making christ known
DESCRIPTION
April Issue of the newsletter of Central States Synod, ELCATRANSCRIPT
instant satisfaction, there is some-thing to be learned. I know it was a different context, a different era and culture. But there is some-thing to be learned from persever-ance, trust in the Holy Spirit, and
being with the people.
Finally, there was immersion in the culture, getting to know the customs and language of the people. ―We could tell they really cared about us.‖ As we become more aware the variety of cultures and sub-cultures in our own con-text, I realize how much we have to learn about missionary hearts
and lives and outreach.
Today, following Independence for the country in 1975, the Evan-gelical Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea is under indigenous leadership. The ELCPNG has its problems and challenges in the present, but there is so much for which to be thankful, so much for which to celebrate and give
thanks.
As we continue in the Lenten journey to the cross and prepare for the Easter celebration, I am reminded how the Good News of God is always beckoning us to lives of mission. The angel tells the visitors to the empty tomb that Jesus is risen and has gone ahead of them to Galilee (Matthew 28). May the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ renew our lives for being sent forth in
witness and service.
―Not all white people are the same. Some came to mine gold, drill for oil, cut down trees. Then they leave. But missionaries like your parents stayed. They learned our language and cus-toms. We could tell they really cared about us.‖ So writes Cath-erine Frerichs in Desires of the Heart, in which she tells the story of her parents, Albert and Slyvia Frerichs, and their 40 year call to serve as missionaries in
Papua New Guinea.
In late March, along with Pastor Gary Teske and several mem-bers of the Companion Synod Team, I attended the 125th Anni-versary Celebration of Lutheran Partnership in Mission in Papua New Guinea. The event at Wart-burg Theological Seminary in Dubuque brought together about 160 former short-term and long-term missionaries. Through an historical overview by Ron and Else Shardt I came to a much deeper appreciation of the mis-sionary foundation of Wartburg Seminary with its roots back in
Neuendettelsau, Germany, as well as the work of the American
Lutheran Church in PNG.
In 1886 Rev. Johann Fierl, who had grown up on a farm in Ba-varia and trained at Neuen-dettelsau, began work in Papua New Guinea. (This was a time when these Lutherans in Germa-ny were doing missionary work in places like Papua New Guin-ea, Australia, Brazil, and Iowa, Kansas and Missouri!) He la-bored for 13 years before the first person was baptized. It was another 8 years until 1907 when 4 newly baptized young men from PNG answered the call for evangelism work. From early on the priorities were on evange-lism, education, health care, teaching the Bible, and providing
hymns in the vernacular.
When World War I arrived, Ger-man missionaries were ordered out of PNG, and from 1921 on the involvement of Lutherans from the United States began to
grow.
Several things struck me as I listened to missionaries tell the story. One was the passion of the people, how the Gospel of Jesus Christ was at the heart and soul of their lives. These missionaries were committed and gave their lives in humble
service.
Another was patience. Thirteen years before a baptism! Twenty-one years before young men responded to serve as evange-lists. For us who live in a day of
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 2011 Number 211
Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt
Synod Assembly ............. page 2 Bethany College, Fund Appeal .......................... page 3 Churchwide Assembly, The Simple Life, ShakeOut .. page 4 BOF, Web Ministry, PMA Convo, Older Adults .................. page 5 LST, Hunger update ....... page 6 Lazarus Sunday, Grace Place Retreats, Generation Owe,
LMM ............................. page 7 Tomah Shinga, ALOA ..... page 8 Social Media Workshop, Women’s News ............. page 9 Around the Synod ......... page 10 Parishes in Transition, Synod Calendar, HIV/AIDS .... page 11 Glocal Msn. Gatherings, Global Links ........................... page 12 Inserts/Flyers: Lutheran Planned Giving; FaithPrints; Youth Minis-try Training; Augsburg Fortress
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 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
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.
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].
Registration is Open! 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.
Remember May 2, 2011 is the last day for early registration.
After the 2nd registration fees increase $35 per person. * Please be sure to check out the workshops and service projects. For a description of the offerings, click HERE. And then be sure to SIGN UP for your selections!
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
Bethany College affiliates with American Institute for Foreign Study LINSDBORG, KAN. — Bethany Col-lege has signed an affiliation agree-ment with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) beginning fall 2011. AIFS is one of the oldest and largest cultural exchange programs in the world. Since 1964, more than one million student and teachers have par-ticipated. AIFS has offices in 15 coun-tries and places over 50,000 partici-pants each year.
―An education from Bethany College, especially when students study abroad, provides the real advantage of learning to interact with and appreciate other cultures,‖ says David Olson, in-ternational student coordinator. ―Studying abroad is a great way for students to learn about themselves as they stretch their sense of comfort and for them to feel more connected with the rest of the world.‖
Bethany’s students will benefit from AIFS’ extensive network of contacts, experience with foreign study pro-grams, and scholarship opportunities. AIFS provides study abroad programs in 19 countries, including Australia, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey.
The AIFS affiliation will complement Bethany’s current study abroad oppor-tunities. Bethany has formed a relation-ship with Harlaxton College in Gran-tham, England, where both students and faculty have visited; and in Janu-ary, Bethany signed an exchange agreement with Karlstad University in
Värmland County, Sweden, which will begin with two Bethany students stud-ying in Karlstad for the spring 2012 semester. Bethany has also added programs through Study Abroad Italy (SAI) and Studio Art Centers International (SACI) to travel to Italy and London.
In the past 3 years, Bethany students have studied in Australia, Spain, Italy, England, Brazil, Argentina, and Ja-pan, and faculty has taught in Eng-land and Sweden. Also, international students have comprised on average about 5% of Bethany's student body in the last 3 years, representing 38 countries from six continents. Schol-arships are available for students studying abroad.
Bethany College Choir completes spring tour
The Bethany College Choir returned on March 22 from its five-day spring tour from March 18 to 22. The choir per-formed in high schools and churches in five states, including Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. Major cities included Denver, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Amarillo, and Oklahoma City. In addition to performing, the choir toured the Denver Performing Arts Cen-ter, the Historic Santa Fe Plaza, and Palo Duro Canyon.
The choir is directed by Dr. Jeffery Wall and accompanied by Dr. Dan Master-son. On the tour, Jim Ruble, vice presi-dent for advancement, and Sophie Lamb, admissions representative, greeted audiences and introduced the choir.
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Changed by Love, Sent in Love to Serve
Shaping the Church for God’s Mission The Central States Synod Mission Fund Appeal
I am very pleased to provide a progress report on our first syn-od wide mission fund development program: Changed by Love, Sent in Love, to Serve – Shaping the Church for God’s Mission. Despite the current economic climate, we are receiving encouragement and support from across the synod. While these are challenging days, I am also filled with hope and energized by what God is doing among us.
To date, we have outright gifts and pledges totaling $511,053. These early gifts are primarily from individuals and couples who represent the members of the Central States Synod staff (100 percent participation), council (100 percent participation), clergy, friends, and the fund appeal cabinet, i.e., Honorary Chairs, Co-Chairs, Steering Committee and Advisory Commit-tee members (94 percent participation).
The average gift either contributed outright or pledged to be paid over a period of years is equal to $4,800. Every contribution is an important blessing to living into our preferred future.
We remain steadfast in our effort to come together and unite to par-ticipate more fully and faithfully in God’s mission in the world today.
Thank you.
Bishop Gerald L. Mansholt
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
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Plan to join in the learning community:
2011 Missional Church Convocation
THE SIMPLE LIFE: GOD'S QUIET REVOLUTION OF
LOVE, FORGIVENESS, AND UNITY
July 14-16, 2011 Chicago
For more information, visit
The Center for Parish
Development
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.
Earthquakes Not Just a West Coast Risk
While earthquakes are sometimes be-lieved to be a West Coast phenome-non, there are actually 45 states and territories throughout the United States that are at moderate to high risk for earthquakes including the New Madrid fault line in Central U.S. Since it is im-possible to predict when an earthquake will occur, it is important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time. Check out earthquake prepared-ness information on the Ready.gov website. Also, be sure to get involved with the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut
being planned for April 28th.
At the end of this newsletter is a flyer for The Great Central US ShakeOut. Hopefully many of you have heard about this event. This effort is a way to raise earthquake awareness in our state, and to increase individual, fami-ly, and community preparedness. I would like to encourage each of you to register yourselves, your family, and also approach your state/regional/local faith associations to also register con-gregations. Faith groups are a ―target‖ audience, in fact, for this awareness effort; there is a drop down menu se-lection for faith groups that can be se-
lected when registering.
Obviously, we all won’t be sitting in our place of worship on April 28 at 10:15, but through sharing the information, members can participate wherever they are and know they are doing it in concert with others.
2011 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly
August 15-19, 2011
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
2011 Book of Faith Jubilee: Inspiring everyday people to engage the bible April 29-May 1, 2011 Luther Seminary Through presentations, conversa-tion and practical takeaways, this conference is designed for congre-gational leaders, both lay and cler-gy, to inspire and equip you to lead your congregation into reading the Bible in engaging new ways. Spread the word about the 2011 Jubilee. For more information click: 2011 Jubilee.
May 6-7, 2011
Heartland Presbyterian Center
16965 NW 45 Highway (map it)
Parkville, MO 64152
For additional information and registration go to:
css-elca.org/for-leaders/pma-convo-2011-2/
Congregational Web Ministry BY PAUL EDISON-SWIFT, ELCA
Facebook can be a great outreach tool and a way to help your members con-nect with each other. We're still work-ing on social media pointers and tips for the www.elca.org/webministry site, so for now I'll just share some of the resources that I've been collecting thus far: 1. Be intentional about your use of
Facebook; 2. Be careful about staff and volun-
teer use of Facebook; 3. Help members understand Face-
book; 4. Look for models of effective use of
social media in congregations; 5. Browse resources for church com-
munication. For see full communication, please click HERE.
KEEPING IN TOUCH…a newsletter on aging for Lutheran leadership
“Access to benefits is critical to helping seniors stay independ-ent and economically secure,” according to Kathy Greenlee, as-sistant secretary for aging. In a March 10 webinar for faith-based community leaders, convened by the National Council on Aging with participation by representatives of more than a dozen denomina-tions, NCOA made the case for partnering with local congregations. Less than 2% of eligible seniors accessed benefits in 2009, yet as many as one-third may qualify. For information on how congrega-tions can help their members understand and access their benefits, or on how to provide outreach assistance to seniors in your commu-nity, contact www.NCOA.org. Check out the “Benefits Access” page.
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.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
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Lutheran School of Theology of St. Louis Easter Term Courses BY PR. KEITH HOLSTE, CO-DIRECTOR
THE ORIGIN OF SATAN AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL is taught by Dr. Ben Asen, Professor of Old Testament at St. Louis University. It is offered at St. George's Episcopal/St. Mark Lutheran Church, 105 E. "D" Street, Belleville, Illinois, 62220 on three Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17 beginning at 7:00 P. M. Tuition is $41. This course teaches the origin of Satan and evil in the biblical tradition from the Old Testament idea of Satan as the Adversary, and its development through the inter-testamental period and into the New Testament and early Christianity where it has a decidedly different meaning and intent. The class explores the concept of Satan and the ―scapegoat mechanism‖ as developed in the thought of René Girard. THE REFORMATIONS: THEN AND NOW by Rev. Dr. Warren Crews, Adjunct Fac-ulty, Eden Theological Seminary and retired associate rector, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Webster Groves, MO. Rev. Crews holds a doctorate in American Church History. It will be offered at Grace Episcopal Church, 514 E. Argonne Drive, Kirk-wood, Missouri, 63122 on six Wednesdays, April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, and June 1 from 7:00 to 9:30 P. M. It is offered jointly with Episcopal School for Ministry. Tui-tion is $81. This course explores five phases of the Reformation era: Lutheran, Reformed, Ana-baptist, Anglican, the Roman Catholic response, the legacies of that era and the claim that we are currently in an emerging new reformation time. THE BULLIED PULPIT: PASTORING IN AN ANXIOUS TIME 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. He serves as consultant to a number of churches and agencies and is recent past president of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. The course is offered at Care and Counseling Offices, 12141 Ladue Road (one block west of I-270 at Ladue Road), St. Louis, Missouri, 63141 on Thursday, May 19 9:00 A. M. - 2:30 P. M. Tuition which includes lunch is $35. Pastors are sometimes the recipients of unrealistic expectations, over- determined anger and constant criticism. They sometimes unwittingly invite such responses from their congregants. This conversation examines the role of anxiety behind such behavior and possible responses to that anxiety. Changes in the understanding of the ―call‖ and the role of civility in congregational discourse is considered. The pas-tor’s ability to define Self from a spiritual and psychological perspective is dis-cussed.
Lutheran School of Theology in St. Louis offers biblical and theological courses for every-one, from interested lay persons wanting to learn more, to professional church workers and students. To register or for more information go to www.lststl.org, call 314-725-9710, or mail name, address, phone and email with payment to LST, 6325 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117.
Helping the Hurting BY REV. JOHN SCHROEPPEL, AM 5
My family have been Lutherans for at least two hundred years. Perhaps that is why I like the basic, simple things in life and would also like to see every-body else in the world enjoy the basic essentials. It only takes basic essen-tials to enjoy life but so many in the world do not have them. Those of us who do, have to count ourselves blessed and want to make sure they keep coming year after year. It takes good stewardship for this to happen, but when it does we want to share our
good fortune with others.
Since the Japan Tsunami many ads have appeared on TV for various ways to help. We want all Lutherans to know that your church is also working in Ja-pan and Haiti through the Lutheran Churches in those countries by means of ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Dis-aster Response and Lutheran World Relief. They may also work together and with other Christian Churches working in the area. The Lutheran Church is also working in Sudan and many other countries including the
United States to help the hurting.
It is possible to give through the con-gregation with special envelopes or just mark any envelope or check ac-cording to your desired giving. It is also possible to go online to see what the ELCA is doing and where, or to give online at: www.elca.org. We [the ELCA as of March 28] have given $750,000 to the Japan Tsunami so far and we usually give about 20 million/year to
World Hunger.
Thank you for your giving to help the hurting. Jesus said that when we give to help the hurting it’s just as if we
gave it to Him.
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
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 Early Registration discount ends March 15. Visit the Lutheran Men in Mission website for info, and see the flyer at the end of this newsletter.
BY PR. TIM CAREY
Grace Place Retreats are an incredible experience. Jean and I attended this re-treat last year and it was a great experi-ence. Another retreat is planned for Heart-wood Retreat Center this summer. The Retreat is scheduled for July 11-15, 2011, again at the beautiful retreat and confer-ence 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 wonderful 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 alum-nus, they will take off $100 of the registra-tion 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 rea-sonable rate.
Rev. Carey is pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Kan.
„Generation Owe‟ FROM SHARE SAVE SPEND, NATHAN DUNGAN, FOUNDER & CEO
We are all familiar with the descriptive monikers for different generations: the baby-boomers, generation X, generation Y, and most recently, generation owe? Though the last one isn't a codified term in the lexicon of pop-culture, it is unfortunately an accurate sum-mation of a common characteristic of many young people in North America. It is also the title of a great article I recently read in the Vancouver Sun. The article asks one of the criti-cal questions of the day: "Who should be responsible for kids' financial literacy?".
The author highlights two of the most pressing financial issues of our time - our ballooning debt, both private and public, and our uncertainty about how to get that debt under control.
Before I outline some thoughts on re-shaping and improving financial education for the next generation, I want to underscore just how serious an issue this is. Here are two telling sta-
tistics from a survey commissioned by the investing firm Scottrade:
● A majority of Baby-Boomers (58 percent) say, if given a second chance, they would
have started saving at a younger age
● The majority (55 percent) of Gen Yers have not started to save for retirement.
Taken together, these stats highlight the need to engage in serious conversations about
our financial habits.
First, if we are going achieve meaningful change in the financial literacy levels of the next generation, we must look to the logical places that can help convene the conversations. Improving our national financial health will require broad participation from families,
schools, faith communities and community organizations.
We're also going to have to talk about money in new and different ways. By that I mean going beyond learning financial terminology like credit scores, debt, time value of money, assets and 401K to name a few. To achieve optimal financial literacy means including dis-cussions on things like needs and wants, the effects of our spending choices on ourselves and the world, defining our money values, the power of advertising, and our future financial
goals, to name a few.
In short, if you're reading this article, then you share some responsibility to join (or start!) a conversation about money and values. Everyone's engagement with this topic is the best
hope we have of improving our financial literacy. Welcome to the conversation!
Reprinted with permission from Share Save Spend®. Copyright 2010. Visit sharesavespend.com to learn more.
The Lazarus Effect A 2010 documentary film about an-
tiretroviral drug therapy on HIV/AIDS patients in Africa
The Lazarus Effect film by (RED), HBO and Anonymous Content is a 30-minute documentary directed by Lance Bangs and executive produced by Spike Jonze. The film follows the stories of four people living with HIV whose lives were transformed by gaining access to antiretroviral treatment. In as few as 40 days, people suffering from AIDS can undergo a remarkable transformation thanks to access to treat-ment that now costs around 40 cents a day.
Worship Resources for "Lazarus Sunday" — April 10, 2011
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
8
April 30 is deadline to save $38,700! We need 65% of the eligible ELCA-primary health plan members and spouses in our synod to complete the confidential Mayo Clinic Health Assessment by April 30. Doing so will help all of our synod’s congregations and organizations save a collective $38,700 on ELCA health contributions this year. And remember, by taking the assessment, you’ll earn $150 in your personal wellness account and will be taking stock of your health. Healthy leaders do enhance lives and ultimately create a healthier ELCA community. Take the assessment at www.elcaforwellness.org. Find instructions for taking the assessment in Understand my benefits at
www.elcabop.org.
Camp Tomah Shinga Receives $50,000 for New Lake Project! Camp Tomah Shinga, Junction City, KS,
set out last year on an ambitious quest to
raise $50,000 to develop a new lake on its
property. The project got a major jump-
start with a challenge from the Earl Bane
Foundation - Salina, KS. With the completion of a $30,000 fundraising campaign,
the Earl Bane Foundation committed to a $20,000 matching gift.
The challenge was met in February with $30,000 in gifts from individuals and con-
gregations across Kansas.
The lake development project will move forward immediately. Roger Maxon,
Tomah Shinga Director/Buildings and Grounds, explains the next steps for the
project, “We need to clear more trees, burn any
brush and clean up the site. We will be trucking
in a soil sealant so the lake will hold water.
Once the soil is sealed the lake will fill naturally
with rain water.”
Once finished, the four-acre lake will provide
fishing, boating, relaxation and educational op-
portunities for campers and retreat guests.
Currently, Camp Tomah Shinga serves nearly
250 campers per summer and 400 retreat guests
annually. The camp is owned by the Central
States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, and is operated by Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. For
more information on Camp Tomah Shinga, call toll free at 1-888-656-6254 or go
online at www.tomahshinga.com.
Dave Coker, Camp Tomah Shinga Executive Director receives a $20,000 check from Mindy Tillberg, Earl Bane Foundation Secretary.
ALOA (Adult Lutherans
Organized for Action)
Announces a New
Adventure Lutherhostel “Northwoods Adventure
Lutherhostel" at Heatwood Con-
ference Center & Retreat
October 9-14,2011
This fall ALOA is offering a new form of Lutherhostel October 9-14 at Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat in Northern Wisconsin. Co-sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the five-day event is designed for pre-retired and newly retired individuals or couples who desire insights "to review the past in order to LAUNCH into the future." The Lutherhostel will take place at a north woods retreat facility near Trego WI,
owned by a subsidiary of Thrivent.
Dr. Steve Arnold, Pivot Point Ministries, a Chaplain and Spiritual Director and Professor Emeritus-Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, will lead a Bible study entitled ―On Paths Yet Untrodden.” Participants will do a time-of-life review with the intention of uncovering ways to maximize the remaining years. The Scripture study, outdoor adventures, and reflection time are designed to lead individuals to understand how God has worked in the past and to anticipate how God might
be guiding their futures.
How to Register Registation materials can be downloaded from the ALOA website: www.ALOAserves.org. Click on ―Events,‖ then ―Lutherhostels,‖ and scroll down to click on the North Woods Adventure event. Or contact ALOA (1-800-930-2562) for a bro-chure. Cost is $250 per person for a Thrivent benefit member and $300 per person for non-Thrivent members. For further information contact Walt Schmidt at 623-937-8835 or by email
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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
Why would anyone want to be part of an
organized church women‟s group?
…..my reply might be “why would you not want to be part of such a group?”
This year is my tenth year as part of the Central States Synodical Women of the ELCA board, serving as a board member, vice-president and president of our organization, at various times during the life of our organization. But, my journey within the ranks of an organized group of churchwomen began long before the CSS W of the ELCA was conceived. My mother, Mary Chapman Van Dorn, mar-ried into the Lutheran faith, but my grandmother, Ethel Anderson Van Dorn was a ’forever’ Lutheran. These ladies were part of Willing Workers and Ladies Aid and eventually Lutheran Church Women and Women of the ELCA. (Some of their antics rival ―Lutheran Church Basement Ladies‖ - especially the funeral sandwich-es!) Like many of you, I watched these ladies pursue the work of the church, sup-porting missionaries, serving banquets, leading bible studies, entertaining, serv-ing as officers within their circles and units. I can’t say I set out to follow in their footsteps, but look where God has led me! I am blessed! Blessed to be led down an amazing path of faith, guided by women from the ranks of my family, women of my church, Salem Lutheran Church, Axtell, Kansas, and as my Lutheran world expanded, women I met at district or cluster meetings, and at Synodical and Tri-
ennial conventions.
When I took on the responsibility of president, I was honored and humbled. And when asked to speak to what I had done in the past that might prepare me for the position of president within the CSS W of the ELCA, I could only respond that I’ve done the same things that every other Lutheran woman has done and continues to do and many of those things have not changed since Grandma and Mom took part. And when I say that things have not changed, I speak to the fact that people of this world are still in need of Christian kindness and aid, whether it’s in our own neighborhood or around the world. There are, however changes in how our cir-cles and units function, ’cause we know that lifestyles have changed, and the old saying that ’this is not your grandmother’s women’s organization or even your
(Continued on page 10)
Central States Women‟s news BY IRIS TURNBULL, PRESIDENT
The Revolution WILL be Tweeted A Social Media Workshop for Church and Non-Profit Leaders
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 2925 Old Missouri Road Fayetteville, AR 72703 June 11 — 10-2:30 p.m. Church members, our colleagues, donors, the community, and the wider (even global) culture are increasingly using Facebook, Twit-ter, and YouTube as their Third Place for learning, community building, and organizing. You may wonder which social media to use, how to get started, how to make the most of social media, how the use of social media will change your work (it will), how to manage the time spent online, how to set appropriate boundaries, and how social media connects with the face-to-face real world.
This day of workshops will address these questions and more. Work-shops will be offered by leaders of non-profits expert in the use of social media for church and non-profit contexts.
We will begin the day thinking the-ologically and ethically about so-cial media, asking questions like: can there be church on-line? Can faith and justice be Tweeted? How does the "ambient intimacy" of so-cial networking affect our day-to-day work and encounters? We will then move into some practical ad-vice about getting started and so-cial media best practices. Finally, we'll go online and discuss the various social media platforms that are available and how best to use them.
The cost is $25, and includes lunch. Contact Jane Coffin at Good Shepherd, 479-521-2113, or the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod office, 918-492-4288, to register. Space is limited to 50 people. Bring your own laptop or network-ing devices.
Iris Turnbull, president, Jewell Swinney, treasurer, Kathy Ouellette, vice-president and Carolyn Brauer, secretary, the executive board of the CSS W of the ELCA, take a break from business and tour the Koester House Museum in Marysville, Kansas.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
10
Around the synod . . .
Teaching the Revised Common Lectionary
„Feasting on the Word‟ Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 9100 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66206 May 12, 2011 — 5:30 p.m. (participants welcome to brown bag) Workshop: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Leader: Candace C. Hill, Marketing Interpretation, Feasting on the Word
Learn about the new online lectionary curriculum based on the award winning com-mentary Feasting on the Word. RSVP to [email protected] or 800.728.7228, ext. 5032. For more information visit www.feastingontheword.net/curriculum.
Folkerts receives full-ride to Luther Seminary
Beth Folkerts, member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays, Kan. has recently been accepted into Luther Seminary at St. Paul, Minnesota. She is one of only eight students to receive a full-ride Presidential Scholarship.
Beth has considered ministry since she was in high school, but was not sure if that was where God was leading her. “I thought about it, and really struggled with it. It was toward the end of my first year here at Concordia that I really felt confident that it was what God wanted me to do,” she says.
Beth will start her classes at Luther Seminary this fall and will be studying to earn her Master of Divinity degree.
Soup collected by members of Amana Lutheran Church in Scandia, Kan. as part of the ―Souper-Bowl Chal-lenge,‖ held in February.
mother’s organization’ is so true! There is now a flexibility built into the makeup of our units and we support such an assortment of worthy causes within our ranks, that when we have a chance to compile our resources by challenging our women to give monetarily or ask for in-kind offerings, the benefits to the recipients are amazing! So, check us out! Sit in on a circle or unit meeting, and you may see (or you may remember) why our ancestors felt it was worth a few hours out of their busy lives, to have a time of fellowship with the women of their church. Women who pray, study and
work together to further God’s Kingdom!
(Women’s News continued from page 9)
If you have questions concerning the Central States Women of the ELCA, please contact me at [email protected] or 785-736-2887 or 1433 27th Road, Axtell KS 66403.
Iris Turnbull, President, CSS W of the ELCA
Norm Smith (Lutheran Men in Mission President) and Bishop Mansholt encourage men in Central States Synod to participate in the LMM Gathering in Denver this summer. For more information: lutheranmeninmission.org
11
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
SYNOD CALENDAR
April 6 Staff Retreat — Hollis Renewal Center 8-11 ELCA Church Council — Chicago 9 Companion Synod Team — Synod Office 9 Youth Ministry Training — Hope, St. Charles MO 13-14 Lutheran Planned Giving Advisory Mtg/Dinner — KCMO 14 Tomah Shinga Board Meeting — Camp Tomah Shinga 16 Youth Ministry Training — Immanuel, Salina KS 17 Palm Sunday 22 Good Friday — Synod Office closed 24 Easter Sunday 25 Easter Monday —Synod Office Closed 28 Interim Pastors — Synod Office 29-5/1 Book of Faith Jubilee — Luther Seminary 29-30 Candidacy Meeting — Synod Office
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 30 Memorial Day Holiday — Synod Office Closed
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 (a) Marquette, Elim (b)
Area Ministry 5 Derby, Cross of Glory (b) Haysville, Resurrection (c) Wichita, Christ (b) Wichita, Good Shepherd (a)
Area Ministry 6 Atchison, St. Mark (part-time) (c) Bendena (St. John) and Lancaster (St. John) (b) Rock Port, First (a) Topeka, Trinity (a) Topeka, First ― associate (c)
Area Ministry 7 Liberty, Hosanna! (a)
Area Ministry 8 Nevada, St. Paul (a) Springfield, Prince of Peace (c)
Area Ministry 10 Manchester, Good Shepherd ― associate (c)
Dr. Wall, who is in his first year as director of choral activities, said, ―The choir tour was a great success. The Bethany College Choir students sang with passion and were wonderful ambassadors for Bethany College at all of our performance and recreational stops. It was a positive experience for all involved, and I hope that it becomes a regular recurrence for the performing music ensembles at Bethany.‖
Choir member Kaleb Feist, Salina, Kan., said, ―I loved performing in Denver and all the other stops. I also got to go to places I have never been before, such as the Denver Performing Art Center and Palo Duro Canyon in Texas. Overall I think choir tour was great for us. We were able to get closer with one another and build more of a family bond.‖
The Bethany Choir performed on April 3 at Sunday worship services at First Luther-
an Church in Topeka and will be at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg on May
8. The choir’s spring concert will take place on Sunday, May 1, in Presser Hall.
(Continued from page 3)
AIDS has claimed the lives of more than 25 million people worldwide, and has left millions of children as
orphans.
But amid the sobering realities of HIV and AIDS there is cause for
great hope. YOUR action makes a difference! Learn more — click ELCA Strategy on HIV & AIDS.
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — April 2011
12
Glocal Mission Gathering BY PR. SALLY FAHRENTHOLD, AREA MINISTRY 5
Exciting plans are developing for Central States Synod host-ing an ELCA Glocal Mission gathering in Wichita, Friday, Sept 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1, at St. Paul’s-Wichita, in part-nership with Area Ministry 5.
A featured speaker is the Rev. Stephen Bouman, Executive Director of ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission, and former Bishop of Metropolitan NY Synod. Expect worship, music, learning, people and food… workshops and present-ers offering opportunities for you to meet people from across the country and many lands, considering our Global and Lo-cal (Glocal) mission.
Put this on your calendar now. Plan to send a team from your congregation – pastor, musicians, outreach, service, education, youth to gain ideas for mission and ministry. Website registration and hotel/room info coming soon. Local co-facilitators are Pr. Dave Fulton [email protected] and Pr. Sally Fahrenthold [email protected], along with Bishop’s Associate, Pastor Janice Kibler.
April 2011
Connect to the glob-al church through elca.org Your church at work during disasters. See www.elca.org/disaster. + Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsuna-mi. A 9.0 magnitude
earthquake struck in Sendai causing a massive tsunami with 30-foot high waves. + Ivory Coast Refugees. As the debate around who won the November presidential elections boils over into violence many flee. + Libyan Uprising and Refugees. Libyans trying to escape the violence are leaving for bordering countries like Tunisia. + New Zealand Earthquake. On February 22, Christchurch community rocked by second earthquake in five months. + Learn more about disaster response in Japan, Egypt, Hai-ti, Libya, New Zealand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Thai-land at http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/.
Scenes directly from Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt As ELCA missionaries return to Egypt, see photos and reflec-tions at http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx.
2011 ELCA Global Mission Annual Report now available Learn about the ELCA and global engagement through this fold-out world map brochure, which includes short companion relationship stories. Contact 800-638-3522, ext. 2580 or or-der online at www.elca.org/resources. Shipping and handling are free for orders under 50.
Over 1 in 6 people are hungry across the globe Learn how ELCA World Hunger is meeting this challenge. "We start by listening to people." See the promotional video at www.elca.org/hunger/video.
I woke up in the mornings and knew there was purpose to my day Rebecca Duerst taught science in Namibia at Oshigambo High School. See her video reflections at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/
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
For a schedule of Gatherings around the country, click the above logo.
CMEP Conference May 22-24 + “Lutheran Day” May 25
Calling all Lutherans concerned for the Middle East: The ELCA Peace not Walls team invites you to a strategy day in Washington, D.C. following the Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) conference.
The ―Lutheran Day‖ will be held at Reformation Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill from 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 25. We will strategize together about new ideas for the campaign, networking, advocacy and what we can do to reach and motivate new people. ELCA Middle East Desk Director and Coordinator of the Peace not Walls cam-paign, Rev. Robert Smith, will give an analysis of current events in the Middle East and how these affect our work. The ELCA will be hosting meals; each person is responsible for his/her own housing. Please RSVP to Julie Rowe at [email protected] or call 773-380-2720 with questions.
Register for the CMEP conference at www.cmep.org.
Spark Sunday School A Sunday school curriculum designed to activate faith! Each lesson gets kids opening the Bible and exploring God’s Word. With three curriculum model options, Spark Sunday School can be easily customized to fit any congregation’s needs.
Learn more at activatefaith.org
Spark Bible (NRSV) Gift Edition - NEW!This new gift Bible features the same helpful chapter introductions, easy-to-read call-out, colorful maps, and stickers as the Spark Bible (NRSV). The embossed hardcover design is durable and age-appropriate. A perfect gift for third graders!
Learn more at sparkbibles.com
Spark Family - NEW!A new quarterly magazine for families! Each issue is filled with colorful images from the award-winning Spark Story Bible and engaging activities for the whole family! With 48 pages in each issue, Spark Family makes it easy to fit family faith into everyday life.
Learn more at augsburgfortress.org/sparkfamily
re:form An innovative youth ministry resource that empowers youth to discover their beliefs by tackling the powerful ideas of faith and theology. The core 40 sessions can be used in youth ministry programs, as a confirmation program, or even as a 5th/6th grade Sunday school curriculum.
Learn more at wearesparkhouse.org/reform
2011 Resources At-A-Glance A preview of our newest educational, worship, and academic resources.
re:form Traditions - NEW! The expansion kit for the highly successful re:form curriculum. We assembled the dream team of Lutheran, Methodist, and Reformed theologians and practitioners to create Traditions. Together, they provided historical accuracy, a theological framework, and translated it all into fun activities and language that speak to today’s youth.
Learn more at wearesparkhouse.org/reform/traditionsMethodist | Lutheran | Reformed
Here We Stand Confirmation The ground-breaking curriculum that revolutionized Lutheran confirmation is now even better. Refreshed content, a more streamlined web site, and integrated planning tools help leaders save time while better connecting with students.
Learn more at herewestandconfirmation.org
The Greatest Story: Jesus - NEW!The Greatest Story series continues with The Greatest Story: Jesus. Participants explore the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - in this exciting exploration of the life and ministry of Jesus.
Also available: The Greatest Story: Bible Introduction, a 16-session overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Learn more at augsburgfortress.org
Making Sense of the Christian Faith - NEW! Written by David J. Lose, the Making Sense Series invites participants to ask the tough questions around the Bible and faith, and then to dialogue, reflect and share in a group setting. Also available: Making Sense of Scripture.
Learn more at augsburgfortress.org/makingsense
Sundays and Seasons Sundays and Seasons is the indispensable companion for worship planning, as it follows the church year and three-year lectionary. Practical and easy to use, Sundays and Seasons continues to enrich every aspect of worship preparation.
Learn more at sundaysandseasons.com
Fortress Press Fortress Press is well known for the publication of superb textbooks and reference resources for undergraduate and graduate education in colleges, universities and seminaries. Walter Bruggemann’s Disruptive Grace and Granger E. Westberg’s Good Grief: 50th Anniversary Edition are just a few of the new titles.
Learn more at fortresspress.com
[1]
BOUNDARIES WORKSHOP
A grass roots effort to unite ELCA youth in the greater
Kansas City area.
Youth Workers, Volunteers, and Pastors
Friday, April 29th 4:30pm-5:30pm ! ! Registration5:30pm-7:00pm ! ! Dinner (provided)7:00pm-7:45pm ! ! Panel Presentation (Led by local community experts)7:45pm-8:45pm ! ! Break Out Sessions:! ! ! Session A Keeping Kids Safe Online (Led by Sunflower House)! ! ! Session B Bullying and Dating Violence (Led by TLC)8:45pm-9:00pm ! ! Closing
Saturday, April 30th9:00am-9:30am ! ! Continental Breakfast (provided)9:30a-11:30am ! ! Mandated Reporter Training (Led by Sunflower House)11:30am-12:30pm! Lunch (provided)12:30pm-1:30pm !! Workshops: ! ! ! Option A Keeping Kids Safe Online (Led by Sunflower House)! ! ! Option B Bullying and Dating Violence (Led by TLC)! ! ! Option C Creating a Child Protection Policy1:30pm-2:30pm ! ! Large Group Wrap Up w/ Q & A2:30pm-3:00pm ! ! Closing Worship
Registration FormName_______________________________________ Congregation_____________________________________Street Address_________________________________________________________________________________City_____________________________________________________ State__________ Zip__________________Office____________________ Mobile___________________ E-Mail____________________________________Current Position _______________________________________________________________________________
I have alternative dietary needs_________________________________________________________________ I am interested in a full or partial scholarship (A limited number of scholarships are available)
*Please fax or e-mail your registration form to DJ Whetter at (913) 491-8056 or [email protected]*Please make checks payable and send to Holy Cross Lutheran Church
For more information contact DJ Whetter (785) 218-6100, John Holt (913) 633-9428, or Jen Renema (785) 393-7454
April 29-30
Join youth workers, volunteers, and pastors as we strengthen our ability to safe guard our
children, volunteers, and congregations.
Workshop LocationHoly Cross Lutheran Church
7851 West 119th StreetOverland Park, KS 66213
Cost$30 per person
$90 max per congregation
LodgingSpring Hill Suites
12000 Blue Valley ParkwayOverland Park, KS 66213
(913) 491-0010$69 Rate
RIDING THE WAVES OF CULTURE
4/29/11 HOLY CROSSLUTHERAN CHURCH7851 W. 119TH ST OVERLAND PARK, KS 66213
date location time
PARENTS
7:00Pcost
FREE
TEENSFreedomOnline SafetyCommunicationDating ViolenceTrustBullying
Community SummitKansas City Lutheran Youth Coalition
Join community experts from TLC,
Sunflower House, Local Schools, and
Law Enforcement
Information PARENTS AND TEENS ARE INVITED TO AN EVENING WITH COMMUNITY EXPERTS FROM TLC, SUNFLOWER HOUSE, LOCAL SCHOOLS, AND LAW
ENFORCEMENT. HOW DO WE NAVIGATE THE WAVES OF CULTURE?LET’S GET THE CONVERSATION STARTED!
21 North 12th Street, Suite 210 • Kansas City, KS 66102 • (866) 915-3546
March 30, 2011
Dear Youth Leader, I am excited to announce an amazing opportunity provided by the Central States Synod and our churchwide youth ministry partners.
Equipping Youth Ministry Leaders are training events that are available to all adults who work with youth in your congregations. These events will be a mix of “face-to-face” meetings throughout the next year, as well as online webinars that you and other youth ministry leaders can participate in from home.
The topics provided at these events include: • The Landscape of Youth Ministry • Youth Ministry Events as Faith Formation • Lutheran Theology: How God is at Work in the World • Lutheran Theology: How Lutherans Read the Bible • Your Role as a Leader
• Strategic Planning • Leading a Small Group • Faith Conversations • Planning for the Unexpected
Again, youth ministry leaders (whether you are a pastor, paid staff or faithful volunteer) are invited to attend any and all these events. The best thing is…THEY ARE FREE! I just ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
The first of these training events will be held in four locations. Please plan on attending one with the other adult leaders in your youth ministry. Saturday, April 9 Saturday, April 16 9:00-11:00am 9:00-11:00am 1975 Old U.S. Highway 94S 255 S. 7th St. Hope, St Charles, MO Immanuel, Salina, KS
Saturday, May 7 9:00-11:00am
1245 New Hampshire Trinity, Lawrence, KS
In planning for these events, RSVPs are helpful, but not required. For more information about the Equipping Youth Ministry Leaders training events, please contact me at:
Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/cynthiaschnaath Office: 866.915.3548 I look forward to joining these important conversations with you! Thank you for your ministry with and among young people!
In Christ, Pastor Cynthia Schnaath Assistant to the Bishop Central States Synod, ELCA
Central States Synod
21 North 12th Street, Suite 210 • Kansas City, KS 66102 • (866) 915-3546
Considering the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering? The Equipping Youth Ministry Leaders training events are for ALL youth ministry adult leaders, regardless if you are planning to attend the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering or not. However, for those who are planning on attending the Gathering, these trainings will be a huge resource for your leaders!
2012 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING INFORMATION MEETINGS In addition to the spring training events, you will have an opportunity to stick around another hour to be part of the first “2012 ELCA Youth Gathering” information event. (No, it’s not too early to start planning.) Mindy Tillberg, Gathering Coordinator for the Central States Synod, will be presenting important information as you begin planning for the Gathering in 2012.
Saturday, April 9 Saturday, April 16 Hope, St Charles Immanuel, Salina 1975 Old U.S. Highway 94S 255 S. 7th St. 11:00am-12:00pm 11:00am-12:00pm
Saturday, May 7 Friday, June 3 Trinity, Lawrence Synod Assembly 1245 New Hampshire Holiday Inn, SE 11:00am-12:00pm 9103 E. 39th St. Watch the Synod Web Site css-elca.org for more information For updated information about the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering, go to the official Gathering website: www.elca.org/gathering Mindy Tillberg’s contact information is:
Email – [email protected] Facebook – www.facebook.com/mindytillberg Office - 785.825.4570
deduction amount will equal the fair market value of the collection; in others, the deduction will be limited to the cost basis of the collection. Perhaps the best place to start if you want to pursue a possible gift of a treasured collection is to talk with the charitable organization or our regional gift planner of ELCA Lutheran Planned Giving, Joyce “JP” Palmer. She can help you think through the advantages and any possible disadvantages of giving your collection to ministry/charity. Please be assured that “JP” will treat your conversation with confidentiality and not pressure you into making a gift. That decision belongs entirely to you. Her role is to provide information for you and to assist you if you do decide to proceed with a gift. To obtain assistance from our ELCA Lutheran Planned Giving partnership, you can call or e-mail Joyce “JP” Palmer as noted here.
W At an earlier stage of life, you may have found great pleasure collecting art, coins, stamps, tea cups or any number of things. Your collection, years in the making, is impressive and still provides you a sense of satisfaction. But perhaps the thrill of finding and adding items to your collection is waning and you are beginning to wonder what you should do with these treasured items. You may be planning to pass your collection on to your child or grandchild. Or perhaps you are looking for other options. Have you considered giving your collectables as a charitable gift to ministry/charity? A gift of “tangible personal property” can be almost as rewarding as the collection process itself. This is especially true if the items are retained by the charitable organization and used to further their mission objectives. Imagine, for example, the satisfaction of a donor of artwork who knows that the paintings will be continually displayed in a prominent place to provide inspiration to staff, volunteers and visitors for years to come. The IRS allows itemizers an income tax charitable deduction for gifts of collectables. The amount, however, depends on several things, including whether or not the charitable organization is able to use the collection in furthering its charitable mission. In some cases, the
Lutheran Planned Giving Arkansas-Oklahoma & Central States Synod
April 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.
Where Will Your Collectables Go?
Name:_________________________
Church:_______________________
Address:______________________
_____________________________
Home Phone:__________________
Work Phone:___________________
Cell Phone:____________________
Email:_________________________
Please enclose a check for your registration
made payable to CSS.
Cost of each retreat is $55 per person. If you
choose Friday night housing, please include an
additional $60.
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
Registration form
Invited Retreat Leaders
Sonja Sandquist
Pastoral Leader, Spiritual Di-
rector, and Professional
Christian Life Coach who has
numerous experiences 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
ministry and mission of the
Christian church, so that
the world receives the full
benefit of Jesus Christ's
dying and rising.
Rev. Janice Kibler
Serves as bishop associate in
the central states synod for
10 years focusing on leader-
ship 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
Restorative Justice Coalition.
The Mission of the Missouri
Restorative Justice Coalition
is: “To create safe and peace-
ful communities for all Missou-
rians by promoting the under-
standing and use of restorative
justice principles and
practices. “
Ever wish the
Christian
FaithWalk
Came with
Individualized
Detailed
Instructions?
FaithPrints
Retreats
Offers
Tools for
FaithFilled
Christian
Living
Wouldn’t it be great if our Christian life came with individualized detailed instructions for living our faith in daily life. Can you imagine it? 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 $55 for retreat and meals. Housing for Friday night is an additional $60 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 Saturday at 8:00 am with breakfast, enjoy the morning 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 engage 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 exploration 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 changing 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 neighbor.
Homework: We will explore how our unique passion and giftedness can be utilized o 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, exploring the concept of two-way hospitality. Homework: There will be continued ex-perimentation in the community and a written reflection on how this experience is impacting our lives and discussion of the next steps for each participant.
FaithPrints Retreats