Lutherans Renew Worship with 'Partners in Evangelical Worship'
(Full story)
Renewing worship for relevance in today's world is a priority for the ELCA. To help make that happen, "partners in evangelical worship" are being identified in the 65 synods of the church.

"Partners in evangelical worship are part of a new network to assist synods and congregations in thinking about ways that we can be an evangelizing church centered in the means of grace," said the Rev. Robert G. Schaefer, executive for worship, ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop.

The partners are volunteer musicians, pastors and others who will help make connections between worship and mission, justice and service, said Schaefer.

The partners will relate to ELCA worships staff, said Schaefer, and "they will help form teams to assist synods and congregations to embrace the unifying patterns held up in The Use of the Means of Grace and laid out in Evangelical Lutheran Worship regarding gathering, word, meal and sending, while embracing the freedom and flexibility in serving local contexts."

Scott C. Weidler, ELCA associate director for worship and music, said a primary goal of the gathering is to make a connection between worship and mission, particularly how the mission of God is expressed through worship and "how we are sent into the world to engage in God's mission."

The gathering will also help to "bridge the gap that has sometimes existed between evangelism and worship," said Weidler.

"Partners in evangelical worship will serve as our eyes and ears to help us understand what's happening across the church, so that we can provide resources that will serve the needs of our congregations," said Weidler.

"Partners in evangelical worship serves as the next chapter in worship renewal," said Schaefer. "This is an organic, grassroots effort to build conversation about how the church both participates in God's mission and is nourished for that mission for the sake of the world through Word, Sacrament, liturgy and song."

** The partners in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod are Rev. Siri Strommen Campbell, Mount Olive, Rochester, and Bob Tewes, AIM, Grace, Albert Lea

Get it Online

• Information about ELCA Worship and Liturgical Resources is at www.ELCA.org/Worship

New Federal Rule Bans Use of Some Wireless Microphones
(Full story)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Washington, D.C., has issued a new rule that may affect use of some wireless microphones by congregations. The rule bans the use of wireless microphones or similar devices that operate in the 700 MHz Band no later than June 12, to avoid interference with fire and police departments now using the band.

The new rule affects wireless microphones or similar devices used by a host of businesses and organizations, such as churches, theaters, schools, conference centers, theme parks and musicians, according to an FCC consumer advisory.

Get it Online

• The FCC announcement, including access to a list of microphones affected, is at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones

Bread for the World, Heifer International Leaders Share World Food Prize
(Full story)
Leaders of two organizations focused on ending hunger and poverty worldwide -- Bread for the World and Heifer International -- are co-recipients of the 2010 World Food Prize, the foremost international award for food and agriculture, often compared to the Nobel Prize. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a denominational partner with Bread for the World, and it is a covenant agency with Heifer International.

The Rev. David H. Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, Washington, D.C., and an ELCA pastor, and Jo Luck, president and chief executive officer of Heifer International, Little Rock, Ark., are the 2010 World Food Prize laureates.

The laureates were recognized for their "landmark achievements in building two of the world’s foremost grassroots organizations leading the charge to end hunger and poverty for millions of people around the world," according to a Bread for the World news release.

Page 4 - New Structure for Synod Council
By Katie Livingood
Synod Communications Director

Picture the iconic American dinner table: family sitting down to a wholesome meal, ready to talk about the day, their fears, their dreams, and their lives.

In this tradition, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council is now operating under a new structure. The Mission Planning and Action, Congregational Renewal, and Lay and Clergy Leadership Development teams will now become the New Ministry Start, Congregational Renewal, and Mission Support tables. A "table" functions much like a "team." The difference is the term "table" elicits images of coming together for the common purpose of talking, supporting, and strengthening each other and the ministry, like a family at a dinner table.

The New Ministry Start Table is led by Rev. Peter Reuss, synod mission developer. This table is tasked with helping new and emerging ministries grow and connect with other ministries, coordinating ways to encourage support for new ministries, and identifying potential for new ministries.

The Congregational Renewal Table is led by Rev. Linda Gunderson, synod minister. The purpose of this table is to accompany congregations in the journey of renewal by engaging, challenging, and encouraging them along the path.

The Mission Support Table is led by Larry Iverson, synod minister. This table's goal is to help people and congregations see and use their gifts, talents, and financial resources to share the gospel of Christ's love through the mission of the church.

The synod council members will be members of different tables, depending on their talents and interests. Others who are not serving on the council will also be identified to serve on the tables.

This new meeting format has come out of an ongoing strategic planning process. The visioning team has been assisted by Rev. Scott Olson, Central Lutheran Church, Winona, Minn. as part of his Doctor of Ministry dissertation. Olson is assisting the team to identify ways to lift up missional leaders.

This new structure is a fluid structure, said Bishop Harold Usgaard, "We will be developing it as we go, adapting it to meet our ministry needs that we face as a church."

Of the reason for the need to restructure, Usgaard said, "'Business as usual' has not led us to be an exciting and growing church." He went on to say that, "We need to ask 'Who does God want us to be? What shold we be about?'"

The reorganized council will continue to meet for a retreat in September and regular meetings in November, February, and March or April to take care of the business of the synod. Tables will meet throughout the year as needed. This is intended to make meeting time more effective.

Pages 5-7 - The Mystery of Young Adult Ministry
By Katie Livingood
Synod Communications Director

I have a confession. I am a young adult. I am involved in the church. And I feel alone.

Over and over again I hear people ponder the reality of the lack of young adults in church. The trend is that they leave after confirmation or high school, and maybe they will come back again when they have children. With this in mind, I asked what are young adults seeking? What is keeping them away from the church? What young adult ministries have been successful?

Each person who is not active in a church has very personal reasons for choosing not to be involved, but there are a few themes that come up over and over again. Often young adults do have an interest in participating but just do not fit in. As I mentioned, I feel alone in church because I am one of the few young adults, fewer still without children, in worship.

In response to a Facebook inquiry, a young woman named Carrie replied that she feels isolated for similar reasons. She adds, "My age (and the lack of wedding ring on my finger) made me stick out like a sore thumb." Others, like Rachel, feel that their age marks them as outsiders brings judgement. Amber echoed Rachel's feelings. She felt like she was targeted and analyzed. Even questions that may be well-intended, for Rachel and Amber, came across and singling-out, questions like "How was it?" and "How can we help you?" Amber said it feels like "being befriended with a motive."

Rev. Amy Thompson Sevimli is an assistant to the bishop in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, ELCA. When she was called to the position two and a half years ago, she was asked to spend half of her time on young adult ministry. The synod's bishop, Rev. Richard Graham, saw a need for this emphasis when he realized how many young people were moving into Washington, D.C. This year the synod is in "The Year of the Young Adult," an emphasis intended to bring awareness to this ministry and encourage congregations to consider it as part of their identity.

Sevimli started her work by spending six months connecting with young adults and talking with them about their reasons for not attending church. Through networking, she was able to connect with people all over the metro area and asked them three main questions:

1. Why don't you go to church?
   
2. What keeps you away?
   
3. What do you think of Jesus?

She found that many had been very turned off by church and needed the time to vent about their experiences, but they were very intrigued by Jesus. Even if they were undecided about the divinity of Jesus, they wanted to learn more.

Kristen Glass, ELCA Director for Young Adult Ministries, says many young adults have questions about vocation, what it means to be Christian and Lutheran, and living out their faith. Most ministries, however, target those who are already in the door looking for answers rather than reaching out to young adults where they are. Young adults, she says, are typically drawn in by personal invitations and by witnessing the church working in the community.

When I asked congregations what they were doing for young adult ministry, most of the answers I received were that congregations see a need for young adult ministry but do not have anything to offer. Many of the young adult ministry groups that do exist are similar to those created for any demographic that have been done in churches for generations. The groups tend to be centered on fellowship, service, and/or study.

One such group is the Casserole Club of St. John's Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn., featured in the November 2009 issue of The Lutheran magazine. Rev. Meta Carlson, the congregation's young associate pastor, realized there was nothing available in the church specifically for people her age. She reached out to congregation members, friends, and the wider community to invite 20-somethings to gather for a low-cost, home-cooked meal and Bible study. She utilized the Facebook network to spread the invitation around the neighborhood, and the group's communication continues to take place on Facebook. The message Carlson sent with her invitations and Facebook presence was that this was a casual group and anyone was welcome, with or without previous church experience, and there was no pressure to become a member.

Another group gathers at Zion Lutheran Church, Stewartville, Minn. Rev. Emily Carson, another young pastor just out of seminary, organized the group around a variety of events, including attending baseball games and having cookouts. Each time the group gathers, they brainstorm an activity for the next gathering. Carson has found that many of the members have recently re-experienced the church after bringing their young children to be baptized, but do not regularly attend worship. The people who take part are looking for community and a way to get out of the house without having to commit to another regular item in their already over-scheduled lives.

On Facebook, a young woman named Jamie said of her congregation's 20-somethings group, "It's still nice to be reminded that there are still some lingering folks from my youth group, plus some folks who are just a little older than me who are at my church."

When the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod began planning for youth ministry, they started modeling it after youth ministry with retreats and synod-wide events. They did have some success, especially with the happy hours. After several months of focusing on this type of programming, the question arose, "Where is this going?" Since then, the focus has moved away from events-based ministry and toward support and resourcing for congregations to carry out their own youth ministry. Often this takes the form of small groups within the congregation.

Much of Glass' work with ELCA Young Adult Ministry is to connect networks of people who work with young adults to share resources and ideas. She offered several ideas of how to reach out to young adults. One is to include the young adults who are already members. Before casting a wide net into the community, connect with the people who are already a part of the congregation. This includes the people who did not move away from their home community after high school. They are already tied into the community but are often neglected in outreach ministries. It may also include new members who do not participate in worship because they do not see other young adults present.

Many congregations think that to draw in young people, they have to play contemporary music or have the latest technology. While that appeals to some, people who work with young adult ministry are finding that young adults most concerned with having authentic worship experiences. Glass cited a Chicago-area Catholic church that began offering Latin masses and saw a surge of young adult participation. Latin mass is not the only answer. Whatever type of worship rings true in the community can be authentic. Jazz music in a jazz service makes sense. Camp songs in an otherwise traditional liturgical service do not feel authentic. If worship stops being about worship and starts being about the coolest music or the best coffee, there is little to hold a person's attention since those things are available at the café down the street any time.

In a comment on Facebook, Tim critiqued churches that try to be something they are not. He said "If you're going to be a church, or a religious organization, then be that - you don't also need to be the Boys & Girls Club, the local indie Coffee Shop, and you most certainly do NOT need to be the local Night/Dance Club - you just need to be a church."

Although young adults can be critical of attempts to lure them in using the latest music, technology, and trends, those things can still appeal to young adults if they are a part of the congregation's identity. Jacob's Well is a congregation in Minneapolis. They worship at two area schools. They plan to stay intentional about meeting in public places to stay part of the community and avoid some of the stigma of "church." Jacob's Well was started when Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, realized they were a vibrant, but traditional, church. They were not right for everyone, so Rev. Greg Meyer left Bethlehem to help develop this new ministry.

Jacob's Well has established itself as the "church for people who don't like church." They rethink everything about how to "do" church for those not at home in a traditional congregation. Meyer says that this includes valuing good questions more than definitive answers, utilizing multimedia (even encouraging congregants to text him questions during the worship service!), and encouraging people to share stories about their everyday faith and service. Despite the differences between Jacob's Well and other ministries, the two things that continue to be present are relationships and community.

There is no cookie cutter available for young adult ministry. Young adults can be a jaded, transient, and elusive population, making it difficult for congregations to reach out. No matter where they are, though, there is a trend of seeking meaningful relationships, service to others, in-depth study, and authentic worship. Reaching out individually, creating small groups, and deliberate worship planning can all be a part of the way a congregation ministers to young adults.

Want to explore more?
Contact Katie Livingood (livingood@semnsynod.org, 507-280-9457, or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota if you would like to have conversation on young adult ministry.

Starting a Young Adult Group? Ask...

• What does "young adult" mean to you?
  
• Why start a YA group?
  
• Is it the YAs' idea or older adults' want to start it for them? If YAs are not involved yet, how will you incorporate them in the early stages of the process?
  
• What is the group's focus - outreach, spiritual formation, worship-oriented, fellowship, networking, support?
  
• What expectations do you have for the group?
  
• How involved (if at all) do you expect the members of the group to be in the life of the congregation?
  
• How does the rest of the congregation embrace multi-generational ministry with this age group?
  
• Have you talked to YAs outside the congregation?
  
• Are you expecting other YAs from outside the congregation to participate? If so, where do you see them coming from?
  
• Do you envision this group to be solely Lutheran or do you see it encompassing other denominations as well?
  
• What kind of financial support is available for this group? What other resources can this group tap into (i.e. meeting space, curriculum, food, etc.)?
  
• How will decisions be made?
  
• What are the responsibilities of the group leader(s)?
  
• What support system is there for the leader(s) of the group?
  
• Is the group leader(s) compensated in any way?
  
• How will the group react if consistently there is low, irregular attendance?

Page 7 - WATER: Facts & Acts
From Lutheran World Relief - www.lwr.org

FACT: Water covers more than 70 percent of the earth's surface but only one percent is available as fresh water. — Oneworld.net
ACT: With such precious little water, many
of the world's people simply cannot access fresh water, especially after emergencies and disasters. Try taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while you are brushing your teeth. Little actions go a long way toward conserving our earth's precious water supply!

FACT: 5 million children die annually from water related diseases. — Oneworld.net
ACT: Children can be responsible global citizens too! Encourage them to look for ways to conserve water in your home. Get the whole family involved by starting a "spare change" jar that, once filled, can be given as a gift to support LWR water projects.

FACT: The average distance that women in Africa and Asia walk to collect water is six kilometers. — Blue Planet Run Foundation
ACT: The time spent collecting water could be used getting an education or earning income. Help shorten her walk by supporting LWR water projects, which help install wells and water collection systems, giving communities more convenient water sources.

FACT: 1.8 million people die every year from diarrheal diseases due to unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene sources. — UNESCO
ACT: Following a disaster or emergency, clean water can make the difference between life and death. LWR provides emergency water filters following emergencies to ensure people stay healthy and can rebuild their lives. Give an emergency water filter through LWR Gifts to a loved one for a birthday or special occasion (lwrgifts.org).

FACT: In 20 years, water shortages may affect two-thirds of the world's population. — Center for Economic & Social Rights
ACT: Climate change threatens to make water shortages even worse. The poorest of the poor will be most severely affected as they already lack water access. The good news is there's something you can DO about it. Visit lwr.org/advocacy to learn how you can speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves!

(this and other information is available to download at www.lwr.org/wws)

Page 8 - Bishop's Column

Evangelism is Messy

I am enthralled by the fields this time of year. The lines are so straight and the plants are all there, growing out of the rich soil. Everything is in its place, the fields are clean, lessons on rotation and terracing are in evidence, it is all as it should be.

In a recent presentation, ELCA Bishop David Brauer-Rieke of the Oregon Synod likened such fields to the way we often see the church: organization; each crop in its place; everything growing at the same rate; neat, straight rows; not a weed to be found; systems in place for tilling, planting, and harvesting.

Brauer-Rieke suggested another image close to home for him - the church as an Oregon rainforest. There are no neat furrows there. There are plants and trees of every species, often growing one on top of the other. There are no "weeds" because everything is valued as a gift from God. The wind blows, the rain falls, they determine the outcome more than human hands.

When I was part of the Bethel Bible study, we used the terms "Greek" and "Hebrew" in describing different cultures. We are the modern day "Greeks" who need to be in control, who need to analyze and put everything in its place. And we read the Bible in the same way. The problem is that the Bible writers were "Hebrew," they gloried in the work of God, simply telling the story, appreciating the world rather than trying to control it.

I love orderliness and organization, but in the season of Pentecost, I am challenged to make room for the wind, the Spirit, as well. I think about the parable of the sower, the farmer casting the seed to the wind. It was not very efficient. Remember all the wasted seed that fell on rocks and in the thorns. There were no straight lines in such fields. And what of that advice to leave the weeds to The Scriptures remind us that God will take care of such cleaning. Still there was a bountiful harvest. We and our faith are proof of that.

I have discovered in recent months that evangelism can be messy. The Spirit blows in different directions. The seeds get mixed together. You can forget the straight furrows. There are surprises at every corner. But the harvest still comes. What excitement. Thanks be to God!

Shalom,

Harold Usgaard
Bishop

Larry Iverson's Column

Turning Smoke Into a Blaze
By Larry Iverson
Synod Minister

"Where there is smoke, there is fire!"

I remember hearing that saying years ago from my parents. It is funny how those old sayings can give insight into a lot of events or circumstances. It could mean there is going to be trouble if whatever is causing the smoke is not addressed soon because it might break out in a large fire. It can also mean that you should not give up on something because it isn't fully ablaze yet. The smoke indicates there is still something smoldering inside that could create a full blazed response in the future.

I like the last meaning best, and I think it has an analogy to our faith. I see it in congregations where the fire seems to have faded, but an event or the Holy Spirit takes hold and touches people and congregations to get new energy. Sometimes it occurs at anniversaries when lots of energy is engaged in preparing for the celebration. Sometimes, it is a new building project or a change in staff. The smoke begins to break out in fire as people once again understand why they came into being – because God called them to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

I think another source of turning smoke into fire is the awakening of our spirit of generosity and mission support. Some of the people that I have witnessed catching on fire are those who have been open to give of themselves financially and through their time and abilities. By opening yourself up to the Spirit in your giving, you could allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and fire up your faith.

Paul stated this in Romans 12: "Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship."

Consider opening yourself to greater generosity in giving and see what the Holy Spirit can fan into flames in your life and your church.

In Christ's love,
Larry Iverson

Page 9 - Shirley Gangstad's Column

Let the Holy Spirit Lift You Up
Greetings!

Comparing different translations of the Bible is both interesting and edifying. The theologians have their translations from the Greek to the English and can not only consider the original vocabulary but also can note verb tenses and noun genders. Not so for us lay people. We have to depend on the translators.

In our Bible study group we usually have five or six translations among us and as we read the same verses in the different translations, we seem to learn something new every time. Sometimes there is not a lot of difference, but sometimes one translation may shed light on an otherwise obscure verse.

If I were memorizing a verse or bringing it to our study group, I would use the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version), but the NRSV is not always the most poetic or clearly understood. Compare the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel coming to Mary, first from NRSV: "And he came to her and said, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.'" and then from The Message by Eugene Peterson: "Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: 'Good morning!/ You're beautiful with God's beauty,/ Beautiful inside and out!/ God be with you.'" (Luke 1:28) Especially for people who are new to reading scriptures on their own, the more the language resembles their daily speech, the more they will be able to understand.

Obviously many people find this kind of comparison of translations to be helpful. There are even web sites available where one can put as many as four translations on the computer screen to compare them. One such site is www.biblegateway.com

The most important thing for us to do, of course, is simply to read the scriptures; but if we have the opportunity to read the scriptures with others, to discuss their meaning and their relevance to us, and to compare different translations, we can have an even more significant and compelling experience.

May we be blessed in our reading and study of scripture!

Blessings in Christ,
Shirley

Bible Book of Faith

Richer Experiences Come Through Better Understanding
By Rev. Jay Dahlvang
Synod Book of Faith Advocate

Every four years, for a month or so, I become a fan of the world's most popular sport. The World Cup is being played in South Africa as you read these words. I find soccer a pleasant diversion, but I don't always get it. I never played competitively. I can't really identify the players and teams very well, and I haven't heard their stories of overcoming adversity to get them to the top. I don't know Wayne Rooney or Didier Drogba like I do Joe Mauer or Brett Favre. And because I don't know the players, the rules, or the teams, I don't enjoy, understand, or have the passion for the World Cup nearly as much as others.

I wonder if the Bible is that much different? How can we be faithful if we haven't heard what Jesus said or did? How can we confront evil and work for justice if we don't connect to the God who longs for peace and righteousness in the world? How can we discuss the issues that divide us if we don't know what is said or not said about these issues, and how to read and hear texts as the Spirit intends? How can we be a community of believers if we don't understand the joys and challenges and ways of life of those who first embraced the Jesus' call?

The Book of Faith initiative is for you and your community to grow into our calling as God's people. Whether it be watching soccer, traveling to a foreign land, or discerning our faith and life, the depth and richness of our experience grows as we understand. We trust that as we dig deeply into the book of faith, and share our experiences with one another, the Spirit of the risen Christ will revive the church and grow us in our faith and life.

Get it Online

• More on the Book of Faith initiative at www.bookoffaith.org

Page 10 - Call Update - click here to view call update

Roster Update

On Leave from Call:

• Scott Adams, Interim at Lutheran Campus Ministry Winona, 6/1/10
  
• Robert Kleinke, interim at St. John Mapleton, 6/1/10
  
• Susan Wallager, associate at Faith, Dodge Center, 5/1/10
  

Synod Council Call:

• Scott Adams from the New England Synod to interim, Lutheran Campus Ministry Winona, 10/18/09 through 5/31/10
  
• Joy Bussert from the Saint Paul Area Synod to interim, St. John, Montgomery, 4/11/10
  

Retired:

• Richard Spande, on leave from call, 7/1/10
  
• Wayne Vogt from associate, Zumbro, Rochester, 6/30/10
  

Transfer In:

• Barbara Jewell, retired from Western Iowa Synod, 4/1/10
  

Transfer Out:

• Stephen Cruys, Army Chaplain to the North Carolina Synod, 5/1/10
  
• Peter Nycklemoe from Mount Olive, Rochester to the Minneapolis Area Synod, 6/30/10
  
• Margaret Sander from Good Shepherd, Wells to the Nebraska Synod, 6/20/10

Upcoming Events - click here for all upcoming events

Page 11 - Bridge

Be Not Afraid!
Issue to be used anytime after August 1, 2010

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