During October and November, small (and not-so-small) groups will gather in churches and coffee shops to share ideas and hopes about being the church together in this corner of the ELCA.

All are welcome. Pastors and other rostered leaders. Congregation leaders and all members. Volunteers and staff. Young and old.

Your participation will benefit the leaders of this synod, the participants in your group, and hopefully, all the people whose lives are touched by the ministries of the Southeastern Iowa Synod.

Watch and listen for a gathering near you. If you are willing to host a conversation  click here.

Beginning in October Bishop Burk will be using this column to respond to questions and topics that are important in our work together of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to our communities. 

If you have a question you would like to have considered for a future edition of "Ask the Bishop" email Minda Davison, Director for Communications at davison@seiasynod.org.

 

The Southeastern Iowa Synod Children/Youth Network is made up of adults who have a passion to walk with young people in Christ's mission for the sake of the world! The purpose of the network is to make connections with people in children/youth ministries, and to share ideas and resources to enhance various ministries in congregations and throughout the synod. Whether you are full-time, part-time, a rostered leader, staff, or volunteer, you are welcome!

Upcoming Network Meeting:
Thursday, November 7, 2013

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Southeastern Iowa Synod Center for Ministry

Iowa City, IA

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton will be installed as presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, Ill., 60637. The chapel is located on the campus of the University of Chicago. 

The installation is open to the public and tickets are not required. Worship begins at 2:00 p.m., and doors open at 1:00 p.m. Rockefeller Memorial Chapel is accessible to people with disabilities and seats approximately 1,500 people. 

An outdoor (tented) reception to greet Presiding Bishop-elect Eaton will follow on the east side of the chapel. 

Click here for more information about the location and parking at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 

If you are unable to attend, a live video stream of the installation will be available. 

At the 2013 Churchwide Assembly that concluded in August, a number of mandatory amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations were adopted. The amendments need to be added to your congregation's constitution as soon as possible and approved by your congregation at an annual meeting or other legally called meeting.  

  

The amendments are available in a pdf document:  2013 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory and must be included in your constitution as they are written and with the identical numbering.

 

As you begin updating your constitution, the Constitution Committee is ready to help answer any questions you have. Please contact Eric Carlson in the synod office for assistance. 

LSTC Seminary Sampler

 

LSTC will be having its Seminary Sampler this fall on October 20-22. The Seminary Sampler is a three-day visit event designed to give prospective students a "taste" of LSTC life. Prospective students will have the opportunity to discern with other prospective students a call to ministry and how LSTC might be the place for them. Information given will include meeting students, faculty and staff, an introduction to our programs, a tour of LSTC and the surrounding neighborhood, possibilities for financial assistance, and much more. Housing and meals are covered, and travel reimbursement are available. 

 

Learn more