Your Input Needed on Proposed Statement on Sexuality
- page 2
ELCA News: Study guide on genetics, challenge gift for Fund for Leaders,
response at Northern Illinois University, response in Cottonwood, rebuilding
in Indonesia
- page 3
Bishop Usgaard: “Table Prayers Extend into the World”
- page 7
Rev. Linda Gunderson: “Renew vs. New Things”
- page 8
Deborah Ann Norrie: “Wellness: Refiring Vocations as We Age”
- page 9
Men’s Breakfast with the Bishop
- page 11
The Bridge - “ELCA Poverty Ministries”
- insert
Selected Resources for Synod Councils
Both available through Augsburg Fortress (www.augsburgfortress.org
or 800-3284648)
Also look for their other resources in the Congregational
LEADER Series!
Page 2 -
Synod News
Your Input Needed on Proposed Statement on Sexuality
Members of the ELCA have seven months to provide input on the proposed draft
of the ELCA social statement on human sexuality. Social statements, “build a
theological foundation that engages the social context” (Rev. Peter
Strommen, bishop, ELCA Northeastern Minnesota Synod) and this one
specifically will theologically address many aspects of human sexuality.
It should be noted that this is a draft, which means that
much of it can still be changed based on input from members.
The Southeastern Minnesota Synod will host a hearing on the
statement Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church,
Owatonna, Minn. A member of the task force will be present to listen to and
respond to comments from those in attendance. Please read the document
beforehand. It will not be necessary to register.
Anyone not able to attend the hearing can fill out the
response form at the end of the statement.
The statement can be obtained at
www.elca.org/faithfuljourney
or by calling 1-800-638-3522 ext. 2996. Multiple copies for group study will
be available from Augsburg Fortress (800-328-4648). Ask for Draft of a
Social Statement on Human Sexuality, item number 978-6-0002-2079-2, cost is
$0.25 per copy.
River Crossings Survey
As part of the synod’s review on communication, all readers are being
asked to fill out the survey card included with this issue. There are just a
few short questions and postage is already paid, so take a moment, share
your thoughts, and stick the card in the nearest mail box by the end of
April. Thank you for helping us communicate most effectively with you!
[Click here for the survey.]
Free Breakfast for Young Men
Lutheran Men in Mission of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod is offering free
registration to the first ten participants under the age of 18 to sign up
for their annual Breakfast with the Bishop to take place April 26 at
Cabela’s in Owatonna. See page 11 for details.
Roster Updates
Full Communion Partnership
• Glen Holland, United Church of Christ clergy, serving Wangen Prairie,
Cannon Falls, 12/5/07
Synod Council Call to Specialized Ministry
• David Beckstrom, on leave from call to Interim, Faith, St. Charles,
9/1/07
• Robert Kleinke, Northeastern Minnesota Synod to Interim, Trinity,
Hayfield, 11/1/07
• Lyndon West, on leave from call to Interim, Grace, Albert Lea, 2/1/08
Transfer In
• Clifford Paulsen, retired from Northeastern Minnesota, 2/1/08
Transfer Out
• Barbara Jewell, on leave from call to Southwestern Minnesota Synod,
11/30/07
Remember in Prayer
Health Concerns
• Rev. Zane Anderson
• Rev. Sherman Coltvet
• Rev. Gary Hanson
• Rev. Glennys Knutson
• Shannon Reuss, wife of Rev. Peter Reuss
• Rev. Don Roberts
Sympathies
• Rev. Ann Siverling, whose father died in March
Southeastern Minnesota Synod Mission Support
We appreciate the prayerful consideration that congregations have given
in regard to the 2008 Intents for undesignated mission support to the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod and the churchwide work that we share together.
The total amount of the intents for 2008 is roughly $2,244,000.
This support allows us to pass on 52 1/2 cents of every dollar to churchwide
work and to do the work of the synod and support our many ministry partners
in their work to spread the good news of Christ in myriad ways. Many
congregations designate a percentage of all receipts that come in monthly to
go toward this mission support as a demonstration of "first fruits giving,"
and they encourage their members to place their giving decision as a first
priority in their personal decisions about money in their households.
Page 3 - ELCA News
ELCA News in Brief
Get the full stories at
www.ELCA.org/news
ELCA Task Force Considers Topics for a Study Guide on
Genetics
From discussing the latest in molecular biology to the use of genetically
modified organisms, 18 members of the ELCA
Task Force on
Genetics met [in Chicago] Feb. 22-23 to share scientific and theological
information as they work toward creating a study on genetics for the church.
The study is expected to be available Nov. 1.
The purpose of the meeting was "to continue
information-gathering and provide a basic framework for what we think should
be included in a study on genetics," said Janet Williams, genetic counselor,
Clinical Genetics Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Williams co-chairs the task force with Dr. Per Anderson, professor of
religion, Concordia College, Moorhead,
Minn.
The 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly called for a social
statement that speaks to "significant theological, ethical, public and
pastoral challenges arising from developments in genetics." The proposed
social statement is expected to be presented to the 2011 ELCA Churchwide
Assembly.
ELCA Mission Investment Fund Announces Challenge Gift to
Fund for Leaders
The Fund for Leaders announced a $1.5 million challenge gift from the
Mission Investment Fund (MIF) of the ELCA. The MIF gift is the single
largest cash donation ever given to the Fund for Leaders. It challenges the
Fund to raise $3 million over a three- year period to receive the gift. The
resulting endowment will provide scholarship assistance to eligible students
enrolled in a qualified mission developer program at any of the eight ELCA
seminaries.
The Fund for Leaders is an ELCA initiative to build an
endowed scholarship resource that provides tuition assistance to qualified
candidates studying at ELCA seminaries. When fully endowed the Fund's goal
is to provide full-tuition assistance for every ELCA seminary
student committed to a future in parish ministry.
Since 2000, the Fund for Leaders has distributed almost $3
million in scholarship support to 280 ELCA seminary students enrolled at the
eight ELCA seminaries. Today, 38 Fund recipients are serving in
congregations and other ministry settings.
Lutherans Offer Comfort after Northern Illinois
University Shooting
The Rev. Gary M. Wollersheim, bishop of the
Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA,
Rockford, said the Lutheran Campus Ministry Center at
Northern Illinois University (NIU),
DeKalb, [was] open around the clock "offering food, prayer and fellowship"
in response to the Feb. 14 shooting at NIU that left five students dead plus
the gunman.
Lutheran Congregation Helps Cottonwood Grieve, Heal
A funeral for Emilee Olson, 9, [was] held Feb. 24 at
Christ Lutheran Church,
Cottonwood, Minn., a congregation of the ELCA. A funeral for brothers Hunter
Javens, 9, and Jesse Javens, 13, -- also members of Christ Lutheran Church
-- [was] Feb. 25 at Lakeview School, Cottonwood. They and Reed Stevens, 12,
Marshall, Minn., died Feb. 19 in an accident involving their school bus.
The members and staff of Christ Lutheran Church will
"continue to love them" and do what they can "to help them work through
their grieving process and healing process, trusting that the strength that
is needed to get through the days ahead will come from the Lord," said Gwen
Arneson, lay pastoral assistant, Christ Lutheran Church.
ELCA Helps Rebuild Indonesian Fishing Town
Kuala Bubon, a fishing town in North Sumatra, Indonesia, can no longer be
called a "sunken" or "lost village." Washed away by a tsunami that struck
[Dec. 26, 2004], Kuala Bubon has risen again with concrete homes built on
"pilings over water."
Members of the ELCA raised more than $11 million to support
the immediate needs of people and long-term recovery efforts of ELCA
"companions" working in [all areas struck by the tsunami]. Of the funds
collected, $1 million went to support a massive rebuilding project in Kuala
Bubon.
The ELCA helped build 118 houses there and, starting in
February, people will be able to move into the homes, said the Rev. Joseph
Chu, program director for Asia Pacific,
ELCA Global Mission.
Page 4 - Synod
Assembly
Assembly “Dictionary”
It exists in conversations, announcements, and even newsletters - it’s
incorrect assembly vocabulary! Some of this comes from pre-ELCA traditions,
so let’s get up-to-date:
Assembly - It’s an assembly, not
called a convention, meeting, conference, or gathering. The Synod Assembly
is the highest legislative authority of the synod.
Displays - We’re always excited to
share information about synod and other ELCA ministries with the
participants of the Synod Assembly. These are meant to be informative, not
money-making. On occasion displays do provide information about materials
they have available for sale, but they are still not “vendors.” The one
exception is Augsburg Fortress,
the publishing house of the ELCA. They are available for participants to
browse their many resources for sale.
Voting Members - The people who have
voice and vote at the Synod Assembly are “voting members,” not delegates.
Voting members are not delegates, as that term is understood or used in some
political contexts. The voting members come together as representatives not
only of their own congregations but also serve on behalf of all the people
of the synod.
These people include ordained ministers under
call on the roster of this synod; associates in ministry, deaconesses, and
diaconal ministers under call on the lay rosters of this synod; two lay
voting members elected/chosen by each congregation plus additional lay
voting members based on baptized membership (see
www.semnsynod.org/assembly
for the detailed formula); and officers of this synod.
Pre-Assembly Report
The Pre-Assembly Report is now* available online at
www.semnsynod.org/assembly.html. If a congregation and/or its voting
members are not able to access it online, please contact the synod office at
507-280-9457 or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota. More details online.
No portions of the Pre-Assembly Report will
be distributed at the assembly.
[* Report will be available by the end of
March.]
Assembly Follow-Up
A follow-up report of the highlights of the Synod Assembly will be
available online at www.semnsynod.org
within hours of the closing of the assembly. Feel free to share with your
congregation the next day at worship!
Reminders
-
Lodging arrangements need to be made by April
1 for the event discount. Call the Radisson Hotel in Rochester at
507-281-8000 and request a room in the block reserved for “Southeastern
Minnesota Synod of the ELCA” to receive a special rebate of $89/room plus
tax.
-
If your congregation sends a high school
voter, tell them to fill out a rebate form when they get to assembly.
-
Rostered leaders under call should notify
Bishop Usgaard if they are unable to attend Assembly.
-
Bring a Bible!
-
Go to
www.semnsynod.org/assembly.html for more information.
Page 5 - Inspired Leading: Bishop Mark
Hanson speaks at the synod Councils as Leaders of the Church event
On Feb. 24 at
Zumbro Lutheran Church,
Rochester, Minn., the leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA), Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson,
spoke to nearly 400 congregational leaders from throughout the Southeastern
Minnesota Synod. He challenged councils to be intentional about our call as
a sent church, a church meant to live out God’s mission in the world.
For a culture fascinated by leaders, Hanson
offered the example in Luke/Acts of disciple and apostle. This metaphor
suggests that we are continually formed and reformed to be better
instruments of the church. To do this, he believes that all leaders should
be both mentored and mentoring. Mentored to seek out advice and ways to
improve; mentoring to prepare future leaders.
Council meetings, Hanson recommended, should
also be a time to check in on how members are living their faith in their
lives. Thinking of the common sending, “Go in peace to love and serve the
Lord,” he suggested that we are actually held accountable to fulfilling that
call.
Hanson’s message was not one to necessarily
make it easier to lead in the church, but rather he challenged leaders to
challenge themselves to really live out the promises they made in their
affirmation of baptism, accept the tension that is necessary when engaging
it important discussions in the church, and to not try and fulfill our calls
on our own, but with the power of the Holy Spirit.
A leading, growing church is not one that
thinks its best assets are that everyone gets along and they love their
leaders. Instead, the leaders should keep their focus on the mission of the
church and be aware of the changes in the community. A church willing to
address tensions in the church, community, and world, is one that is able to
see the need for mission. Once those needs are noticed and named the church
can match them with the assets of the congregation to address those needs
and be a church with a purpose.
Hanson was passionate about the good work of
the ELCA, which is the work of the “4.8 million members proclaiming the good
news of Jesus Christ and living it out in their lives.” By living and
telling that story as members and leaders of the church, we can continue
that tradition of being a sent church fulfilling God’s mission in the world.
All we need is a little imagination and a willingness to take risks.
Hanson also took time to address some
questions from participants including questions about confirmation
education, being a peace church, discussing politics and cultural issues in
the church, equipping chaplains, the lack of young adults in the church, and
talking about money in the church. His answers to all the questions
collectively embraced our Lutheran roots while needing to adapt to the
current culture and being willing to discuss the issues that may ensue all
in order to remain a church that matters in today’s world.
Questions to Ask at Council Meetings
Bishop Mark Hanson suggested several questions throughout the course of the
event to help re-focus a council on their mission. Try incorporating some or
all of these questions in your next council meeting:
-
Who are you mentoring, who is mentoring you?
How are those relationships going?
-
Who since, the last meeting, have you invited
to “come and see” Jesus (invited to worship or another church event, sharing
faith, etc.)?
-
Where have you seen God in the ministry of
the church this week?
-
How has it been for you in living the faith
this week? - How were you able to engage faith in life? - Where did you
encounter evil and were you able to cast it out in the name of Jesus? - How
did you stay detached from this culture, in the world but not of it?
-
Who is our neighbor and how have we responded
to those neighbors we fear?
-
At worship we are sent out to “love and serve
the Lord” (or similar words), how has that gone?
Page 6 - Rochester
Pastor and IBMers Help Tanzanians with Computer Needs
By Rev. Peter Nycklemoe
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Rochester, has a long history
with the people of Kijota Lutheran Church, Tanzania. As far back as Pastor
Sima (now Bishop of the Central Diocese) can remember, Mount Olive has been
a sister congregation with Kijota, most likely reaching back to Mount
Olive’s days as an Augustana congregation. This partnership had fallen away
in the late 1980s through the late 1990s. Pastor Peter Nycklemoe joined the
Southeastern Minnesota’s mission trip to Tanzania in June 1999. There, in a
remarkable moment, Pastor Sima showed Peter a picture of Mount Olive and
asked if he knew the pastor of that Minnesota congregation. They shared
mutual surprise when Peter shared that he was one of the pastors, standing
right in front of Pastor Sima, there in Tanzania.
Each year since 1999 the people of Kijota have invited a
group from Mount Olive to travel to Kijota to celebrate the relationship. In
conversation with Kathy Bolin, synod Global Mission/Companion Synods
Coordinator, Peter learned of emerging computer needs in the Central
Diocese. Kathy met with Bishop Sima during her trip to Tanzania in January
2007, where she learned of the need for a technology assessment. With no
high schools in the Singida region, education is the highest priority for
Bishop Sima, and with that, the technology to support the education.
As with many congregations in the synod, Mount Olive has a
number of computer specialists. Larry Whitley, Al Trautman and Mark Masbruch,
two retired and one current IBM employees, responded to Peter’s invitation
to join him on a mission trip for technology assessment and to renew the
relationship with the people of Kijota, Tanzania. The four departed on
October 31, and returned on November 16.
For the four travelers, each day was filled with laughter
and tears, wonder and joy as the people of Tanzania graced them with their
faith, hope and love. Bishop Sima developed the itinerary for the visit. The
four visited five different sites in the diocese in need of technology
development to support education.
There is much work to do along side the people of Tanzania.
Education certainly is the most important initiative to address the profound
poverty in the Singida region. Technology is a key component of the
educational needs.
The four completed the technology assessment and presented
it to the Global Mission/Companion Synods Committee in January. Their
recommendation is that the first site for technology development is the
proposed high school for girls at the Vivian Gulleen school. The four will
be working to secure grant money for technology development for Vivian
Gulleen.
For each of us, the Tanzania Scholarship Fund is the next
step in walking with our sisters and brothers in Christ in the Central
Diocese, Tanzania. It is a walk where we financially support students, an
educational walk we cannot do for them. God calls us to do this with them,
on their terms and time line. We simply offer what God has first given to
us, our time, our talents and our possessions, signs of God’s gracious love.
What we will receive in return is the joy that radiates from the faith of
the people of Tanzania, enlightening each place and moment as holy.
If you or your congregation is interested in learning more
about the technology assessment and the next steps for Vivian Gulleen,
please send a note to Peter at peter@molive.org.
Page 7 - Renew by Learning and
Inviting, Bishop's Column
Renew by Learning and Inviting
By Katie Livingood
Synod Communications Director
I recently attended a meeting of the ELCA Church in Society,
the division of the ELCA that includes advocacy work, justice for women,
poverty ministries, social ministries, studies (relating to social
statements and other such documents), and world hunger ministries. The
division personally invites some synod communicators and young adults to
their meetings to share their work.
Attending the meeting less than one week after hearing
Bishop Mark Hanson at the synod’s Councils as Leaders of the Church event
made me notice how often committees fail to refuel themselves or the church.
Over the two-day meeting, I saw how far removed from this
experience time and talent sheets can be. Seeing social ministries taking
place, talking about our role in society as a church, and then actually
carrying that out is a different experience from checking the box next to
“stock the food pantry.”
There were two lessons that became clear to me: 1. make
meetings matter and 2. invite others to come and see what is being done.
What made the Church in Society meeting exciting was
literally seeing work being done and hearing from staff about their work.
Taking time at each meeting to talk about exciting work being done in the
congregation or elsewhere as it relates to the work of your committee can
re-ignite excitement for the committee.
It is hard to lead all the time, which is why Bishop Hanson
recommended at Councils as Leaders that leaders always be mentored and
mentoring. If we invite people to learn about the ministries being done, the
work can become real and exciting to them. Personally invite young, new, or
less active members to a committee meeting, adult study time, circle
gathering, or other event to show them first-hand. They don’t have to
commit, just come and see. A personal invitation goes much farther than a
check box on a sheet.
In my work, including my time with Church in Society, I see
how exciting God’s work in our world is. By addressing real needs in the
world and taking social stances on cultural issues, we are a meaningful
church in the world. Your personal challenge is to share that message.
Table Prayers Extend into the World
“Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest,
And let these gifts to us be blessed.”
I am always appreciative when a prayer is offered before a
meal. It may be in a public banquet, a neighborhood restaurant, or around
the dinner table at home. Whatever the setting, the act of praying
acknowledges the host of the meal, the one who provides for us. As we invite
our Lord to take a place with us at the table, as we speak of the food as
blessed gifts, we witness to a faith that confesses that “God gives daily
bread, even without our prayer, to all people, though sinful, but we ask in
this prayer that he will help us to realize this and to receive our daily
bread with thanks.” (Small Catechism, Lord’s Prayer)
“Come, Lord Jesus” is one of the first prayers many of us
learned, but let me share with you an additional verse that I recently
heard:
“Blessed be God, who is our Bread;
May all the world be clothed and fed.”
Pastor Karen Behling was the first to make me aware of this
verse. Then I was introduced to it on the magnet from the ELCA World Hunger
Appeal. (incidentally these magnets are free from Augsburg Fortress,
packages of 10, limit of 20 packages)
Some very shallow text study would seem to indicate that
whereas the first verse speaks of the blessing we receive, the second verse
points to a whole world that might be blessed. In this year in which the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod seeks to be “A Synod at Table with the Hungry,”
I encourage you to learn the second verse of this prayer. Teach it to your
children and students. Use it often at table. Even as we thank God for the
bounty given us, let us live for the sake of the world that all might truly
be fed.
Shalom,
Harold Usgaard
Bishop
Page 8 - Rev. Linda Gunderson's Column and Shirley Gangstad's Column
Renew vs. New Things
By Rev. Linda Gunderson
Synod Minister
“And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am
making all things new.” Revelation 21:5
Steven Bouma-Prediger, Professor of Religion at Hope
College, speaking at the Rural Ministry Conference at Wartburg Seminary
reminded his listeners that these words say, “I am making all things new”,
not “making new things.” I was struck by this statement. When we talk about
transformation, revitalization, renewal and being missional congregations it
is not simply about making new things. Rather, it is about God’s spirit
moving among and within in us and making what exists already, new.
Certainly, there are new congregations. Mission starts are important and
necessary. However, for most congregations the call is to make, reclaim, and
revitalize what is already good and godly.
There are tools that we can use such as Natural Church
Development, workshops through Evangelical Outreach and Congregational
Mission, and written resources that include books such as Transforming
Leadership, New Vision for A Church in Mission by Norma Cook Everist and
Craig Nessan, and The Missional Church in Context edited by Craig Van
Gelder, just to name two of many. All of these tools set about to help us in
our work to make things new, not necessarily to make new things.
I suspect I will borrow Dr. Bouma-Prediger’s words quite
often. They make sense to me. Our churches are good places with great gifts.
The question seems to me to be whether we will welcome the Holy Spirit
working to renew us daily in our life together as congregations and through
us the neighborhood we call home. Notice the word ‘renew.’ It means we can
use what we have and what is good to form the basis for the work at hand in
our time, in our congregations and neighborhoods. The work it is necessary
for us to do so that others know of Jesus Christ.
Peace,
Pr. Linda
Easter Light Helping Us Through the Stumbles
Greetings!
Over the course of my life I have sprained both ankles
several times. A quick misstep, a turn of the ankle and it’s done! These
sprained ankles have resulted in a trip and stumble, more often a bad
fall—including twice being pitched down a flight of stairs and once landing
on my elbow which resulted in surgery, a week’s hospital stay and a month
off of work. Unlike broken bones which heal stronger at the place of a
break, sprains seem to encourage a weakness which encourages more sprains.
(Haven’t had one in a while. Hope this article doesn’t change that!)
Our response to sin can parallel my experience with sprained
ankles. Sometimes our sin, our brokenness, results in a mere blip, a
stumble, a moment of awareness and a twinge of remorse. Sometimes our sin
really hits us hard and we recognized our own brokenness and our need of
help. Sometimes our sin, our brokenness, knocks us completely off our feet
and we end up in a terrible mess—one that we simply cannot crawl out of on
our own. We need help—not only to pull us out of the pit, but also to stand
us up again and point us in the right direction.
What a blessing Lent has been—in pulling us up and pointing
us right without our having to be in the total depths first! All the while
that we’re focusing on our brokenness during Lent, we could see the Easter
light at the end of the tunnel. It is easier, less scary to enter the
darkness when there is a glimmer of light at the other end. And lucky us! We
always get to carry that light with us through our baptism and to be
reminded of it through the Eucharist! No wonder we sing our Easter alleluias
with such joy throughout the year!
Blessings in Christ,
Shirley
Page 9 - Deborah Ann Norrie's Column
and Ministry Profile
Wellness: Refiring Vocations as We Age
By Deborah Ann Norrie
Synod Executive Assistant
I don’t like to think of myself as getting old. I wonder why
my mother's face looks back at me from the bathroom mirror every morning! I
certainly don't like having to think about retirement either!
Refirement: A Boomer's Guide to Life After 50, by
James Gamboni, Kirk House Publishers; Minneapolis 2000, is suggested reading
for vocational wellness. It is described as a "positive and optimistic
vision of how to live a meaningful life" as we grow older. Instead of
planning retirement, we are to refire our lives.
So how do we "refire" our lives in middle age?
-
Get your groove back – use music, humor, and life adventure
-
Take charge of your own health – create your wellness plan
including exercise, mindful food choices and balance in your life
-
Work on important relationships
-
Explore diversity to find healing and forgiveness
-
Be a mentor – what is the most significant thing you are
doing that is having a positive impact on another person?
-
Find what spirits you – Can you remember situations and
experiences that left you feeling energized? Times when you felt energy
surge from the top of your head to your toes? What are the occasions when
you feel really alive? What activities engage your passions?
-
Take time for reflection
Of course we do need to plan responsibly for retirement. But
we never retire from our God-given vocational gifts. If you are finding
yourself burned out and tired of doing the same things – give some thought
to refiring.
Vocations are gifts we have been given through the waters
of baptism, the passions that lie within us. Vocation is not just our work
from 9-5; it's about how God lives through you in each aspect of your life.
(ELCA Board of Pensions on the
Wholeness Wheel)
Ministry Profile: Lutheran Men in Mission
By Larry Iverson
Synod Minister
Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) strives to build “a dynamic ministry that addresses the needs of men of all ages. Statistics reveal that families and congregations are more likely to thrive when men are actively engaged in their faith” (www.ELCA.org/lmm).
LMM is now celebrating 20 years of ministry and will become a financially self-reliant, separately incorporated ministry of the ELCA in 2009.
Every three years there is a gathering of Lutheran men from across the ELCA. The 2008 gathering will be held Aug. 1-3 in Omaha, Neb. under the theme verse of “your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions” (Acts 2:17). It promises to be a good gathering for faith, fun and growth. Tom Osborne, former head football coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1973 to 1997 leading them to three national championships, will be one of the featured speakers. Music will be provided by Dakota Road, who has been featured at ELCA Youth Gatherings and church family events.
A large focus in the past few years has been a joint effort of LMM and Luther Seminary on the Young Male Spirituality Project, in which a sample of young men across the U.S. were interviewed to see what they had to say about their lives, their faith, and their faith practices. This effort led to the book Coming of Age, which shares the information and offers suggestions for how to engage young men in their faith lives.
The Southeastern Minnesota LMM hosts an annual gathering of men at “Breakfast with the Bishop” with financial assistance from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. It has been a great opportunity to bring men of all ages together for a good breakfast at Cabela’s in Owatonna and then to hear a speaker talk about the connection to our faith lives as men in our churches and communities. See page 11 for information on this year’s event to be held on April 26. The event continues to grow, with over 130 men coming together. This year’s featured speaker is an educator from Waseca, John Hanson, who has received national recognition for the teaching of citizenship to students.
Get it Online
Page 10 - Call Update
Call Update
Self Study:
• Albert Lea, Central Freeborn – solo (Dick Spande, interim)
• Albert Lea, Grace
• Austin, Red Oak Grove – solo (Gene Leiter, interim)
• Cannon Falls, St Ansgar – associate
• Canton, Henrytown – ¾ solo (Roger Knutson, interim)
• Dennison, Dennison/Vang – solo (Terje Hausken, interim)
• Geneva, Community – solo
• Harmony, Greenfield – solo (Bob Stoskopf, interim)
• Harmony, Saetersdahl – solo
• Hayfield, Trinity – solo (Bob Kleinke, interim)
• Kenyon, Gol – part-time, solo (Dan Dimick, interim)
• Kenyon, Hegre – part-time, solo (John Hagen, interim)
• Mankato, Bethlehem – solo (Arne Jessen, interim)
• Northfield, Bethel – associate
• Rochester, Good Shepherd – associate
• Sargeant, Evanger – solo (Jim Peterson, interim)
• St Charles, Faith – solo (David Beckstrom, interim)
• Whalan, First of Highland & Whalan – solo (Roger Knutson, interim)
Interviewing:
• Austin, Grace – solo (Bob Iverson, interim)
• Cannon Falls, First English – associate
• Glenville, First – solo (Gail Klavetter, interim)
• Lewiston, St. Paul ELCA/UCC – solo
• Mabel, Mabel First – solo (Curtis Fox, interim)
• Northfield, St. Peter – associate
• Rochester, Hosanna – associate
Ready to Extend Call:
• Wells, Good Shepherd – shared ministry pastor
Call Extended:
• Rochester, Bethel – associate (Lissa Kahl, ½ interim)
Call Accepted:
• Van Miller, Luther Seminary graduate, to Waterville, St. Paul’s German
Lake, part-time solo
Ordination:
• Van Miller, Luther Seminary graduate, to Waterville, St. Paul’s German
Lake, 3/2/08
Upcoming Events
April 1-2, 2008 (Tues.-Wed.) & April 4-6, 2008 (Fri.-Sun.):
Quilting Retreat
Good Earth Village, Spring
Valley, MN
www.GoodEarthVillage.org,
507-346-2494, or jenni@GoodEarthVillage.org
April 3, 2008 (Thur.) & April 16, 2008 (Wed.): Hein-Fry
Lecture (Lamin Sanneh)
Wartburg Theological Seminary,
Dubuque, IA & Luther Seminary, St.
Paul, MN (respectively)
www.ELCA.org/heinfry/
April 4-5, 2008 (Fri.-Sat.): Children's Summit
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
www.luthersem.edu/childrens_summit/
April 19, 2008 (Sat.) & April 20, 2008 (Sun.): Wartburg
College Wind Ensemble Concert
7:00 p.m. / 8:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. services
St. John Lutheran Church,
Owatonna, MN / Our Savior’s Lutheran
Church, Faribault, MN
www.wartburg.edu/band/groups.html
April 22-23, 2008 (Tues.-Wed.): Crafters Retreat
Good Earth Village, Spring
Valley, MN
www.GoodEarthVillage.org,
507-346-2494, or jenni@GoodEarthVillage.org
April 24, 2008 (Thur.) & April 29, 2008 (Tues.): Luther
Seminary Previews
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
www.luthersem.edu/previews,
651-641-3419, or lmoratzk@luthersem.edu
For more information about these or other events, visit
www.semnsynod.org/events.html.
Page 11 - Men’s Breakfast with the Bishop
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Page 12 - Back Cover
River Crossings is the monthly newsletter
of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod for pastors, associates in ministry, and
lay leaders. The next deadline for River Crossings is April 9. Please send
correspondence to Katie Livingood, livingood@semnsynod.org;
507-280-9457.
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