Weekly E-News and Events from the Southeastern Iowa Synod

Southeastern Iowa Synod Weekly E-News 

November 3, 2011  

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In This Issue 

Update on Fire at St. Paul

Calls for Immigration Reform







Synod Calendar

November 3
Macedonia Team Meeting
9 am
Synod Center for Ministry
Iowa City, IA

 

November 8

Conference 7 Fall Assembly
9 am

New Era Lutheran Church
Muscatine, IA   

 

November 8 

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
North Liberty  Council Meeting at
Synod Center for Minstry
Iowa City, IA 

 

November 10 

Commission for
Rostered Leadership Support
10 am
Synod Center for Ministry
Iowa City, IA  

 

November 12

Commission for
Church in Society 

10 am

Synod Center for Ministry
Iowa City, IA 

 

November 18
Commission for
Evangelical Mission
10 am
Synod Center for Ministry
Iowa City, IA

 

November 20
Conference 4 Fall Assembly
3 pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Anamosa   

 

November 24 and 25

Synod Center for Ministry
Closed
Observance of Thanksgiving 


elcabopELCA Board of Pensions

 Contribution Webinar 

Get to the bottom of what your contribution dollars are paying for, and why.   Board of Pensions' Director of Products & Services, Brad Joern, explains what factors are used in calculating the cost of ELCA benefits and dispels some common myths.  This is an online viewing of the webinar that was originally held on Oct. 4, and includes commonly asked questions and answers.


fire   

Update on Fire at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Martensdale        

    

 

Despite losing their 108 year-old church to an overnight fire last Thursday, members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Martensdale gathered together in the name of Christ for worship on Sunday.   Bishop Michael Burk joined the congregation for their first worship service at Martensdale/St. Mary's School on Sunday.   Under the care of Pastors Keith Lingwall and Ron Mohr, the congregation  stood as a witness that the church is not a building but rather a community of believers.  Bishop Burk brought greetings from congregations and synods across the ELCA, assuring the assembly that they were not alone in the midst of this devastation. The congregation will continue to meet at the local school until further decisions are made. Congregations are encouraged to send questions or comments to Pastor Eric Carlson, Assistant to the Bishop, at carlson@seiasynod.org.

 

For more information about Sunday's worship service, view the The Des Moines Register article here

 

For more information about the fire, view The Des Moines Register article here 

immigration      

ELCA Calls for Immigration Reform 

   

ELCA Advocacy
In Nov. 1 letters to U.S. President Barack Obama and Congress, ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson called for comprehensive immigration reform and support for the DREAM Act, legislation that would create a path for citizenship to high school graduates. 

 

The presiding bishop also urged the president to speak with members of Congress and U.S. citizens about exploring compassionate policy reforms that advance the common good.

 

Bishop Michael Burk of the Southeastern Iowa Synod was one of more than 50 ELCA bishops who joined in communicating also to President Obama and members of Congress voicing their concerns about current immigration laws and the ELCA's commitment to stand with and advocate for immigrants.

 

Please see the following links for the full text copies of the letters as well as more information:

 

ELCA Immigration Web Page

 

Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson's Letter to President Obama 

 

Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson's Letter to Congress 

 

ELCA Bishops' Letter to President Obama

 
  
website 

Same Web Address, New Look for Synod Website       

 

 

The web address has not changed, but the look and features have.  The Southeastern Iowa Synod recently launched a redesign of the synod's website to better serve members of the Southeastern Iowa Synod.   Easy access to information such as recent news or the events calendar, social media connections like Facebook and Twitter,  and specialized sections for congregations and rostered leaders are just a few of the recent improvements to the synod website.  See the new look and features of the synod's new website at www.seiasynod.org 
youth    

Southeastern Iowa Synod Youth Leadership Team   

   

IRMS
In July, youth from across the synod served others during synod youth mission trip.

 

The new Southeastern Iowa Synod Youth Leadership Team brings together high school youth from across the synod who want to explore leadership skills and faith formation...all for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their local community.  Rostered Leaders, Youth Workers and others are invited to recommend at least one youth from their congregation who shows interest in faith formation and leadership development. For more information, click here.      

 

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