Weekly E-News and Events from the Southeastern Iowa Synod
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December 15, 2014
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Support the mission and ministry of the Southeastern Iowa Synod by making a donation using our secure online donation page.
 
2015 Mission Intent Form
 
Event Registrations

Anti-Racism Workshop 
Jan. 19

Sacred Trust Boundaries Workshop
Jan. 22 and Jan. 23

ConFest
February 7th and 8th
Register Here
Synod Calendar

Candidacy Committee
December 19
9:00am-3:30pm
Synod Center for Ministry

Synod Center for Ministry Closed
December 24-26
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IWe give thanks for the men and women who help
advance this church's global mission by moving us
toward a church that is joining together across its
expressions to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ
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Synod News
Called Together in Mission
Save the date - March 14, 2015

We are people of the Spirit! Join members of the Southeastern Iowa Synod for Called Together in Mission (CTIM) on March 14 at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. 

 

This year, CTIM is excited to welcome Dr. Troy Troftgruben, assistant professor at Wartburg Theological Seminary, as the keynote speaker. Troy will engage and inspire conference participants to action around the topic - what it means to be people of the Spirit.

 

Join us on March 14th for a day that will leave you with a fresh understanding of our identity as children of God, led by the Spirit.

 

Workshop information and registration will be available in January.


Philip L. Hougen Campus Ministries Scholarship
ELCA students who attend Grand View University are
eligible to apply for The Philip L. Hougen Campus Ministries Scholarship. Established in honor of former ELCA Southeast Iowa Synod Bishop Philip L. Hougen, this scholarship, awarded to two applicants from ELCA congregations who express intention to participate regularly in Grand View campus ministry, may provide between $500 and $1,500 toward a student's education. 
Applications are due by February 1, 2015. Find more information here
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
First observed in 1908, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated internationally from January 18-25 every year. It is a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to show the unity of the church that is Christ's gift by worshiping together; exchanging preachers for a Sunday; or coming together for learning, fellowship or service.

The theme of the 2015 Week of Prayer is "Jesus Said to Her, 'Give Me a Drink,'" finding in the story of the Samaritan woman at the well encouragement for seeking unity in the midst of diversity. Materials to help plan and celebrate, including an order of worship for a service of the Word, are available on the Graymoor Ecumenical and inter-religious Institute website - www.geii.org. Or contact Pr. Chris Olkiewicz (revchris@whlc.org) for more information.

Support YAGMs and ELCA Missionaries from our Synod
Two Young Adults in Global Mission and ELCA Missionary family connected to our synod and currently serving are in need of our support. 


For more information on how to create a covenant relationship with these missionaries of prayer, communication, and financial support please contact globalchurch@elca.org.

Churchwide News
Bishop Eaton addresses issue of racial justice
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers a message about how the church can respond to issues surrounding racial justice. Learn more about what the ELCA has to say about criminal justice and race, ethnicity and culture at: http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Statements

Bishop Eaton addresses issues of racial justice
Bishop Eaton addresses issues of racial justice

The Gift is You

While teaching English, working in churches, leading youth groups and serving in rehabilitation centers, Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) learn how to become vulnerable, build relationships and realize their identity as missionaries. Share this inspiring story from YAGM Katharine Ritzi with your congregation. Publicize this great story, download the Word document to display on a bulletin board or use in a newsletter or PowerPoint presentation, visit www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch for more.

 

Synod Events
Anti-Racism Workshop

Martin Luther King Day
January 19,2015
9:00AM-3:00PM
Synod Center for Ministry

Let us resolve to not let the events in Ferguson be for nothing. We have tremendous power to initiate healing and change within our communities. Rather than sit back and watch, let us come together to listen to each other, share our stories, hold each other in faith, and work toward a common goal.

"Despite the anger, violence and injustice connected with this sad and horrible tragedy, we should not abandon our hope or our neighbors. The reconciliation we have with God in Christ leads us to our neighbors with the hope that we can engage one another in a common cause.  We come together at the cross. It is our only hope. And, resting in the conviction that we are redeemed, we can begin the hard work of confronting the reality of systemic racism in our country. Because of the cross, we have peace; we have hope; we are loved."  Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton speaking of events in Ferguson, MO.  

Sacred Trust Boundaries Workshop
Rostered leaders and church professionals are invited to attend a one-day Sacred Trust Workshop. This workshop will be presented from 9:00am-3:00pm in two different locations:

Thursday, January 22 
Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, Windsor Heights

Friday, January 23
Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge

The cost is $25 per person, which includes lunch. You can learn more about the event and register online: here.
ConFest 2015

A high-impact, low-cost, event for junior high youth who are involved in confirmation ministry across the Southeastern Iowa Synod. We invite all middle school students and adult advisors to come and discover their place in God's Story!

The same event will be held on two dates at two locations 

 

Saturday, February 7

Bethany Lutheran Church

West Branch

 

Sunday, February 8

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ankeny

 

Click here for more information and registration.

You're Invited
Seminary for Everyone-Online Classes
Wanting to strengthen your understanding
of Scripture? Theology? Ministry? Whether you are new to theological education, looking to explore your faith, earn a certificate in a ministry specialty area, or a professional
minister looking for an advanced course, Wartburg Theological Seminary has a Learning for Life program that is right for you.
Wartburg Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the development of Exploring Faith, online and intensive courses open to everyone. Read more

Organic Ministry: Cultivating Soil and Soul 

The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center in collaboration with Taproot Garden is pleased to present a clergy renewal program aimed, but not limited to pastoral leaders in congregations.  Participants gather in a small group for light farm work, intentional spiritual retreat time, and facilitated discussion on assigned reading.

 

Taproot Garden is a small diversified family farm with prairie, a labyrinth and walking trails in Norwalk, Iowa. 

 

The class will meet on the first Monday of every month (except December) from 8am - 4pm, February 2015, through January 2016. 


 

Facilitators: Tim Diebel and Diane McClanahan

 

Cost: $775 per person, includes lunches

 

Registration Deadline: January 7, 2015.  Class size is limited. Register now!   

 

For more information contact Diane McClanahan at: 515-251-6667 or dmcclanahan@dmpcc.org or see flier.
Southeastern Iowa Synod | davison@seiasynod.org | http://www.seiasynod.org
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Iowa City, IA 52245




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