Download - Making Christ Known -- April 2012
newal, raising up leaders of all ag-es, inspiring and equipping people to discover what God is up to in their daily lives, and building bridg-es across the differences that di-vide. We know there are stories to be shared across the synod, where risks are being taken in the name of Jesus, where people are getting out of their comfort zone, and being led
by the Holy Spirit to try new things.
We know it is not good to be lone rangers, as pastors or lay leaders, nor as congregations or synods. So let us keep reaching out across the many divides of fear and isolation. Let us keep reaching out in faith, trusting the Risen Christ is already along the road bridging the chasms that separate us from one another. That is the Good News after all, the God has come in Jesus Christ to
reconcile the world unto himself.
In Luke 24 Jesus appears to the disciples along the road to Em-maus. He is made known in the breaking of bread. We know that truth most centrally and powerfully in the Holy Eucharist, the weekly shared meal of Christ’s followers. We experience it also in meals with one another, eating that shapes community and build bridges of friendship and understanding. My hunch is there are many, many ways that a Eucharistic Easter peo-ple, sent as lambs into the midst of wolves, could build bridges toward peace, mutual respect and civility in a world fractured and forsaken by others. We have the promise that Christ goes with us, as the hymn says, the Unknown Companion
walks with his own.
Day of arising, Christ on the roadway,
Unknown companion walks with his own.
When they invite him, as fades the first day,
And bread is broken, Christ is made known.
No 374 Evangelical Lutheran
Worship
As we celebrate the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection, my mind reaches back to early March when about 50 people from across the synod met in Kansas City for a Leadership Retreat led by Pat Taylor Ellison of Church Innovations. We began by Dwell-ing in the Word using Luke 10:1-12 and asking the question, “How can we live more intentionally into our four missional directions?” People shared insights, told sto-ries, listened deeply to one anoth-er. What emerged was the priority need of building bridges across
the differences that divide.
It is in Luke 10 that Jesus says I
send you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Brenna Truhe, one of our youth Synod Council members, noticed that while we look upon the scariness of those words and how vulnerable the lambs may be, lambs and wolves are both mammals. We may see the differences, but there is also a deep bond, a commonality be-tween them. They are both of God’s creation. And, as scary as the environment may be, Jesus did send the disciples out, like lambs
in the midst of wolves.
In the face of differences our first inclination may be to pull back, to withdraw into the safety of a close knit community. The culture around us may include neighbors who are greatly different from us, who look different, think different, act different. We may not know how to engage the neighbor, what to say, how to connect, where to meet. But not to live with some intentionality in getting to know the other leaves us isolated and more prone to suspicion and operating with assumptions. It happens among the neighbors on the block where I live, as well as with most congregations nestled in their own communities. It also happens among us, between the various
cultures within this synod.
So Building Bridges emerged as the missional direction with the most urgency, priority, and felt need. And we began looking for all the ways in which we are already living into these four missional directions of igniting spiritual re-
From the Bishop
CENTRAL STATES SYNOD, ELCA
21 N. 12th St., Suite 210
Kansas City, KS 66102
Voice: 913-948-9701
Toll-free: 866-915-3548
Fax: 913-948-9707
www.css-elca.org
Inside this issue:
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN
April 2012 Number 221
Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt
Peace, Joplin update ...... page 2 Bethany College, Fund Appeal ........................... page 3 Missional Church, Wartburg Seminary. ..................... page 4 GMG, Boundary Workshops, VBS ............................. page 5 Assembly, PMA Convo ... page 6 Tomah Shinga, Lutheran Summer Music ............ page 7 LMM, Hollis, Portico ....... page 8 Women’s News, Youth ... page 9 Around the Synod ......... page 10 Parishes in Transition, Synod Calendar, LST ............. page 11 Companion Synod Team, Global Links ........................... page 12
Inserts/Flyers: LPG; Rethinking Stewardship; Funding the Mis-sion; “Being Well when We’re Ill”; Associated Mennonite Bible Seminary Flyers
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
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In the Synod Office …
Bishop The Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt [email protected]
Bishop’s Associates Rev. Len Dale [email protected]
Rev. Dr. Janice Kibler [email protected]
Rev. John Kreidler [email protected]
Assistants to the Bishop Mr. Dan Glamann [email protected]
Support Staff Ms. Sandy Van Tuyl [email protected]
Deployed Staff Ms. Joyce “JP” Palmer Director Lutheran Planned Giving 816-204-5181 [email protected]
Ms. Paula Kitt Mission Investment Fund, ELCA 913-486-4801 [email protected]
Employee Assistance Pro-gram (EAP) provided by
CIGNA. Go to www.cignabehavioral.com
for more information.
Making Christ Known A publication of the Central States
Synod
Published monthly by the Central States Synod, ELCA. Deadline for submission of materials is the 15th of the month for the subse-quent issue. News may be di-rected to Dan Glamann, Email: [email protected]. Permission is granted to ELCA congregations and members to reproduce any portion of this newsletter.
On the Road BY PATTY HEAGEL, CONGREGATIONAL PRESIDENT — PEACE LUTHERAN, JOPLIN
A few days ago I read an article in the Joplin Globe. We were told that over $300 million worth of building permits have been taken out since May 22. Amazing! Or is it? Joplin has a resilient spirit….and so does Peace Lutheran. While we at Peace have not taken out a
building permit yet, that does not mean we have not been busy.
Peace Lutheran faced a crossroads before the tornado. We knew our part time pastor would be leaving at the end of the year. We had organized a call committee in hope of obtaining a full time pastor. Would our finances support a pas-tor and our mortgage? We
didn’t know, but we had faith.
And now in the shadow of a powerful tornado, we have a chosen road. We are blessed with a full time pastor – a spiritual leader – who has helped us look in the mirror and define who we are as a people of God. We have created a vision of how we may contin-ue to serve those with needs. We are now with the Building Committee defining all of this into a new home for Peace. Yes, we are
busy, too.
Have we taken the right path? I think so. How do I know? I know because God is with us and he continues to send his servants to be with us. I know because of the wonderful Peter Mayer Benefit Concert and the gracious-ness of Bethany Presbyterian. I know because a church that has recently chosen to close its doors has sent a sizable donation for pews so that our doors may be open. I know be-cause of all the wonderful donations, prayers and beautiful thoughts. God is with us, so
let’s keep working!
‘Praise on the Parking Lot’ Observing the one-year anniversary of the Joplin Tornado BY PR. KATHY REDPATH, PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
All are invited! Peace is planning to hold worship on Sunday, May 20 at 20th and Wisconsin in Joplin. We're calling it "Praise on the Parking Lot" and it will be our regular worship service at 9:30 with an emphasis on laying aside the sorrows of the past year and turning intentionally to the future. We'd like to invite everyone to join us who might be able to at-tend.
There will be a simple hot dog/hamburger lunch and fellowship following worship. We're hoping to find live music ...we're lining up a tent and chairs...and we plan to
have the “well-traveled” Joplin Cross and journal for display. Plans are just in the beginning stages … We'd love to have you join us!
Preparing for worship — May 29, 2011.
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
Bethany College President honored by William Jewell
College for achievements
LINDSBORG, KAN., March 19, 2012—Bethany College President Edward F. Leonard III, Ph.D., was honored by William Jewell College for his distinguished achievements at the Alumni Celebration of
Achievements on March 1 in Liberty, Mo.
Four alumni of William Jewell were hon-ored. On Thursday, they attended a dinner and address by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin, who wrote “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” On Friday, the honorees attended classes and a special convoca-
tion.
“It’s a humbling experience because I re-member my first Achievement Day as a freshman,” said Leonard. “I got to know an Achiever as a sophomore, attended my first Achievement Day dinner as a junior, and helped coordinate the event as alumni director. I am proud to come back now as an
honoree.”
Leonard is also a member of the Wil-liam Jewell College Athletic Hall of
Fame.
Leonard began as Bethany’s 13th president on August 1, 2007. He came to Bethany from Wilmington College in Wil-mington, Ohio, where he served as vice president of college advancement for nine years. In addition to his past experiences in higher education and the corporate world, Leonard has taught business ethics, man-
agement, and marketing classes as an
adjunct professor at numerous colleges.
Leonard is active in his profession and community, currently serving as chair of the Council of College & University Presidents of the Evangelical Luther-an Church in America, chair of the board of directors for the Associ-ated Colleges of Central Kansas, vice chair of the Kansas Independent College Association, vice chair of the Kansas Independent College Financing Authority, and member of the board of directors for the Swe-
dish Council of America.
In the community, Dr. Leonard serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the International Chess Institute of the Mid-west, member on the board of directors and executive committee for the Birger
Sandzén Memorial Gallery Foundation, member of the City of Lindsborg’s Sister City Committee, and volunteer with Lindsborg’s Cub Scout Pack and Wavemak-
ers swim team.
Leonard holds a bachelor’s in philosophy from William Jewell College, a master’s from St. Louis University, and a doctorate in educational administration from the Univer-sity of Missouri-Kansas City. Leonard and his wife, Sheila, have two sons, Quade and
Thomas, and their dog, Sandy.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ameri-ca. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at
www.bethanylb.edu.
Changed by Love, Sent in Love to Serve
Shaping the Church for God’s Mission The Central States Synod Mission Fund Appeal
The Gifts of the Widow: Mark 12:43 “…this poor widow has given more than all others…” and The Macedonian Churches: II Corinthians 8:3 “…they gave not only what they could afford
but far more. And they did it of their own free will.”
In this challenging economic environment, we are closing in on the one million dollar mark. We are pleased to share with you that a total of $857,327.66 has been com-mitted to the appeal as of this date. This figure represents $766,043.00 in pledges and $91,284.66 in outright gifts. Total gifts and pledges received thus far amount to $444,417.26.
Most importantly, the Changed by Love, Sent in Love, to Serve – Shaping the Church for God’s Mission Fund Appeal is already at work. Our participation in God’s mission is being strengthened in significant ways, including support already given for these ministries: Campus ministries in St. Louis, University of Kansas, and Kansas State; Iglesia Luterana de La Resurrecćion, Garden City, Kan.; ELCA Malar-ia Campaign; and a new cluster of congregations in Partnership for Missional Church
We are also able with confidence to plan for congregational starts in ethnic specific com-munities and engage in new ministries because we know people are responding positive-ly to this fund appeal. With the encouragement of the Spirit at work in the Body of Christ, we lean and live into our missional directions: Igniting spiritual renewal; Building bridges across the differences that divide society; Raising up leaders of all ages for the Church; and Inspiring and equipping people to discover what God is up to in their lives. For a complete listing of gifts and pledges, please go to: http://css-elca.org/shaping-the-church/donor-recognition/
BY STEPHANIE MCDOWELL, DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNICATIONS
Bethany College President Edward F. Leonard III at the Alumni Celebration of Achievements at William Jewell College (photo courtesy of Kyle Rivas, Wil-liam Jewell campus photographer)
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
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From Wartburg Theological Seminary Missional Church Convocation 2012
July 26-28, 2012 — Chicago What is desperately needed in today’s world is not new worship, but a rediscov-ery of the rich meaning and formative power of Christian worship. The fellow-ship of praise and thanksgiving to the creator, savior, and sustainer of all that exists has the potential to shape faith communities in ways that are life-giving and transformative -- in redemptive con-trast to the attitudes and behaviors of current culture.
Debra Dean Murphy will stimulate lively reflection and learning in community as participants worship, learn, discuss, re-flect on Scripture in context, share meals
and conversation for two days.
Bible study of the Psalms, the church’s “school of prayer,” will reinforce the vision of worship as a vigorous engagement with God’s redemptive mis-sion in a rebellious world.
For more information: www.missionalchurch.org/pg/convo.html
Luther Academy of the Rockies June 18 - 28, 2012 Wartburg Theological Seminary invites YOU to join with us for 10 days of learning, recreation, and renewal for ministry at our annual LUTHER ACADEMY OF THE ROCKIES. Addressing, in their own unique ways, the theme "Reading, Teaching, and Preaching the Biblical Message in the 21st Century," speakers Dr. Paul Scott Wilson, Dr. Stan Olson, and Dr. Ann Fritschel will stimulate participants' minds and spirits in the morning. Afternoons will be free time for participants to enjoy the many recreational opportunities awaiting them in the beautiful Estes Park area. Evenings will be filled with optional social and/or educational activities for individuals and families.
Learn More | Printable Brochure/Registration | Register Online
Upcoming Events
Tri-State Forum The Tri-State Forum presents an opportunity to bring together pas-tors, ministry professionals, and others interested in lifelong learn-ing, growth, and collegial fellow-ship. The annual forum series fea-tures five day-long lectures. With 5 contact hours per event, .5 CEUs (continuing education units) are available. Individual lecture cost is $50 per lecture (Retired Rate: $35/lecture). The date and presenter for the remaining lecture this academic year is:
April 26, 2012 – Rev. Dr. Stanley N. Olson
Email the LifeLong Learners Office at Wartburg Theological Seminary for more information: [email protected] .
Women of the ELCA Bible Study Seminar May 21-22, 2012
The theme of this year’s Women of the ECLA Bible Study Seminar is "Gathered by God." The speaker will be Rev. Dr. Audrey West. Email the LifeLong Learners Office at Wartburg Theological Seminary for more information: [email protected] .
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
Be sure to “Like”
Central States
Synod on
Just search “Central
States Synod” or click the
logo above.
Vacation Bible School Mission Program is ready to order or
download right now.
This program is designed to use along with your regular VBS program this summer
or as a stand-alone VBS program!
This year, the Society of St. Andrew introduces “It’s A Miracle!”
as our Vacation Bible School mission program. Each day of VBS,
your students will be introduced to one of
Jesus’ miracles; from feeding the multitudes
to cleansing the lepers. Included in your
VBS packet are student sheets containing a
short scripture story, facts about hunger
and the SoSA ministry, Go Green statistics,
mission adventure opportunities, and a pen-
cil activity. We also include song sugges-
tions, craft ideas, and yummy snack choices
for each day of your VBS that compliment
the “Miracle of the day!” All of the pages are
reproducible, so you can make as many cop-
ies as you have students. This year, make the Society of St. An-
drew’s Potato Project your VBS mission. Our complete VBS program
is free of charge and there’s no obligation.
You can order your packet by emailing The Rev. Jennifer Vestal
Moore at [email protected] or call (800-333-4597.)
Boundary Workshops set for May 2012 Boundary Workshops will be held at three different sites in May. Barbara Keller, ELCA consultant for misconduct prevention, will be leading our time together as she provides an overview of misconduct prevention, address-es particular concerns regarding social networking, and helps us talk through ministry with sex offenders. These workshops are for all Pas-tors, Associates in Ministry, Diaconal Ministers and Parish Ministry
Associates in the Central States Synod.
The Boundary Workshops will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m. at the following locations:
● May 8 Lutheran Church of the Living Christ — Florissant, Mo.
● May 9 Atonement Lutheran Church — Overland Park, Kan.
● May 10 Redeemer Lutheran Church — Salina, Kan.
Information & registration, go to http://css-elca.org/for-leaders/boundary-workshops-2012/
Announcing the 2012 ELCA Glocal Mission
Gathering in The Southeastern Iowa Synod
November 2-3, 2012 at Faith Lutheran Church
Clive, Iowa God's work in mission always propels us to encounter the neighbor, particularly in the stranger. ELCA Glocal Mission Gatherings equip us for God's work in today's global and local realities and their "glocal" inter-sections.
More information will be sent to congrega-tions in the coming weeks. For now, save the date. You will want to select a team to attend this event that will bring back tools and resources for local congrega-tions. Visit www.elca.org/globalevents for more information.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
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Central States Synod Assembly June 7-9, 2012 — Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan.
Registration and Pre-Assembly information have been posted to the synod website. Direct link: css-elca.org/about/synod-assembly.
WHEN / WHERE — The Central States Synod Assembly will be held June 7-9, 2012 at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. Please note the Assembly “officially” opens with worship on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and will close at or before noon on Saturday. Pre-Assembly workshops will be offered on Thursday afternoon for those who arrive early.
REGISTRATION MATERIALS -- Available NOW!
● Assembly Registration Online (payment by credit/debit card only)
● Assembly Registration Form (payment by check only)
● Housing/Meals Registration Form
NOMINATIONS due May 7, 2012
COMMITTEE, TEAMS, BOARDS reports are due April 16, 2012
RESOLUTIONS DEADLINE due April 23, 2012 -- if pertaining to Assembly busi-ness, no later than May 30, 2012.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE Early registration due May 7, 2012 (if not paid by May 7, add $30 per registration)
DISPLAY TABLES forms and payment due May 7, 2012
PRE-ASSEMBLY WORKSHOPS are available on Thursday afternoon and will be offered at 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. The opportunities are first come, first served. For a listing of the workshops click WORKSHOPS. To make sure you get into the work-shop or activity you’d like, please pre-register at WORKSHOP REGISTRATION.
PMA Convocation April 27-28, 2012
Lenexa, Kan.
Facilitator: Sonja Sandquist
This will be a time of spiritual renewal with the theme,
“Claiming God’s/My Story.”
The 2012 PMA Convo will be held on April 27 and 28 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at 12601 West 95th Street, Lenexa, Kansas. (http://www.cplenexa.com)
Join us for a time of spiritual re-newal with the theme, “Claiming God’s/My Story” with facilitator Sonja Sandquist. The Convo schedule and registration form will be available in the next few weeks.
All PMAs, PMAP students, poten-tial PMAP students, PMAT pas-tors, supervising pastors, and pas-tors with PMAs in their congrega-tions are welcome to attend the Convo. Spouses (or others travel-ing with attendees) are welcome to stay at the hotel and join the Con-vo for Friday dinner and/or Satur-day lunch.
The special group hotel room rate will be made available three days pre- (April 24-26, 2012) and three days post- (April 28-30, 2012) based upon hotel availability. (In order to secure this special rate, you must make reservations for these additional days via the regis-tration form and not directly through the hotel.) What a wonder-ful opportunity to spend additional time in Kansas City at a great loca-tion!
Plan now to attend!!
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Summer 2012 feels like it's here. And after the wonderful rain last week everything at camp is blooming and turning green. As God prepares the ground, plants and property–he is also preparing the hearts and minds of the staff who will be working with your chil-dren this summer. In late march we had a Challenge Course train-ing with those who will be working with the climbing wall and zip line. More importantly we have been able to call our staff, most of who grew up or spent time in the Lutheran congregations of Kansas. A place where we still seek more help is in the area of Health Care. We are searching for peo-ple who are nurses, doctors, EMTs, or have similar health back-ground. We are inviting them to spend a week sharing their gifts to help ensure that we provide the safest experience possible for the campers that come this sum-mer. If you, or someone you know would be interested in sharing a week of their summer doing this, please call John at 507.383.1803. Send your children, pray for our ministry, and watch as together we raise up leaders within the church! Peace, John Xavier Camp Tomah Shinga
Brochures for the 2012 season at Camp Tomah Shinga have been mailed to con-gregations. Be sure to register SOON at:
www.tomahshinga.com. (Minneapolis, MN) For 31 years, Lutheran Music Program has produced the Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM), a four-week resi-dential training and performance program for gifted high school students. The 2012 academy will be on the campus of Luther College in Decorah, IA, where more than 150 students in grades 8-12 will live together in a sup-portive community focused on musical excellence, faith formation, and per-sonal growth.
Both the youth who attend LSM and the congregations from which these students come ben-efit from investment and partici-pation, as evidenced by recently-released results of a comprehen-sive national research study and the rapid growth of partnerships with Lutheran colleges nation-wide.
Get Involved Lutheran Music Program seeks congregational partners to help identify talented young musicians for admission to the 2012 Lutheran Summer Mu-sic Academy & Festival by joining in the Young Musicians Partnership. The Young Musicians Partnership is a growing network of congregations who establish a local scholarship of at least $500 for students to attend LSM. In doing so, the congregation receives these benefits of partnership:
● 10% tuition discount for all member youth.
● 33% match (up to $500 from LSM) to the church's scholarship.
● Partner resources and a network of congregations committed to build-ing the next generation of church musicians.
Applications for LSM 2012 are currently being accepted in all instrument and vocal areas. For more information on Lutheran Music Program and the Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival, visit www.lutheransummermusic.org, email [email protected] or call the organization’s national offices in Minneapolis toll free at 888-635-6583.
The 2012 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival will take place
June 24 to July 22 on the campus of Luther College in Decorah, IA.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
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BY NORM SMITH, LMM
Lutheran Men in Mission’s (LMMs) Vision: For every man to have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through an effective men’s ministry in every congregation.
I have been absent from my writing of Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) activities the past few months for several reasons, but I wanted to write a short article about a LMM workshop that is being held in May, plus other activities. Please visit http://
www.lutheranmeninmission.org/ to see a full listing of LMM activities and meetings.
LMM will present a men’s ministry leadership session, Building Men for Christ Workshop that will be held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 5. It is a one day workshop to help church leaders develop and sustain a life-changing men’s ministry for their congregation that can impact all the men in the congregation, regardless where they are in their spiritual jour-ney. Teams of 2-4 from a congregation are encouraged to attend. Individuals are welcome as well. Topics include the following and more: 5 Types of Guys, Building a Men's Ministry Plan, The No Man Left Behind Model, Create Value, Capture Momentum, Sustain Change
and the I-GO strategy.
This workshop was the featured cover story in the latest Summer 2010 LMM Newsletter. It
can be found at www.lutheranmeninmission.org/resources/foundations.html
Workshop promotional and registration materials are available at www.lutheranmen.org Event\Building Men for Christ page. Registration is $69 and includes workshop manual, two resource books and lunch. Registration is free for pastors (male or female) when at-tending with at least two men from their church. Registration Deadline is April 28. There is
a $10 Discount if registered by April 14.
Building Men for Christ Workshop May 5, 2012 8:00 Gathering 8:30-5:00 Workshop
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
153 Cherry Hill Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.
If you have any questions about Lutheran Men in Mission Activities or would like additional information please look at our website at http://www.lutheranmeninmission.org/ or contact
me at 913-706-0291 or [email protected].
Join in the work and
fellowship!
Hollis Youth and Family Work Day will be Sunday, April 15 from noon to 5 p.m. A variety of work projects are planned. Spe-cifically, we will be painting the newly sided Welcome Center (so bring a paint brush) and we will be working on parts of the new Trails Project, making some of the trails at Hollis wider and easier to hike. Other projects will include cutting down some trees, splitting wood, clearing brush, weeding and gardening. We will end the day with a light supper at the Lodge. Please contact Hollis if you have any questions. Email: [email protected] or phone: 913-441-0451.
Our Chance For $36,000 Portico Benefit Services is offering us the opportunity to earn a 2% discount on ELCA health contributions again in 2012. Each congregation and organization in our synod will receive a 2% discount on health contributions if 65% of our eligible ELCA-primary plan members com-
plete the confidential Mayo Clinic Health Assessment BEFORE April 30.
In 2012 we could collectively save $36,000!
If you have ELCA-primary health coverage, this savings depends on you. Take the 2012 Mayo Clinic Health Assess-ment on the EmbodyHealth web portal at www.elcaforwellness.org January 1 – April 30. We’ll be one person closer to
65% participation, and you’ll earn $150 in your personal wellness account to offset out-of-pocket medical costs.
Learn more about the assessment at: https://www.elcabop.org/Home/UnderstandMyBenefits/Health/ELCAPrimary/HealthAssessment/
Overview.aspx. Or click the “Take It Now” button at the right.
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
Consider the Lilies In the book of Matthew, chapter 6, we read a little about “not worrying” We are ask to consider the beauty of nature around us and how splendid it all is without labor or spinning…at one point we are to look and see how the lilies of the field grow. How many times have we read this verse? How many of us have actually walked up to a field of lil-ies? One lily…an Easter lily is all I need to see…It has a really strong long stem with lots of leaves and holds a few white, trumpet shaped, fragrant blooms. For us as Christians, it represents life resurrected, victory over death, and the promise of eternity in the presence of our Lord.
There are many different kinds of lilies and some of them hold special meaning, like the Easter lily, others have been given notoriety and have been used as signs and symbols for an assortment of things…there is one in particular that I would like to point out: The water lily, part of the logo for the Women of the ELCA. The cross, the water, and the white water lily identify the women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as chil-dren of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God’s family, and full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rises out of that life-giving baptismal water. It is also a reminder of the mission of the church to “Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28: 19)
Back in Jesus’ day, lilies were up and blooming and beautiful. Jesus simply states that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. I believe that there are many Women of the ELCA who are up and blooming and beautiful. They are the ones who stay after everyone is gone and tidy up, they are the ones that finish the last piece on the quilt so it can get on the truck in time. They are the ones that put forth the hospitality when new folks enter the room. They are strong, they are volunteers, they are respected by others around them. These women have vision for their lives and seek new possibilities for service, new beginnings as they strive to make a difference in the world. Women of the ELCA are bold, bright, baptized, believers, who keep the faith by build-ing bridges, easing burdens, and loving the Lord with all their heart.
Consider the lilies how they grow…consider the women’s organization and how it grows…We tend our friendships with attention and care just as a gardener tends the lilies all in a row. We rely on God above for the strength and courage to carry on our mission and goals just as the lilies rely on the sunshine and rain to nourish and support them. We are ground-ed in the “Word of God” and strive to fulfill the calling that each and every one of us has from God above and… we grow. Each lily is here for a short blooming season…We have been blessed with life eternal. My prayer for us all this season is that we may rejoice and sing to the lord with all our hearts and be thankful for everything that God has given us! AMEN
Central States Women’s news BY SUSIE BORGSTROM, PRESIDENT
Stay connected! Synod Coordinator: Mindy Tillberg,
ELCA Youth Gathering Website: http://
www.elca.org/ELCA/Youth-Gathering.aspx
CSS webpage: http://css-elca.org/
ministries/youth/
ELCA Youth Gathering—Facebook
Central States Synod - 2012 ELCA Youth
Gathering on Facebook
Spring Trainings/Online Due to the lack of participation at our pre-vious workshops, the spring 2012 work-shops will be online meetings. You will have 3 opportunities to participate: Saturday, April 14 10am-Noon Sunday, April 22 1-3pm Saturday, April 28 10am-Noon
Watch for information about registering for
these online meetings.
Volunteers Needed On Thursday, July 19 we will be spending the morning together in worship and Bible
study. Volunteers are needed!
►Ushers (need 10) ►Communion Assistants (need 25) ►Musicians for prelude/postlude
►Small group leaders (need 74 adults )
Small group leaders will be asked to guide small group discussions and will receive detailed instructions onsite. Primary Lead-ers are asked to complete a form for eve-ryone in their group. If you would like to
download a fillable form CLICK HERE.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
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Around the synod . . .
Be sure to visit the Central States Synod web page for
Book of Faith
POSITIONS OPEN
Youth & Family Minister Peace Lutheran Church in Manhattan, Kansas is looking to fill the position of Youth & Family Minister. This is a full-time position. Requirements are a bachelors degree (preferably in a related area), mem-bership in a church, a passion for helping others to know Christ, and a willingness to work in a church setting. A full job descrip-tion is available by email to: [email protected]. We look to fill
this job by mid-summer.
Director of Family Ministries St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL, whose mission is “To be and make disciples for Christ in response to God’s grace,” is looking for a full-time Director of Children and Family Ministries. If you or someone you know would like more infor-mation about this great opportunity, please go to www.stjohns-springfield.org. Click on “ABOUT US” and then go to “Job Post-ings”. If interested, e-mail resume’, appli-cation, and three references to Pastor Sonnenberg at [email protected] by April 22.
Missouri launches Web site to help Missourians be pre-pared for tornadoes and severe storms Missouri StormAware Web site includes videos on sheltering and storm warning systems; stormaware.mo.gov also includes links to severe weath-er texting services to alert Missourians to severe weather in their area
JEFFERSON CITY – The State Emergency Management Agency today announced Missouri has launched a new Web site to help inform and pre-pare Missourians for severe weather. Stormaware.mo.gov includes de-tailed videos on how to take shelter in specific types of buildings, important information about tornado sirens and weather alert radios, and links to se-vere weather texting services that can alert people across Missouri to up-coming severe weather.
[Ed. Note: Even though this is a Missouri sponsored site, Missouri non-residents are also encouraged to visit for disaster preparedness.]
Missouri Regional Disaster Recovery Conferences set Join Gov. Jay Nixon and leaders from Missouri's faith-based and volunteer communities for a tremendous opportunity to advance our state's ability to
prepare for, and respond to, disasters. The Governor's Faith-Based & Community Service Partnership for Disaster Recovery will hold six regional conferences around the state from April 24 to May 4, and your participation is invited and encouraged. All conferences are from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. un-less otherwise noted and lunch will be provided.
April 24: Jefferson City; April 26: Cape Girardeau; April 27 (9-noon): Web-ster Groves; May 1: Springfield; May 3: Lee’s Summit; May 4: St. Joseph.
For more information and how to register for these free events, click Invita-tion to Disaster Response Meetings or visit the CSS Disaster Response web page.
Emergency Clean Up Buckets It is Spring and the country has already experi-enced hundreds of Spring storms. The supply of Emergency Clean up Buckets are running low. You can help by making clean up buckets and delivering them by May 1 to the Festival of Sharing office in Columbia, 3009 David Drive or in Kansas City the Heartland Presbytery office, 3210 Michigan Ave. (where our synod office used to be), Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. The list of items for this Church World Service Kit can be found on the Festival
of Sharing webpage — click HERE.
Looking for paraments ...
Presbyterian Manor of Salina is looking for paraments for their chapel. If you have some you no longer use and would be willing to share please contact Chaplain Mary Bridges at 785-643-4997 or [email protected] or mbridg-
11
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
SYNOD CALENDAR
April 6 Good Friday — Synod Office closed 10 Assembly Local Planning Group — Bethany College 11 Interim Pastors — Synod Office 14 Youth Ministry Spring Training — Online meeting 19 Lutheran/Episcopal Meeting — Grace & Holy Trinity 20-21 Candidacy Committee — Synod Office 22 Youth Ministry Spring Training — Online meeting 26 Tomah Shinga Board Meeting — Tomah Shinga 27-28 PMA Convo — Lenexa KS 28 Youth Ministry Spring Training — Online meeting
May 1-3 First Call Pastors — Atchison KS 8 Boundary Workshop — Living Christ, Florissant MO 9 Boundary Workshop — Atonement, Overland Park KS 10 Boundary Workshop — Redeemer, Salina KS 11 Synod Council Executive Committee — Synod Office 28 Memorial Day — Synod Office closed
Parishes in the Call Process (a) intentional interim/interim (b) developing congregational profile (c) interview phase (d) call pending
Area Ministry 3 Peace Parish: Belleville/Courtland/ Norway/Scandia, (a) Salina, St. John — lay rostered leader (c)
Area Ministry 5 Derby, Cross of Glory (c) Wichita, Good Shepherd (a)
Area Ministry 6 Topeka, Trinity (c)
Area Ministry 7 Liberty, Hosanna! (b)
Area Ministry 8 Nevada, St. Paul and Butler, St. Matthew (c)
Area Ministry 9 Camdenton, Our Savior (a) Russellville, Trinity (b)
Area Ministry 10 St. Ann, Shepherd of the Hills (b) St. Charles, Hope — associate (b) St. Louis, St. Thomas-Holy Spirit (a) Sullivan, Peace — part-time (a)
Lutheran School of Theology Easter 2012 Term—Courses for Laity and Clergy BY PR. KEITH & PENNY HOLSTE, CO-DIRECTORS
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Psalms, Discipleship and the American Dream
Instructor: Dr. Clint McCann, Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Seminary.
It is offered six Tuesdays, 7:00-9:30 p. m., April 10, 17 & 24, May 1, 8, & 15, at St. George’s Episcopal/St. Mark Lutheran Churches, 105 East “D” Street, Belleville, Illinois
62220. The tuition is $81.00.
THIS IS WHAT WE BELIEVE!? How We Got the Creeds and Are They Still Necessary?
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Warren Crews of Eden Theological Seminary.
This class is offered at Christ Lutheran Church, 1 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, Mis-souri 63119 on six Tuesdays: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29. The tui-
tion is $81.00.
A FRESH LOOK AT THE SERVICE OF WORD AND SACRAMENT: What Principles Guide Worship and How Can the Theater Arts Serve Them?
A one-day workshop by Tom Poelker, theatrical director and liturgical minister.
It will be offered at Unity Lutheran Church, 8454 Glen Echo Drive, Bel-Nor, Missouri 63121 on Thursday, May 10. Registration and refreshments: 8:30 a. m. Workshop: 9:00
a. m. – 2:00 p. m.
The workshop tuition is $40 which includes lunch.
More information and Registration online at www.lststl.org. Or register by phone at 314-725-9710 or by mail at LST,
6325 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63110.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2012
12
April 2012
New Orleans: 100 Wells Challenge at ELCA Youth Gather-ing in July — Just $2500 could build a well that provides clean water for up to 500 families. The 100 Wells Challenge allows youth of the Evangelical Lu-theran Church in Ameri-ca (ELCA) across the
country to make a difference by raising $250,000 to build 100 wells or support water projects where they are needed most. See www.elca.org/ELCA/Youth-Gathering/Planning-for-the-Gathering/
Gathering-Offerings/100-Wells.aspx.
Observe World Malaria Day on April 29 — The ELCA has com-mitted to raise $15 million to join hands with 11 African companion churches in the global effort to prevent, treat and contain malaria by 2015. World Malaria Day is Wednesday, April 25, so consider ob-serving it in your congregation on Sunday, April 29, with a special offering. Order offering envelopes, brochures and more by visiting www.elca.org/resources and click the ELCA Malaria Campaign tab
on the left.
South Sudan: Coordinating a response in the midst of disaster Michael Mading reported back to work at the office of The Lutheran World Federation in Juba on Jan. 4 after spending Christmas with his family. A wave of cattle raids in Jonglei State had left hundreds of people dead and thousands more homeless. The Lutheran World Federation’s response to those affected by the violence is in full swing. See http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/intl-region-africa/south-sudan/south-sudan-coordinating-a-response-in-the-
midst-of-disaster-27.
ELCA, Israeli government representatives meet — Representa-tives of the ELCA and Israeli officials met in Chicago Feb. 29 to discuss the "Arab Spring" developments, especially concerns for minority religious groups in the Middle East such as Lutheran Christians. Read more at www.elca.org/news (click on News Re-
leases in the left-hand column).
Malaysia: New Lutheran study center opens Sabah Theological Seminary in Malaysia opened the Lutheran Study Centre on March 9. Established at the initiative of the five Lutheran churches in Malaysia and Singapore, this center will enhance Lutheran identity within these churches and across southeast Asia, leading to enhanced evange-lism efforts throughout the region. The ELCA is sup-porting this effort, and will place a missionary professor there this fall. Learn more at www.elca.org/malaysia.
Global Links shares highlights from ELCA.org, LivingLutheran.com and other churchwide websites of ELCA ministry and connections
in other countries.
GlobalGlobalGlobal
From the Companion Synod Team BY ESTHER WINTER
The Gospels for April remind us that whether in joy (shouting “Hosanna” and waving palms), sorrow (kneeling at the cross), or fear (cowering behind closed doors after the crucifixion), we find strength in each other. The Central States Synod has chosen this season to again focus on our CoSyns (companion synods) on the other side of the world. Here are some actions we can take to
strengthen our neighbors.
● Remember our missionaries with prayers, email, cards, news from home. Some of our congregations provide financial
support but any kind of contact is appreciated.
Rev. Rod Nordby and Nancy Anderson, ELC-PNG, P O Box 2721, Lae, Morobe Province, 411, Papua New Guin-
ea (Email: [email protected])
Rev. Bradn Buerkle, his wife Natasha and sons Matvey and Martin in Novosibirsk, Russia (Email: bradnbuerk-
● Make an offering to support the travel of visitors among the three synods (in June from Papua New Guinea to our Synod Assembly, in September to celebrate with congregations in the far east of Russia, and to walk with the Kotte District in
Papua New Guinea in 2013).
● Learn about and pray for the leaders, congregations, and
countries of our CoSyns.
● Join with other congregations in Kansas and Missouri cele-
brating April 22 as Solidarity with Russia Sunday.
Perhaps use ELW 155 which is the Kyrie set to a tradi-tional Russian tune; include LBW 462 “God the Omnipo-tent” to the tune known as “Russian Hymn”; sing tradi-tional German hymns which might also be sung by the older congregants in Russia as they remember their heritage as Germans who migrated to Russia and have
been ministered to by German missionaries.
See the Central States Synod website (http://css-elca.org/ministries/companion-synodsglobal-mission/) for the2012 Companion Synod Packet -- ideas for music, food, prayer requests, and general information about our
Russian CoSyn.
Check out Pr. Bradn Buerkle’s website (www.russiancorrespondent.blogspot.com) for interest-ing insights on his work there and the church in general; the post titled “20 Years of Religious Freedom” might be incorporated into a service as a modern epistle to the
churches in Kansas and Missouri.
Visit and explore the website for the Far East Parish of
Russia, www.luthvostok.com.
G
Lutheran Planned Giving Arkansas-Oklahoma & Central States Synods
April 2012
Lutheran Planned Giving Joyce "JP" Palmer
Director/ELCA Regional Gift Planner 9911 N. Hawthorne Ave. Kansas City, MO 64157 Phone: 816-204-5181
E-mail: [email protected]
ELCA Lutheran Planned Giving is a service to ELCA congregations and individuals to help them plan for themselves, loved ones and the work of the
Lord, by providing education and consultation in the area of stewardship of accumulated assets.
All services are available without cost or obligation.
ELCA congregations have permission to reproduce this insert for newsletters, bulletins or other congregational use.
Gift Annuity Quiz
4. Part of each annuity payment, at least initially, will be __________.
5. Annuities work especially well for __________.
6. Payment rates are __________ for older donors.
7. Gift annuity payments __________ rise and fall with econom-ic conditions.
How did you do? If you correctly answered six or seven of these questions, you probably have a charitable gift annuity. If you missed three or more, it is probably time to get in touch with our ELCA Lutheran Planned Giving Gift Planner, Joyce “JP” Palmer. She can give you all the details and provide you with a personal-ized illustration of what a gift annuity might do for you. Answers: 1-annuitant, 2-two, 3-annual, 4-tax-free, 5-seniors, 6-higher, 7-never.
Here is a little quiz to help you check your knowledge of charitable gift annuities. Read each of the following statements and then se-lect a word from the list of 15 words to make the statement true. No word in the list is used more than once. For the answers, look at the end of the article.
annuiman precarious always two pets annuitant seven annual lower quarterly seniors never three higher tax-free
1. A person who receives payments from a gift annuity is called
an .
2. The maximum number of persons who can receive payments from a gift annuity is __________.
3. The term “annuity” refers to a fixed __________ payment.
RethinkingStewaRdShip
Why do American Christians have such a difficult time connecting their faith and their financial lives? How do congregations invite people to consider how their relationship with money both reflects and affects their relationship with Jesus?
SpeakeRS will include:
William Cavanaugh Nathan Dungan Chris FarrellRolf Jacobson Gary Langness David LoseCatherine Malotky Wayne Meisel Linda NormanMark Allan Powell Andrea White Margaret Waters
For more information and to register, www.luthersem.edu/rethinking
CoNNeCtiNG FAitH and FiNANCes
July 24-26, 2012luther Seminary, St. paul, Minn.
the FiRSt Move: conSuMeRiSM and cultuRe
consumerism as the opposite of greed
Presenter: William Cavanaugh, Senior Research Professor, DePaul University
this presentation will describe the history and dynamics of consumerism and present a theological response.
a frugal embrace
Presenter: Chris Farrell, Economics Editor, Marketplace Money
For too long we’ve equated living better with owning lots of stuff, most of it bought on credit. Now, with the harsh economy many people are struggling to save more and borrow less. But beneath those sensible actions lie a far bigger shift in everyday behavior and financial values.
Money can’t buy me love…or can it?
Presenter: David Lose, The Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary
How does the gospel help us navigate and respond to a culture that has an ongoing love/hate relationship with money?
the Second Move: connecting Faith and FinanceS
For richer or for poorer
Presenter: Linda Norman, Treasurer, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
our personal relationship with finances is informed by our experience of faith as much as by our economic circumstances. this presentation will offer an opportunity to explore the interconnectedness of faith and finances.
Money sanity solutions: linking money and meaning
Presenter: Nathan Dungan, Founder and President, Share Save Spend
Dungan will explore topical themes to shed light on the current economic environment, as well as offer hopeful ideas to enhance your connection between money and meaning.
choosing resilience
Presenter: Catherine Malotky, Philanthropic Adviser, Luther Seminary
What is the purpose/mission of your financial life? Let’s challenge the cultural perspective that it’s enough to say “to make money.”
the thiRd Move: diScipleShip and geneRoSity
good news for tough economic times
Presenter: Mark Allan Powell, Robert and Phyllis Leatherman Professor of New Testament, Trinity Lutheran Seminary
in the last few years, many individuals and congregations have experienced an “economic downturn” that has forced them to cut back on savings, spending, and (often) giving. Fortunately, the Bible offers some positive good news for facing tough economic times.
Stewardship turned on its head
Presenter: Andrea White, Assistant Professor of Theolog y and Culture, Emory University Candler School of Theolog y
What if the starting point for stewardship is not, “What do i have left over to give?,” but “What does God require and what does our human community need?”
the FouRth Move: leaRning from SucceSS
pastor, people, generosity and joy!
Presenter: Gary Langness, Chairperson of the Companion Synod Task Force, St. Paul Area Synod, ELCA
this presentation will address what is helpful to set the climate for generous and joyful stewardship in the life of the congregation and the role of the pastor as stewardship leader.
Fishing on the right side of the boat
Presenter: Margaret Waters, Rector at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Austin, Texas
every parish is rich with resources to be discovered and celebrated. Weaving the story that is our gospel with the stories of our own quirky lives creates a fabric of encouragement and growth and results in parishes that flourish, each in their own unique way.
Success in stewardship
Presenter: Wayne Meisel, Director of Faith and Service, Cousins Foundation
We experience success in our stewardship by being faithful, not necessarily by being successful. For more than 20 years as a foundation president, minister and a parent, Meisel has learned many best stewardship practices. He will also bring new ideas to share.
This event will not repeat the contents of Marva's book of the same name (but why waste a good title!). Rather, Dr. Dawn, who is a good authority on caring for those who suffer (both from the inside and the outside), will speak to practical and theological questions about attending to, and caring for, those who suffer in spiritual, physical, and emo-tional ways."
Being Well When We’re Ill Wholeness and Hope in Spite of Infirmity
Thursday, April 19, 2012 Registration 8:30 a.m. Sessions 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt Street, Columbia Event Cost: $60 includes lunch
Dr. Marva Dawn, Internationally renowned theologian, author, and educator, Dr. Marva J. Dawn serves as Teaching Fellow in
Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Under Christians Equipped for Ministry (CEM), she has preached and taught at seminaries, clergy conferences, churches, assemblies, and universities throughout the United States and Canada and in Australia, China and Hong Kong, England, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Singapore, and Scotland. A scholar with four masters degrees and a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics and the Scriptures from the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Dawn is also a popular preacher and speaker for people of all ages. Marva and her husband Myron, a retired elementary school teacher, live in southwestern Washington State.
Presenter She is the author of numerous articles and over 20 books, several of which have won awards and\or been translated into Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and other languages. Her books include: • In the Beginning, God: Creation, Culture, and the
Spiritual Life (2009) • Being Well When We're Ill: Wholeness and Hope in
Spite of Infirmity (2008) • The Sense of the Call: A Sabbath Way of Life for Those
Who Serve God, the Church, and the World (2006) • Unfettered Hope: A Call to Faithful Living in an
Affluent Society (2003). • The Unnecessary Pastor: Rediscovering the Call (co-
written with Eugene Peterson) (1999). • Is It a Lost Cause?: Having the Heart of God for the
Church's Children (1997) • Reaching Out without Dumbing Down: A Theology of
Worship for these Urgent Times (1995). • Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting,
Embracing, Feasting (1989).
Missouri School of Religion
Jefferson City, MO
Rev. Fran Schnarre Ms. Krystal Jacobs
Event Presented by the Mid-Missouri Partners in Continuing Education
Fulton State Hospital Fulton, MO
Chaplain Helen Logan, Mission Effectiveness Director
Columbia, MO Virginia Allen, Chaplain
Jane W. Smith, D.Min Abundant Raw Life
Health Coaching and Raw Food Preparation For Greater Vigor and Vitality
Trinity Presbyterian Church Columbia, MO
Rev. Raymond Massey, Pastor
Our House Mexico, MO
Chaplain Brad Sheppard
Registration Form: “Being Well When We’re Ill”
Name: Home Phone:
Address: Work Phone:
City: State/Zip:
Email:
[ ] Registration ($60) [ ] Request Clergy CEU’s (additional $5) Special Dietary/Accessibility Needs: Refund Policy: Refund of the entire fee ($60) will be made when cancellation is received two weeks prior to the start of the event. Refund of 50% will be made on cancellation made after the two week grace pe-riod, however NO REFUNDS will be made for cancellations received two days prior to the event Please send form and registration fee of $60 to: Missouri School of Religion, P.O. Box 104685, Jeffer-son City, MO 65110, Phone: (800) 626-5924 or (573) 635-1187, Email: [email protected], Website: www.missourischoolofreligion.org
Event Sponsored by:
Additional Sponsors
Welcome!
Columbia, Missouri
Important Information about
Associated Mennonite Biblical
Seminary―Great Plains Extension
Information for New Students
New students and auditors may register for one course at www.ambs.edu/admissions/register-online. Or complete an application for admission at http://www.ambs.edu/files/forms/Admissions_Packet_US.pdf. Register for summer by May 1, 2012, to re-ceive the $50 early registration discount. Tuition and fees are due by May 29. Early reg-istration deadline for fall semester is August 6, 2012.
At AMBS–Great Plains, students learn from experienced professors at convenient times and locations in this region. Our focus on peace and justice, radical discipleship, biblical study, and Christian spirituality shapes learners into leaders for God’s mission in the world. Our accredited Master of Divinity and Master of Arts programs prepare you for ministry and strengthen your skills to make a difference. One-year certificate programs are also available. More information is at www.ambs.edu/GreatPlains.
Information for Admitted Students
All Great Plains students who have been admitted to AMBS should make an appoint-ment for advising with Lois Barrett, Great Plains director, during the month of April. This advising may cover courses for summer, courses for the next school year, your plan of study, and your annual spiritual formation goals. (You can find the form online.) This meeting should happen before you go online to select your courses. Early registration deadline for summer school is May 1, 2012. Register at my.ambs.edu.
2505 Main
PO Box 306
North Newton, KS 67117
Phone: 316-283-7098
Email: [email protected]
Associated Mennonite
Biblical Seminary serves the
church as a learning commu-
nity with an Anabaptist vision,
educating followers of Jesus
Christ to be leaders for God’s
reconciling mission in the
world.
Online, Weekend, and Intensive Classes
Online classes are available during the fall and spring semesters. A listing of online courses (with some tuition discounts) is available at http://www.ambs.edu/academics/courses/online. Intensive classes (two or three weeks long) are available during January Interterm and in the summer. During the fall and spring semesters, the main campus in Elkhart, Indiana, offers courses that meet one weekend a month (Friday-Saturday) for four months. A complete listing of AMBS courses can be found at http://www.ambs.edu/academics/courses.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
All students must complete the AMBS Financial Aid Application by May 1 to receive the maximum amount for which they qualify. Applications received after this date will be pro-cessed in light of remaining funds. Persons planning to enroll midyear are also encouraged to submit the application by May 1. In order to meet this deadline, students should submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by April 15 at www.fafsa.ed.gov. More information is available at www.ambs.edu/student-resources/financial-aid.
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary–Great Plains Extension
Course Offering List 2012-2013
ID Course Title Hrs Professor(s) Day/Time Location Audit?
Fall Semester: Aug 27-Dec 7
Bible
# GP:BIB502A Beginning Greek 1.5 Dan Quinlin1
MWF 3:00-4:15pm Bethel Coll, AC119 N
GP:BIB642 Theol/Ethics of the Gospels 3 Jerry Truex M 6:30-9:30pm 2500 Place Y
History, Theology, and Ethics
GP:HTE541 Thinking Ethically 3 Duane Friesen Th 6:30-9:30pm 2500 Place Y
# GP:HTE527 Christian Theology I 3 Lois Barrett Tu 6:30-9:30pm 2500 Place Y
Church and Ministry
# * GP:CHM687 Ministry in Church & World 3 Keith Harder Th 1:00pm 2500 Place N
* GP:CHM689 Supervised Ministry Experience 3-9 TBA Arranged N
Ministry Formation
GP:INT500 Theological Educ. & Formation 0.5 Keith Harder Th 4:00pm 2500 Place N
# * INT601 Growth in Ministry 1 TBA Elkhart/Skype N1 Begins Aug 22
Interterm
Bible
GP:BIB691 Jerusalem Seminar 3 Patricia Shelly Jan 3-23 Isr, Jord, Palest Y
Church and Ministry
! GP:CHM633 Conflict, Commun., Conciliation 2-3 Kirsten Zerger Jan 8-11 Kaufman House N
! GP:CHM632 Manag'g Diff in Faith Commun's 1 Kirsten Zerger Jan 29-30 Kaufman House N
Spring Semester: Feb 4-May 22
Bible
#* GP:BIB502B Beginning Greek 1.5 Dan Quinlin2
MWF 3:00-4:15pm Bethel Coll, AC119 N
GP:BIB641 Pauline Theology & Ethics 3 Jerry Truex M 6:30-9:30pm 2500 Place Y
History, Theology, and Ethics
#* GP:HTE528 Christian Theology II 3 Lois Barrett Tu 6:30-9:30pm 2500 Place Y
Church and Ministry
GP:CHM511 Found's of Worship & Preaching 4 Neufeld Smith & Gehring Weekend Shalom Menn Ch Y
# * GP:CHM687 Ministry in Church & World 3 Keith Harder Th 1:00pm 2500 Place N
* GP:CHM689 Supervised Ministry Experience 3-9 TBA Arranged N
Ministry Formation
* GP:INT501 Formation in Ministry 1 Keith Harder Th 4:00pm 2500 Place N
# * INT601 Growth in Ministry 0.5 TBA Elkhart/Skype N2Begins Jan 30
Summer 2013
Bible
* GP:BIB602 Greek Readings 3 Jerry Truex TBA TBA Y
Church and Ministry
GP:CHM631 Family Systems & Pastoral Care 3 Keith Harder TBA 2500 Place Y
* GP:CHM689 Supervised Ministry Experience 3-9 TBA Arranged N
* Pre-requisite ! Also a Peace & Justice course
# Two-semester sequence (must register each semester)
AMBS reserves the right to cancel a course or make other changes as necessary. 3/20/2012
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary―Great Plains Extension
Course Offering List Summer 2012
ID Course Title Hrs Professor(s) Day/Time Location Aud?
History, Theology, and Ethics
GP:HTE633 JHYoder's Theological Legacy 3 G Gerber Koontz May 29-Jun 16 2500 Place Y
TTh 6:30-9:30pm
Sat 8:30am-12:00, 1:00-4:30pm
Church and Ministry
GP:CHM633 Conflict/Communicat'n/Conciliat'n 2-3 K Zerger/G Flory Jun 12-15 Kaufman House N
TWThF 8:30am
-5:00pm
GP:CHM689 Supervised Ministry Experience 3-9 TBA TBA N
AMBS reserves the right to cancel a course or make other changes as necessary.
For course descriptions, see the AMBS catalog at http://www.ambs.edu/academics/catalog.
The AMBS-Great Plains classroom at 2500 Place is located at 2511 N Main, North Newton, Kansas.
Kaufman House is located on the Bethel College campus, 2515 College Ave., North Newton, Kansas. 3/14/2012
For a list of summer classes on the main campus in Elkhart, Indiana, go to http://www.ambs.edu/academics/courses/summer.
Last day to register for all summer sessions without $50 registration fee: May 1
Tuition is due May 29
Explore the politics
of Jesusin the writings of John Howard YoderA summer seminary course
John H. Yoder’s Theological LegacyGP:HTE633, 3 hours of graduate credit
Widely known for his writing on pacifism and the politics of Jesus, John Howard
Yoder challenged and learned from evangelical and ecumenical Christians around the world. This summer, AMBS–Great Plains offers you the chance to join a leading Yoder scholar in critically assessing Yoder’s life, scholarship and contributions on topics such as violence, biblical interpretation, the church, Jewish-Christian relations, religious pluralism and missiology. Auditors are welcome. Course prerequisite: Familiarity with The Politics of Jesus by John H. Yoder or a basic ethics course. To register (credit or audit), visit www.ambs.edu/admissions/register-online
About the instructor Gayle Gerber Koontz, Ph.D., is professor of theology and ethics, AMBS in Elkhart, Ind. She coedited A Mind Patient and Untamed: Assessing John Howard Yoder’s Contributions to Theology, Ethics, and Peacemaking (Cascadia and Herald, 2004). She is also the author of “Unity with integrity: John H. Yoder’s ecumenical theology and practice” in Radical Ecumenicity: Pursuing Unity and Continuity after John Howard Yoder (Abilene Christian University Press, 2010).
Contact usAssociated Mennonite Biblical Seminary– Great Plains Extension2505 N. Main St., North Newton, KS 67117 www.ambs.edu/[email protected] ~ 316.283.7098
Course ScheduleMay 29–June 16, 2012
2500 Place, North Newton, Kan.Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Saturdays 8:30 a.m.–noon, 1–4:30 p.m.
Great Plains Extension
