Assignment Process of Seminary Graduates

+Bishop Jon V. Anderson 

Scott Richards

We are thankful to announce that Scott Richards, who was one of three candidates from our synod, was assigned to our region and then our synod. Scott grew up in Herman, MN and worked in Sauk Rapids as a teacher before going to seminary. Here is a picture of Scott.

Our other 2 candidates, Andrew Yackel-Juleen was assigned to the Southeastern Minnesota Synod and Brock Klobe was assigned to Region 6 (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky). I did not hear yet which particular synod he was assigned to. 

In our tradition, all seminary candidates for ordination and for the Roster of Word and Service (AiM, Diaconal Ministers, Deacons) go through a national process to distribute talent to where it might best serve the whole church. This is a multi-layered discernment process. The candidates share their sense of call, the congregations who might consider a first call pastor share their longings for a future pastor and synods seek candidates who would fit in their mission field's need. After being assigned to a region, candidates are then assigned to particular synods.

We had hoped we could welcome six candidates, however we received one. The fall assignment is normally smaller.  In addition, we have another candidate coming to our synod. This person is coming from another synod where he was assigned but no call has developed. I will share more about that person when the letter of call being sent is accepted. 

We normally are a consuming synod. We do not create enough candidates to replace our pastors who are taking new calls or retiring. We often need more seminarians than we receive.    

In this case our synod had three candidates this fall.  I invite you to watch for people who have gifts to serve as public stewards of the Gospel.  Share your discernment, it may be they have been wondering or you will plant a seed that will eventually sprout.

You will enjoy getting to know Scott.  He is full of life, has a great sense of humor. He is respected by peers and teachers. We are excited to have him coming to our synod.

Continuing Education -
Deepening our Practice and Capacity   

+Bishop Jon V. Anderson 

We want to lift up the importance of continuing education for all ministers who serve in God's Church. Rostered leaders we are expected to complete continuing education each year. People do this in a variety of ways from seeking a formal degree or certificate in a class offered from some institution of the church to pastors who engage in local programs to deepen their roots in the community and deepen their capacities as leaders.

For example, Pr. Chad Peterson of Vinje along with other Willmar area residents recently completed the Blandin Community Leadership Program retreat sponsored by the Blandin Foundation. I asked him to share what he learned.

+Pr. Chad Peterson, Vinje Lutheran, Willmar 
"This fall I was fortunate enough to attend a weeklong worship sponsored by the "Blandin Community Leadership Program" (BCLP). For those in our Synod who are not familiar with this organization, the mission of the Blandin Foundation is to create vibrant rural Minnesota communities by investing in community leaders and working with partners to expand opportunity for ALL residents (www.blandinfoundation.org). 

I went with 24 other "Willmar Area Residents/Leaders" to network, assess the strengths/growing edges of our community, and to develop leadership skills for the purpose of making a positive impact in our community. As we continue to think about how to organize our church in a changing world and how to be "missional" outside of our walls I would highly encourage all of our Synod Leaders, that if given the chance, to participate in this experience. Events like this help us to get outside of ourselves, our institutions, our particular way of seeing our communities, which is positive if we hope to build strong relationships with those outside of our congregations. For the sake of your ministry, invest the time to participate in this program or something similar. You will be glad you did!"

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Clergy Training 

 The event will be from 9:00-12:00 on Thursday, October 16th at Shalom Hill Farm. If you are not in Watonwan River or Shetek Conferences, please RSVP to Shalom Hill Farm, 507-831-2232.

Calvary Lutheran Church of Murdock Closing

SAVE THE DATE

+Rev. Linda Pedersen

Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber

The planning committee is making bold steps to allow for more people to participate. Last year's event drew about 600 people, following a major snow storm the day before the event. This year the event will again be held in Willmar, but we will be using the buildings of both Vinje and Bethel Lutheran Churches to accommodate up to 1000 registrants. However plan now to get your registration in early because we expect that registration will have to be closed when we reach our maximum number. Both locations will have the same program elements, the schedules will just be in a different order. The keynote speaker and workshop leaders will move between the two church buildings. Your congregation will be assigned to a particular location when you register. Watch for more information about the workshop titles and date when registration will open.

Be sure to mark this date, FEBRUARY 28, 2015 on your calendar.