Northern Lights
An electronic news digest of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Visit our website at www.nwmnsynod.org
July 3, 2008
Welcome to the weekly email digest of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod. Send announcements, prayer concerns, etc. to Michael Stein, Communications Director, stein@cord.edu
Please feel free to copy pertinent information and include in your congregation's bulletins/
newsletters.
The Northwestern Minnesota Synod does not necessarily endorse the content, speakers or resources that may be shared in (non-synod) events included in this newsletter.
If you have questions about the information presented here, contact the synod office:
218-299-3019
800-452-3692
Printable versions of Northern Lights are available on the home page
NOTE: Items with a ☞and headlined in red are new or updated
The synod office will close at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 3, and re-open Monday, July 7. Our best wishes to you for a joyous and safe holiday weekend.
☞A Note From Kevin Massey, Lutheran Disaster Response
Ed. Note: In an enquiry regarding the needs of congregations affected by weather-related disasters, we received this note from Rev. Kevin Massey of LDR:
“I've just
completed a second visit through the flood affected areas of Wisconsin and
Iowa, and am receiving reports from Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. There
are, of course, significant needs, and we invite all to consider giving to
support the long term recovery needs of these communities. Please direct
anyone interested in giving to support these efforts to visit
http://www.elca.org/disaster
☞For Your Calendar: Renewing Church Sampler Events
The Northwestern Minnesota Synod plans to hold renewing church "sampler events" at two locations within the synod August 19 and 21. Each event will run from 6-9 p.m. and include large group sessions and breakout sessions for the purpose of giving people the opportunity to sample some renewing church opportunities. Synod staff members, including Bishop Wohlrabe and assistants to the bishop, and Keith Zeh from ELCA Division for Outreach will be among the group facilitators. Watch for more information coming soon.
☞Lutheran Social Service Seeks Adoptive Parents
The Moorhead office of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is holding an adoption information meeting on Monday, July 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Clay County Family Service Center, 715 N 11th Street in Moorhead.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota can help families adopt children in Minnesota, and from countries around the world. Please call (218) 236-1494, extension 215 for information and registration. For more information, visit www.minnesotaadoption.org
Help Promote Creation Care Training
The Lutheran Earthkeeping Network of the Synods (LENS) invites teams interested in "greening" their congregations to participate in the Creation Care Training Workshop on July 23 from 4:30 – 9 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead. Attendees will be sent home with the information necessary to jump-start the greening process in their home congregations. To register for this engaging workshop visit www.lcppm.org or call 651-224-5499 for more information.
Please promote this event in your congregation, shout it from mountaintops and share it with anyone who is concerned about our earth. Posters, flyers, bulletin inserts, and newsletter articles are available online here. Bringing a team will make follow-up work much easier; bringing your town will create a network for the future.
Direct link to bulletin insert
☞Fair
Hills Dates
Keep Sept 14-17 open on your calendar for this year’s synod retreat at Fair
Hills. More information to follow.
Family Jam Coming to Detroit Lakes
Family Jam “Concert and fun in the light of the Son,” will be held Sunday, July 13, at the Detroit Lakes City Park. All concert performances are free! Food and games are extra. This is the fifth year of the one-day festival designed to give people of all ages a fun, safe, entertaining, inexpensive place to connect with good people, tasty food (street fair style) and hear a variety of music with a Christian message. The event runs from 11 a.m. - 7:30 pm. Activities for all ages will be available throughout the day, including games, food booths, a wide selection of Christian music, plus an illusionist you won't soon forget.
The day will
begin with a community youth service featuring bands Noiseunion and Kaboose,
Enjoy the sounds of Freedom's Call, with a blend of bluegrass and gospel,
then Triad:4Christ will wow your socks off with their 33-person choir.
Highlighting the event will be contemporary singer songwriter Warren
Barfield and the edgy and daring illusionist Brock Gill.
For more information and events schedule, go to www.familyjam.org or call Kathy Nelson at 218-841-5880. This event is sponsored by Lakes Area Ministerial Association.
☞Family Outdoor Concert, Pelican Rapids
A free family outdoor concert, “At the River,” will be held Saturday, July 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 315 E. Mill (Hwy 108 East), Pelican Rapids. The concert will feature Freddie Colloca, Mandisa, and Heart of the City. Bring chairs and blankets (and your friends and neighbors). Food booths will be available. The concert is sponsored by Christian Outreach of Trinity Lutheran Church www.pelicanrapidstrinity.com
☞Churches Planting Churches Conference
“Growing God’s Way: Churches Planting Churches” second annual conference will be held October 23-24, Peace Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, S.D. This event will help you learn more about the various approaches for churches planting churches from those “turning the soil.” It’s an opportunity to do some dreaming out loud and ask “what if?” and “why not?” You’ll hear inspiring speakers and find resources available for church planting. The conference is hosted by the Sound Dakota Synod and the ELCA’s Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission. Watch for more information or contact Keith Zeh.
Continuing Education from CHARIS
“Skill Enhancement Workshop For Church Secretaries and Office Staff"
Monday - July 21, 2008
There will be three 'breakout' sessions, with workshops on archives, computer security, church security, an overview of websites and how they're created, information about newsletters & bulletins, office relations, and a motivational/faith workshop. The fee for the day is $85, which includes lunch and breaks.
“Theology of the Cross: Uses and Abuses" with Vitor Westhelle
August 10-14, 2008, Thunderbird Lodge, International Falls, Minn.
Theology of the Cross - what does it mean? In the Heidelberg disputation, Martin Luther said that "the theologian of the cross calls a thing for what it is." To call a thing for what it is means to speak the truth. It is indeed a risky business and equally perilous is presenting the cross for what it is. There is nothing neat and nice about it. The cross names the world for what it is, a world fraught with suffering and populated by victims. What does it take for us to see the cross in our midst and call it for what it is? Yes, it is indeed risky, but it is also a promise. It is a way of life when lived out in hopeful solidarity of those that are moved by the pain of this world amidst God or those moved by the pain of God in the midst of the world.
For more information on these seminar/workshops, contact Jacki Knapp-Raaen, Coordinator, CHARIS Ecumenical Center, Concordia College, 218.299.3566 or knappraa@cord.edu
Or go to http://www.charisecumenical.org/
Congregation Health and Hope Grant Proposals
Wheat
Ridge Ministries invites and encourages Lutheran congregations to submit
applications from September 1, 2008 through October 31, 2008 for its
Congregation Health and Hope Grant program. The purpose of these grants is
to facilitate the initial development of congregation-based health and
wellness ministries. All Lutheran congregations – individually or in
partnership with other congregations – are eligible for these grants. For
more information,
click here.
Step Up and Take the Health Risk
Assessment
Have you taken the health risk assessment yet? When 75% or more of our
synod’s plan members (and spouses) take the health risk assessment, the
synod, will qualify for a 2% discount on health plan contributions. Take the
first step toward taking the health risk assessment by going to
https://www.elcabop.org/Home/UnderstandMyBenefits/PPO_ben_chgs/Health_risk_assessment.aspx
One God, One Call
Mark October 20-22, 2008, on your calendar for “One God One Call” at the Minneapolis Airport Marriot Hotel. Here you’ll learn and celebrate how people with disabilities can participate fully in the life of the church. This Spiritual Life Conference is sponsored by the Disability Network of Lutheran Services in America. Click here for complete information.
City-wide W/ELCA Bible Study
W/ELCA Bible studies will be held in Moorhead churches the third Tuesday of the month, 10 a.m. at the following locations:
July – Good Shepherd
August – Trinity
Bible study theme: “Come to the Waters”
Luther Seminary Events & Resources
KAIROS Courses
Biblical and Ethical Resources for Environmental Issues
July 14-18, 2008 – http://www.luthersem.edu/lifelong_learning/kairos/courses.asp#id346
Teaching the Bible to Change Lives
July 21-25, 2008 http://www.luthersem.edu/lifelong_learning/kairos/courses.asp#id347
Presence, Power and Prayer: Process-Relational Spirituality
July 28-Aug 1, 2008 http://www.luthersem.edu/lifelong_learning/kairos/courses.asp#id348
Position Opening: Youth Ministry Coordinator, Rapid City
Trinity Lutheran Church in Rapid City, S.D., is currently searching for a Youth Ministry Coordinator. Position involves working with middle school and high school ages (grades 6-12) in the church and the community. Person will lead youth Bible study, service and set-up and coordinate social events for youth. Will do other activities to carry out duties including developing relationships with church and community youth, parents and others. This would include outreach ministry to youth who attend nearby schools. Must be strongly relational with all members of the congregation and motivated to work with youth and others and be self-starter. Mission, goals, and other requirements for the position may be found at tlcrapidcity.ctsmemberconnect.net All applicants must grant written authorization for criminal background search. For more information call 605-342-9302 or email trinityluth@rushmore.com .
☞Position Opening: Director of Youth and Family Ministries
Chatfield (Minn.) Lutheran Church is seeking qualified candidates for this full-time position. Responsibilities include utilizing talents, training, and unique gifts to minister to youth and their families, helping guide their spiritual growth. They seek a person of faith with a strong sense of call to youth and family, positive and effective interpersonal and communication skills. We are looking for someone with working knowledge of Microsoft office (Word, Outlook, Publisher, etc). Education and experience will be considered. Salary and benefits based on Synod guidelines. Any questions or for a copy of the full job description, contact Vicky Dietz at (507) 867-4721 or e-mail Chatlutheran@msn.com. Send a detailed resume and letters of recommendation to: Youth Call Committee, Chatfield Lutheran Church, 304 Fillmore Street, Chatfield, MN 55923.
☞Position Opening: LVC Development Director
Lutheran Volunteer Corps seeks a vibrant communicator, collaborative leader and detailed administrator to cultivate gifts and coordinate LVC's national fund development. The Development Director will solicit and steward major gifts and contributions from individuals, congregations and foundations. The Development Director will coordinate and empower the executive director, co-workers and the large network of LVC supporters to gather the resources to accomplish LVC's mission. In addition to fund development, the Director will also help coordinate church relations and communications; prepare and manage the fund development and communications budget; and collaborate with co-workers for national volunteer orientation and other special events. Visit LVC's website and read the complete job description: LVC Website
Position Opening: Parish Worker
Trinity Lutheran, Pelican Rapids, has an opening for Parish Worker. Ministry Responsibilities: 50% general parish ministry. 50% outreach ministry. General ministry includes assisting the director of Youth and Family ministry with children’s ministry, Sunday School, and confirmation. Assisting pastors with visitation and teaching ministries. Occasional preaching is possible. Outreach ministry includes assisting at food shelf and thrift store and possibly Lutheran Social Service Immigrant and Refugee Resettlement program. Assisting outreach team with special projects. Translating for staff. Visitation among Spanish speaking residents. Initiate bilingual outreach.
Ministry skills and qualifications: The successful candidate for this position will be an outgoing self motivated “people person” with strong Spanish language skills. This individual will be able to communicate his/her Christian faith in a variety of settings with enthusiasm and joy. Basic organizational skills and the ability to function with a strong ministry team are also important. Contact Pastor Laurie Skow-Anderson at lskowanderson@loretel.net.
Position Opening: Director of Youth and Family Ministry
First Lutheran Church, Algona, Iowa, seeks a full-time director of youth and family ministry. For complete information, go to http://www.firstlutheranalgona.org/Youth%20Director%20Job%20Description.htm
Position Opening: Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator
Calvary Lutheran Church, Perham, Minn., is looking for a faith-filled youth director with significant proven experience in youth ministry. Master’s degree preferred but not required. We seek strong relational skills with youth and families as well as solid organizational, teaching and delegating skills. Calvary is a growing ELCA congregation of 1,400 with a strong staff, excellent music and a well developed and well supported youth ministry program. To see the full job description, and to learn more about Calvary and its youth program visit our website at www.calvaryperham.com Email cover letter and resume to churt@arvig.net
Youth Ministry Position Open in Evansville
The Joint Youth Task Force of Calvary Covenant and Faith Lutheran in Evansville, Minnesota, has a full-time job opportunity for a qualified candidate seeking to help youth grow spiritually. Primary responsibilities are to youth in grades 4-12. Youth ministry training or experience is required. Candidates with parish education and musical experience will be considered first.
For more information or to apply, contact Pastor Irv Arnquist at irvarnquist@hotmail.com or 218-948-2574.
Office of Admissions/Associate
Director
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia seeks a dynamic, highly
motivated person of faith to serve as Associate Director of Admissions. The
qualified candidate will have a Master's level of theological education,
knowledge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and a working
vocabulary for discernment, vocation and theological education. The
candidate must also possess excellent organizational skills, sophisticated
communication skills, including the ability to be persuasive and
enthusiastic, and a strong commitment to the ministry of hospitality.
Microsoft Office and database experience are required. We offer a
competitive salary and excellent benefits. Send cover letter, resume and
salary requirement to
resumes@ltsp.edu, or mail to LTSP, Human Resources, 7301 Germantown
Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119-1794. EOE. Resume submission deadline is
July 11, 2008.
Updated Pulpit Supply List, Including Summer 2008, Available
The Summer 2008 Pulpit Supply List is continually updated on the synod website (www.nwmnsynod.org). Links to a PDF and Word version are listed on the left side of the home page.
☞Prayer Concerns
(If you have a prayer request to share, please submit them to stein@cord.edu)
And as we move through the year the synod staff offers up general prayers for synod leaders in alphabetical order. Please join us this week as we pray for:
Gary and Maxine Van Hunnik
Darrell and Ruth Vetter
Larry and Mary Ann Vigen
Joyce and Garrett Visser
John and Julia Voelker
Ken and Colleen Vollmers
Don and Ann Walker
Jeremy and Michelle Walloch
Gerald and Joyce White
Timothy and Ute White
Randall Whitehead and Mary Jo Gaugler
Arthur and Marion Wickstrom
☞Quotable Quotations: Independence Day
True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.
~Clarence Darrow
You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.
~Erma Bombeck