SYNOD NEWS AND EVENTS - APRIL 16, 52015

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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
CANCELLED
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First Call Retreat
April 20-22
Shalom Hill Farm, Rural Windom
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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

 

Administration Matters

"Administration Matters" is a bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders. It addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings.

March 2015 Articles:
Click here to read articles.
- Health insurance premium reimbursement payment plans
 

- Prep work key to safe mission trips
 

- Credit card best practices for congregations
 

- Recommendations for congregation secretaries
 

- The importance of workers' compensation coverage

 

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Ecumenical Prayer Service for All The Martyrs of Faith

April 18, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.

Cathedral of St. Paul

Our neighbors, St Sahag Armenian Orthodox Church, just a block east on Dayton, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this year. Maybe you have seen the banner on their church. There will be an eccumenical prayer service at the Cathedral of Saint Paul on Saturday, April 18th at 3:00pm, for all martyrs of the faith. Please consider attending and supporting our neighbors with prayer. Click here for more information. 


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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.

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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. 

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Reformation Art Tour
Germany
October 22 - November 2, 2015
Luther Seminary
Please join us for an enriching tour of Reformation sights and sounds in Germany. Leading up to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, the year 2015 has been designated as the year of the Bible and the image, as it coincides with the 500th anniversary of the birth of Lucas Cranach the Younger. Both Cranachs, Elder and Younger, used their considerable skills as painters to promote Martin Luther and the movement he led. The advent of the moveable type printing press made the Bible available to the masses. Combined with the ability of artists like the Cranachs to illustrate the text, the reformers had two powerful tools at their disposal.

In addition to exploring Reformation texts and images, this fully inclusive 12-day tour will highlight the powerful effects of music, including that of J.S. Bach, on the spread of this movement. The tour will be led by professional local guides.

This tour is organized by two Luther Seminary staff members: Paul Daniels, head of arts and archives; and Mary Steeber, coordinator of volunteer programs.

Questions?

pdaniels@luthersem.edu

651-641-3205
2015 Synod Assembly Announcements
June 12-14, 2015 
Gustavus Adolphus College St. Peter

Just a reminder that assembly
Early bird registration ends May 15! 
Click here to register. 

Voting Members: As you are planning your assembly trip please keep in mind that there is a bishop forum following opening worship and the first bishop election later that evening during plenary. To be eligible to vote Friday evening you MUST be registered by 6:00 p.m. on Friday. 
Friday, June 13
12:30 p.m. - Registration Opens
2:30 - Assembly Orientation (new voting members)
3:00 - Opening Worship 
4:30 - Bishop Forum 
5:45 - Dinner
6:00 - Registration will be closed until after the first bishop election vote during evening plenary. 
6:45 - Plenary 
An assembly draft agenda will be posted soon.  

Assembly display deadline is April 24. 

Our Synod Assembly Planning Team has decided to open up our display area to for-profit vendors. However, we are giving first priority to our shared ministry partners and our synod boards and committees until midnight on April 24. Register and pay for your display space to ensure your spot. 


If you are a for-profit vendor and would like to be considered for a display at the synod assembly please read through the display policy and fill out the online request form. Approvals will be done April 25. 


Click here for the workshop/display request form. 

Click here for more assembly news. 

Registration Tip!
We have had some questions about the
"$15 Off Campus Breakfast Option" on the registration form. If you stay off campus your registration does NOT include breakfast at the Gustavus campus so this year we wanted to give you the option to come have breakfast on campus. If you register for off campus breakfast you will receive a breakfast ticket at the time of registration. 

Commissioning of Sarah L. Hausken

You are invited to worship, to celebrate and to bless the commissioning of Sarah L. Hausken into the ministry of Word and Service as an Associate in Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

 

Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 4:30 pm

Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church

1103 W. Chestnut Ave., Olivia, Minnesota

 

Please join us for a meal and reception following the service. Rostered persons are invited to vest. 

The color of the day is red.

 

"I am thrilled to accept a call to serve the people of the SW MN Synod as an Associate in Ministry! I've been serving as Youth Ministry Coordinator for the SW MN Synod for nearly 15 years, and while my job description doesn't change, becoming an Associate in Ministry affirms my life's calling of serving God and others through the church. It also  strengthens my commitment to the church and the church's commitment to me. I am grateful for the way the SW MN Synod has supported, challenged and shaped me for ministry.  People of all ages make up the great cloud of witnesses that have been my mentors and teachers. I look forward to continuing to serve God alongside you."

+Sarah Hausken,

SW MN Synod Youth Ministry Coordinator
 Hunger Awareness Event 
Hunger Awareness Event

PRE-ASSEMBLY LOCAL MEAL PACKAGING EVENT

Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:30am to  2:30pm 

Jackson Campus Center at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter MN 
Click here for more information.

2015 Bishop Nominee Forums

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. Times and locations are posted here and on the left-hand events column. 
LIVING LUTHERAN 
Lively Engagement in Faith & Life: 
  • Ask a Pastor: Responses to your questions about faith, theology and the church.
     
  • Blogs: Posts by ELCA members offering a variety of viewpoints and opinions.
  • Photos: A visual tour of ELCA congregations, people and events.
  • Seeds: Resources and ideas to enhance your ministry.
  • Stories: Stories of faith and life from across this country and around the world.

World Malaria Day

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.