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Southwestern Minnesota Synod
News & Events - March 14, 2014
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On Saturday, June 14 of the synod assembly we invite anyone interested in learning more about local and global missions to join us for the day!
You do NOT need to be a voting member but you do need to register for this day in advance.
If you are a voting member for the synod assembly your registration includes the Glocal Mission Day.
The Glocal Mission Day will be an exciting event you will not want to miss! First you will be invited into Lund Center to hear Sunitha Mortha's special presentation on the concept of accompaniment. Bishop Jon V. Anderson will then lead us into lunch with his own words of encouragement for our synod. There will be a special sandwich lunch and drink provided by Gustavus. From there, you may attend two separate workshop sessions!
-Short Term Mission
-Radical Hospitality
-Music and Mission
-Cross-Generation Engagement
are just a few of the selections you will have to choose from!
This is a one-day event for congregations interested in local & global mission or for anyone interested in learning what mission means in our work together.
Cost is $20 per person if registered by May 9.
Cost is $25 per person if registered after May 9.
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Bp. Jon's Shoulder
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Shoulder Separation
+Bishop Jon V. Anderson
I fell down in the racquetball courts stumbling backwards on Saturday, I hit the wall at about a 45 degree angle quite hard. I am not sure what did what (the blow of my body hitting the wall or the awkward fall to the ground next). I knew something was wrong right away.
After a trip to the emergency room, I went home knowing I had separated my shoulder. At this point, it looks like the injury should mend over the next three to four weeks. I will need to behave and use my sling during the next few weeks.
I have been trying to work with dictation software through the weekend. It helped me not think about the dull ache in my shoulder.. Tuesday, I was given the ok to do some typing.
Overall, I am not able to go at my normal speed. I hope to keep my commitments going forward after Friday.
As I have tried to get dressed, shower, tie my shoes, buckle my belt etc. I have been reminded of what people with disabilities live with every day. It is getting easier.
It is amazing how fragile our bodies are. It is more amazing how God created our bodies to mend ligaments and tendons in this case.
If you are curious what this means click here. I have a grade 2 separation. |
SW MN Synod Transitions
Only when we change, do we grow, and begin to see a world we never knew was possible. Things are constantly changing in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. Pastors are always mobile. Here are the recent pastoral transitions:
- Interim Pr. Steve Cook, Our Savior's, Albany
- Pr. Bailey Fossum, American, Worthington
- Pr. Julie McCain, First, Marshall
- Pr. Eric Natwick, Tracy Lutheran, Tracy
- Internship/Assoc Interim, Trish Reedstrom, Trinity Lutheran, St Peter
- Pr. Kay Rohloff, Scandian Grove Lutheran, Norseland
- Pr. David Tonn, First English, Ortonville
- Interim Pr. Bob Vedell, First Lutheran, Hector
Farewell to:
- Pr. Bard Barr, settled call in St Paul Area Synod
- Pr. Bard Pearson, settled call in Eastern ND Synod
- Pr. Cathie Rhodes, settled call in NW MN Synod
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Conference of Bishops (COB) Overview
Bishop Jon was recently at the Conference of Bishops and thanks to Bishop Ray Tiemann, Southeastern Texas Synod you can click here and read an overview of the Bishops time together.
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Health Assessment Goal Completed!
Our SW MN Synod rostered and lay leaders who have Portico/ELCA Health Insurance have done something no other synod has ever done. Together we had more than 77% of eligible persons who have Portico/ELCA health insurance complete the Mayo Clinic Embody Health assessment by February 28! This is an OUTSTANDING participation! Many synods will not reach this goal by the April 30 deadline! Way to go, SW MN Synod leaders!
 As a result of reaching this 65%+ goal our congregations-and Bible Camps-will receive a 2% discount in Health Premiums for all of 2014. Collectively this is worth over $51,000. Additionally, our SW MN Synod will receive a Wellness dollars reward of 1%, an additional $25,500 to be used for Wholeness Wheel activities promoting wellness in the seven categories. Synod wellness incentives coming soon! If you have not completed the Health Assessment Click here.We will draw another 3 names from the reporting form on April 1, 2014!
Congratulations to March 1st winners Jon Forsythe, Tom Kolden, and Seth Novak.
We will do another drawing on May 1, 2014.
If you have already reported to us for the February & March 1st drawing,
you do not need to report again; your name will be included in each drawing
If you have questions re: completing your Health Assessment contact Portico Benefits Services or call Health Care Advocate at 800.352.2876 We also encourage you to earn the additional Rewards by completing the activities provided by Portico. Lent is a GREAT time to participate in one of their Wellness activities found on the Portico Benefits Homepage. |
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Health Assessment Goal Completed!
Our SW MN Synod rostered and lay leaders who have Portico/ELCA Health Insurance have done something no other synod has ever done. Together we had more than 77% of eligible persons who have Portico/ELCA health insurance complete the Mayo Clinic Embody Health assessment by February 28! This is an OUTSTANDING participation! Many synods will not reach this goal by the April 30 deadline! Way to go, SW MN Synod leaders!
As a result of reaching this 65%+ goal our congregations-and Bible Camps-will receive a 2% discount in Health Premiums for all of 2014. Collectively this is worth over $51,000. Additionally, our SW MN Synod will receive a Wellness dollars reward of 1%, an additional $25,500 to be used for Wholeness Wheel activities promoting wellness in the seven categories. Synod wellness incentives coming soon!
If you have not completed the Health Assessment Click here.Congratulations to March 1st winners Jon Forsythe, Tom Kolden, and Seth Novak.
We will do another drawing on April 1 & May 1, 2014.
If you have already reported to us for the February & March 1st drawing,
you do not need to report again; your name will be included in each drawing
If you have questions re: completing your Health Assessment contact Portico Benefits Services or call Health Care Advocate at 800.352.2876 We also encourage you to earn the additional Rewards by completing the activities provided by Portico. Lent is a GREAT time to participate in one of their Wellness activities found on the Portico Benefits Homepage. |
News for the Common Good
- Meet Your Metaphor: RACE workshop for clergyThursday, March 20, 9:00am - 3:30pm United Theological Seminary, New Brighton Religious leaders are uniquely qualified to lead and be a model in conversations about race, racism and justice. Led by Sarah Bellamy and members of the Penumbra Theatre Company, this workshop will give you tools for your own work as a leader and insights about how to continue the conversation in your church, work or neighborhood setting. Click for more information and to register.
- Why Desegregation Remains an Elusive Goal for Congregations Why are members of a minority racial group in a congregation less likely to feel a sense of belonging, to have close friends in the congregation and to participate in its activities? What does the research show us about how to build successful multiracial houses of worship? Find some answers in this analysis from the Association of Religious Data Archives.
Click here to read more news from Minnesota Council of Churches
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Time / Location Event Change - PIE: A Recipe for Generosity
Saturday, March 15, 2014
American Lutheran, Worthington
2:30-3:00 - Pie
3:00-4:15 - Presentation
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Granite Falls Lutheran, Granite Falls
2:30-3:00 - Pie
3:00-4:15 - Presentation
Due to a change in presenter availability on Saturdays, March 15 and March 22 we have decided to combine our events to one location and one time slot for our PIE events. Both dates will now offer only the afternoon (2:30-3 pie 3-4:15 presentation). The events scheduled at American, Windom (3/15) and St Stephen, Marshall (3/22) for the morning (9:30-11:15) have been combined with at the advertised afternoon locations of American, Worthington (3/15) and Granite Falls Lutheran, Granite Falls (3/22).
We apologize for this inconvenience to persons who had planned on attending the morning events. We thank you for making adjustments to your day and driving any extra miles for this valuable PIE presentation and the pie buffet.
Click here to read more about PIE: A Recipe for Generosity.
For questions about PIE please contact Pastor Larry Strenge at larry.strenge@elca.org. |
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Marriage Encounter Weekend
Sunday evening, June 22 - Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2014.
Whether you've been married only a few years or for decades, communication is the key to keeping your love relationship vibrant and strong. A Lutheran Marriage Encounter experience can give you the right "tools" to make your marriage - and your ministry - all that it can be. It's designed to help you and your spouse get away from it all to reconnect your communication, rekindle your romance, renew your commitment to each other, and rediscover the intimacy and joy that you deserve as a married couple.
Since marriage wellness is an important health emphasis today, the SW MN Synod is providing YOU with the opportunity to attend this event with a grant from our Wellness Dollars - the Synod will cover the $450 cost for your 2-night stay at the Minneapolis Boulevard Hotel and 5 meals for you and your spouse - plus your $45 application fee!
Space is limited. Reserve your spot by applying online today at GodLovesMarriage.org. Your $45 application fee can be paid online with credit or debit card, or by personal check. You will be reimbursed by the SW MN Synod after you and your spouse finish the "Weekend." At the end of your "Weekend" there will be an opportunity for you to contribute to the ongoing ministry of Lutheran Marriage Encounter.
The deadline for SW MN Synod Clergy registration only is April 15, so don't hesitate to apply to attend this special marriage "Weekend" just for you. After April 15, clergy from other synods will be invited to attend. If these dates do not work for you, check out
GodLovesMarriage.org for other 2014 dates. Wellness dollars will be available until funding is depleted. |
March
- March 15 - P.I.E. (PROSPER INVEST ENDOW): A Recipe for Generosity
- March 22 - P.I.E. (PROSPER INVEST ENDOW): A Recipe for Generosity
- March 14-15 - Lutheran Men in Mission Retreat
- March 18 - Together in Ministry Prairie Conference
- March 28-29 - Sr. High Youth Gathering
April
- April 12 - Multiple Area Parishes (MAP): Framing Our Unique Ministry
- April 25 - P.I.E. (PROSPER INVEST ENDOW): A Recipe for Generosity (morning)
- April 25 - ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton (afternoon)
- April 25 - Pastoral Staff Support Time (PPST) Healthy Staff Relationships Retreat (evening)
- April 26 - P.I.E. (PROSPER INVEST ENDOW): A Recipe for Generosity
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175 East Bridge St. PO Box 499
507-637-3904
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