Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton

Here are some recent messages from our ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
 

Easter Message "The world is turned upside down. It might look the same, but we are standing in a different place. Christ is risen. We are risen. Alleluia!"

Do we assume Jesus? In her April column for The Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton reminds us that the best thing about the church is Jesus. But she wonders if we have lost the language to speak about God's love. After all, telling about God's love is more important than creating programs, attracting young people and paying for the boiler. Click here to read. 

Racial Justice Message. We need to talk. Ferguson, Missouri; Norman, Oklahoma; Madison, Wisconsin; Staten Island, New York; and Charlottesville, Virginia: recent events in these and other places prove we are not living in a postracial society. I know it's difficult to talk about race because too many Americans do not want to believe racism still exists in our country. Yet, as always, Christ promises to be alongside us, even in the most difficult of times, working for our reconciliation. Because of God's promise, we can and must have a deep, honest and even painful conversation about racism. Click here to read.

Annual Reports

+Bishop Jon V. Anderson 

Each day I read about five Annual Reports from our rostered leaders. It always gives me a glimpse into the reality of our synod's leadership and congregations' life that I treasure. Some work in institutions related to the church. I am always challenged by what I learn and thankful for the faithful and fruitful service of so many leaders and the communities of faith in our synod. 

 Here are some gems from the last couple of days:

• Crosswinds Parish from the Starbuck area puts an advertisement in the paper inviting the community to participate in the Vacation Bible School.  It is a significant evangelism outreach as many who attend are not a part of any church home.  It is helpful to think of this ministry as an evangelizing strategy.  
• At East and West Zion of Hancock the congregations have found ways to build mentoring relationships through the gift of music between older and younger parts of the community of faith.  The young people share their gifts and the older people share their knowledge. It is a great stewardship approach.
• At St. John's of Raymond the congregation has begun to have the lectors not only read the lessons for the day but also the intercessory prayers later in the service.   It is small step but significant for deepening the role of assisting worship leaders there.  Lay leadership in worship is powerful and embodies our theology.  
• Trinity of Brooten has been working at stimulating cross generational conversations as part of their life in the past year.  My daughter witnessed this and was inspired to see the body of Christ sharing their life with one another.  It is a fresh fellowship and learning approach.
• Several congregations are exploring increasing the frequency of their celebration of Holy Communion. This is happening after careful conversation and sorting out what previous practice has meant to people, our theology about the Lord's Supper and the practical issue of how to do this in a way that is sustainable.

Rostered Leaders- if you have not heard from me I am working my way through the pile. I am down to 24 remaining Annual Reports from active rostered leaders.I will move next to our retired rostered leaders. If you have not shared your report, there is still time, click here. Thanks for your ministry and the ability to see your diakonia or serving. 

Every year, millions of people around the globe observe World Malaria Day on April 25. The ELCA Malaria Campaign is again turning this day into a special week, inviting you and your congregation to participate.  

Right now, we are at a historic moment in the life of our church and this campaign. Five years ago we set a goal, dreamed big with our Lutheran companion churches and partners, and set out to raise $15 million by 2015. The time to make this dream a reality is now.

Together, we have already raised over 90 percent of our goal. If we join together during this special time, we have the opportunity to reach the $15 million mark. Our goal by the end of World Malaria Week is that we will have raised $1 million, enough to fully fund the rest of our country programs. If we don't reach our goal, malaria programs will not be able to be fully funded. The time is now. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Find special World Malaria Day resources to  help you observe World Malaria Day in your congregation by clicking here.

Job Opening

Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar, MN is seeking a Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries for a full-time position.  We welcome a person who expresses the Christian faith in relational and energetic ways.  Applicants must have a passion to lead and nurture children, youth, and their families in the midst of an overall intergenerational ministry setting.

Degree and/or experience in the field of Youth/Family Ministry/Education preferred.  Salary dependent on education and experience.

For full job description, click here. 

Mail or deliver cover letter and resume to:  Bethel Lutheran Church, 411 Becker Ave. SW, Willmar, MN 56201.