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Northern Lights An electronic news digest of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod Visit our website at www.nwmnsynod.org
May 1, 2008 |
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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
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NOTE: Items with a ☞and headlined in red are new or updated
☞Assistance still needed in Southeast Minnesota
Work has gone slowly in the Winona area and people need to be able to return
to their homes. If you are able to give one day, wonderful. Two days,
awesome. Three days, stupendous. Four or more spectacular! Housing can be
arranged.
THIS HELP IS MOST NEEDED IN MAY AND JUNE.
rick.lane@lssmn.org
☞RESCHEDULED--Your Church Web Site: An Informational Gathering Area Churches: Do you want to get your church on the Information Superhighway but don't know where to start? Would you like to learn how to make your existing church web site more effective? Would you like to share your church web site experience with others? "Your Church Web Site: An Informational Gathering" has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m.. at Calvary Lutheran Church, Perham. Cost is $15 per church represented (please make checks payable to Calvary with "Web Site Gathering" in the memo). To register, contact the church office: 346-4780; fax, 346-4781; or email suedelaney@calvaryperham.com and provide your name, church address and number of people attending.
☞MCC’s “News for the Common Good” The Minnesota Council of Churches weekly “News for the Common Good” is now posted on our synod website. Go to www.nwmnsynod.org for the link.
☞Church Pews Available A number of church pews from the old Good Shepherd church, Moorhead, are available. Contact Shane, Habitat for Humanity Re-Store, at 701-793-6569 by May 13.
☞Opportunity for Youth Leaders
A new
opportunity is being offered to synods who are interested in training their
youth leaders (adults who lead senior high programs, forums, Sunday school,
retreats, etc.) in congregations or synods on how to use and best utilize a
comprehensive senior high sexuality curriculum. This opportunity is being
offered by the Department for Studies, part of the Church in Society program
unit. The department is able to send an individual to a synod gathering of
youth leaders to train them on the curriculum and related resources.
Rural Churches: Ecumenical Community Service and Ministry Pastors and church leadership are encouraged to attend a two-day workshop, “Rural Churches: Ecumenical Community Service and Ministry,” designed to energize ecumenical work to meet community needs through shared service and ministry. May 14 & 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Paynesville (Minn.) Lutheran Church, or May 21 & 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Madelia (Minn.) United Methodist Church, Madelia, Workshop presenters include: Rev. Keith Zeh, regional mission director with the ELCA Outreach Division Rev. Arland Jacobson, director of the CHARIS Ecumenical Center, Concordia College Rev. Linda Kuhn and Rev. Dave King, Sand Bur Consulting –engaged in community and congregational problems.
For more information contact Lynne Holman at (612) 230-3211, lynne.holman@mnchurches.org or visit www.mnchurches.org. Click here for an informational brochure.
News from the Mission Investment Fund Currently MIF is offering an 18-month Mission Term Select account that will offer a 4.6% return on a minimum $2,500 deposit. This new offering is only for new deposits and not for transfer of funds already on deposit with MIF. This offer may end at any time. Other accounts are also available. MIF offers MissionTermSelect accounts with maturity dates ranging from one to seven years with a $100 minimum deposit. Currently the four-year fixed is yielding 5.61% (APY). Mission Plus (demand account) is also offered, with check book availability. For more information on the 18-month MissionTermSelect, visit our website, www.missioninvestmentfund.org or contact Pr. Dan Carlson: 651-649-0454 - ext 223 or Daniel.Carlson@elca.org. For building and capital needs concerns contact building consultant Phil Roe: Philip.Roe@elca.org or 651-649-0454- ext. 225.
Synod Women to Hold 21st Annual Convention June 6-7 The 21st Annual Convention of the Northwestern Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization will be held June 6 & 7 held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, East Grand Forks, Minn. The theme, “Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly with God” comes from Micah 6:8. More details to follow in the SNOW newsletter and the synod website.
Minnesota Lutherhostel Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) and Association of Lutheran Older Adults (ALOA) will offer the Minnesota Lutherhostel, a five-day musical feast, at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., July 16-20, 2008. For more information about this event, contact Walt Schmidt, 623-937-8835 or waltlois@cox.net
Theology of Christian Worship Conference The Theology of Christian Worship Conference will be held June 22-23,2008, at Luther Seminary. Keynote Speakers: Frank C. Senn, John T. Pless, Walter Sundberg. Also engaging workshops and inspiring music. Sponsored by ReClaim Resources for Lutherans. For more information, go to www.ReClaimLutheranWorship.org
Pathways Work Day Buffet! Pathways would love your help getting the camp ready for summer. Work days are scheduled for: Emmaus : May 10th Lake of the Woods : May 31st
All work days begin at 9 a.m. Picnic lunch provided. Bring work clothes, gloves & rakes. Please RSVP to Andrea 218.751.4208. Maps available at www.pathwaysbiblecamps.com
Thrivent Member Challenge: Do you know how much your volunteer time is worth? Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Pathways are partnering to challenge all Thrivent members to volunteer their time at the Pathways Work Day Buffet! Then on your behalf, Thrivent will award Pathways $18.05/hour (or $126.35 for the day) to support camp and projects.
Muhahid El Masih to Speak in Erskine Pastor Mujahid El Masih will speak at Grace Lutheran church, Erskine, Minn., May 3 at 1 p.m. and May 4 at 7 p.m. He will present his vision for the church in the United States and for the Muslim world. Dr. Mujahid has studied Islam and the Qur'an for many years in Pakistan and has started churches in Pakistan. Now there are over fifty churches, a Bible school, the Jesus Heals Medical Clinic, and a child-support program in Pakistan. He has traveled to 41 states and has spoken in more than 400 churches.
Problem Gambling Conference 2nd Annual Minnesota Regional Problem Gambling Public Awareness Series: 2008 Regional Conferences on the dates listed below. All conferences will run from 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. and include 7 CEUs. Thursday, May 1: Austin, Holiday Inn Thursday, May 8: Duluth First United Methodist Church (The Copper Top Church) Friday, May 16: Granite Falls, Project Turnabout/Vanguard Thursday, May 22: Moorhead, Trinity Lutheran Church/Lost & Found Ministry CLICK HERE for detailed brochure.
Lutheran World Relief Drives Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota will collect quilts and kits at LSS, 1325 11th St. S., Fargo, May 19-23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have questions contact Ashley Kallod of Lutheran Disaster Response/LSS at 701-271-3288.
Regional Gift Planner Position Posted ELCA Human Resources has posted the Regional Gift Planner position on its website, http://www.elca.org/employment/descriptions/fo/regionalGifts.html . This is a position that will be supported by a $100,000 grant the Northwestern Minnesota Synod received in 2007. Please note that the ELCA Foundation is the hiring entity for this position. A hiring date is not included in the position description, but August 1, 2008, is when we hope to have this position filled. On May 15 a forum for pastors and parish educators will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue South in Minneapolis. It is co-sponsored by the ELCA Region 3 Task Force on Lutheran-Jewish Relations (chaired by Pastor John Matthews) in cooperation with Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church and Pastor Paul Youngdahl. Under the title of “The Benefits of 50 Years of Jewish-Christian Dialogue,” the forum will focus on a newly released book from Fortress Press, Covenantal Conversations: Christians in Dialogue with Jews and Judaism, edited by Darrell Jodock. CLICK HERE for details and registration information.
Continuing Education Opportunities from CHARIS June 16-19, 2008 “Leading from Within: The Spirituality of Leadership” with Roy Oswald In this seminar, you will: explore the disciplines and rituals needed to keep centered, focused, and balanced in life and in your work; discover how to face fears about your leadership role; examine and possibly refocus your mission in life; explore the key polarities that need to be managed for effective leadership; explore the shadow side of your personality and learn how to utilize it for difficult leadership tasks; examine your leadership style related to authenticity and integrity with special emphasis on Parker Palmer’s “Leading from Within.”
Starts June 16 at 10 a.m. and ends June 19, noon, at the Park Region Lounge in Park Region Hall, Concordia College. Cost: $439; fee includes breaks only. Early Bird Discount (if paid in full by May 30) $40 off. On-campus room and/or board available on request. CEUs: 2 (= 20 contact hours) - $5 admin fee.
June 24-25, 2008 “Leading Change and Living to Tell About It” with Anthony B. Robinson The focus of this workshop is to explore such transformational leadership—and survive to tell about it. Tony Robinson is a UCC pastor in Seattle whose focus these days is building congregations and communities and strengthening leadership. The author of “Transforming Congregational Culture and Leadership for Vital Congregations,” Robinson has served four congregations, both rural and urban, large and small.
Starts June 24 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m; June 25, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Jones Conference Room in the Student Center at Concordia College. Cost: $299; fee includes breaks only. Early Bird Discount (if paid in full by June 6) $30 off. On-campus room and/or board available on request. CEUs: 1.1 (= 11 contact hours) - $5 admin fee
July 21, 2008 Skill Enhancement Workshop for Church Secretaries and Office Staff This is a workshop designed by church secretaries and office staff for church secretaries and office staff. They know what they want and need, and CHARIS works with them to provide this workshop, which will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Concordia College.
There will be three ‘breakout’ sessions, with workshops on computer security, church security, church newsletters and bulletins, website (an overview), archives, office communication, and a motivational workshop. The fee for the day is $85, which includes lunch and breaks.
For more information on these seminar/workshops, contact Jacki Knapp-Raaen, Coordinator, CHARIS Ecumenical Center, Concordia College, 218.299.3566 or knappraa@cord.edu
Augsburg College Summer Theology Institute Augsburg College asks pastors and other church professionals to nominate youth completing 10-12th grades who demonstrate theological capability to attend the Augsburg College Youth Theology Institute at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, June 15-20, 2008. The registration fee is $100. That $100 will cover housing, all meals, and all programming for the Institute. Augsburg College and a grant from the Lilly Endowment will cover all other expenses for the week.
During the week, participants will receive theological education on the theme "Why Christian: Claiming Our Faith in an Age of Pluralism." Participants will study the book Why Christian: For Those on the Edge of Faith by Douglas John Hall.For more information, please contact Ross Murray, Augsburg College Youth Theology Institute Program Director at 612-330-1151 or murray@augsburg.edu.
Mission Director Position Posted
on ELCA Website
http://www.elca.org/employment/#Mission_Director_-_Saint_Paul/Minneapolis_Area_Synods
☞Position Opening: Director of Youth and Family Ministries The Director of Youth and Family Ministries at St. John Lutheran Church in Fargo is a professional staff position that bears primary responsibility for the planning and management of the Youth and Family Ministries programs of St. John Lutheran Church. The DYFM shall foster Christian community through building relationships with youth and their families, work to strengthen the commitment of our youth to the church and help them grow their faith. The DYFM will work in partnership with the pastors, staff, and lay leadership of the church. This is a full time position with context of the responsibilities described on full position description (applicants seeking a ¾ time position should also apply).
View full job description at: www.stjohnfargo.com.
Send resume with references by May 25th to: Jason Baumgartner, DYFM Call Committee Chair, St. John Lutheran Church, 1710 5th St. South, Fargo, ND 58103.
Position Opening: Director of Children and Youth Ministries Shalom Lutheran Church of Alexandria, Minn., seeks a full time Director of Children and Youth Ministries, to develop, coordinate and provide leadership for a comprehensive ministry with children and youth from baptism through High School. Contact Pastor Grant Aaseng, shalom@embarqmail.com, or (320) 762-8641.
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.
Director of Music Ministry Position Open in Willmar A large congregation in Willmar, Minn., seeks a full-time director of music ministry. Duties include organ playing, directing adult choir and worship planning of traditional and contemporary services. Competitive salary and benefits. See the church website, www.vinjechurch.com or contact Pr. Knudson, 320-235-1441 or pastorknudson@vinjechurch.com
Updated Pulpit Supply List, Including Summer 2008, Available The synod pulpit supply list for October 2007-May 2008 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. A Summer 2008 list has recently been added to the site and updated this week.
☞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: Daniel and Kristin Ostercamp Ronald and Doris Otterson Linnea and Mark Papke-Larson Robert Paulson Steven and Crystal Paulson Ralph and C. Renee Paulson Katherine and Dan Pennington Dale and Susan Pepelnjak
☞The Last Laugh I didn't get a toy train like the other kids. I got a toy subway instead. You couldn't see anything, but every now and then you'd hear this rumbling noise go by. --Steven Wright |