eclipse

Meet Your

Synod Council

This week in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA

Week of August 31, 2014

We are a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life.

"Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing," said Martin Luther. We continually strive for a deeper understanding of what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means for the world. Doing so puts us right where God wants us to be: in the thick of life.

The synod staff will pray for these congregations and rostered leaders during their next weekly staff meeting. We invite you to include them in your prayers this week as well.

Georgetown and Trinity Lutheran Churches, Balsam Lake, Pastor Neil Weltzin

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Superior, Pastor Will Mowchan

United Lutheran Church, Prairie Farm, Pastor Shelly Schultz

We also pray for the Synod Council members who gather at Luther Park this weekend.

Meet Your Synod Council

The Synod Council is our board of directors and our legislative authority between synod assemblies. Council members represent each of our synod's seven conferences and are elected at synod assembly. Each conference nominates one clergy and two laity (one male and one female) to serve a three-year term. In addition, two youth members are elected to serve two-year terms and the Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected to serve four-year terms in addition to the Bishop, who serves a 6-year term. Minutes from Synod Council meetings are available on request from the synod office. The council meets three or four times a year.

Since the council retreat is being held this Friday and Saturday at Luther Park, it seemed like a good time to (re)introduce the members to you. The faith statements published beside each name were written at the time of that individual's election.

Officers

Lynn Fering, Vice President

A member of First Lutheran Church, Eau Claire

Faith Statement:
I believe in the Triune God---Father, Son and Holy Spirit. My greatest comfort is knowing that Jesus died so that I might be saved, which takes me directly to the first Bible verse I memorized, John 3:16. Although I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church, it wasn't until I was an adult that this verse came to live in my heart. The knowledge of God's great love guides me in my daily life as I strive for compassion, understanding and empathy while attempting to walk a life with Christ. God's promise helps my grieving heart to rejoice when a friend or loved one is welcomed Home. And although it took me a long time to listen, I bask in God's love as I strive to love and serve others. Lynn's current term ends in 2015.

Connie Bussewitz, Secretary

A member of First Lutheran Church, Cumberland

Faith Statement:

I believe in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is God's gift, and I am saved through grace alone. I rejoice in being a Lutheran. I find the peace that passes all understanding by living my faith in worship and in my daily life. Christians have been evolving and adjusting to their environments from their very first gatherings. To keep our faith alive we need to adjust to the times and needs of the communities that we serve. I love the traditions, liturgy, hymns of our Lutheran traditions. However, to reach out to unchurched-non-Lutherans we need to look 'outside the box' and explore new ways to serve others. The church buildings of today and tomorrow need to be warm, loving, and welcoming 'service stations' in their communities. Connie's current term ends in 2016.

Blaine Aschenbrenner, Treasurer

A member of Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford

Faith Statement:

Jesus Christ is my personal savior. I believe 100% in my heart and my mind that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me. And because of that he will provide me with everlasting life. I whole-heartedly believe that the words of John 3:16 are the backbone of my Christian faith.

Blaine's current term ends in 2016.

Apple River Conference

Rev. Diane Norstad

Serves Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Balsam Lake

Faith Statement:
Having faith in the Savior who died and rose again for me, I am committed to spending my life serving Christ by serving others. The joy of serving the church is being able to make a positive impact in our world in the name of Christ. In a society that focuses so much on the negative it is critical to me to work toward the positive. I enjoy and value any work that can strengthen the connection between people and Christ.

Diane's current term ends in 2015.

Larry Blahauvietz

A member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

Faith Statement:

Serving others, both in our community and larger area, is a way that we can show the love that Christ has for us. The opportunity to continue as a member of the Synod Council is another way that I can help fulfill this mission.

Larry's current term ends in 2016.

Kim Patterson

A member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clayton

Faith Statement:

I believe that God is Love and I believe that in God's vast love for all of his creation he made the ultimate sacrifice. He sacrificed his son so that we may have life. And I believe that sacrifice obligates me to use the life I was given to also love and sacrifice so others may see and understand what God's love is all about. I believe in bringing the light of God to others through actions and word. I believe in the forgiveness and salvation offered to all of us if we truly believe in Jesus the Messiah. My favorite gospel is the Gospel of John because in John's Gospel so many of Jesus' teachings are about love. One of my favorite verses: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35). "They will know us by our love." I believe that the love we have for God cannot help but manifest itself in what we do in our lives. And truly if we hold that love in our hearts our lights will always shine for all to see.

Kim's current term ends in 2017.

Chequamegon Conference

Dan Rosien

A member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Edgar

Faith Statement:

"Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." is a constant reminder to us that the responsibility for improving the conditions of those in need lies at OUR door. It is Christ's call to action that we are to improve the lives of others through our deeds and actions. Leaders and leadership can create tremendous improvements in the lives of people and organizations. But the job is never done. I pray that I might contribute to those improvements through my service on the Synod Council. Dan's current term ends in 2015.

Jenny Nieman

A member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Spencer

Faith Statement:

I try to live my life everyday as a living example of my faith. I truly believe the statement that faith is caught more than it is taught. Life is experiential, faith to be effective should be too. My motto (and our church's mission statement): Live daily in God's grace, Grow in my discipleship and Share Christ with all.
Jenny's current term ends in 2016.

Rev. Bob Giese

Serves First Lutheran Churches, Ogema and Westboro

Faith Statement:

I believe in the Triune God: God as creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ as God and Human who suffered and died and rose from the dead and is the Savior of the Universe - me included; and the Holy Spirit,God's breath of life working in the world and in me to produce faith and empower me to use the gifts God has given me in my life.

Bob's current term ends in 2017.

Chippewa Valley Conference

Tim Fehr

A member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eau Claire

Faith Statement:

Saved by grace to serve the neighbor, I believe we are called to service others in whatever vocation to which we are called.

Tim's current term ends in 2015.

Barbara Solsaa

A member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Menomonie

Faith Statement:

Jesus is my Lord and Savior. In baptism God claimed me. God's grace sets me free, God's son redeems me, God's spirit guides and empowers me, my prayer life sustains me. Thanks be to God.
Barbara's current term ends in 2016.

Rev. Sarah Semmler Smith

Serves Trinity Lutheran Church, Eau Claire

Faith Statement:

Sarah's current term ends in 2017.

Dairyland Conference

Linda Trotter

A member of Peace Lutheran Church, Pigeon Falls

Faith Statement:

God is my savior and redeemer and my strength at all times. He is a loving God who provides for and protects me through life.I believe we have been given certain talents to be used to spread his word.

Linda's current term ends in 2015.

Rev. Ken Taylor

Serves Immanuel Lutheran Church, Strum

Faith Statement:

In the waters of our baptism we are claimed by God, marked with the Cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit. These waters and further encounters by the Word, by hearing the proclamation, by the table meal and through each other as we worship and praise the majesty of God together and through relational fellowship, we are being transformed to be equipped to carry out God's mission in the world. God has given each of us a vocation, where our passions meet the needs of the world, to proclaim the message of the gospel through our words and deeds. Ken's current term ends in 2016.

Steven Marshall

A member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Whitehall

Faith Statement:

I am a baptized child of God called to serve as God needs me to do His work.

Sarah's current term ends in 2017.

Heart of the North Conference

Rev. Bill Schroeder

Serves Lakeside Community Lutheran Church, Webster

Faith Statement:

I grew up on a small dairy farm in northeastern Wisconsin and there was no shortage of work to be done on the family farm. Some of my earliest memories involve helping my mother and father with chores around the farm. I would feed the calves, throw down bales of hay from the mow, scrape the barn alley, and open fence gates so my father would not have to get down off of the tractor. I was never far away from my dad when I was a youngster and I enjoyed helping out wherever I could. I was blessed with parents that loved me dearly and I loved them. There was no allowance or the promise of a new bicycle if I did all of my chores. I was just glad to be part of the farm. Things changed when I became a teenager as my focus shifted to what was in it for me, rather than acting out of love. There is little wonder why Jesus lifted up the child into his arms and told his followers that true faith was that of a child's. I share this story because it describes how I see the role of faith in my life. We have an awesome God that loves us so much and created us to be a part of the farm. There is a lot of work to be done, but it is my prayer that we perform our chores with a joyous and grace filled heart. Not out of obligation or the hope for rewards, but purely out of love for what God has already done for us in Jesus Christ. Bill's current term ends in 2015.

Todd Ahneman

A member of Barronett Lutheran Church, Barronett

Faith Statement:

Faith is not static beliefs, it is a verb which demands we put our beliefs into action in all areas of our lives, with deliberate and visible expressions consistent with the fruits of the spirit of God (love, patience, kindness, etc.).

Todd's current term ends in 2016.

Karyn Hullinger

A member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Whitehall

Faith Statement:

"And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day's problems; live in vital union with him. ⁷Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done." Col. 2:6-7 (TLB)

We are saved by grace through faith.These verses provide a framework to bring my faith to life. What wonderful guidance for our journey: trust, live in union, grow, nourish, become strong and vigorous, learn, overflow with joy and thanksgiving! The specifics of our future are always unknown, but what anticipation and joy we experience as we follow God's plan together. Karyn's current term ends in 2017.

Lake Superior Conference

Rev. Larry Jorstad

Serves Bethesda Lutheran Church, Bayfield, and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cornucopia

Faith Statement:

I believe in God who is love, whose love is manifested in creation, in our lives, and in all people. I follow Jesus, who embodied God's love. In his life and ministry, his death and resurrection, and his granting to us of his Spirit, he filled us with that love as well. We live by that Spirit, the presence of God's love in us. In that love we participate in the church, Body of Christ, in loving God by loving our neighbors through our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service.
Love is our faith, and it is a gift from God. I thank God, and ask God's blessings, that I may love in the name of Jesus and the power of the Spirit.

Larry's current term ends in 2016.

Gerry Olson

A member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Superior

Faith Statement:

The start of my day begins with thanking God for another beautiful day in this wonderful world and asking for His help in living it in a way that pleases Him. I know that my actions, deeds and attitude are the best way to evangelize for my faith. I realize every day I could do better, but then I awake to another glorious day and by the Grace of God I try once again. Life is good in the Great Northwoods, with my faith in God paving the way. Gerry's current term ends in 2017.

There are currently two vacancies on the Synod Council--a lay female representative from the Lake Superior Conference and a clergy representative from the St. Croix Valley Conference.

St. Croix Valley Conference

Phyllis Beastrom

A member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bay City

Faith Statement:

As a baptized child of God, believing Jesus is my Lord and Savior, I am called to serve and witness to others, the community, and the church.

Phyllis' current term ends in 2015.

Ed Waters

A member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Glenwood City

Faith Statement:

Share the love of God with all people.

Ed's current term ends in 2017.

There are currently two vacancies on the Synod Council--a lay female representative from the Lake Superior Conference and a clergy representative from the St. Croix Valley Conference.

Youth Representatives

Alyssa Flaten

A member of Central Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls

Faith Statement:

My Spiritual Gifts: Evangelism and Faith
Favorite Bible Verse:
1st Corinthians 10:13--"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Alyssa's current term ends in 2015.

Marisa Jasicki

A member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Rice Lake

Faith Statement:

Luke 9:23 says, "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" God doesn't want us to wait to follow him. Later in this chapter, it talks about could've-been followers of Christ. They were called upon by Jesus and said things like, "Yes, I will follow you, but . . . ." When we are called upon by God, he doesn't want that "but." He wants us immediately. For me, this position as a youth representative on the synod council is a calling. I want to be able to share my gifts with all of you on the council and provide feedback and input on things going on with youth in our synod. I could also provide input on how we could do things differently or if how we are doing something is the right way to go. I strive to be the person God has called me to be and to go for the opportunities He has opened up for me.

Marisa's current term ends in 2016.

LSTC Offers Online Classes

If you are interested in taking online classes at LSTC for the upcoming fall semester they have the following classes available:

Pentateuch and Wisdom Literature

http://www.lstc.edu/media/pdf/profiles/2014-fall/RHS-402-Online-F14-Chalmers.pdf

Greek

http://www.lstc.edu/media/pdf/profiles/2014-fall/RHS-405C-F14-P-Perry.pdf

The Life and Letters of Paul

For more information, please contact Scott Chalmers at schalmers@lstc.edu. These classes can be taken for credit or they can be audited. The fall semester begins September 2.

Wisconsin Council of Churches Offers "Habits of the Heart"

Pastors and lay leaders throughout Wisconsin are invited to join together this fall to explore Parker Palmer's "Habits of the Heart"-tools and methods for building bridges across our differences and building up the body of Christ. Continue reading . . .

4G: Growing Grateful Generous Givers - Part 2

Get the tools you need to begin conversations about stewardship in your congregation. Whether or not you attended a 4G workshop last spring, you are invited to attend any of the sessions being offered this fall. View brochure.

Lay School begins September 12. Will you be there?

If you are thinking of attending, now is the time to go to www.layschoolofministry.org, print out the registration form (and other information), send your form in and you're set to take part in a life-changing experience.

If you have completed the two-year course, you are eligible to enroll in the continuing ed class. This year's study is on the Torah with various instructors during the nine-month class time. Tuition is the same for all classes: $475. If you have any questions call the Synod Resource Center: 715-833-1153 or Howard Weber: 715-568-5790. We hope to see YOU at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. September 12.

Thrifty Theology: Continuing Education Without Crushing Costs

by Pastor Diane Norstad from Faith Lutheran, Balsam Lake

Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard

I'm particular about my theological authors and was skeptical about Bill O'Reilly. However, one of my cousins found this book quite interesting so I gave it a go. The sociological and cultural background given in addition to the historical perspective is significant. There was indeed material that was new to me in his writing. While this made it informative, I was also a bit drawn back by the reliance upon "traditional understandings" used over true Biblical scholarship. This was not often the case and overall it is a good resource. My difficulty would be in choosing to use the book on CD rather than a written text. For those with theological backgrounds, too much of the detail in his book is well known and there are parts I would have skimmed rather than perused thoroughly and a book on CD just doesn't allow that. For the sociological and cultural backgrounds I recommend it as well as the aspect of knowing what the people in (and not in) our pews are reading.

This book is available through the MORE consortium libraries as regular print, large print or book on CD. As of this writing, it is available on Amazon for $15.32 new, $9.99 Kindle or $6.28 plus shipping used.

Bethany Lutheran, Rice Lake, is seeking an Interim Visitation Team Leader
View details.

Part-time Music Ministries Assistant wanted.

St. John's Lutheran in Eau Claire is seeking a joyful, collaborative person to provide accompanist services at choir rehearsals and Sunday worship, serve as piano and organ accompanist for worship during the music director's vacation, etc. Appreciation/ability to perform a wide range of music for worship is preferred. Find job description at stjohns-ec.org or Call Roxanne Litchfield at 715-864-1983.

Our Mission Statement

Walking together for the sake of mission in God's world

You can learn more about the events listed in this section by clicking on the underlined event title.

Send your information about upcoming events to msoyck-doring@nwswi.org.

September 5-6

Synod Council Retreat at Luther Park, Chetek.

September 6

Growing Grateful Generous Givers at Central Lutheran, Chippewa Falls, 9 a.m. - noon.

September 7

"God's work. Our hands." Sunday. is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. On Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, ELCA congregations will gather once again to serve communities in ways that share the love of God with all of God's people.

September 7

St. John's Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, will have their Fall Kick Off Events! 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. Fall Worship Schedule; 9:30 a.m. Education Hour for adults and youth of all ages; 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Come and enjoy brats and hot dogs at our Brat Stand sponsored by the Summer Stretch Youth Group (Middle Age group that is involved with community work projects). Special Music by the St. John's Choir.

September 10

Singer/speaker Rachel Kurtz (2012 ELCA National Youth Gather Musician will perform at

Central Lutheran in Chippewa Falls, 6:30 p.m. This concert is free and open to everyone. A freewill offering will be taken.

September 12-13

Lay School of Ministry at Our Saviour's, Chippewa Falls, featuring "Torah Intro and Genesis 1-11 with Chip Bouzard from Wartburg College.

September 13

Growing Grateful Generous Givers at Calvary Lutheran, Neillsville 9 a.m. - noon.

September 13

The Faithful Men Quartet will perform at Bethany Lutheran, Grantsburg, at 3 pm. Light refreshments will be served following the concert. Bethany Lutheran Church, 22384 Hwy 48/87, Grantsburg,(715) 463-5746.

September 17
Dairyland Conference Confirmation Kick-Off at Taylor Community Park, Taylor, 5:30 - 8 p.m.

September 20
Growing Grateful Generous Givers at St. Paul's Lutheran, Curtiss OR Our Savior's Lutheran, Superior OR Trinity Lutheran, Spooner, 9 a.m. - noon.

September 21-23

'A Time Away' Fall Ministry Retreat for Rostered Leaders at Heartwood Conference Center, Trego.

September 24

Autumn Family Chicken Dinner at Dallas Lutheran, Dallas, 4 - 7:30 p.m.

September 26

Poverty Summit: Combating Poverty by Widening and Deepening the Conversation. First Presbyterian Church, 2112 Rudolph, Eau Claire, 12:15 - 3:30 p.m.

September 27

ROCC the Block Family Fun Day in New Auburn, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

September 27

Synod Women's Organization Leadership Training Workshop, Bethany Lutheran Church, Rice Lake, 8:30 AM (Coffee), 9:00 (Workshop Begins).

September 27

Growing Grateful Generous Givers at Gethsemane Lutheran, Baldwin, 9 a.m. - noon.

September 27

Second Annual Run Down Hunger at Luther Point Bible Camp, Grantsburg, 9 a.m. Goal is to raise money to fight hunger in Burnett County.

October 4

Annual Rummage Sale at Dallas Lutheran, Dallas, begins at 8 a.m.

October 4

Heart of the North Women's Unit Leaders Workshop at Lakeside Lutheran, Webster. Registration opens at 8:15 a.m.

October 8

Agape AND Rachel Kurtz in concert at Bethel, Hudson, 7 p.m.

October 27-31

Intentional Interim Ministry at Luther Seminary, St. Paul. The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors' basic education curriculum is designed for clergy and lay professionals to introduce the practice of intentional interim ministry. Although focusing on Lutheran theology and polity, the event is open to all lay leaders and clergy desiring and/or called to this special ministry.

Quick Links

Looking for something that appeared in a previous issue of Eclipse? You can access the last four issues on our website: www.nwswi.org/news_and_events.

Visit our website: www.nwswi.org

Synod Resource Center Lay School of Ministry ELCA Living Lutheran Lutheran Men in Mission

Portico Benefits

Contact Information: Merry Soyck-Doring, Synod Communicator, 715-859-6810