River Crossings in Plain Text

September 2005 Issue

Below you will find all the stories from River Crossings in plain text format, so you can easily copy and paste them into your publications. If you require any graphics for these stories, please call 507-280-9457 with your request.

• Page 1 - Cover

• Page 2 - Synod News

• Page 3 - ELCA News

• Pages 4-5 - A Pastor in Afghanistan: Scott Hagen's Story

• Pages 6-7 - 35th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women

• Page 8 - Bishop's Message, Columns

• Page 9 - Columns

• Page 10 - Call Update, Calendar of Events

• Page 11 - Lay School of Theology

• Page 12 - Back Cover

Page 1
Inside...
Bishop Usgaard: "Congregations Joyfully Celebrate Ordinations"
- page 8

Tesch Elected to National Women of the ELCA Executive Board
- page 2

E-Newsletter Subscribers Get Synod News Faster
- page 2

"Equipping Leaders for Children's Ministry" Seminars Offered
- page 2

Shirley Gangstad: "Look Up First to Find What You Seek"
- page 8

Stewardship Meetings to Take Place in Synod
- page 9

The Bridge – "Share Your Gifts With God"
- insert

A Pastor in Afghanistan: Scott Hagen's Story
Pages 4-5

35th Anniversary Ordination of Women
Pages 6-7

Upcoming Lay School of Theology Classes

Sept. 16-17 (Fri.-Sat.): Lay School of Theology: "Seeing Together: Perspectives on Jesus from Matthew, Mark and Luke" (see page 11 for more information)

Jan. 14, 2006 (Sat.): Lay School of Theology: "The Augsburg Confession from a Lutheran Perspective"
Salem Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, MN
Presenter: Chuck Gavin, Waldorf College

Mar. 11, 2006 (Sat.): Lay School of Theology: "Ministry Skills: Leading A Bible Study, Teaching Sunday School and Confirmation"
First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kenyon, MN
Presenter: Pastor Sandra Griffin

Visit www.semnsynod.org/events/lay_school.html or call (507) 280-9457 (or 1-800-426-6376) for more information.

Page 2
Tesch Elected to National Women of the ELCA Executive Board
SAN ANTONIO (ELCA) - Delegates attending the Triennial Convention of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) July 5-10 elected 17 executive board members, including Southeastern Minnesota Synod Women of the ELCA President Marie Tesch of Waseca, to guide the work of the women's organization for the next three years.

Women of the ELCA's three-year theme, "Act Boldly," was unveiled at the convention amid Bible study, keynote presentations, workshops, community service, business sessions and elections. More than 2,100 women from across the United States and around the world participated.

"Equipping Leaders for Children's Ministry" Seminars Offered
Are you a full- or part-time staff member or an active volunteer in a congregation? Are you responsible for programming for children from birth to age eleven and their families? If so, these seminars are designed to provide you with foundational theory, practical skills and colleagues in the children's ministries area. Each session will result in knowledge, networking and sharing of ideas, application through reflection and goal setting, and support for the vocation of children's ministries.

Location: Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
Cost: $35 for individual session; $180 for all six sessions

Sessions will be held at the following dates/times:
Session 1: Oct. 6 (Thu.), 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 2: Oct. 6 (Thu.), 12:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Session 3: Nov. 3 (Thu.), 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 4: Jan. 12, 2006 (Thu.), 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 5: Mar. 2, 2006 (Thu.), 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 6: Mar. 2, 2006 (Thu.), 12:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.

For questions about content, contact Diane Shallue at (763) 755-8074 (home). For questions about registration, contact the KAIROS office at Luther Seminary, (651) 641-3416. For more information, visit www.semnsynod.org/events.html [this page is no longer available].

Stewardship Meetings to Take Place in Synod
This fall the synod staff hopes to spend time with every congregation president and pastor in the synod, to hear what excites church members about stewardship. They will be discussing what's going on in each congregation, discussing giving in each congregation, and talking about the congregation's intended 2006 mission support. For more information, including a schedule of dates and times, see page 9.

E-Newsletter Subscribers Get Synod News Faster
Get your synod news faster by subscribing to Southeastern Minnesota Synod News, the synod's electronic newsletter.

Sent weekly, the e-newsletter includes information on upcoming events and news tidbits, and it's a primary vehicle for the synod office to send time-sensitive information to leaders in the synod. Each issue includes the newest events and news added to the synod web site, and a "remember in prayer" section. Plus, subscribers are the first to know when new issues of River Crossings and The Bridge are available to download. Subscribers' e-mail addresses are kept confidential. They are never sold, rented, or given to third parties.

To subscribe:
Send a blank e-mail to semnsynodnews-request@listserve.com with the word subscribe in the subject line.

Remember in Prayer
Health Concerns
• The Rev. Christine Finsand
• Jenelle Mandsager, wife of the Rev. Michael Mandsager
• Shannon Reuss, wife of the Rev. Peter Reuss
• The Rev. Don Roberts

Sympathies
• The Rev. Joshua Ehrler, whose mother-in-law died July 19.
• The Rev. Bruce Falksen, whose mother died July 16.

Page 3
Presiding Bishop Calls for Courageous Faith
In his new book, Faithful and Courageous: Christians in Unsettling Times, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), calls for Lutherans and other Christians to be strong and courageous in their faith and witness to God. Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA, published the 96-page paperback.

"In such unsettling times as these, God calls us to be both faithful and courageous. We are faithful to God's call that sends us into the world as witnesses to the love and mercy and forgiveness of God. It takes courage to witness boldly," Hanson wrote in this sequel to his book, "Faithful yet Changing: The Church in Challenging Times," in which he recognized marks of a faithful church.

Four key topics are discussed in the sequel:
+ Trusting God's faithful promises
+ Pondering Jesus' probing questions
+ Obeying Jesus' unsettling commands
+ Discerning our way in the world

After each of the four chapters, Hanson poses questions for reflection and discussion.

"My hope is that this book will encourage holy conversation about what it means to be a follower of Jesus in unsettling times. I hope it will be read by individuals who then will gather with other believers in new member classes, adult study, church councils and other settings for lifelong learning in the church," Hanson wrote in the preface.

Hanson used Bible verses, personal stories and quotes from theologians, authors and others providing hope and inspiration for readers. Throughout the book he offers questions to ask ourselves daily as individuals and from a community outlook.

Hanson offers the reader ways to live with faith and courage during these times. "We too need to disengage for a time, to be consciously in God's presence, to regain perspective, to pray for discernment and strength to move back out in the world with new vision, courage and strength," Hanson wrote in the book.
-- -- --
For more information about the book or to order it, visit www.augsburgfortress.org or call 1-800-426-0115.

ELCA Brings "Joy to the World" to ABC Television for Christmas
"Joy to the World," a one-hour ABC television special produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is scheduled to air on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2005.

This holiday worship service includes a joyful mix of music and praise from ELCA African American, Asian, American Indian, Arab and Middle Eastern, and Latino congregations. The rich and diverse cultural blend begins with a Santa Lucia celebration in the Swedish Lutheran tradition.

Featured congregations include:
+ Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Chicago
+ Salam Arabic Lutheran Church, Brooklyn
+ Thai Lutheran Community Church, Forest Park, Illinois
+ St. James Lutheran Church, East Cleveland and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Cleveland
+ San Marcos Lutheran Church, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
+ Eben Ezer Lutheran Church, Oaks, Oklahoma

While many ABC stations are airing "Joy to the World" on Christmas Eve at 11:30 p.m., check local listings for the exact airtime in your area. This program is produced by the ELCA for the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission.

This same information is online at www.elca.org/joytotheworld . More information will be posted on this site in the coming weeks, including artwork, publicity materials, and bulletin inserts.

What Happened At Churchwide Assembly?
A Churchwide Assembly Wrap-Up will be featured in next month's issue of River Crossings. In the meantime, you can visit www.elca.org/assembly/05 for news, videos of plenary sessions, and photos from the event.

Pages 4-5
A Pastor in Afghanistan: Scott Hagen's Story
By Pastor Scott Hagen
Our Savior's, Faribault

Who knows what life will bring, or what God has in store for us at any given time? I have certainly experienced that over the last couple years, as my life, my family's lives, and the life of the congregation have recently changed. As many of you have heard or read about, I have recently returned from a 15-month deployment with my unit, the 367th Engineer Battalion to Afghanistan, as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve.

My unit received a call to active duty in December 2003, to Afghanistan. We had two months to prepare and leave for duty. In February 2004, we reported to our headquarters in St. Cloud and then left for Ft. McCoy, Wis. for 3 months of training. While at Ft. McCoy, I performed 15 weddings, one renewal of wedding vows and one baptism. Many young couples wanted to make their relationships permanent before heading overseas. We arrived in Afghanistan in May. The mission of my battalion was to clear mines at the base where we were stationed and support the efforts of infantry and other combat units in construction, demolition, and other projects, including additional mine clearing. I was in charge of the spiritual and religious support for the 540 soldiers of my battalion, as well as other units and civilians attached to us, totaling as many as 800 people at times. I had the privilege of being asked by the commander of South Korean troops at the base to be their chaplain and preach at their worship services.

We were stationed at Bagram Air Field, the main coalition base of operations, located about 30 miles north of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Between 10,000 and 12,000 troops and civilians from around the globe are there. Because of a shortage of chaplains, we were all tasked to help out with providing support to anyone who needed it at Bagram or any other outlying base. Along with two other Lutheran Army chaplains (one ELCA, one LCMS), we led the liturgical Protestant worship service on Sunday mornings. I was the backup chaplain for the U.S. Army hospital at the base, visiting injured soldiers and civilians and providing ministry to the staff on an as-needed basis and during times the main chaplain was away.

The greatest joy I had was to lead my unit in a humanitarian aid mission to a village called Peshta, in the mountains 30 miles west of Kabul. My commander tasked me with finding an outlet for the supplies being sent by friends and families of our soldiers. Through the Army Civil Affairs at Bagram, this village/district was identified as a good place to distribute the supplies. We made contact with the village leaders, including the mullah (religious leader), who welcomed our efforts to help their area.

I informed the soldiers of my unit we were in the process of ‘adopting' this village and to ask families, friends and groups to send supplies, as they were able. The response was overwhelming. We visited the village six times and distributed over 200 boxes of clothing, much of it coats, boots and other warm clothing during the winter; 3000 pairs of shoes, enough school supplies for nearly 400 students, along with basic hygiene supplies. We also brought along our physician's assistant and our medics to examine and treat basic medical issues as needed. It was a great deal of fun to watch our soldiers, many of them getting off the base for the first time, interact with the Afghan people and pitch in to help. When I left, I turned this project over to the chaplain of the unit who replaced us, and hopefully they will continue serving this area.

We returned to the U.S. on May 1 and I returned to Our Savior's on June 1. The transition back to life with my family has gone well. My unit did not experience any real combat or serious injuries. I attribute that to the prayers of the faithful all across the nation for our unit. Praise be to God, for God is good, all the time! Thank you for your support, as I was able to bring the ministry of Our Savior's, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, and the ELCA to the troops of the U.S. and coalition forces, as well as the Afghan people.

For more information on supporting federal chaplains domestically and overseas, visit www.elca.org/federalchaplains/index.html .

Pages 6-7
35th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women
By Pastor Audree Catalano
Synod Minister

In the late 1960s, Marge Wold and the American Lutheran Church Women (ALCW) petitioned the Church Council to study whether or not women could be ordained. The Biblical theologians concluded that the Bible did not prohibit this. In the summer of 1970, the American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church in America approved the ordination of women. This year, we of the ELCA are celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women in this Church body.

As a woman ordained in this Church, I have always thought that while men bring certain gifts to ministry, women bring other and different gifts to ministry. The ELCA Commission for Women has suggested a list of "Ways to Celebrate the Ordination of Women." The list includes:
• If your pastor is a woman, find a way to celebrate her ministry this year; invite her to share her experiences.
• Identify girls and young women with leadership gifts; give them opportunities to lead in the congregation and encourage them to consider a vocation of full-time ministry.
• Provide a scholarship for a woman preparing for ordained ministry.
• Write an article for the local newspaper about your congregation's experience with a woman as pastor.
• Create occasions for men and women, clergy and lay, to reflect on what is different and good because we have had ordained women for 35 years in this Church.
• Accept women as clergy and tell others!

Among other responsibilities, the commission helps the ELCA to realize the full participation of women, to create a safe environment for women and to advocate justice for women in the church and in society. It works to enrich the church by encouraging the theological reflection of women, by identifying women of all cultures for leadership and by fostering ministry partnerships between women and men.

There is a plethora of information on the history of the ordination of women in the ELCA, as well as the present day statistics on ordained women in the ELCA, which can be found at www.elca.org .

Rejoice and celebrate!

Pastors Reflect on Ordination Anniversary
Pastor Karen Grandall of Hosanna, Rochester is celebrating her 25th anniversary of ordination this year.

How were you encouraged to become a pastor?
Grandall: In September of 1975, 26 women began Luther Seminary out of a class of over 230. We were the first sizable class of women, and both professors and students had to get used to a different preaching voice. Included were Mary Sue Dreier (People of Hope, Rochester), Marilyn Hanson (previous synod staff), Lucy Radatz (wife of Jim Radatz in Harmony) and me. Out of the 26, eight were ordained in 1979, three were ordained in 1980, and one was ordained in 1982. Of these 12, most were married to other clergy.

In the late 1960s Marge Wold and the American Lutheran Church Women (ALCW) had petitioned the Church Council to study whether or not women could be ordained. The Biblical theologians concluded that the Bible did not prohibit this. Barbara Andrews was ordained as a chaplain in the ALC in 1971. For more information, you can read From our Mothers' Arms by L. DeAne Lagerquist. Thank you to all the church women in ALCW and Women of the ELCA who made this possible.

How did I get to seminary 4 years after women were ordained? I come from a family with many (male) pastors and educated women. I grew up at St. John's in Northfield in a time of vibrant music and youth ministry. At Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, I enjoyed my religion courses so much that I wanted more, so professors encouraged me to go to seminary.

What unique gifts do female pastors have to offer the church?
Grandall: Each of us pastors is different. However, in general, women bring a feminine voice to preaching, a voice that speaks of God's grace and love for all people. Women may speak more about the work of the Spirit and God's ongoing creation. Women pastors may be more accessible to counsel women. Some shorter women may need an extra platform inside the pulpit.

I thank all of you whom I have served for the privilege of proclaiming God's Word to you.

Synod and district boundaries have changed greatly since women's ordination was approved in 1970, so it's difficult to say who the first woman ordained in our synod was. Going by present synod boundaries, that title goes to Pastor Elizabeth Backus, who was ordained in 1982 at Bethlehem and Union Prairie in Lanesboro. She is currently serving a congregation in Kansas City, Mo.

How were you encouraged to become a pastor?
Backus: I had been raised and confirmed in a Roman Catholic Church. I was confirmed in the Lutheran Church while in college and after I met my husband-to-be, who was planning to attend seminary. Things seemed to fall into place, although I didn't have much encouragement from others, except from my husband. I am grateful to the Lutheran Church for accepting the gifts of women.

How has serving as a pastor enriched your life?
Backus: When you ask ‘how has serving as a pastor enriched my life,' I'm a little embarrassed to admit that it's really been my life. Other than my roles as wife and mother and daughter, the ministry has taken my time, all the talents I have, all the energy I have. First in a rural setting in Southeastern Minnesota, and now in Kansas City, I am challenged to use all my skills to serve as a pastor. I try to serve the synod and the larger church, and the community as well as the congregation. I try to relate to my fellow colleagues as well, and have been privileged to serve them as their pastor from time to time.

What unique gifts do female pastors have to offer the church?
Backus: When I was in a seminary class, we had to list ten things that we loved. I had no problem jotting down things that meant something to me, especially things that had been passed down from my grandparents. Most of the other classmates, all men, had a hard time with this assignment. Maybe women have an easier time loving, and are more vulnerable to loss. This might make us more approachable when parishioners face loss themselves.

Page 8
Congregations Joyfully Celebrate Ordinations
It is an unassuming A-frame just outside of town. I had the address and I still drove past it. The congregation has been there about 20 years, but growth has been slow. About 25 people worship there on Sunday morning. They are served by a UCC pastor who lives in another place; the pianist also came from another church.

They have plans for new ministry. This year they will host their first Vacation Bible School. A new subdivision of housing is opening nearby. And they pointed out the new sign they had just purchased…a sign that I had missed. They have hope…but still wonder about their future.

Yet on this day, the church was packed. It was the hottest day of the year…heat and humidity won the battle against a few small fans. But no one moved. Every pew was filled. A son of their congregation was being ordained and it was time to celebrate. As the pastors gathered to lay hands upon a new brother, the congregation lifted its hands. And when I asked them to speak for the whole church in receiving their son into ministry, they fairly shouted, "we will!"

Downstairs, the three-cornered sandwiches and fancy desserts would have been welcome at any fine banquet. And the people stayed…they simply didn't want to leave. As important as this day was for one of our synod's new pastors, it was an even more important day for this young church. They had raised up a pastor. They had offered the church a gift it so badly needs. They were sending one of their own out into the mission field. And it felt good. One member told me, "this is the greatest thing we have ever done."

Ordinations can mean as much to a congregation as to the new pastor. Do you remember the last one in your congregation? How soon before the next one?

Shalom,
Harold Usgaard
Bishop

Look Up First to Find What You Seek
By Shirley Gangstad
Synod Vice President

Greetings!

Recently I spent some time with my mother. Wherever we went, we took my car. When Mom goes with someone else, she always puts her garage door opener in her purse.

One night we went out to eat and shut the garage door as we left as usual. When we returned, Mom reached in her purse – no opener! She emptied and searched her purse. No opener. I searched my purse. No opener. We got out of the car and searched it. No opener. We searched the car again – with flashlights! No opener. Mom called the restaurant to see if anyone had turned in an opener. They hadn't. I even went back to the restaurant and searched the parking lot and walked the path we had walked into the restaurant. No luck. It was gone.

When I got up the next morning, the opener sat conspicuously in the middle of the kitchen counter. Where had Mom found it? She smiled and said that in the middle of the night, she realized she had never looked up on the visor, and when she checked the visor first thing in the morning, there it was!

This episode reminded me of how we humans often approach our problems. So often we muddle along, keeping our head down and struggling to find our own solutions when, if we would only look up first, we would find exactly what we are looking for. The good news is that even when we have exhausted all of our human possibilities, we still can look up and find God's solution for our problems – right there, just waiting for us to see.

God works!

Blessings in Christ,
Shirley

Page 9
2005: A Synod Joined in Prayer
Gearing Up for 2006 Bible Study Emphasis
By Pastor Dick Spande
Congregational Renewal Team

After being "A Synod Joined in Prayer" in 2005, in 2006 we will refer to ourselves as "A Synod Joined in Bible Study."

The Congregational Renewal Team has been working on ways to promote Bible study in 2006. A Bible Study Kick-Off event will take place Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran in Owatonna. There will be a workshop which will explore various forms of Bible Study and how they might be used in a variety of settings.

The morning of the kick-off event will feature three different Bible study formats: personal, small group, and congregational (large group). Presenters will share both resources and their personal experiences, and we hope there will be time for participants to share the same.

After lunch, Pastor Kristine Carlson will focus on the new series from Augsburg Fortress, "No Experience Necessary." She served on the advisory team that developed this format for Bible study, designed especially for those who know little or nothing about the Bible.

We hope those responsible for promoting Bible study within your congregation will be represented at this event. The event is free, but registration is required. This is particularly important for the noon meal and preparing handouts. Watch for your registration form in the mail!

We are a synod joined in prayer. Please remember these congregations in the prayers of the Church, and in your personal prayers. (The complete synod prayer calendar is available on the web at www.semnsynod.org/prayercalendar.html)
Sept. 4 (16 Pentecost): St. Olaf, Austin; Round Prairie, Glenville; Trinity, Wanamingo; Saetersdal, Granger
Sept. 11 (17 Pentecost): Trinity, Hayfield; Salem, Albert Lea; Trinity, West Concord; Vista, New Richland
Sept. 18 (18 Pentecost): Trinity, Ostrander; Shiloh, Elmore; Trondhjem, Lonsdale; Zion, Lake Crystal
Sept. 25 (19 Pentecost): Scheie, Mabel; West St. Olaf, Byron; South Blue Earth, Bricelyn; United, Red Wing

Stewardship Meetings Planned
Synod Strategic Plan Highlights, Sept. 2005
• Vision: Called into God's Marvelous Light: To Be Christ-Centered Disciples
Objective: Increasing generosity in stewardship

This fall the synod staff hopes to spend time with every congregation president and pastor in the synod, to hear what excites church members about stewardship. They will be discussing what's going on in each congregation, discussing giving in each congregation, and talking about the congregation's intended 2006 mission support.

A day has been planned in each of the five conferences for these appointments. Participants will be scheduled for a 30-minute appointment with Bishop Usgaard, Larry Iverson, or Pastor Audree Catalano.

Appointments will be scheduled the following dates and times:

• Minnesota River Conference: Tue., Sept. 13, 3:30-8:30 p.m. at Grace, Waseca
• Cannon River Conference: Thu., Sept. 15, 2-9 p.m. at St. Ansgar, Cannon Falls
• Blue Earth River Conference: Tue., Sept. 20, 3:30-9 p.m. at First, Albert Lea
• Root River Conference: Thu., Sept. 22, 4-8:30 p.m. at Christ, Preston
• Zumbro River Conference: Thu., Oct. 6, 3-9 p.m. at Christ, Byron

Pastors and congregation presidents can set up their 30-minute appointments by calling Carolyn or Beth in the synod office at (507) 280-9457 or 1-800-426-6376 by Aug. 25.

This information was sent by mail July 28 to pastors and congregational presidents.

Page 10
Call Update
Self Study
• Albert Lea, Ascension – solo (Clark Cary, interim)
• Byron, East/West St. Olaf – 1+1/2 time (Kathy Gauger, interim)
• Fountain, Fountain/Root Prairie – solo
• Kenyon, Gol – part-time, solo
• Lake City, First – solo (Wayne Radke, interim)
• Rochester, Gloria Dei – senior (Glenn Leaf, interim)
• Rochester, Mount Olive – associate
• Rochester, People of Hope – associate
• Zumbrota, United Redeemer – associate

Interviewing
• Austin, St. Olaf – associate (David Beckstrom, associate interim)
• Byron, Christ – associate
• Goodhue, St. Luke – solo (Chuck Solberg, interim)
• Grand Meadow, Bear Creek/Grand Meadow – solo (Gail Klavetter, interim)
• Rochester, Hosanna – senior (Jack Gannett, interim)
• Waseca/Janesville, North Waseca/Faith – solo (Karl Korbel, interim)

Ready to Extend Call
• Kenyon, Hegre – part-time, solo
• Red Wing, St Paul – senior
• West Concord, Trinity – solo

Call Accepted
• Carl Bruihler, NW Synod of Wisconsin to LeSueur, First, 9/01/05
• Howard White, reinstatement, to Lonsdale, Trondhjem, 9/11/05
• Janet White, reinstatement, to Lonsdale, Trondhjem, 9/12/05

On Leave From Call
• Scott Duffus, Interim – Grace, Fairmont, 11/16/04
• Lyndon West, Interim – Trondhjem, Lonsdale, 8/01/05

Exciting Educational Opportunities are Many
Sept. 10 (Sat.): Daily Discipleship Bible Study Kick-Off Stewartville, MN
Contact: (507) 533-4283

Sept. 16-17 (Fri.-Sat.): Lay School of Theology: "Seeing Together: Perspectives on Jesus from Matthew, Mark and Luke"
Rochester, MN
Contact: (507) 280-9457

Sept. 23-25 (Fri.-Sun.): Reclaiming Moral Values: Sexuality, Faith, and Politics
Winona, MN
Contact: (507) 452-8316

Sept. 23 - Oct. 2 (Fri.-Sun.): Fall 2005 Holden Village Trip with Good Earth Village
Contact: (507) 346-2494

Sept. 24 (Sat.): Synodical Convention of the Women of the ELCA
Austin, MN
Contact: (507) 433-7623

Sept. 28-Oct. 1 (Wed.-Sat.): Peer Ministry Training for Adults
Rochester, MN
Contact: (952) 698-3988

Sept. 28-Oct. 1 (Wed.-Sat.): Faith and Skills for Parenting Rochester, MN
Contact: (952) 698-3988

Oct. 1 (Sat.): 2006 Synod Bible Study Kick-Off
Owatonna, MN
Contact: (507) 280-9457 or (800) 426-6376

Oct. 3-7 (Mon.-Fri.): Parish Nurse Preparation Course
Spring Valley, MN
Contact: (218) 299-3893

Oct. 7-8 (Fri-Sat.): Passing on Faith Conference
Eden Prairie, MN
Contact: (952) 937-8123

For more information about these and other events, visit www.semnsynod.org

Page 11
Lay School of Theology

Friday-Saturday, September 16-17, 2005
5:30 p.m. Friday - 3 p.m. Saturday
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
559 20th St SW
Rochester, MN
Presenter: Prof. Mary Hinkle, Luther Seminary

"Seeing Together: Perspectives on Jesus from Matthew, Mark and Luke"
Cost: $65 (overnight lodging extra, at own expense)

Lodging: A block of rooms is reserved at the Country Inn and Suites (Highway 52 and Highway 63 South, Rochester). $75 per room includes breakfast. Reserve by August 15 by calling 507-287-6758. Rooms are held under "SE MN Synod."

Recommended reading: Four Gospels, One Jesus? by Richard Burridge (Eerdmans, 1994) and Synopsis of the Four Gospels, ed. Kurt Aland (United Bible Societies, 1982). For more information, please contact at 507-280-9457.

For registration form, see the pdf version of River Crossings.

Page 12
River Crossings is the monthly newsletter of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod for pastors, associates in ministry, and lay leaders. The next deadlines for River Crossings are Sept. 7 and Oct. 5. Please send correspondence to the synod office.

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