News and Events

News and Events

Saint Paul Area Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

January 28, 2013

It's that time of year to fill out your annual reports

Rostered Leader Reports: Rostered leaders may complete the 2012 Annual Ministry Report at www.elca.org/rosteredleaderreports.

Congregational Report: Directions for submitting your congregation's statistics are available by clicking HERE. Please take the time to fill out both forms A and C or forward this email onto the person in your congregation who is responsible for this task. Please have these forms completed by Feb. 15.

Click image to view annual letter from the bishop

A reminder about resolutions at conference assemblies

If you intend to introduce a resolution at your conference caucus, please alert your conference dean and bring along 40 copies of the resolution for distribution to those in attendance. A list of deans can be found at the bottom of the conference assemblies event page. If you have questions about this process, contact Beth Helgen.

This year's conference assemblies will be held at Redeemer, White Bear Lake on Saturday, Feb. 9, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

More information on the conference assemblies page at spas-elca.org.

Important updates to the Tanzania web page

The Tanzania page on our website has undergone a significant renovation this week. Please take some time to become acquainted with the changes. If your congregation or volunteer group is planning a trip to Iringa, please read more about the travel fee and forms required to initiate your travel arrangements in Iringa.

If you have questions about the forms or fees, please contact Beth Helgen in the synod office.

Click image to view brochure

Invite lay leaders to register for Tool Kit

Encourage lay leaders from your congregation to register for this annual training event hosted by the Saint Paul Area Synod. Tool Kit features extended conversation with Bishop Rogness, networking opportunities with leaders from congregations throughout this synod, and workshops with information specific to leadership matters and concerns.

See the brochure (PDF) or event registration page for more information regarding schedule and workshops.

Upcoming Communicators' Gathering: Making smart web content decisions

Monday, Feb. 11, 2013,1:00-2:30 p.m.
Auxiliary Dining Room, Luther Seminary, St. Paul. Led by Ryan Torma and Kristin Payne of Luther Seminary's Office of Technology, this session will show content strategy practices that will help you create content that your website users want and need.

Visit www.spas-elca.org/events/communicators-gatherings for more information on past and upcoming events. RSVP for upcoming events by contacting Christine Fifield.

Friendly reminder to take the health assessment (if you are an ELCA-primary member)

Portico Benefits Services will calculate participation rates at the end of each month. Wouldn't it be great if we could reach the goal by the end of January? Make it a point to take it this week!

Take the health assessment at www.elcaforwellness.org. It only takes 15 minutes to complete. In addition, you will earn $150 in your personal wellness account to offset out-of-pocket medical costs. Instructions are available in the Understand My Benefits section at www.elcabop.org.

Interested in mission renewal?

Congregations are invited to participate in the next Mission Renewal Process which begins with a workshop on Saturday, Feb. 2, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, at Christ, Lake Elmo. Each congregation is invited send a team, including a pastor and four to seven lay leaders, to learn about the process.

The cost is $150 per congregation. Those wishing to continue the process will be invited to participate in quarterly workshops. To register, call the synod office at 651.224.4313. For more information, contact Susan Miller or Paul Erickson or visit www.spas-elca.org.

In This Issue