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This week in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA
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Week of November 2, 2014
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Our roots are in Scripture, tradition and the Lutheran Confessions, as well as in the vibrant communities and rich histories of our congregations. These roots are an ongoing source of nourishment; they enable us to be a church guided by the Holy Spirit that is both resilient and always being reformed.
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Deeply rooted and always being made new
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Welcome to a new feature dedicated to the future--and renewing congregations. Each week, Laurie Skow-Anderson, Director for Evangelical Mission, will focus on steps that congregations can take to help them change and thrive. To assist you along on the journey, we have created a new Missional Toy Box chocked full of resources you can use. It is now available on our website: www.nwswi.org. We encourage you to look around in the toy box to find playful and imaginative ways to explore renewal in your congregation. To get you started, we will highlight a different toy (resource) each week.
This week we are using a kaleidoscope to call your attention to the toy box section called "Reimagining the Future." If you've ever looked through a kaleidoscope, you'll know that with every turn the patterns change. It's a little like looking at the future!
Question: What is the first step in renewing a congregation? Answer: Prayer. Renewal is impossible without a deep listening to God. Pastors, recommit yourself to pray for your congregation and your context, and do not assume everyone knows how to pray. If you are serious about leading renewal, consider participating in Spiritual Direction or Clergy Coaching. Be intentional about teaching the members of your congregation to pray. Start a renewal prayer group. Set aside a season for prayer and instruct the entire congregation to pray just this one prayer, "LORD, what is your will for this congregation?" Teach the congregation to be silent and listen for God's answer. Create a space for members to share their "God sightings" and how God's will is being revealed to them through this prayer. The Missional Toy Box is now available on our website: www.nwswi.org. It will take a little longer to get all of the "toys" in working order, but you are encouraged to look around in the toy box to find playful and imaginative ways to explore renewal in your congregation. |
ELCA News
In her November column for The Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton urges us to "spruce up our spiritual house." We've become religious, not spiritual. But we can be both-our rich tradition as Lutherans says so. Continue reading.
This article first appeared in the November issue of The Lutheran. |
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Important Reminders from Portico Benefits
Accept the Early Bird Challenge: Select by November 11 to help earn $5,000 for promising leaders
This fall, help smooth out the Open Enrollment process - and help others who are preparing to begin their ministry - simply by selecting your 2015 benefits on myPortico early.
If at least 60% of plan members make their benefit selections between Oct. 27 and Nov. 11, Portico's president, the Rev. Jeff Thiemann, and his wife Pam will donate $5,000 to the ELCA Fund for Leaders.
2. You have until November 30 to complete activities that will help you earn up to $350 wellness dollars.
From Lutheran World Relief: Why do we bless or dedicate quilts?
Each year congregations throughout our synod carefully make quilts to give to Lutheran World Relief. Maybe you have had a hand in that work. If so, thank you! Take a minute to read more about it.
From Spirit in the Desert
INTERGENERATIONAL RETREAT - Tell Me A Story - for Grandparents and Grandchildren on December 28-30, 2014. Can you think of the most perfect Christmas gift? Attending a retreat with your grandchild-sharing family history, continuing the Christmas story by exploring the night skies of Arizona and hearing God's story of the Wise Men and the star they followed...stories...that is what this is about. The legacy of family and faith wrapped up in the stories of life we share with one another. They connect us to God's family and deepen the connection within our own families. Each grandparent household receives a beautiful hand-made wooden faith chest; grandkids get to decorate their own banker-box styled chests and together with grandparents, plan on what to put in those faith chests. For more details, costs, and registration visit www.spiritinthedesert.org or call Cyndy at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ (480) 488-5218.
Accompanist Wanted
Trinity Lutheran Church, Hammond, is looking for an accompanist (piano or organ) to help lead worship services once or twice a month. This is a paid position. Please send a letter of interest to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 1250 Broadway Street, PO Box 68, Hammond, WI 54015.
Accompanist Wanted
Trinity Lutheran Church, Rice Lake, is looking for an accompanist (piano or organ) to help lead worship services once or twice a month. This is a paid position. Please send a letter of interest to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 510 S. Wisconsin Avenue, Rice Lake, WI 54868.
Help Wanted: New Hope/Sand Creek Pianist
to lead worship services on a paid part time or full time basis. Contact Kathie Irwin (715-658-1573) or Kathy Peterson (715-658-1049).
Solar Conference in Eau Claire: Special Session for Churches/Organizations!
Come and learn about putting Solar Power to work for your congregation! At the conference break-out session called, 'Solar for Organizations,' you can learn how you as a member of a non-profit organization or church can donate to a shared solar panel installation on a building or property and benefit from both a tax deduction and a credit on your own utility bill. The host building will also benefit from lowered utility bills! The Solar Power Wisconsin conference is at CVTC, Saturday, November 8, and is free and open to the public. Visit www.solarpowerwisconsin.com for more information and to register for the event. Learn how a minister, a member of Wisconsin Interfaith Power and Light, put solar power to work for his congregation!
Mark Your Calendar: Theoprobe in Winter Park, Colorado, will be held February 7-13, 2015. Read more about it.
Lefse, Anyone? Learn to Bake or Lend a Hand
Bethel Lutheran Church, 148 E. Pine St., New Auburn, will once again make and sell Lefse. Learn how to make Lefse (or help make Lefse) starting on Monday, November 10 at 9 a.m. with peeling, boiling, ricing the potatoes, adding ingredients and forming balls. Tuesday, November 11 at 9 a.m. we'll roll and bake. Wednesday, November 12 at 9 a.m. we'll package the Lefse. Bethel will also take orders for Lefse ($3 for 4 rounds). If you would like to place an order, call Darlene at 715-967-2576 or Cheryl at 715-967-4032. Questions? Call the church at 715-237-2228.
Do What Matters! A two-day training experience for congregational leaders. Don't miss the opportunity to attend right in/near our synod! This Vibrant Faith workshop will be held in LaCrosse November 11-12 and in Eau Claire November 13-14. View details.
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Our Mission Statement
Walking together for the sake of mission in God's world
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You can learn more about the events listed in this section by clicking on the underlined event title.
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November 6
9th Annual Chicken & Biscuits Dinner and Live Auction at St. John's Lutheran, 1804 Highland Ave., Eau Claire. View poster.
November 6
Oyster Stew & Chili Supper at Our Saviors, Hixton
November 6
Lutefisk - Swedish Meatball Dinner, 4 - 6:30 p.m. at Concordia Lutheran,1708 John Avenue, Superior.
November 7
Scandinavian Dinner, Bake and Craft Sale at First Lutheran, Hayward, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
The menu includes Lutefisk with butter and cream sauce, Dag Hammerskold meatballs, herring, homemade lefse, Swedish rye bread, red potatoes, rutabaga /carrot casserole, peas, cranberry relish, rice pudding with lignonberries, and krumkake. Adults $16; Children 5-12 $5. Call 715-634-2141 for more information and tickets.
November 7-9
LMM One Year to Live Retreat, MacKenzie Center, Poynette, WI
November 8
Lutefisk Dinner at West Immanuel Lutheran in Osceola, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
November 9
Bountiful Blessings Harvest Dinner at Milltown Lutheran Church, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Roast Beef & Roast Pork, Au gratin potatoes, Squash, Cole slaw, Pickles, Buns, Dessert. Freewill offering.
November 13-14
Vibrant Faith is coming to Eau Claire. Faith Formation for a New Age: Do What Matters!
How are faithful Christian disciples formed today? What sustains them through a lifetime? How can congregations make a real difference?
November 14
Jazz and More, St. Bridget Parish Hall, 211 E. Division St., River Falls. You are invited to attend an exciting night of excellent live jazz music, unbelievably tasty food, wine and silent auction with fabulous items. 6:30-9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and you can reserve a table for 8 for $200. Please call 715-425-9750 for more information or send your payment to reserve your ticket to Hope Lutheran Church, PO Box 287, River Falls, WI 54022. www.hopelutheran-riverfalls.org.
November 15
Change and Thrive: Part 1 at Ezekiel Lutheran in River Falls, 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.
November 15
SWO Conference Coordinators are invited to join the SWO Board for 9:00 coffee and 9:30 meeting at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran in Elk Mound.
November 15
Lutefisk & Swedish Meatball Supper at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Bayfield.
November 16
Annual Community Harvest Meal co-sponsored by Bethel Lutheran Church and Backwoods Resort community. 148 East Pine Street, New Auburn, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. No charge for the meal, however a free will offering will be given to support the work. We welcome you to join us for worship at 9 a.m. Questions? 715-237-2228.
November 29
It's Christmas with the Steele Family! Bethel Highlands Church, 504 Frontage Rd., Hudson, 7:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Jearlyn, Jevetta, J.D., Billy and Fred Steele in concert with their popular band. Please bring a food item for the Hudson Food Shelf. Tickets: Adults $21, Child (18 and under) $10, are available at the church or online at www.bethelhudson.org 715.386.8821. Any remaining tickets will be $25 (adult) and $12 (child) at the door.
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December 17
Christmas "Oh Holy Night Tour" with Agape and Rachel Kurtz at New Hope Lutheran Church in Sand Creek at 6 p.m. Free will donation dinner at 5 p.m. As part of the event they will collect food donations for local food shelf ministries. Tickets: $5/individual and $12/family. Ticket sales will be open to members of New Hope Lutheran first and will open to the public at a later date.
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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.
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Contact Information: Merry Soyck-Doring, Synod Communicator, 715-859-6810
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