Synod News and Events - March 18, 2015
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Synod Events
Below is a list of all the upcoming synod events. Visit the synod events webpage for more information.

APRIL
PSST Retreat
April 16-17 
Green Lake Bible Camp, 
Spicer
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Proclaim Detroitapalooza
April 18 - 9:45am - 1:30pm
Danube School, 
Danube
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First Call Retreat
April 20-22 - Shalom Hill Farm
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Bishop Forum 
April 26 - 2:00 - 4:00pm
Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield
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Bishop Forum
April 26 - 7:00 - 9:00pm
Trinity Lutheran Church, Montevideo
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Bishop Forum
April 27 - 7:00-9:00pm
Our Savior's Lutheran Church,
New Ulm
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Bishop Forum
April 28 - 7:00-9:00pm
American Lutheran Church, Windom 

JUNE
SW MN Synod Assembly 
June 12-14 - St. Peter 
Click here for more information.
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Hope for the Prairie: Building Vitality in your Congregation
June 27, 2015
Locations: TBD
Congregation Events
Other Events & Resources

NW MN Synod Lutheran Men in Mission Retreat

April 18-19, 2015

Luther Crest Bible Camp

Come and hear what God is calling you to do, how to walk with people, listen, how to use questions and discern our work in our lives!
Share a weekend together with other men learning, laughing, and worshiping in God's great outdoors! 
Cost is $ 90.00 which includes lodging in Luther Crest's cabins, program and three meals.
Cost for commuters is $65 for Saturday and Sunday program and meals.

 Click here for registration and more event information.

 

Gustavus Adolphus College
3rd Annual Faith Conference

April 25, 2015

9:30am - 12:30pm
St. Peter, Minnesota
In anticipation of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, we see value in highlighting Lutheran theology, with new perspectives on and a joyful reminder of what is meaningful, inspiring, and to be celebrated in our Lutheran identity. The theme of the half-day Faith Conference 2015 is Lutheran Convictions and Economic Justice. We promise a day of learning, inspiration, and deep connection with our Lutheran identity and heritage.
Click here for registration and more event information.

Discernment for the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry Event
June 18-19, 2015
Assisi Heights
1001 14th Street NW
Rochester, MN

Event Leader: Pr. Paul N. Svingen

Tuition: $125 per registrant
*(not including lodging).
Registration Deadline:  May 27

Seminar Description:  

This seminar will offer a time of discernment for the practice of intentional interim ministry. Intentional interim ministry is a specialty for pastors who have had successful parish ministry experience and have chosen to explore the leadership challenge offered by the interim period in the life of a congregation.

Click here for more event information including lodging. 
Continuing education opportunities:
Summer Leadership Courses at Luther Seminary

Mini-MBA for Pastors and Church Leaders: Leading and Managing in a Complex Environment.

June 14-19

 

Discerning God's Mission: Trust-Building and Collaborative Leadership for Collective Insight

June 15-December 31

Emotional Intelligence and Human Relations Skills

July 6-10

 

New Visions for the Long Pastorate

July 13-15


Gustavus Symphony
Orchestra Tour
Ruth Lin, conductor
Click here for the 2015 East Coast Tour dates.
ELCA looks ahead to 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation







As a church that believes the good news of Jesus Christ provides "the freedom and the courage to boldly participate in what God is up to in the world," members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are making plans for the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in October 2017. "The evangelical Lutheran Reformation offers the promise of God's love that makes possible a life of a living, daring confidence in God's grace," said the Rev. Marcus Kunz, assistant to the ELCA presiding bishop and executive for theological discernment.
On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther, an Augustine monk, posted his "Ninety-five Theses" to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, protesting the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church.
"When Martin Luther posted his 'Ninety-Five Theses' the resulting debate about Christian teaching and practice led to changes that have shaped the course of western Christianity for almost 500 years," said Kunz. "At the heart of these wide-reaching changes was a deep conviction that God's mercy or grace in Jesus is given freely to all. Some of the familiar ways of talking about Jesus in our time have left some people cold, feeling trapped or demeaned."
Kunz said the 500th anniversary observance is an opportunity for the ELCA "to give fresh expression of the liberating and renewing hope in Christ that Martin Luther described." Under the theme, "Freed and Renewed in Christ: 500 Years of God's Grace in Action," the ELCA's 500th anniversary observance will include featured events for ELCA members to participate in the 500th anniversary through worship, learning and service. Click here to read more.

Sr. High Youth Gathering Recap

+Sarah Hausken

On March 6-7, about 275 Sr. High Youth from our synod gathered in Mankato to worship, strengthen relationships, serve others and have some fun growing in faith.  We were blessed to have the legendary Lutheran band, Lost and Found with us on their farewell tour.  After 29 years of touring, they're opening themselves up to other callings.  They were witty, insightful proclaimers of the Gospel.The Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) board led the weekend sharing their God given gifts on stage and off.  Three youth gave a Faith Talk, sharing how they have heard God in their lives.  Our theme was "Can you Hear Me? You are Heard," focusing on Micah 7:7, "But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." On the second day youth participated in service learning projects.  They collected and packaged 303 Personal Care Kits and made 24 fleece blankets for Lutheran World Relief.  They also learned about the Young Adults in Global Mission program and about homeless youth from Lutheran Social Services. They collected almost $700 in offerings for ELCA World Hunger in the area of healthcare. The Holy Spirit was active throughout the whole gathering, moving through people, music, and activities. 

Can you hear me? You are heard! Like us on Facebook
Re-Formation - Introducing the Luther Reading Challenge

+Pr. Sarah Wilson

What did Martin Luther really say in the 95 Theses?

Is it true he had a special affection
for the Virgin Mary?

Did he think the Old Testament was all law
and no gospel?

What was his advice concerning prayer?

Did he advocate good works?

Why was the real presence of Christ the center
of all his thinking?

How did his last will and testament break
the law (in favor of his wife)?


 What did Luther actually say and think?

 


As the Reformation anniversary in October 2017 draws near, Martin Luther will be a hot topic of conversation. Lutheran churches are already asking themselves how to commemorate the big event. It's not too early to start preparing! And what better way to do so than actually to read and discuss Luther's own words?


That's where the Luther Reading Challenge comes in. Sign up for a free account and join countless other readers around the world in reading, discussing, and reflecting on Luther's important writings!


Each text begins with an introduction, giving its context and key themes. You can add marginal comments, respond to others' remarks, and raise your own questions. You can also tailor your own profile to share and connect with others.


In time there will also be a blog, other languages, and even gamification elements!

2015 Bishop Nominee Forums

Soon your congregation will be getting a letter in the mail about the Bishop Nominee Forums. Times and locations are posted here and on the left-hand events column. 

 

The forums will open with a brief devotion by the host pastor followed by an introduction of all of the bishop nominees. Each nominee will receive five (5) minutes to make a prepared opening statement followed by questions submitted by the audience and responses from the nominees. After all written questions have been addressed, questions from the floor may be received as time allows.

 

During the time of questions and responses, the moderator will ask questions which have been received from the audience, and nominees will have two minutes to respond to each question.  Questions may be written and given to the nominating committee members as the forum continues.  Members of the nominating committee will serve as timers and assist the moderator as needed.

 

Thank you for your participation in this important time of discernment in the life of our synod.  We are grateful for your leadership in your own congregation as well as your support for the work of the synod.

Proclaim Detroitapalooza

April 18, 2015, 9:45 am - 1:30 pm

Danube School, Danube

Proclaim Detroitapalooza is for all youth and adults going to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit.

At this event, youth and adults going to the ELCA Youth Gathering will experience an interactive activity on Detroit's history of struggle and triumph. Youth and adults will get to know each other in preparation for the gathering. We'll train adult leaders for the ELCA youth gathering, giving them the info they need to navigate the gathering well. Plus, we'll kick off the 2015 SW MN Synod 30 Hour Famine focusing on urban hunger. 

Cost: $3 donation for food.

Reformation -  Do What Matters

Vibrant Faith

We intend to change the face of faith formation. In order to do that we need to partner with a vast team of people like you who are curious, committed, and ready to take action. Whether you serve a vast congregation or are focused on the faith formation within your own family, Vibrant Faith wants to walk alongside you. Register now for our in-person Do What Matters event... 


 TOPICS

  1. The Vision: Relationships Matter - come away with clear ideas for intentional, relational faith formation.
  2. The Processes: The Research Matters - eliminate silos and integrate all aspects of congregational life.
  3. The Transforming Encounter: Stories Matter - align your faith formation efforts with the ways God is active in the faith community.
  4. The Congregation: Settings Matter - extend and expand your efforts beyond gathered programs at church.
  5. The Plan: Do What Matters! -  get started on a multi-dimensional, comprehensive, individualized faith formation plan for your congregation.
  6. The Leaders: You Matter! - learn to integrate your personal call to ministry with solid leadership skills.
A two-day training experience for church leaders:
Do What Matters, Vibrant Faith
April 14-15
9am - 3:30pm

Position Opening:

Director for Congregational Support, ELCA 

(located in Chicago)

Director for Congregational Support is responsible for directing churchwide development efforts that provide designated support for congregations in three areas: New and Renewing Congregations, Youth & Young Adult Leadership, and Disability Ministries. This position plays a significant role in the ELCA's comprehensive campaign. At the end of the Campaign, the position will be responsible for only New and Renewing Congregations fund raising initiatives.

Applications (resume and cover letter) and inquiries about the position may be directed, in confidence, to Gaye Lindfors of Significant Solutions, Inc. Gaye@SignificantSolutionsInc.com.