River Crossings in Plain Text

December 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 4-7 - LDR, Theological Conference

• Page 8 - Shirley Gangstad's Column, Larry Iverson's Column

• Page 9 - Prayer Column, Strategic Plan Column

• Page 10 - Call Update, Calendar of Events

• Page 11 - Lay School of Theology Flyer

• Page 12 - Back Cover

Page 1 - Cover

Rostered, Lay Leaders Enjoy Fellowship, Learn About Self-Care
Pages 5-7

LDR Focuses on Long-Term Recovery
Pages 4-5

Inside...
Bishop Usgaard: "There Are Some Issues On Which We All Agree"
- page 7

Synod Communications Director Accepts Position with Churchwide ELCA
- page 2

Synod Electronic Communication Policy Adopted By Council
- page 2

Shirley Gangstad: "We Are All So Blessed"
- page 8

Larry Iverson: "A Night in a Cardboard Box Opens One's Eyes"
- page 8

Lay School of Theology To Offer Bible Study Opportunities
- page 9

The Bridge - "Missionaries Make Christ Known Around the Globe"
- insert

Selected Bible Study Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About the ELCA – Browse questions and answers related to the Bible, church life, faith, and Lutheran history and teaching at www.elca.org/questions/

Lutheranism: A Restatement in Question and Answer Form – This booklet, written by Dr. Martin E. Marty, contains many questions and answers about Lutheranism. Order a copy at www.augsburgfortress.com or call Augsburg Fortress at (800) 328-4648.

Page 2 - Synod News

Synod Electronic Communication Policy Adopted By Council
Dear Congregation President:

At its meeting September 17, 2005, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council adopted an Electronic Communication Policy for the synod office. You may get a copy of that policy on the synod's web site or by calling the synod office and requesting a copy.

The synod office is committed to providing an environment that encourages the use of computers and electronic communications as essential tools to support the mission and ministry of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. It is the responsibility of each synod employee to ensure that this technology is used for proper business purposes and in a manner that is responsible, does not subject the synod's system to outside tampering and is consistent with good stewardship.

This policy is offered as a model for your own electronic communication policy for the pastors and staff members of the congregation. In addition, a policy adopted by a congregation should offer policies relating to congregational use of computer resources, the Internet and e-mail.

The Synod Council encourages every congregation with computer resources to develop a policy for computer usage by its staff and its members. It is the council's hope that the synod's policy will help.

Sincerely,

Harold Usgaard
Bishop

Clergy ID Cards Available
ELCA Clergy ID Cards for 2005-2006 are now available. To request one, call the synod office with your request: 507-280-9457 or 800-426-6376 (MN only).

Communications Director Accepts LOGA Position
Dear Partners in Ministry,

It is with sadness that I am announcing the resignation of Annie Lynsen, our communications director. She has just accepted a position as the Director for Advocacy Communications, Grassroots and Network Development with the ELCA's Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs (LOGA) in Washington, D.C. Her last day in the synod office will be November 11.

Though I am sad that Annie is leaving us, I am also joyful...because she has been and will continue to be such a wonderful resource for the Church. Her technological abilities, her ability to think in new and creative ways, and her cheerful, energetic personality will continue to serve the ELCA.

"These past four years have been so wonderful," said Annie. "I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people. I'm glad that my new position will keep me in touch with the members of our synod, as I seek to help members of the ELCA become advocates for the voiceless and powerless in our society."

Please remember Annie, her husband Josh, and the synod office in your prayers during this transitional time.

Shalom,

Harold Usgaard
Bishop

Remember in Prayer
Health Concerns
• The Rev. Eugene Boschee
• The Rev. Terje Hausken
• Jenelle Mandsager, wife of the Rev. Michael Mandsager
• Pauline Redmond, wife of the Rev. Jack Miller
• Shannon Reuss, wife of the Rev. Peter Reuss
• The Rev. Don Roberts
• The Rev. Charles Solberg
Sympathies
• The Rev. Obert Rust, whose wife died Oct. 7.
• The Rev. Julie Fiske, whose father died Oct. 10.
• The Rev. Lyndon West, whose mother-in-law died Oct. 13.
• The Rev. Audrey Lukasak, whose father died Oct. 23.
• The Rev. David Rossow, whose father-in-law died Nov. 5.

Page 3 - ELCA News

ELCA Publisher Ahead of Financial Forecast
Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA, is more than $1 million ahead of its 2005 sales forecast through September, the board of trustees learned when it met Oct. 14-15.

The news is a significant departure from past financial reports. In recent years board members were often told of losses because the ELCA publisher was unable to achieve its financial goals.

Actual sales were $28.9 million through September, compared to a forecast of $27.8 million for 2005. Financial results for the first nine months of this year compared to the first nine months of last year show at least a $2 million improvement, said John Rahja, Augsburg Fortress chief financial officer.

A key piece of Augsburg Fortress' sales success this year is the "Here We Stand" confirmation series, which includes a popular and successful seller, "The Lutheran Handbook."

Company managers reported to the board that a series of new products will be introduced in late 2005 and next year. For example, Augsburg Fortress has begun introducing a series of "brand extensions" related to "The Lutheran Handbook" and a new ecumenical volume, "The Christian Handbook."

In addition, Augsburg Fortress plans to introduce "The Lutheran Handbook for Pastors" and "The Lutheran Handbook on Marriage" in April 2006; later in the year it plans to introduce "The Lutheran Course on Marriage." It will also introduce "The Christian Handbook for Pastors" and "The Christian Handbook on Marriage" next April.

The company will introduce new web-based materials in its popular "New Proclamation" preaching resource series and a CD-ROM, "Hermeneia." The first five volumes of a new Spanish-language Biblical commentary series, "Conozca su Biblia," will also be launched in spring 2006.

A new 2006 Vacation Bible School resource, "Gospel Express," has been introduced.

In October 2006 new worship resources, including a new worship book, "Evangelical Lutheran Worship," will be introduced. The 2005 Churchwide Assembly endorsed the ELCA worship project when it met this past August in Orlando, Fla.

---
Information about Augsburg Fortress is available at www.augsburgfortress.org on the web.

ELCA News in Brief
For full stories, visit www.elca.org .

‘Davey And Goliath's Snowboard Christmas' on DVD
The ELCA and Starlight Home Entertainment, Inc., Los Angeles, will release "Davey and Goliath's Snowboard Christmas" Nov. 15 on DVD. The one-hour, stop-motion animation special is the 2005 Aurora Award "Best of Show" winner and a 2005 Telly Award finalist.

"Through the magic of stop-motion animation, we follow Davey and Goliath on an exciting snowboarding adventure. During the adventure, Davey learns some dazzling snowboard maneuvers and some very important lessons about the real meaning of Christmas, and about understanding and respect for people who are different than he is," said Kristi S. Bangert, director for marketing and interpretation, ELCA Communication Services.

A property of the ELCA, Davey and Goliath is a classic television series aired on commercial television in the 1960s and 1970s. The ELCA's mission with Davey and Goliath is to bring "moral and religious faith-based values to a new generation of children in lively and engaging ways."

Lutheran Men in Mission Takes First Steps in Three-Year Plans
The first meeting of the Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) board after the 2005 LMM Assembly and Gathering was a time of orientation and planning. Many of the board's four officers and nine regional representatives were new to their three-year positions when they met Oct. 21-23. They began planning the men's ministry of the ELCA for the next three years around the organization's three emphases: resources, events and young men's ministry.

The regional representatives agreed to contact at least one representative in each of the ELCA's 65 synods, who will take responsibility for distributing almost 90 Bibles to men in 15 congregations in the first months of 2006. Each "Master Builders Bible for Men" includes Bible study helps and a "Men's Ministry Leaders Supplement" – step-by-step guidelines LMM developed for starting or reviving a men's ministry in a congregation.

"We are going to target congregations that do not currently have a men's ministry and give about five to six Bibles to men's leaders in those congregations to help them start small-group Bible study, which hopefully will lead into activation or re-activation of men's ministry in their congregations," Rast said.

Pages 4-7 - LDR, Theological Conference

LDR Focuses on Long-Term Recovery
By Pastor Richard Spande

In September 2004 Freeborn and Mower counties received heavy rains and extensive flooding. When I went to the next synod council meeting and Bishop Usgaard asked about the damage in Albert Lea, I explained what was happening. He said, "LDR should be there too."

I was too embarrassed to tell him I didn't know what LDR was, although I assumed he wasn't referring to the Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation. (You have to be of a certain age to understand that reference, which I am.) I now know what LDR is and represent the synod at LDR meetings.  

What is LDR? It stands for Lutheran Disaster Response. In Minnesota, Lutheran Disaster Response is part of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.  

How does LDR differ from the Red Cross and the Salvation Army? This is an important question. The goal of the Red Cross and the Salvation Army is to relieve immediate suffering. LDR also works to relieve immediate suffering, but it focuses more on long-term recovery. But because long-term recovery doesn't make headlines, LDR doesn't generate the big news stories the other organizations do, which makes fundraising more difficult. What the Red Cross and Salvation Army do is great, but the job is not done when they leave. That's where LDR comes in.  

In Freeborn and Mower counties, LDR provided funds for our interfaith groups to hire a caseworker for 6 months. She helped people receive their FEMA benefits. She gave emotional support and provided guidance on clean-up and rebuilding. Under the direction of LDR, our interfaith groups were able to access funds from various denominations. These funds were then turned over to victims according to the policies established by the interfaith board.  

It is obvious that our disaster in Freeborn and Mower counties was infinitesimal compared to what is happening in Pakistan, Mexico, or New Orleans. I would not suggest my limited knowledge of relief work relates to such disasters except in one way. I know Lutheran Disaster Response will be there. Please support Lutheran World Relief, World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Lutheran Social Service in any way you are able.

For more information about Lutheran Disaster Response, visit www.elca.org/disaster/ or www.lssmn.org/disaster/index.html ; call 800-638-3522 (ELCA Churchwide – ask for Disaster Response) or 1-800-987-0061 (LSS Minnesota – ask for Disaster Response).

Camp Noah Needs Volunteers, Sponsors
"How can we help the children?" is a question many churches and organizations across the country have asked after seeing the disturbing images of destruction and trauma following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Since 1997 Camp Noah has been providing the unique gift of intentional outreach to assist children in their long journey of emotional and spiritual recovery following natural disasters. A program praised for its effectiveness in a 2004 study sponsored by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Camp Noah is a fun-filled, faith-based, week-long day camp for children kindergarten through sixth grades who have experienced disaster.

Camp Noah is being requested by numerous disaster-impacted communities as a means to help their children. In an effort to meet the needs of thousands of children, congregations and organizations across the country are being asked to help sponsor a week of Camp Noah for Summer 2006. Groups can provide the crucial volunteer leadership needed for a week and/or provide financial or in-kind support. To find out more about how your group can help provide a week long gift of healing and hope that will last a lifetime, visit www.campnoah.org, call 1-800-987-0061, or e-mail campnoah@lssmn.org . Group sponsorships are needed by December 15, 2005.

Camp Noah is a program owned and coordinated by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. It is offered in communities through partnerships with other faith based and secular partners. Camp Noah welcomes children from all religious backgrounds.

Mission Snowbird Trips Assist Florida Survivors
Thousands of people of the Southern United States hit by last fall's hurricanes continue to struggle to recover. That is why Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and its partners have decided to again work with the people in Charlotte County, Florida for the 2006 Mission Snowbird trips.

The three trips are scheduled to run Saturday – Saturday, January 21 to February 11, 2006. Minnesotans who are already planning to be in Florida and want to help are also encouraged to sign up to be a part of a team.

A downloadable bulletin insert is available at www.semnsynod.org .

For those who don't want to make the journey to Florida, there are opportunities to help support these mission trips by organizing "tool showers" in your congregations so volunteers can have the tools they need to do the jobs and so LDR in Minnesota has tools for future use after disasters.

If you are interested, please visit www.lssmn.org to find out more details about Mission Snowbird, or call Audrey Zellman at (651) 969-2289.

LSS also continues to encourage contributions to the ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.

Rostered, Lay Leaders Learn About Self-Care
Rev. Dr. Kirk Byron-Jones keynotes conference full of fellowship, learning, sabbath time
By Annie Lynsen

Addressing an audience of over 150 pastors, associates in ministry, lay staff, and their spouses at the Synod Theological Conference, the Rev. Dr. Kirk Byron Jones advised the audience to get in the back of the boat.

Referencing Mark 4:35-39, where Jesus is found sleeping in the back of the boat, Jones used the story to demonstrate that Jesus didn't do ministry at the breakneck pace today's clergy are expected to.

"When Jesus was in the back of the boat, he was NOT doing ministry," said Jones. He then referenced several other parts of the Bible which mention Jesus not actively engaged in ministry – when he was "walking along," "sitting by the well," "standing beside the lake," and when he "went home." Jones said we often miss these references, because they're followed by a comma and then talk of Jesus doing something.

"Observe the comma, not only in the Bible but in our lives," said Jones. "We miss the margins and the ‘back of the boat time' because we rush past the comma."

Jones encouraged those in attendance to take "back of the boat" time daily – time when they are not thinking about or doing ministry.

Jesus did not rush
He went on to address the story again, and noted that Jesus takes his time waking up when the disciples try to rouse him from his sleep. "Jesus does not rush into action," said Jones.

The rushed pace expected by our culture today, Jones said, is a form of self-violence. "It destroys our inner capacity for peace," he said. "It's violence to God's gift of body, God's gift of soul."

He said we are carried away by today's pace because of cultural, organizational, and personal forces that conspire together.

To help pace their lives more moderately, Jones challenged participants to live at a "savoring" pace; in other words, living at a pace that gives you a chance to savor life. He also challenged them to take time each morning to simply be still, as Jesus tells the storm to be in the Bible.

The author of several books on clergy self-care, Jones wowed the audience of the synod Theological Conference with his energy, boisterousness, and sense of humor. More information is available at www.savoringpace.com and www.brewseries.com .

Other highlights
Other highlights of the Theological Conference included the bishop's reception Sunday night, when participants had a chance to enjoy wine and cheese provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Following the bishop's reception and dinner, Bishop Usgaard showed the short documentary, "If There Were No Lutherans, Would There Still Be Green Jell-O?" featuring Pastor Steve Molin of Stillwater, Minnesota. The documentary showcased the many creative and humorous signs Molin has put in front of his church, including:

"In eternity only three things matter – location, location, location"

"Moses was a basket case in denial"

"Packer fans: counseling available here"

"Pastor Steve preaching Sunday – what's your sleep number?"

"Open Sundays for your convenience."

Molin spoke briefly about how the signs have been an important outreach ministry for his congregation. Over 8,800 cars pass that sign every day, and many people have written to the church and said how they enjoy the signs.

"The signs send a message of hospitality and not taking ourselves so seriously," said Molin. "The reputation among the unchurched community is that Christians are a boring group of people. We can send a message that there's laughter, love, tolerance, acceptance…and that while what we do is serious, we don't always take ourselves so seriously."

Following Molin's talk, Bishop Usgaard addressed those in attendance. He thanked them for their overwhelming response to Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief in the wake of recent natural disasters.

He also talked about the 2006 Synod Assembly, announcing that Prof. Craig Koester will be doing the keynote, and the focus will be on Bible study. In addition to Koester's keynote, the bishop announced he'd like local rostered leaders to lead several Bible studies at the Assembly, and invited rostered leaders in attendance to volunteer to do so.

Usgaard also noted recent and pending issues in the synod's companion synods in Tanzania and Colombia, and asked participants to remember them in prayer.

Finally, Usgaard thanked Annie Lynsen for her four years of service as the synod's communications director – which was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd. Lynsen will be starting a new position with the Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs Nov. 21.

Another highlight of the conference was an annotated hymn sing led by Luther Seminary Professor Gracia Grindal. Grindal led participants through several classic Lutheran hymns, and explained the history behind them, after which participants sang the hymns together.

There Are Some Issues On Which We All Agree
There are some issues on which we can all agree. During these past years, the bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have not been able to find agreement on some very important issues. Often those differences have reflected similar differences held by many members of the church. But there are some issues on which I hope we can all agree.

Today, every bishop of the ELCA has signed on to a letter urging members of the U.S. Congress to oppose attempts to move forward on what is called a budget reconciliation package. This package, in the name of reconciling the budget deficit, would bind Congress to make permanent cuts in economic assistance to our most vulnerable citizens. Programs affected would include Food Stamps, Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

The budget reconciliation proposal would decrease assistance to millions of low-income families, children, elderly and people with disabilities...and at the same time make permanent tax breaks for those who don't need them. All of this during a time when even more people in our country have found themselves in need due to natural disasters.

Last spring, during our Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly, voters overwhelmingly passed a resolution that reads in part, "be it further resolved that this synod, through its bishop...take a public stand during the current debate about taxes and spending priorities in support of a public policy position with respect to the poor that calls upon those with greater resources to make greater sacrifices...in order that poor not be asked to sacrifice further."

"Blessed are the poor," our Lord reminds us. "Blessed are those who hunger." I believe there are some issues on which we can...and need to...agree.

Shalom,

Harold Usgaard
Bishop