SYNOD NEWS AND EVENTS - October 14, 2015

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The Tenth Commandment
+Martin Luther, Small Catechism
 
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

What does this mean?
We are to fear and love God, so that we do not entice, force, or steal away from our neighbors their spouses, household workers or livestock, but instead urge them to stay and fulfill their responsibilities to our neighbors. 
Synod Events
Below is a list of all the upcoming synod events. Visit the synod events webpage for more information.

Click here for a list of WELCA Fall Conference Gatherings.

OCTOBER
October 22 & 23, 2015
Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer

October 27
Shores of St. Andrew, New London

NOVEMBER
November 5
Faith Lutheran, Spicer

November 6-8
Luther Crest Bible Camp, Alexandria

Region 3 Gathering of Rostered and Lay Leaders
November 12-14
Ramada Plaza Suites, Fargo, ND

November 20-21
November 21-22
Willmar Conference Center, Willmar
Other News, Events & Resources

Calvary Lutheran Church of Alexandria, MN, Presents...
1st Wednesdays @ 6pm
SPEAKER SERIES: All are invited to join us as we welcome nationally recognized speakers and artists who will help us think more deeply about "FAITH FOR LIFE." Events will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. Free will offering.
 
Why are we doing this?
"Quite frankly, research tells us that 66% of confirmed Protestant youth will leave the church upon graduating from High School and never returning.  As far as lifelong faith is concerned, we are batting .333.  If we were in the major leagues, we'd be doing quite well.  When it comes to faith, this is kind of embarrassing, to be honest.  We can do better.  Calvary is making all kinds of changes to address this fact.  We're investing in new forms of gathering and education and service.  We believe the "Faith for Life" Speakers Series will be a powerful way of inspiring adults and families in faith." Pr. Hans Dahl
Click here for more information. 
Job Openings: 

Office Administrator for Atonement Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, MN
(part-time - 34 hours/week):
Serve as Office Administrator in a fast-paced church office. Administer church calendar, schedule building use by internal and external groups. Serve as primary receptionist displaying hospitality to members and guests, and assist them in their personal and public ministries. Manage and process accounts receivable and maintain church membership records. This person is the first contact person for Atonement, whether it is on the phone or in person as they enter the facility. Demonstrated intermediate or advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook. Strong interpersonal skills related to hospitality and respect while juggling a multitude of administrative tasks is essential. For full job description go to www.atonementlutheran.org
Step Up Leadership Development
The Gustavus Office of Church Relations is excited to announce the creation of a new leadership development resource for high school youth called
STEP UP. STEP UP is a day-long experience that will introduce youth to college level concepts of leadership and will help them develop a stronger personal plan for continuing to grow as a leader. Participants will receive a certificate from Gustavus Adolphus College certifying the student's completion of the STEP UP leadership curriculum. Students attend only one STEP UP workshop and workshops are offered twice annually.

2015-16 STEP UP Dates
  • Thursday, November 5, 2015
    (Registration Deadline: October 26)
  • Thursday, March 10, 2016                                        (Registration Deadline: February 29)
Click here for more information.
Opening Our Networks
ELCA Region 3 Gathering 
November 12-14, 2015
Fargo, ND
 
Four questions that will frame this event:
  • Who do our networks serve?
  • Are the people served by our networks also at the tables of leadership and decision making?
  • Who might our networks serve?
  • How might people not currently engaged in our networks be included at the tables of leadership and decision making?
Speakers:
  • Jessica Fairfax: Coordinator for Volunteer Engagement, ELCA World Hunger
  • Michael Chan: Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary
  • Daniel Rift: Program Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeals
  • Sarah Brock: Alumni Campaign Interpreter, ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission
  • Rafael Malpica Padilla: Executive Director for Global Mission, ELCA
There will be Networking time to allow for people in various synods to convene around shared interests and concerns. Synod time will provide a similar opportunity for people to gather with others of their own synod. Workshops will offer a time to learn more about other interests and concerns related to the life and mission of the ELCA.
Confronting Racism
Did you miss the webcast of ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton and William B. Horne II, a member of the ELCA Church Council from Clearwater, Fla., discussing the sin of racism?
Click here for ELCA resources about this church's ongoing racial justice work.

Confronting Racism Webcast - August 6, 2015
Confronting Racism Webcast - August 6, 2015
Click here for full screen. 
Awareness of Boundaries
Sexual misconduct by pastors, associates in ministry, and other religious leaders is one of the most serious challenges faced by the church today. Violation of the sacred trust between church members and their leaders brings deep pain to all who are affected: victims, offenders, family members, friends, and the congregation itself.
 
In response to this challenge, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod constitution and bylaws include the following provision (Bylaw §14.21.01):
 
"Within twelve months of assuming office, all ordained ministers under call and rostered lay ministers responsible for programmatic ministry shall demonstrate completion of at least six contact hours of continuing education in the prevention of sexual boundary violations."

SW MN Synod Awareness of Boundaries
in Ministry Training Event
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Faith Lutheran Church, Spicer, MN
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The workshop will begin with registration at 9 a.m. and conclude by 3 p.m.
Cost is $40, which includes the noon meal.
Presenters: Aaron Suomala-Folkerds, Karen Bockelman, Rick Loseth
Click here to register.

There are three ways ordained or lay ministers of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod can demonstrate compliance with the provisions of Bylaw §14.21.01:
  1. Apply for and receive an "equivalency" for this requirement, based on workshops attended or other training received prior to beginning service within the synod.
  2. Attend a training event offered annually by the synod.
  3. Attend another training event or workshop that includes at least six contact hours of instruction in the same content covered by the synod's annual training event.