Category Archives: River Crossings

Synod News – May 2013

News and information from around the synod. Follow Along with the Synod Assembly For those who cannot attend the 2013 Synod Assembly, there are several opportunities to follow along: News stories will be posted throughout the assembly at semnsynod.org/assembly Follow … Continue reading

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ELCA News

For full stories and more, visit www.ELCA.org/news ELCA concludes its earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has concluded its relief and recovery efforts in Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake – the most powerful to strike … Continue reading

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Fruits of the Spirit: A visual reminder

By Stephanie Hulscher Grace Lutheran Church, Waseca When the Education Team of Grace Lutheran Church, Waseca, Minn., decided to change the format of their traditional Sunday school hour, an opportunity for volunteers to create mission events was presented. The Mission … Continue reading

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Synod Assembly Updates – May 2013

Always being made new. 2013 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly June 7-8 | Mayo Civic Center | Rochester, MN Pre-Assembly Report The Pre-Assembly Report is the publication of all necessary information for the Synod Assembly including: Assembly Rules Helpful information for attending … Continue reading

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Snippets – May 2013

News, events, tips, and tricks from your synod ministry partners Book of Faith: Living Into & Out of Our BOF The “Living Into and Out of Our Book of Faith” series this Snippet was announcing has been cancelled.  Campus Ministry: … Continue reading

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Addressing the Bullying in Our Midst

On April 14, dozens of people from around southeastern Minnesota gathered at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kasson, Minn., to listen, learn, and have conversation about bullying. The keynote presenter, licensed therapist Adam Arnold, pictured at left, was the keynote presenter. … Continue reading

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Walk on Water, Let God Do Great Things

By Ann Peterson Synod Vice President Shortly before the start of my term as Synod Vice President, I was part of a study group in my congregation using John Ortberg’s book If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got … Continue reading

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Making God Part of Everything We Do

By Rev. Harold Usgaard Synod Bishop This year I am joining other ELCA bishops in a “Journey of Renewal.” Our coaches define it as an attempt to “live intentionally, centered, and well – for the sake of ministry. Wellness is … Continue reading

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God Calls Us to Do Justice

By Larry Iverson Synod Minister He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 During … Continue reading

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Ideas for Encouraging Summer Worship

By Karen Gieseke Synod Children, Youth, & Family Ministry Coordinator As summer approaches, schedules often shift as we are drawn to experience God’s creation out of our homes and into the sunshine. In our congregations, schedules often shift, too, as … Continue reading

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Call Update – May 2013

A monthly update of congregations in the call process and changes in the synod’s roster of leaders and congregations. Call Update – Self Study: Austin, St. Olaf – senior (William Odermann, interim) Dennison, Dennison & Vang – solo (2-point) (Terje … Continue reading

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Resolved to Reimagine Confirmation

“Monkey business.” That’s what Martin Luther called confirmation in his day, as well as “fanciful deception” and “mumbo-jumbo.” Despite his critique that it had no scriptural basis and it was being used to change the meaning of baptism, it is … Continue reading

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Suggestions for World Malaria Day (April 25, 2013)

Announce that you will be observing World Malaria Day (observed in congregations on April 28) Invite the congregation to give to the ELCA Malaria Campaign (www.ELCA.org/malaria) Pray for those affected by malaria (worship ideas at www.ELCA.org/malaria) Share ELCA Malaria Campaign … Continue reading

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Synod News – April 2013

News and information from around the synod. April 30 Deadline to Meet Our Goal Each year Portico Benefit Services primary care health insurance plan members are asked to complete an short online health assessment. The benefit to our congregations is … Continue reading

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