod events. Read more in a letter sent to rostered leaders here.
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Advent Mission Fund
St. Peter's Fund for Special Ministry
The St. Peter's Fund for Special Ministry invites interested persons to submit grant proposals for the 2016 fiscal year beginning July 1. The fund supports significant ministry extensions that the congregation could not support through regular benevolence. Proclamation, worship, educational ministry, and service are ministry categories that are supported. Find more information by clicking here. Proposals are due by April 7, 2016.
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Faith Formation Day with John Roberto
Mercer School of Theology is hosting their annual Faith Formation Day that will feature John Roberto on May 14. Much has been written about the challenges facing Christianity, but how can we address the big challenges? How can we reimagine education in faith with a vision that honors the past and is open to the future? How can we build a new faith-forming ecosystem that supports faith growth? Join innovative educator John Roberto in finding the answers. Learn more here.
 Candidacy Retreat
A one-day retreat for those currently in the candidacy process or thinking about applying to candidacy will be held on March 12. The day will include Bible Study, lunch, a question and answer session, informal conversation and guided discussion around the theme of Confession, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation. Please RSVP to Sue Brandt by March 4. Learn more here.
Theological Continuing Education at Koinonia
TCEK is actually theological continuing education, which uses the church's rich heritage to shed light on contemporary challenges. Dr. Larry Rasmussen, Rev. Dr. H. Paul Santmire, and Terra Rowe will lead participants through thinking about climate change, eco-reformation, and our responsibilities as Christians. This conference is made possible by a Leadership Grant through our Strategic Plan. Learn more here.
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 Wondering CreativelyVirtually every one of us is creative as a child, but as we grow older we often lose a sense of that wonder and freedom that comes with creativity. Join this Practice Discipleship Webinar on February 11 to re-imagine the concept of creativity, and through hands-on explorations rediscover and reignite God's creative presence and vision for our lives. Register here and learn about future webinars here.
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Associate Director for Philanthropy for the Fund for Leaders
This position increases the financial support for Fund for Leaders through major and transformational gifts. Working in a team effort and consulting with key leaders, its focus is on strengthening giving to the work of building ELCA Seminary Scholarships and the Endowment for that purpose through the ELCA. This position could be a deployed position with the professional working from his/her home office, and may not require relocation to Chicago. The position requires up to 60-70% travel. Learn more here. Applications and inquiries may be directed, in confidence, to Gaye Lindfors.
Manager for Donor Relations for the ELCA Campaign
This position secures gift revenue in support of the priority fundraising objectives of the ELCA as outlined in its case statement for Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. It is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals with capacity for leadership gifts to the ministries of the ELCA, and will maintain a portfolio of major donor prospects. This position could be a deployed position with the professional working from his/her home office, and may not require relocation to Chicago. The position requires up to 60-70% travel. Learn more here. Applications and inquiries may be directed, in confidence, to Gaye Lindfors.
Office Administrator
Trinity, Long Island City is seeking an Office Administrator to oversee the administrative functions of the church office and provide direct administrative support to the church pastor and lay leadership. Click here to see a full job description. Contact Pr. Paul Milholland with questions or to apply.
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Pr. William Eggers is retiring as interim pastor of Trinity, White Plains, effective March 31, 2016.
Harriet Wieber will be installed as pastor at Holy Trinity, Brooklyn on April 17 at 4 pm.
Christine Connell, Diaconal Minister, has resigned as Vice-President of Communications for Lutheran Social Services of New York, effective January 29. She will be the CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area.
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- For refugees and those who come to their aid
- For our Anti-Racism Task Force, as they plan for our synod's involvement
- For our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land as they live amidst the continued Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- For health and healing for Michael Boyd, husband of Pastor Jennifer Boyd, who is awaiting a lung transplant
- For health and healing for Ira Nebrasky, husband of Pastor ElizaBeth Nebrasky, who is undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- For ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission Josh Armstrong, serving in South Africa
- For ELCA missionary Rev. Mawein Ariik, serving in South Sudan
- For Bishop Samuel Zeiser, the staff and people of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod
- For the care of God's creation
- For the unity of this church and its mission
Download the synod prayer calendar here.
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