Monthly Archives: August 2011

In Memory of Rev. Norman Estrem

August 9, 2011 Dear Friends, Word was received last week of the death July 29, 2011 of the Reverend Norman K. Estrem. Burial took place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on August 2nd and a memorial service was held at … Continue reading

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Money Management – 7/14/11

On Thursday, July 14, 2011 the Synod Communicators group gathered at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville, MN to talk about issues regarding money in the church. Deborah Ann Norrie from the synod office joined us to share her expertise. (Note that most … Continue reading

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Church Management Software – 05/12/11

On Thursday, May 12, 2011 the Synod Communicators group gathered at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elkton, MN to talk about databases and church management software. The following systems were used by people at the meeting: Servant Keeper (Wendy at … Continue reading

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Synod News – August 2011

News and information from around the synod. Excelling in Mission…A Generous Undertaking Dates for the synod’s annual fall conversations with clergy and lay leaders have been set: Thursday, September 22 Thursday, October 6 Thursday, October 20 Tuesday, November 1 Pastors … Continue reading

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ELCA News

For full stories and more, visit www.ELCA.org/news ELCA Members Remain Hopeful in Minot Flood Disaster The buildings of some Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations in Minot, N.D., have been flooded, as have the homes of many members. Yet ELCA … Continue reading

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Visiting Bishops Share Current Projects & Hopes for Future

By Kathy Bolin Synod Global Mission/Companion Synods Coordinator What is exciting about the church in your country? This was the question that Bishop Martínez and Bishop Sima were asked at the Global Mission Companion Synods Committee meeting in May during … Continue reading

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Hospitality Beyond the Coffee Cup, a Biblical Approach

2011 Fall Theological Conference By Wendy Anderson Theological Conference Planning Committee Dr. Amy G. Oden will be the keynote speaker at the 2011 Bishop’s Theological conference November 6-8 at the Radisson Hotel in LaCrosse, Wis. The theme this year is … Continue reading

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Coming Up at the 2011 Churchwide Assembly

This and more at www.ELCA.org/assembly Over 1,000 voting members, visitors, and volunteers will gather in Orlando on August 15-19 for the 2011 Churchwide Assembly under the theme, “Freed in Christ to Serve.” Many of the participants look forward to worship … Continue reading

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Meet Ann Peterson, New Synod Vice President

By Ann Peterson Synod Vice President What a privilege to greet you as your new synod vice president! Since my election at the Synod Assembly in May, both synod staff and council members have welcomed me warmly. A special word … Continue reading

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Let God Take Care of the “Samara”

By Rev. Harold Usgaard Synod Bishop “Samara” is its proper horticultural name. These are the seeds that maple trees so generously share with everyone in the neighborhood. When I was young, we referred to them as “helicopter” seeds. As an … Continue reading

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Marks of a Missional Congregation: Mercy & Justice

By Rev. Linda Gunderson Synod Minister The central mark of a missional congregation remains constant – Resurrection: A missional congregation lives in the power of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. In the Risen Christ all things are possible. … Continue reading

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A Liturgical Journey Through the Seasons

By Bob Tewes, AIM Synod Partner in Evangelical Worship As the Music Director of my congregation, much of my summer is spent dreaming, re-familiarizing myself with the lectionary for the upcoming year, and making plans for how we will make … Continue reading

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Call Update – August 2011

A monthly update of congregations in the call process and changes in the synod’s roster of leaders and congregations. Call Update – Self Study: Adams, Little Cedar & Marshall – solo (2-point) (Margaret Pleiss-Sipppola, Interim) Bricelyn, Bricelyn & North Blue Earth – … Continue reading

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Working ‘Hand in Hand’ with Missionaries

In the ELCA Hand in Hand Global Mission blog, missionaries share what they have learnd: the joy a young boy in the United Kingdom can find in an educational card game, the leadership skills a teenage Palestinian girl learned through her … Continue reading

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