Monthly Archives: January 2012

Shaping, Sharing, and Passing on Faith

By Barb Peterson Shaping, sharing and passing on faith is what we are called to do as Christians. Just as church festivals, seasons, and worship invite us to recall God’s creative ongoing action, we find that in Bible scripture God’s … Continue reading

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Book Review: The Wisdom of PIXAR

By Karen Gieseke Synod Children, Youth, & Family Ministry Coordinator PIXAR movies are created for kids of all ages, adult kids too. Whether a fan of Toy Story, Finding Nemo, or Cars, each story brings to life the characters as they … Continue reading

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In Memory of Rev. Leon Holtan

January 10, 2012 Dear Friends, Word has been received in the synod office of the death of the Reverend Leon O. Holtan, 95, on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. A memorial service will be held at West St. Olaf Lutheran Church, … Continue reading

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Synod News – January 2012

News and information from around the synod. 2012 Communicators Retreat Feb. 2-3 Publisher or Pinterest, bulletins or broadcast, newsletters or news releases – if you’re involved in communication in your congregation, come join us for the annual Synod Communicators Retreat. … Continue reading

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ELCA News

For full stories and more, visit www.ELCA.org/news Presiding bishop says ELCA is deeply rooted in God’s mission In his report to the Church Council of the ELCA, Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson said that the ELCA is “a church deeply rooted … Continue reading

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Resolution Writing Guide

Resolutions for consideration at the 2012 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly should be submitted to the synod office by March 15, 2012. For a guide on who may submit a resolution, how to write a resolution, and what happens with a … Continue reading

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Snippets – January 2012

News, events, tips, and tricks from your synod ministry partners Women of the ELCA: Spring Event Dates Women, it is time to mark your calendars for the Conference Spring Events. Your convener needs to know the contact person at your church … Continue reading

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The Holy Spirit Is Blowing at Messiah, N. Mankato

By Rev. Kristen Venne Messiah Lutheran Church, North Mankato It is pretty quiet around Messiah Lutheran Church, North Mankato, on Wednesdays until about 4:00 p.m. when people start arriving. Then things start jumping as Wednesday Night Ministries begin gearing up. … Continue reading

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Councils as Leaders: Congregational Toolkit

Rostered leaders and congregational council members are invited to the 2012 Southeastern Minnesota Synod’s Councils as Leaders in the Church event. This year’s gathering will be held on March 11 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minn., 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 … Continue reading

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The Covenant of Holy Baptism

By Rev. Harold Usgaard Synod Bishop The Baptism of our Lord comes the first Sunday after Epiphany. It is a time to reflect not only on Jesus’ baptism, but also our own. As Lutherans, we believe that is where our … Continue reading

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Imagine a Plan, a Goal, and a Hope for 2012

By Rev. Linda Gunderson Synod Minister It is now 2012. What does your congregation have planned for this year? What are leaders looking forward to? Is there anticipation as you trust God will be up to something in your lives … Continue reading

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Congregations as Emergency Rooms

By Rev. Peter Reuss Synod Mission Developer As Jon walked through the sliding doors, his eyes scanned the room. The Emergency Room waiting area overflowed with coughing, aching, and bleeding people. He gingerly walked up to the receptionist who looked … Continue reading

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Call Update – January 2012

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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“Excelling in Mission” Conversations Continue

In the fall of 2011, approximately 430 rostered and lay leaders from around the synod gathered at four separate gatherings to discuss the topic of “Excelling in Mission…A Generous Undertaking.” Resources from the events and examples from synod congregations are … Continue reading

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