making christ known -- may/june 2011
DESCRIPTION
A publication of Central States Synod, ELCA.TRANSCRIPT
nels and with those groups already responding.
Lutherans are in it for the long haul. After the Red Cross operations have end-ed, after FEMA has done their work and sent grants to people in need, after home owners and business-es have received their in-surance checks, after the media have pulled up stakes and moved on to the next eye-catching, heart-rending story, Lutherans continue their work. Those who work with Lutheran Disaster Response coordi-nate their efforts with other religious and humanitarian and governmental groups to address ―unmet needs,‖ those persons most desper-ate, most in need, the poor, the disabled, those with none to care for them. For more information on Luther-an Disaster Response and how you can respond go to: http://ldr.org/
Bishop Mark Hanson tells the story of his walking through a major airport this past January, wearing his pectoral cross and clerical collar. He was checking the score of an NFL playoff game at a sports bar when a woman asked who he was. Hearing he was the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, she shouted so eve-ryone could hear, ―WE
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On April 22nd tornadoes and straight winds hit the St. Louis area disrupting Good Friday services for most all of our congrega-tions in the greater metro-politan area. Every pastor I talked to had a story of worship services being stopped in the middle of a sermon or litany and peo-ple moving elsewhere for shelter at learning of the tornado warning.
None of our church build-ings in the St. Louis area were severely damaged in the Good Friday storm. But earlier in Holy Week, Pas-tor Jerry Bailey reported considerable damage to the both Sedgewickville and Sargent’s Chapel, about 100 miles south of St. Louis.
I met with the St. Louis pastors on Easter Wednesday to hear their stories, pray with them and
for their member families who had experienced de-struction and loss (there were no deaths in the St. Louis storms), and to talk about our response to dis-aster.
Pastor Dan Barwinski commented that knowing how and when and in what manner the Church should respond is much like dis-cernment in the Partner-ship for Missional Church process, as congregations try to discern their mission-al calling. While there are many, many good things that might be done to lend aid and support and en-couragement to people in need, the question is: what is the Church’s calling, what is the local congrega-tion’s unique mission.
Part of the answer is found in our work with Lutheran Disaster Response. Jim Eckrich, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services Director of Regional Oper-ations (Disaster Re-sponse) reminded us at this post Easter meeting that Lutherans respond to ―unmet needs.‖ Red Cross, utility companies, local police and fire depart-ments, and other organiza-tions all have their roles early in the response pro-cess. So we can encour-age people to volunteer through appropriate chan-
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
May/June 2011 Number 2211
Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt
Synod Assembly ............. page 2 Bethany College, Fund Appeal ........................... page 3 Churchwide Assembly, LST ............................... page 4 BHS, Wheat Ridge, Older Adults, FaithPrints ......... page 5 LDR Alabama update ..... page 6 BOF, Grace Place Retreats,
LCM .............................. page 7 Stewardship, MIF ............ page 8 Women’s News, 3rd Missional Cluster .......................... page 9 Around the Synod ......... page 10 Parishes in Transition, Synod Calendar, LMM ............ page 11 Glocal Msn. Gatherings, Global Links ............................ page 12 Inserts/Flyers: Lutheran Planned Giving; FaithPrints; CMLC BBQ; LMM; PICO Convocation
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
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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]
Rev. Cynthia Schnaath [email protected]
Support Staff Ms. Erin Morrison [email protected]
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.
Central States Synod Assembly 2011 June 3-5, 2011 -- Holiday Inn Waterpark SE -- Kansas City, Mo.
Pre-assembly activities will begin Thursday evening, June 2 with a Royals Game; Workshops and Services Projects will be offered Friday morning.
The Assembly will officially open with worship at 1 p.m. Friday, June 3.
Assembly Registration and initial Pre-Assembly materials have been post-ed to the synod website. Click: http://css-elca.org/about/synod-assembly/ Registration for lodging is done through the Holiday Inn Waterpark Hotel SE, Kansas City, Mo.; Call 1-800-465-4329 (mention the CSS Assembly), or for online hotel reservations, click HERE.
LOVE LUTHERANS!‖ ―And why would that be?‖ he asked. ―I work for FE-MA,‖ was her response and she went on to tell how people within Federal Emergency Management Agency are deeply grateful for Lutherans and our response to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires. They know we are long in experience, know what we are doing and will be there for the long haul, for months and years following a disaster.
Disasters happen. Sooner or later everyone, every congregation, must deal with some kind of disaster, natural or man-made. I encourage con-gregation to plan and prepare and LDR has resources available to help in that planning now. Dan Glamann is our staff person who works most closely with disaster response and would gladly direct you to other re-sources.
We are an Easter people but we live in a Good Friday world. In the midst of disasters people of resurrection hope stand with and reach out in loving service to those who have experienced destruction, loss, death and dis-ruption in their lives. Through our cooperative work through Lutheran Dis-aster Response, people with unmet needs and long term challenges are
deeply grateful!
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
BY STEPHANIE MCDOWELL, BETHANY
COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS
Commencement and baccalaureate speakers announced The Reverend Dr. Floyd M. Schoenhals, retired bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and former Betha-ny College board member, will ad-dress the graduating class of 2011 during Bethany College com-mencement ceremonies on May 22 at 2 p.m. The Reverend P. Kemp-ton Segerhammar will preach dur-ing baccalaureate worship at10:30.
Governor attends the „Messiah‟ Kansas Governor Sam Brownback toured the Birger Sandzén Memori-al Gallery, watched the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers, and attend-ed the Messiah on April 17.
Brownback spoke to the audience before the performance about his experience with the Messiah. He had first attended about 25 years ago and was ―thrilled‖ to be present again. Brownback called the Messi-ah Festival a ―beautiful tradition‖ that began 20 years after Kansas became a state in 1861. He added that the Messiah is ―the most fabu-lous piece of music ever written in the world—even better than the Beatles.‖
President Leonard presented Brownback with a dala horse and Messiah Festival lapel pin to com-memorate his visit. He said, ―It was a pleasure to host Governor Brownback during the state's ses-quicentennial year and our 130th Messiah Festival. We hope he en-joyed his visit to Lindsborg and my son, Quade, invited him back any time.‖
Bethany celebrates Earth Day Bethany celebrated Earth Day on April 27. Leftover t-shirts from Bethany events were repurposed as Earth Day tees and given away along with bracelets made of pop can tabs. During a special Earth Day chapel, a tree (pictured at right) was planted between Press-er Hall and Burnett Center, and a work day was held for the commu-nity garden. David Naistat, assis-tant professor of chemistry, pre-sented ―Green Chemistry,‖ and students Marcy Erb, Lauren von Klinggraeff, Clint Janzen, Michael Baker, Nikki DeChant, and Hanna Reber also presented ―Brewed Awakenings: A Vision for a Stu-dent-Directed Coffee Shop on Campus.‖
Changed by Love, Sent in Love to Serve
Shaping the Church for God’s Mission The Central States Synod Mission Fund Appeal
These last several years have been an exhilarating time for our synod
as well as one of the most challenging periods in our history. A very
intentional process of developing a new purpose statement,
Changed by Love, Sent in Love, to Serve and adopting four mis-
sional directions has brought new energy to shaping the church for
God’s mission.
Shaping the Church for God’s Mission fund appeal is about: ● People in community with one another in the Church, and empow-
ering them to be shaped by God for a new day. ● Impacting the lives of people all across the synod, in every congre-
gation and even more importantly, people in the communities around us.
● Helping the Church to be formed by our four missional directions, to lean into and be shaped by the life God is giving us.
● Shaping the life of the synod, all our congregations, that we might participate more faithfully in these missional directions and to help us keep centered on the things God wants us to be about in the world today.
● Connecting more deeply with one another—congregations, cam-pus ministries, outdoor ministries, seminaries—so that together we all are shaped to be a people Changed by Love, Sent in Love, to Serve.
Gifts and pledges are coming in extremely well. The Phase II gifts/pledges, The Gifts of Isaiah and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well will close May 30. In the near future an email will be sent to all congregations with
an update on gifts/pledges. If you would like your gift to be included in
Phase II, please note the May 30 deadline. Thank you to all.
For more news and information about Bethany College, visit their website:
www.bethanylb.edu.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
4
CONGREGATION OBSERVERS
Each congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may register with the secre-
tary of this church one congregation observer for the Church Assembly prior to May 31 in the year of the Churchwide Assembly. a. Provision shall be made for such an individual to have reserved
seating in the observers section of the plenary hall. Such congregation observers will receive a copy of the report of recommendations for assembly action and also materials distributed on the plenary floor to voting members, advisory members, and non-voting members during the assembly. Such observers shall have neither voice nor vote in ple-nary sessions of the assembly.
b. A registration fee shall be established by the secretary of this church for registration and related costs, including enabling observers to re-ceive the same meals as are provided for voting members.
c. Transportation costs, housing, other meals, and related expenses shall be the responsibility of the registered observer or sending con-gregation.
The registration fee for congregation observers is $150. Please contact the Assembly Registrar at 800-638-3522 ext 2840, or via e-mail to [email protected], if you have additional questions. The meal pack-age is not included in the registration fee, but may be purchased sepa-rately.
2011 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly
August 15-19, 2011
Professional Church Workers
One-day Workshop, May 19
The Bullied Pulpit: Pastoring in and
Anxious Time Sponsored by Lutheran School of
Theology, St. Louis
THE BULLIED PULPIT: PASTORING IN AN ANXIOUS TIME will be offered by Rev. Dale Kuhn, Executive Director, Care and Counseling, a professional counseling agency. Rev. Kuhn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and ordained minister in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
Pastors are sometimes the recipients of unrealistic expectations, over-determined anger and constant criticism. They some-times unwittingly invite such responses from their congregants. This workshop examines the role of anxiety behind such behavior and possible responses to that anxiety.
Rev. Kuhn does extensive consultation with clergy about their professional and personal lives. He has evaluated over 200 candidates for professional ministry, coun-seled over 1000 clergy persons and con-sulted with over 100 congregations about issues of staff development, conflict man-agement and transition.
A special area of expertise is his work with religious and helping professionals that helps them identify and address personal and family issues which both enhance and stand in the way of ministry.
The course is offered at Care and Coun-seling Offices, 12141 Ladue Road (one block west of I-270 at Ladue Road), St. Louis, Missouri, 63141 on Thursday, May 19, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuition which in-cludes lunch is $35.
Lutheran School of Theology in St. Louis offers biblical and theological courses for everyone, from interested lay persons wanting to learn more, to professional church workers and students.
To register or for more information go to lststl.org, call 314-725-9710, or mail name, address, phone and email with payment to LST, 6325 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117.
Coming soon …
2011 ELCA Video Contest
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "LIVE LUTHERAN" TODAY?
Grab a video camera and tell your story in a 30- to 90-second video, and you could win a ministry grant or cash prize!
A selection of videos will also be shown at the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly this August.
Enter the contest between May 17 and June 30, 2011. Winners will be announced at the 2011 Churchwide Assembly.
For contest details and tips to help you get started, please visit How to Win, Tool Kit and Video Contest FAQ.
Good luck! We can’t wait to see your story.
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
BY MARY HUNT, PMA
Older Adults in Ministry
Bessie's House: We are in a partnership that works! In recent months, Chil-
dren's Memorial Lutheran Church (CMLC) has been on the 'grow' again with its
working partnership with Bessie's House, just south of the church. In April,
nine new members joined the congregation. AND there are nine more new
members scheduled to join in May, four of them by Baptism. Many of the new members have come to Children's Memorial via the strong
Women's Day program at Bessie's House. The program is totally Christ cen-
tered in its approach in building self-esteem and empowerment of the partici-
pants. The women will attend a retreat at Hollis Retreat Center in May, a res-
pite from the urban setting, for a day of peace in the wonderful Hollis setting. Children's Memorial and Bessie's House are working to find ways to better
serve the local community. There are many needs in the Old Northeast part of
Kansas City. Many of those needs can be met by our partnership. Part of that
process is requiring physical modifications to the current structure of CMLC.
Those changes are being made! Like the widow that Jesus talked about in Luke 21:1-4, CMLC in not an afflu-
ent congregation. But this bride of Christ is giving its all to make a difference in
the community and working with the residents who are seeking a relationship
with Jesus. If you'd like to be a part of this partnership, contact Mike via email at
[email protected] or phone him at (816)509-2428. You can also reach
Bessie's House via Facebook at Bessie's House.
For more information about older adult ministry and ALOA visit: ALOAserves.org
Retreats to Reinforce Missional Living Introducing FaithPrints Retreats, a series of four retreats constructed to reinforce missional living in God’s people. Participants will engage in scrip-ture study, sacred play, homework assignments designed to get to know their neighborhood better, and experiments in missional partnership with their neighbors. Each retreat will focus on one of the missional directions we have claimed as a synod, with guest presenters to help us think about the topics in new ways. We are looking for congregations to select a few people to participate in these retreats, knowing that they will be engaged in growth and will return with enthusiasm for being the church in their daily lives. Share the brochure [at the end of this newsletter] with the congrega-tion, and consider inviting those who are working to make the connection between faith and daily life to register. The first set of retreats will be held at Hollis Renewal Center.
GrantsPlus Program Deadline Approaching
The deadline to submit initial appli-
cations for Wheat Ridge Ministries' GrantsPlus Program is July 15.
The GrantsPlus Program supports
new and innovative health and human care programs led by con-
gregations and nonprofit organiza-tions affiliated with the Lutheran
community. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 over two to
three years. Learn more
Bethany House of Studies Course Offering
Introduction to the Old Testament The time and place is to be deter-mined. Course will begin in June 2011 and will be completed no lat-er than the end of September 2011. Those who cannot attend face-to-face classes may take the class via distance learning. The instructor for the class held in the central/western part of Kansas will be Pastor Dennis Klinker. Questions may be addressed to any member of the Bethany House of Studies staff: Pr. Dick Monson ([email protected]; 620-241-6003), Administrator; Kris Swan-son, PMA, ([email protected], 785-227-2167); or Sharon Custer, PMA, ([email protected], 620-653-4575). For additional information and reg-istration, click HERE.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
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Field Report from Alabama POSTED ON MAY 11TH, 2011 BY REV. KEVIN MASSEY, PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Sisters and brothers in Christ,
I am Kevin Massey, Program Director of Lutheran Disaster Response. My colleague Mike Nevergall and I are in Alabama this week to see the extent of the damage from the tornadoes of April 27 and to meet with local Lutherans and others in the affected communities.
When we arrived in Birmingham, I was pleased to meet Ron and Heather Turney, leaders with Lutheran Ministries of Alabama. Lutheran Ministries will play a key role in the long-term recovery projects here. It was also a pleasure to share a meal with disaster response partners from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, including my colleague and friend Rev. Carlos Hernandez, Director for Districts and Congrega-tions.
Driving north from Birmingham to the town of Cullman, I was struck by the natural beauty of this area with its rolling hills, spring flowers, and emerald green trees. But as is the case with tornadoes, we quickly spot-ted areas where trees had been sheared off and stripped clean by one of the dozens of tornadoes that happened here. It reminded me of our recent trip to Wadena, Minnesota and how, even after homes are rebuilt and businesses have reopened, these stripped trees will be a visible scar of what happened here for many years to come.
When I learned that the tornadoes had destroyed an ELCA church build-ing, I had called the pastor of that congregation, Pastor Sandy Niiler, shared with her our support and prayers, and promised to personally visit with her soon. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to do so. We were joined in Cullman by Pastor Deb Halter, who will be taking on a role with the ELCA’s Southeastern Synod of spiritual and emo-tional support for the pastors and others affected by these disasters.
Tiptoeing through the debris and rubble of Christ Lutheran Church, I spotted a copy of the ELCA’s “Haiti: One Year Later” update. Pastor Niiler explained that the congregation had prayed for the people of Haiti as part of their Lenten discipline. I was touched by how this congregation had been thinking about their neighbors affected by disasters, without knowing that they would soon experience one themselves.
We stood in the choir loft, virtually all that remains of the building, and looked out over the debris field and the surrounding town. Pastor Niiler pointed out where the pulpit and altar used to stand. Only a fraction of what was Christ Lutheran is still standing, but miraculously, an historic stained glass window of “Christ the Good Shepherd” was undamaged. As we celebrate Christ the Good Shepherd this coming Sunday, it comforted me to see the image of Christ gently cradling the little lamb, just as he now holds this community in his tender embrace. The con-gregation hopes to incorporate the window someday into a new wor-ship space.
What can you do now? First, please pray for the people here, for their patience and strength, for their emotional and spiritual health. Second, whether by e-mail or on Facebook, share this story with a friend and encourage them to pray as well. Third, I ask you to consider giving a gift to the Lutheran Disaster Response “U.S. Severe Storms” fund, and we will make sure that it gets to those who need it most. Finally, we know that volunteers will be needed here at some point in the near future. Stay tuned for further details about what that will look like.
Thank you for your prayers and support… together, we are Lutheran Disaster Response!
Pastor Sandy Niiler and LDR Director Kevin Massey stand looking at what remains of the sanctuary at Christ Lutheran (Cullman, AL).
L to R: Kevin Massey (LDR Director), Sandy Niiler (Christ Lutheran), Sandra Braasch (Synod disaster coordinator), and Deb Halter (Synod spiritual care coordinator).
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
What‟s UP with Campus Ministry? THIS MONTH BY PR. KEVIN CLARK, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS MINISTRY
At its April meeting, the ELCA Church Council proposed a 2012 budget which will reduce ELCA grants to Lutheran Campus Minis-tries by 38%. The budget will be voted on at the [Churchwide] Assembly to be held in August. This proposed budget cut is of great concern to Campus Pastors and Lay Ministers, stu-dents, and supporters of LCM across the ELCA. What it might mean for our synod’s campus ministries remains to be seen.
Over the past 3 years that I have been serving as one of our synod’s cam-pus pastors, Rebecca Boardman, LCM Pastor at St. Louis, Shawn Norris, LCM Pastor at KU, and I have shared many stories of the important impact that Lutheran Campus Ministry has had on students as they discern what role their faith will play during their college years and beyond. We have also shared stories of former LCM students enrolled in seminary and serv-ing as pastors across the ELCA. The exact figures are difficult to find, but the fact is that a great many ELCA pastors, rostered leaders, and congre-gational leaders have found Lutheran Campus Ministry to be an important step in their journey to leadership in the Church. One campus pastor asks, ―Should we eat next season’s seed corn by cutting campus ministry an additional 38% as has been proposed for 2012?‖
The proposed cut reflects a shifting of responsibility for Campus Ministry from the National level to the Synodical and Congregational levels, which could quite possibly be a good thing, however 38% is a rather large shift to make in the course of a single year. If the proposed budget cut is adopted at the National Assembly, and our synod’s campus ministries are to re-main in their present configuration, our synod, congregations and individu-al supporters will need to step forward to take up the slack.
This is a time of fear and uncertainty for myself and other campus minis-ters, as it is for many in our current economy. We, of course, worry wheth-er our jobs will still be here in 2012, but I think I can speak for almost all of my colleagues when I say that we worry most about the possible impact this may have on the many daughters and sons of our congregations who are attending college, and those students who are not from the ELCA, but have found their lives profoundly touched by LCM communities across the country.
This is also a time of faith for us, as we place our lives and the lives of those to whom we are called to minister in the hands of a powerful, loving, and trustworthy God! Please join us in praying for students, for Lutheran Campus Ministry, and for our Church, as together we seek to be faithful and effective disciples amid all the changes that we are facing in this rap-idly changing world!
Be sure to visit the Central States Synod web page for
Book of Faith
BY PR. TIM CAREY
Grace Place Retreats are an incredi-ble experience. Jean and I attended this retreat last year and it was a great experience. Another retreat is planned for Heartwood Retreat Center this summer. The Retreat is scheduled for July 11-15, 2011, again at the beauti-ful retreat and conference center in Trego, Wisconsin. The retreat begins on Monday, July 11, at 2:30 PM and ends on Friday, July 15, at 12 noon. Thrivent continues to provide wonder-ful underwriting for this event, though the actual retreat cost is $395 per couple and $250 for single participant. However, if you use my name as a Grace Place alumnus, they will take off $100 of the registration fee. You will need to call the office in St. Louis (314) 842-3077 [talk to Annette] to verify this, but this is a huge bargain again to have all programming, room, board and activities covered at this reasonable rate.
Rev. Carey is pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Kan.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
8
Graduating to an investment just
4KIDZ Know someone special graduating from elementary school or junior high? Present them with a gift that offers a real benefit. Open—or add to—a MissionFuture4KIDZ ac-count, available for children from birth through age 16. Offered by the ECLA Mission Investment Fund, you can open an account for a young scholar with a $50 mini-mum investment and add to an account with gifts of $25 or more. Investments mature on the youth’s 18th birthday—just in time for high school graduation. For more infor-mation, contact Paula Kitt, regional manager at 773-682-2738, [email protected]. Or you can visit www.elca.org/mif or call 877-886-3522.
What‟s new in STEWARDSHIP? BY REV. LEN DALE, BISHOP’S ASSOCIATE
■ Competencies of a Well-formed Steward This is an outgrowth of the ELCA Blue Ribbon Committee Recommenda-tions and the work of the Stewardship of Life Institute. These documents provide a biblical and practical foundation for growing rostered and lay peo-ple into well-formed stewards. The How-to Guide provides ways to engage leaders in conversations about perspectives, practices and skills. This ena-bles individuals and congregations to discern and shape their role as stew-ard leaders in their faith community and beyond. For more information, go to www.elca.org/stewardship/competencies. ■ Ventures in Growing Stewards This workshop series which has equipped more than 500 ELCA congrega-tions over the past ten years is being updated. While the focus continues to be on developing a healthy and holistic stewardship culture in congrega-tions through year round stewardship and an effective annual response, current approaches to fundraising will be included. Specially trained Ven-tures Steward Leaders will be identified in each synod. For more infor-mation go to www.elca.org/stewardship/ventures ■ Glocal Mission Gatherings Since the fall of 2009, more than a dozen synods have held these events. Eight more synods will have events in 2011. These events provided a spirit-filled look a global and local ministry across the church. The theme for 2011 is Migration and Immigration with a focus on acculturation, accompaniment and application in specific contexts. Each event includes a four-hour track on stewardship. For more information go to www.elca.org/globalmission and click on Glocal Mission Gatherings ■ Biblical Stewardship: Our Duty and Delight This seven part DVD series presents a promising and encouraging biblical message of financial stewardship. Presented by Dr. Mark Allan Powell this series makes the connection between stewardship and spirituality: gener-ous giving as a spiritual discipline helps us to grow in Christ. To order this DVD go to www.selectlearning.org ■ Rethinking Stewardship: Our Culture, Our Theology, Our Practices This book was published after the event of the same name in 2010 and includes articles by each of the twelve keynote speakers. This collection of current stewardship thinking challenges cultural assumptions, explores the-ological possibilities and clarifies leadership practices for the 21st century. Be on the lookout for Rethinking Stewardship II in 2012. For more infor-mation go to www.luthersem.edu/rethinking ■ Awakening to God‟s Call to Earthkeeping Caring for creation is an essential component of religious faith and witness. Faithful earthkeeping can deepen our relationship with God and embolden our role as God’s steward. This resource is a leader guide to four sessions on earthkeeping with additional resources in the appendix. To download a copy go to www.elca.org/stewardship and click on Year Round Or, you can order four-color copies on recycled paper at www.elca.org/resources To read more, please visit the CSS Stewardship Resources page. For questions about the above, contact Rev. Len Dale, Director for Evangelical Mission in Central States Synod at [email protected], or contact ELCA Program Director for Stewardship at [email protected].
Save the Date!
„Opening Gates, Opening Hearts:
Christian Responses to Offender Reentry‟
Saturday, September 10, 2011 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Christian Fellowship Church 4600 Christian Fellowship Road Columbia, Missouri To receive registration information as soon as it is available contact: Missouri School of Religion Phone: 573-635-1187 Email: [email protected] Web: www.msr-crm.org The schedule and registration form will be available in late-May.
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
“Rejoice!”
24th Annual Convention of the CENTRAL STATES SYNODICAL WOMEN of the ELCA September 23-25, 2011 — Highland Hotel, Great Bend KS
I cordially invite the ladies of the CSS to join me in attending the 24th an-nual convention of the Central States Synodical Women of the Evangeli-cal Lutheran Church in America, September 23-25, at the Highland Hotel, Great Bend, Kan. The theme for this year’s gathering is ―Rejoice!‖
We will take care of the business of the convention: elections, adopting a budget, and resolutions. There will be worship, workshops, and more. A quarter of our offering will go to Kans for Kids and pledges from Stretch-Splash-Pray will go to the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. In-kind gifts and our Friday service project are designated for Camp Hope.
Each congregational or intercongregational unit of the Central States Synodical Organization is entitled to one voting delegate. In the first mail-ing of information that has been sent to each congregation of the CSS, you will have find a delegate card that needs to be returned to the regis-trar by August 1. A registration form was also enclosed. Please make copies of the form and share them with all the women in your unit.
Delegates are required to attend the business sessions of the convention. All women of the Central States Synodical Organization are invited and encouraged to attend. Please bring your family and friends, if only for a day or an evening.
The registration cost of a full time delegate or a full-time participant is: $65.00 (must be in by August 15) and $75.00 (after August 15). Registra-tion does not include the Lunch and Laughter session or the Saturday night banquet with entertainment.
Registrations for rooms must be made directly with the Highland Hotel, (866-212-7122) and must be made by September 9
th to lock in the price
of $63.00 plus tax, a night, per room, with up to 4 people per room. You
must mention that you are with the CSS W of the ELCA for this rate.
(Go to the CSS website, click on Ministries and then click on CSS Wom-en of the ELCA for convention forms and further info. To go directly to the Women’s Convention page, click HERE.) And as always, you can contact me at [email protected] or 785-736-2887 or 1433 27
th Road, Axtell
KS 66403.
I look forward to seeing many of you in September in Great Bend!
Rejoice in the Lord always!
Iris Turnbull, President Central States Women of the ELCA
Central States Women‟s news BY IRIS TURNBULL, PRESIDENT
Third Missional Cluster Takes on New Look BY REV. LEN DALE, BISHOP’S ASSOCIATE
A third cluster of congregations in
the Central States has begun to
work on their understanding of
what it means to be ―missional‖ in
today’s world. This time we are
using a ―pilot‖ process that incorpo-
rates monthly online meetings. The
cluster began with an all-day meet-
ing in Salina, will continue with
monthly online meetings then meet
face to face again in the sixth
month. Each month congregations
are given homework and a Bible
Study to use throughout the month
that is based on a passage used
for Dwelling in the Word. The
online meetings include time for
conversations, updates, questions,
and Dwelling in the Word. We hope
that doing this process via online
meetings will lay the foundation for
other such clusters. We know that
one of the strengths of the Partner-
ship for Missional Church process
in our synod has been the sharing
and learning between congrega-
tions that happens at cluster
events, so we are learning a new
way of doing the same thing with-
out the added travel expenses in-
curred in our synod. Look for fur-
ther reports on how this pilot pro-
cess is doing. [email protected]
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
10
Around the synod . . . Christian Life Night in Herrington, Kan. SUBMITTED BY REV. BILL PETERSON, PASTOR, GOOD NEIGHBOR PARISH
I just wanted to share a story about our Christian Life Night (CLN) and the great ending of the year celebration that we had last night [April 28]. We have averaged between 45-50 children this year. Beginning with Ash Wednesday each child had a mentor that sat with them during our 30-minute worship and accompanied them to an activity following the service. Judy [Peterson] is the director for CLN and has been for a number of years. This year our theme was "Taking Root" and we used the material from ELCA World Hunger. It is awesome material and was very well received by both the adults and children. Two weeks ago each of the children was giv-en a carrot and ask to fill it with as many quarters as they could and bring it back for the party. The rest of the CLN offerings through Lent and for the whole year were added to this and we raised some over $1,000.00 that will be sent to ELCA World Hunger. But the greatest part of the celebration took place in the last 20 minutes of the service when two brothers (4th and 5th graders) were baptized. They have been coming to CLN for the past several years and wanted to be bap-tized. I met with their parents, (who I had not met before) and talked with them all about Baptism. David and James chose Ramona Salonka and Frank Meyer to be the Baptismal Sponsors as they had been their mentors during Lent. They had several family members in attendance. It was a great night to look into their eyes and to feel the love of Christ they were feeling from a community that shares Wednesday nights with them. This is their church time and I feel so blest to serve where there are so many will-ing shepherds to share their love of God with the children.
Sixth Annual Bar-B-Que Children’s Memorial Lutheran Church (in Northeast KCMO) is having its annual bar-b-que on Sunday, June 12 from 1-5:30 p.m. All are invited to share in the good food and fellowship that benefits the congregation’s Northeast Hope outreach program. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children age six and younger. For flyers and bulletin inserts, visit the Area Ministry 7 page. Questions? Please contact Steve Richardson (816-721-7606) or Marlene Logan (816-741-2653).
Wonderful World of Stewardship in Western Kansas SUBMITTED BY REV. GEORGE T. RAHN, PASTOR
LUTHERAN PARISH OF WESTERN KANSAS
Sharon Lutheran Church, Sharon Springs, Kan. (part of Lutheran Parish of Western Kansas) recently sold their parsonage. The proceeds were invest-ed in the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA. A loan has been extended to the Navajo Lutheran Mission, Rock Point, Ariz. to be used for capital improvements. We are grateful to God for this chance to further the im-portant mission of the Gospel for the Navajo community. Jesus says: "...the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ran-som for many." The Gospel of St. Mark 10:45.
CNL—Herrington
Healthy Congregations June 11, 2011 — 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Zion United Church of Christ Junction City, Kan. The Healthy Congregations workshop uses the insights of family systems theory to help church leaders become more effective stewards of their con-gregations. The workshop was originally created by Dr. Peter Steinke and is based on the work of Dr. Murray Bowen. The specif-ic workshop design for this event was developed by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. For more information and a bro-chure/registration form, click HERE, or phone LMPC at 630-627-0507 or visit LMPC online at www.LMPeaceCenter.org.
11
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
SYNOD CALENDAR
May 3-5 First Call Pastors — Atchison KS 6-7 PMA Convo — Heartland Presbyterian Center, KCMO 6-7 PMC St. Louis Cluster 7 Youth Ministry Training — Trinity, Lawrence KS 10 Synod Staff Retreat –- Hollis Renewal Center 13 Synod Council Executive Committee — Synod Office 26 Assembly Local Planning Group — Synod Office 27 DEADLINE FOR ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION 30 Memorial Day Holiday — Synod Office Closed
June 2-5 Synod Assembly — Holiday Inn Waterpark SE, KCMO 15 Fund Appeal Steering Committee — Synod Office
July 4 Independence Day Holiday — Synod Office Closed 9 Camp Tomah Shinga Quilt Auction 21-24 Lutheran Men in Mission Gathering — Denver, CO
Parishes in the Call Process (a) intentional interim/interim (b) developing congregational profile (c) interview phase (d) call pending
Area Ministry 2 Kensington, St. John (a)
Area Ministry 3 Beloit, Zion (b) Marquette, Elim (c)
Area Ministry 5 Derby, Cross of Glory (c) Haysville, Resurrection (c) Wichita, Christ (b) Wichita, Good Shepherd (a)
Area Ministry 6 Atchison, St. Mark (part-time) (d) Bendena (St. John) and Lancaster (St. John) (c) Rock Port, First (a) Topeka, Trinity (a) Topeka, First ― associate (d)
Area Ministry 7 Liberty, Hosanna! (a)
Area Ministry 8 Joplin, Peace (b) Nevada, St. Paul (a) Springfield, Prince of Peace (c)
Area Ministry 10 Manchester, Good Shepherd ― associate (c)
Be sure to “Like”
Central States
Synod on
Just search “Central
States Synod” or click the
logo above.
Assembly starts July 21 at 2 pm, ends July 22 at 3 pm Gathering starts July 22 at 7:30 pm, ends July 24 at Noon Visit the Lutheran Men in Mission website for info, and see the flyer at the end of this newsletter.
Synod Prayers The prayer concerns of the synod which are sent by email to a subscriber list will no longer be published in the newsletter. To re-ceive prayers throughout the month by email and/or submit a pray-er request, please email Rev. Janice Kibler at [email protected].
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — May/June 2011
12
May 2011
"LWF together – the earth needs you" launches on May 1 More than 100 groups with more than 900 individual participants from all parts of the world have registered for this innovative pro-gram which combines environmental projects, Bible study and building relationships. Hear the
initial perspectives of four young people in Brazil, India, Kenya and the United States on the stewardship of creation in their own coun-tries; see "Background from around the World" at http://lwfyouth.org/lwf-together/guidebook/. Your church at work during disasters
● Libya: Tunisian Lend a Helping Hand … and Car … and Bottle of Water
● Relief Efforts Expand in Japan
● Haiti: Bishop Hanson Speaks about Work in Haiti with Orion Samuelson
Find these stories and more at http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/. "You didn't leave us. Thank you!" After the tsunami and in the midst of the radiation crisis, Pastor Jim and Carol Sack reflect on their ministry as ELCA missionaries in Japan. See http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand. Note: the Hand in Hand Blog Digest provides inspirational blogs from ELCA mission-aries. Have weekly entries delivered to your in-box by entering your e-mail address in the "Subscribe" box. Sponsors needed for missionary in Japan You can be a sponsor for Christine Eige, missionary teacher in the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. To build on existing connec-tions, sponsors from the South Carolina, Metropolitan Chicago, Northern Illinois and Central/Southern Illinois Synods are especially welcomed. For more information, visit www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657. Bread for the World Gathering, June 11-14 Consider attending this important Gathering at the American Uni-versity in Washington, D.C. The ELCA works closely with Bread for the World, a Christian organization that advocates to end hunger. See http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Get-Involved/Advocacy-Events.aspx Global Links contains highlights from elca.org of ELCA ministry or connections in other countries. See a current issue, subscribe, or follow on Facebook or Twitter at www.elca.org/global-links. Send your suggestions and comments to [email protected] or to Pastor Lanny Westphal, ELCA Global Mission, 8765 W. Higgins
Rd., Chicago, IL 60631.
GlobalGlobalGlobal
The Glocal Mission Gathering is an event being pre-sented in Wichita Sept. 30 & Oct. 1 by the ELCA, Central States Synod, Area Ministry 5, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Teams of leaders from congrega-tions as well as individuals and families will find it in-formative, useful and inspiring! Now is the time to register. At the end of this newsletter you will find inserts: ● Glocal Mission Gathering info to help pastors and
congregation leaders plan; ● A page with 2 bulletin inserts/handouts for congre-
gations to copy and invite everyone; ● A poster to print out and post to invite everyone;
and ● The Wichita Glocal Mission Gathering Registra-
tion Form to use only if someone has no way to register online. It is much much preferred that registration be done at www.elca.org/glocal. This paper version is for the few who might not be able to do that, and to send to us as indicated.
We are looking forward to gathering to experience the possibilities for mission here and around the world (Global + Local = Glocal)! Prs. David Fulton, Sally Fahrenthold, & Janice Kibler, co-facilitators.
April 27 — Leaders from around the St. Louis area gather at Shepherd of the Hills, St. Ann following the Good Friday Tornadoes.
Such thoughtful planning may include final gifts to ministry organizations we have supported during life. These gifts can take various forms, including will bequests and life-income arrangements. They can be used to fund endowments or as outright gifts directed toward specific programs. Will your last impression be perceived as positive? Would you like to discuss some tried and true ways to leave a good last impression not only on family and friends, but for many who share your commitment to the mission of ELCA ministries? Our ELCA Lutheran Planned Giving regional gift planner, Joyce “JP” Palmer is available to meet with individuals/couples to discuss their estate gift desires. She welcomes the opportunity to suggest ways to transfer your estate so as to best remember loved ones and sustain ministries for which you have a passion, and thus you will leave a good last impression.
Y The first impression we make on others is likely the most important. For example, a person applying for a professional position in scruffy clothes creates an initial impression that may cause the interview to end before it starts. The impression can signal a casual attitude and careless concern for personal appearance. Initial impressions, for better or worse, linger in the eye of the beholder. While positive first impressions remain into the future, negative first impressions can also last for years and may require sustained effort to change. Perhaps the most important last impression is what transpires at death. How we die, of course, is important, but so is the lingering effect of how we have arranged our affairs prior to death. A person who dies with a well-considered estate plan in place will create a more positive impression than one who leaves behind a hodgepodge of loose ends and ambiguous or nonexistent directions. A competent estate planning attorney can help us prepare for a positive final impression.
Lutheran Planned Giving Arkansas-Oklahoma & Central States Synod
May 2011
Lutheran Planned Giving Joyce "JP" Palmer
Director/ELCA Regional Gift Planner 9911 N. Hawthorne Ave. Kansas City, MO 64157
Cell: 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.
Your Last Impression
Can you imagine how great it would be if our
Christian life came with individualized detailed
instructions for living our faith in daily life? All
we would have to do is follow the instructions
and we would know we were faithful disciples.
We do have tools that help us along this faith
journey. We have the Bible, prayer, each other
and the list goes on. How then do we use these
tools?
With the help of four retreats, led by experts in
their fields, we will discover ways to give life to
our story, explore scripture and its connection
to our faith and life and learn new ways to live
out God’s call to each of us which we
received in the waters of Baptism. These
retreats are designed not be another “to do” on
your list, but to give you tools to support and
focus your faith journey.
The retreats will be held at Hollis Renewal
Center, Bonner Springs, KS. The cost is $220
for 4 retreats including meals. Housing for
each Friday night is an additional $60 ($240
total).
We will meet Friday beginning at 6:00 pm for
food, fellowship and centering and end by 9:00
pm. For those who wish, they may stay the
evening at Hollis. We will begin again on Satur-
day at 8:00 am with breakfast, enjoy the morn-
ing and afternoon experiencing the FaithPrint
and then be on our way home by 3:00 pm.
Spiritual FaithPrint
September 9-10, 2011
How do I hear God’s voice in my life? How do I
incorporate spiritual practices like prayer and
worship to strengthen my faith walk?
With the help of a Spiritual Director, we will en-
gage in spiritual play to help us check in and
explore how God speaks to each of us and
practice telling our individual story. Scripture
studies will focus on how God is at work, using
our stories to provide us a guide for our faith
journey.
Homework: We will learn tools to discover and
engage the context in which we work, live and
play.
Scriptural FaithPrint
November 11-12, 2011
How can Scripture serve as a tool for my faith
journey? How is Scripture relevant to today’s
world?
Luke 10 will be the basis of our scripture explo-
ration teaching us new methods of study that
will connect faith and life. We will explore the
“Connections” course where people introduce
their daily life and how faith makes a difference
in their work utilizing Luther’s understanding of
Vocation.
Homework: We will create a FaithPrint
experiment in our community and ask
questions like: “How is this experience chang-
ing my life? “
Strengths FaithPrint
January 20-21, 2012
How do my individual passions and God-given
gifts help me in my faith journey? How can I
use these gifts in service to God, my
community and beyond?
Through the “Dependable Strengths” process,
each participant will reflect on their experiences
in life, identify their patterns of strengths and
learn how to share their Dependable Strengths
in ways that demonstrate and use their God-
given gifts to build up the Body of Christ and
serve our neighbors.
Homework: We will explore how our unique
passion and giftedness can be utilized to serve
God’s world.
Society FaithPrint
March 9-10, 2012
Who is my neighbor? How do I share my faith
journey with my neighbor in a diverse culture?
During this retreat, we will share and adapt our
ongoing experiments. We will discover
divisions to be bridged, learning how to deal
with polarities and disappointment. We will
continue building interpersonal relationships by
exploring the concept of two-way hospitality.
Homework: There will be continued
experimentation in the community, a written
reflection on how this experience is impacting
our lives and discussion of the next steps for
each participant.
FaithPrints
REGISTRATION
Name:________________________
Church:_______________________
Address:______________________
_____________________________
Home Phone:__________________
Work Phone:___________________
Cell Phone:____________________
Email:_________________________
Please enclose a check for
registration, made payable to CSS.
Cost for the Faith-Filled Program is
$220 per person ($55 per retreat).
If you choose Friday night housing,
please include an additional $60 for
each retreat ($240 for 4 retreats).
For More Information, contact
Equipping Missional Leadership
Team Central States Synod
21 N 12th Street
Kansas City, KS 66102
913-948-9701
www.css-elca.org
invited Retreat Leaders
Sonja Sandquist
is a Pastoral Leader, Spiritual
Di-rector, and Professional Christian
Life Coach who has numerous experi-
ences in both large groups and in one-
on-one situations to empower people
to thrive in both their internal and
external lives.
Rev. Robin Morgan
has taught the Crossings method of
examining a Biblical Text To encourage
the Christian art of distinguishing
God's Law and God's Gospel in the min-
istry and mission of the Christian
church, so that the world receives
the full benefit of Jesus Christ's
dying and rising.
Rev. Janice Kibler
has served as bishop’s associate in the
central states synod for 10 years
focusing on leadership development
for all expressions of the church.
She is a trained facilitator for the
center for dependable strengths.
Mary Hellwig
is a member of the Missouri Restora-
tive Justice Coalition. The Mission of
the Missouri Restorative Justice
Coalition is: “To create safe and
peaceful communities for all
Missourians by promoting the under-
standing and use of restorative
justice principles and Practices.”
Ever wish the
Christian
FaithWalk
Came with
Individualized
Detailed
Instructions?
FaithPrints
Offers
Tools for
FaithFilled
Christian Living
CLERGY CONVOCATION
Who should attend? Experienced clergy leaders, new and actively exploring, denominational staff, judicatory leaders, directors, funders
WhenNovember 14th - 17th 2011Monday at 6 pm through Thursday 12pm WhereThe Astor Crowne Plaza739 Canal Street at BourbonNew Orleans, LA 70130 Registration fee$100 per participant
Registration DeadlineJuly 15th, 2011
Participants are responsible for travel arrangements and expenses; meals outside of PICO hosted meals; and hotel accommodations.
Or for more information contact: Trish [email protected]
Register at:http://bit.ly/picoclergy
www.piconetwork.org
WRITING THE VISION, MAKING IT PLAIN: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF FAITHA NATIONAL GATHERING OF CLERGY & FAITH LEADERS
Mission & Purpose
national context
addresses the pain and struggles in communities
leaders
congregations
credential
Program & Workshops
Lutheran Men in Mission Winter 2011 Newsletter Page 5
Hotel Reservations on-line: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=2669050&fromResdesk=trueDenver Marriott Tech Center: 1-800-266-9432. Ask for Lutheran Men in Mission: Single/Double $99 includes hot buffet breakfast
Register by mail: Registrar, Lutheran Men’s Gathering8765 West Higgins RoadChicago, IL 60631-4101Register by fax: (773) 380-2115Register online: www.lutheranmeninmission.orgRegistration Fee: Before 03/15/11 After 03/15/11 1 man $110 each $160 each 2 men $95 each $135 each 3 or more men $85 each $110 eachTotal Registration Fee: $ _________Method of Payment:____ Check (made payable to Lutheran Men in Mission)___ MasterCard ___ Visa ___ Discover ___ American ExpressCard Number: _________________________ _____Expiration Date: Month: ____ Year: ____Amount to be charged: $ ___________
Name as printed on card: ___________________ _____
Signature:______________________________ ___
Billing address: __________________________ ____
City: _________________________________ ___
State: ___________________ ___ Zip: __________
First Registrant: _____________________________
Preferred name on nametag: _______________________
Address:__________________________________
City: ___________________________________ _
State: _______________ _____ Zip: ____________
Email: _______________ ____________________
Second Registrant: _____________ _______________
Preferred name on nametag: ______ ________________
Address:_____________________ _____________
City: _________________________ ___________
State: ________________ ____ Zip: ____________
Email: ________________ ___________________
Third Registrant: ____________ _________________
Preferred name on nametag: ______ ________________
Address:____________________ ______________
City: _____________________ _______________
State: __________________ __ Zip: ____________
Email: _________________ __________________
Registration forCALLED! EQUIPPED! SENT!
JULY 22-24, 2011 – DENVER
TRANSPORTATION WHILE IN DENVERThe Denver Marriott Tech Center is located approximately 23 miles southwest from Denver International Airport. The special $99/night room rate includes free parking, free high speed internet, and a hot buffet breakfast. Super Shuttle from the airport to the hotelLutheran Men in Mission has negotiated a special $30 round trip rate with Super Shuttle. You can book Super Shuttle reservations online. Go to https://www.supershuttle.com/default.aspx?GC=9SHLA, then: 1. Select a Trip Type.2. Select Airport, “Denver International Airport (DEN)”, from drop-down menu.3. On the Hotel Name window, enter Marriott and select your hotel.4. Select Transportation Type, “Shared Van”.5. Enter your trip details and contact information.6. At the payment screen the discounted fare of $30 round trip or $19 one way will appear. Follow the instructions and enter your credit card information.7. Print your confirmation page (or you can e-mail it to yourself).
Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-BLUEVAN (258-3826), give the code 9SHLA to the call taker. An additional $1 is charged for reservations made through the call center. Avis car rental discountsLutheran Men in Mission has negotiated a discounted rate for car rentals with Avis for all Gathering attendees. To receive the special Lutheran Men in Mission discount, please go to https://www.avis.com/AvisWeb/reservation/ReservationsInitializer?&AWD_NUMBER=B456699, or call 1-800-331-1600 and use the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number: B456699.
Local transportation at the hotelThere is a Hertz car rental desk located in the hotel. The Marriott Denver Tech Center also provides free hotel shuttle service for shopping, restaurants, and other attrac-tions within a 5 mile radius of the hotel. The Light Rail station is a 5-minute walk from the hotel and provides access to downtown.
Want to enjoy some Colorado outdoor activities prior to or after the Men’s gathering?Fly Fishing, White Water Rafting, Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Golf to name a few.
Interested…contact Bret Gardner via email at [email protected]