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 Publications Northern Lights (Email Newsletter)20122011
2010
So much ofthe news that comes your way is "bad news." Newspapers live and die by the dictum: "If it bleeds, it leads." So how about a little good news for a c ange? Here are some juicy tidbits of "good gossip" that we on the synod staff want to pass on to you, God’s precious people of the NWMN Synod.
Good Turnout at the Conference Gatherings [pdf] 10-20-2011
AELC Visitors Touring Synod [pdf] 9-20-2011
Peder Eide family worship event... was awesome! 8-16-2011
2011 LPM Graduates [pdf] 6-9-2011
The LPM is a teaching ministry that gives church musicians an increased sense of vocational awareness, along with the tools and resources to enable congregations to sing well and participate actively in worship. LPM looks forward to welcoming new students in the coming year, 2011-2012. [...]
Church Planting Updates [pdf] 4-18-2011 Updates on area mission development:
Katie's Table [pdf] 4-12-2011
Rothsay Church Council Authorizes Gift for Tornado Recovery [pdf] 3-23-2011
Congregation Gives Away 44% of Its Expenditures [pdf] 02-08-2011
Good Gossip Tidbits [pdf] 02-01-2011
First Lutheran's Children's Christmas Store [pdf] 01-25-2011
Good Gossip Tidbits [pdf] 01-18-2011
If you have some "good gossip" to share from your congregation’s life and ministry, please drop me a note and we’ll pass it on in future GOOD GOSSIP ramblings in Northern Lights.
ELCA Proposed Statement on Genetics News
ELCA Presiding Bishop Interviewed on Genetics Statement Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson was recently interviewed by Orion Samuelson, the dean of radio farm broadcasters in America, regarding the proposed draft ELCA social statement on genetics. Hanson stresses the statement's strong support for the vocation of farming in this great video clip.
Blog Explains ELCA Genetics Statement Because there have been a number of false or misleading reports about the development of an ELCA social statement on genetics, a new blog has been started that "sets the record straight." Please share this information with persons who have expressed questions or concerns about this topic: http://elcafactchecker.com/ And please, strongly encourage folks to read the draft statement itself before jumping to conclusions about it.
Former U.S. Ag Secretary Affirms Genetics Draft Bob Bergland--farmer, former U.S. Congressman and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture--has read and commented upon the ELCA draft social statement on genetics. Mr. Bergland is a member of Messiah Lutheran Church of Messiah, and we thank him for giving his permission to share his reflections in Northern Lights.
Fargo Forum Editorial Praises ELCA Genetics Draft After some articles appeared in the Fargo Forum earlier this month, regarding negative reactions in the area to the ELCA draft social statement on genetics, members of the Forum's editorial board studied the draft and wrote an op-ed piece praising the ELCA genetics draft. This editorial was published on November 17th, and as this issue of Northern Lights was being prepared it was still available on the Forum website.
A key section of the editorial states that, in the ELCA genetics draft, there is nothing to suggest that "the statement is anti-farmer, anti-science or anti-genetic research and application. It's not about stymieing new knowledge; rather, it's about how that knowledge is used and what could be the moral/spiritual implications of misuse. In other words, the ELCA draft social statement is in keeping with church tradition. The church has historically embraced its responsibility to develop frameworks for teaching and deliberating about issues that confront a modern, rapidly changing technological society. The genetics revolution certainly qualifies as such an issue."
Synod Pastor Responds to Genetics Draft Criticisms The following article was written by interim pastor Bob Sorensen and published in the November 2010 Parish Pulse of the United in Christ Parish, Fertile, MN. It is reprinted here with the permission of the author and may be shared in congregations of the synod. As you encounter spurious and sensationalistic responses to the ELCA Draft Social Statement on Genetics, I commend this article to you all—Bishop Larry Wohlrabe, NW MN Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"Forward Together" in Gardner, ND 12-11-2011
The Synod was very responsive to our needs after the flood this last spring, but due to economic conditions our Synod has been hard pressed for funds. In response to the Synod's "Forward Together" financial campaign, members of Nora wanted to support the synod as a group and not just as individuals. They held a potluck dinner with the free-will proceeds going to the Synod in appreciation for their help in our time of need. Through their generous support over $427 was raised for the Synod's "Forward Together" campaign.
The members of Nora would like to encourage other congregations to do something similar to show their support for the Synod.
Synod, ELCA Partners, Benefit from GiveMN.Org 11-22-2011
Synod Delegation to Visit India in November 2012 11-22-2011
Life-threatening winter storm headed for Alaska 11-09-2011 National Weather Service has announced a "life-threatening winter storm of historic proportions" headed for the Seward Peninsula in Alaska. It is being predicted that hurricane force winds will endure for at least 12 hours during this storm. This is twice as long as sustained winds in an actual hurricane. Add to this enormous storm surges on coastal areas that are already experiencing major erosion from rising waters and we have a potential for great disaster. The ELCA has five congregations on the Seward Peninsula, which comprises one-third of the native ethnic-specific congregations of the ELCA. [...]
NWMN Candidacy Committee October Meeting 10-26-2011 Helping Folks Hear God’s Call The committee formally interacts with candidates at three times during their seminary experience or other preparation process: entrance, endorsement (prior to internship), and approval. Eight members of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod Candidacy Committee met, enjoyed a meal with candidates from the synod, and conducted candidacy interviews on the campus of Luther Seminary, October 17-18. [...]
Congregational Leadership Academy News Flash Focus 2: Evangelism Leader
Liberia Needs Your Old LBWs
The Lutheran Church in Liberia provides a strong witness for the Gospel. The people love to sing! They want to put the LBW into every Lutheran church and preaching point throughout the country. [...]
2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Report
AELC Leaders to Visit Synod in September
Synod Assembly Recap
Over 600 persons participated in the 2011 NW MN Synod Assembly, May 14-15 at Concordia College. [...] DVDs Available DVDs are available for purchase from Concordia College for $20. The DVD includes Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson’s Town Hall Meeting, Churchwide report, and sermon. Also included are the two presentations from Pr. Susan Briehl and the Sunday sermon from Bishop Larry Wohlrabe.
Forum on Faith and Life Director Appointed
Continue reading letter [pdf]
Update from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson
Frazee-Vergas ELCA Mission Start To Begin Sunday Worship on March 13th
Vibrant Faith Conference Held in Hitterdal
Over eighty persons participated in a Vibrant Faith Ministries conference held in the Hitterdal community center on February 26, 2011. Co-sponsors for the event included the Northwestern Minnesota Synod, Gary-Rindal Lutheran Parish, Our Savior’s Lutheran of Barnesville and Salem Lutheran of Hitterdal. partnership. event.
If your congregation is interested in becoming part of such a Vibrant Faith "coaching cluster" please get in touch with Bishop Wohlrabe at Wohlrabe@cord.edu or phone 218.299.3019.
NWMN Synod Approves Ingathering of Funds for Wadena / OtterTail Tornado Aid
The Wadena Otter Tail areas that were affected have approximately 1 Million Dollars in underinsured or uninsured losses for 140 families and this list continues to grow as individuals continue to struggle. This means that after insurance was received, the property owners either have had to take out additional loans, or are unable to fix their homes and are living in unfinished and sometimes unsafe situations.
There is hope! A dedicated staff and committee are working very hard to help every family in need of a hand up. When volunteers are needed, our Volunteer Coordinator finds the volunteers with the right skills for the job. Those Volunteers, being led by our Construction Supervisor, have already completed 9 projects and have over 20 projects on the schedule for the Spring and Summer months. All of the skilled labor is FREE. Your $5 donation is needed to continue the recovery effort. 100% of your donations will go directly to those in need!
The NWMN Synod Council approved an ingathering of funds to help Otter Tail and Wadena Counties in their recovery. The Council suggested each baptized member make a $5 donation.
What can you buy for $5? 1# of Drywall Screws or 2—2x4 Studs for rebuilding walls or 4 pack of energy efficient light bulbs or 2 square feet of flooring or a paint roller or with many $5 donations you can rebuild a community!
To make your $5 tax- deductable donation, please send checks payable to:
With every $1 comes recovery! Please join us in rebuilding your neighbors in Wadena and Ottertail. Together we can make a difference!
Download Bulletin Insert [PDF]
Wadena / OtterTail Tornado Updates
Although it's been over seven months since devastating tornadoes tore across parts of Ottertail and Wadena Counties, recovery efforts continue thanks to the ongoing presence of Lutheran Disaster Response, in cooperation with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Below are two reports that give the "flavor" of what's still happening and what needs to happen to address the unmet needs of victims of this natural disaster.
Case Manager Report [PDF]
The Tornadoes [PDF]
Please share this information with the people of your congregation and invite them to give to the recovery efforts.
Wadena / OtterTail Tornado Recovery Aid Appeal
MCC has learned about the dire situation in Wadena and Otter Tail counties from ELCA Minnesota NW Synod Bishop Larry Wohlrabe and from ELCA Pastor Del Moen who services churches in the area.
Please direct people to the Recovery website to contribute in any way or learn more about the disaster.
"In this season of thanks and giving, we request your participation in raising sorely needed funds to continue aid to the hundreds of families who suffered severe disruption to their homes, lives, and livelihood due to the devastating tornados in Wadena and Otter Tail counties in June.
We give thanks for all this tornado did not do. Only one death, virtually no other serious injuries, a region and community left capable of rebuilding itself. We give thanks for the abundance God has bestowed upon each of us; health, family, employment, warm clothes, adequate food and furnishing, and homes without leaking roofs, windows, doors or foundations, to live comfortably through another challenging Minnesota winter. We give thanks for all those who have volunteered; for those who work tirelessly to serve God’s wounded children, for the financial generosity, and for the wonder of so many new friends and rewarding relationships.
No government assistance is available for this aid, only private donations. The $400,000 raised thus far will be exhausted within 60 to 90 days, leaving many folks with no furniture, leaking roofs, shattered doors and windows, farm fences to repair, and the list continues.
In this season of giving, we pray you will consider reaching once more a little deeper and giving generously to this Minnesota Council of Churches Christmas season initiative."
Blessing to you! Tanya Nelson
Youth Gathering Attracts Nearly 900 Photos courtesy of Robin Bly of Hope, Fosston Member of the Synod LYO Board
Bells of Wittenberg
*Who is sponsoring this project?
*How can we support this project?
*Is other support necessary?
*Why does the Castle Church need this assistance?
*Why will these bells prove to be important to the Castle Church?
How can we offer help?
Volunteers Needed For Tornado Recovery Organization to donate up to $25,000 for southern Minnesota flood relief
Mail donations to: Contributors should make checks payable to "Lutheran Disaster Response" or the "American Red Cross." "Thrivent Flood Fund" should be written on the check's memo line.
Donations can also be made online at lssmn.org or redcross-semn.org. Indicate "Thrivent Flood Fund" in comments when making online donations.
Promoting the Thrivent Challenge:
Download press release [PDF]
Volunteers Needed For Tornado Recovery September 2010
Volunteers are needed in Wadena and Otter Tail Counties. If your congregation would like to participate in the long term recovery, please contact Tanya Nelson, Volunteer Coordinator, Wadena-Otter Tail Long Term Recovery Committee, at (320) 630-5781 or vc_woltrc@yahoo.com.
[Update]
In the spirit of the Macedonian Christian Churches of old, we ask your faith community to prayerfully consider the needs of your neighbors in Central Minnesota and give a donation made out to the Wadena Otter Tail Long Term Recovery Committee. Your generosity will go a long way in bringing about a new future for a very storm damaged community.
Download pdf for giving information [PDF]
Tornado Recovery Update June / July 2010 Download the following articles for more information and resources...
An Update and Challenge from Our Charitable Gift Planner August 11, 2010 I believe when we have a personal investment in where our gifts go and who they support we tend to give more freely and our gifts grow even faster. Last fall at the Synod Theology for Ministry Conference at Fair Hills a pastor came up to me and asked me how I would help our congregations to increase stewardship. My reply was to tell the story of Jesus. The stories I am talking about do not come from the Bible, rather they come from Jesus working through us to provide for His ministries, "God’s Work – Our Hands" type of stories.
Northwest Passages (Online Newsletter)
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Five representatives of our companion synod, the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) of southern India, arrived safely at Fargo’s Hector International Airport on September 16th. Already the team of AELC visitors have participated in worship at Our Savior’s and Trinity Lutheran Churches of Moorhead, and they attended the synod’s annual Theology for Ministry Conference at the Fair Hills Resort, Detroit Lakes. [...] 
Congregations of Conference 1 invested some dollars from their conference treasury in sponsoring a family-friendly concert by the Peder Eide Band on August 10th. Conference dean, Pr. Gary Halverson of Karlstad, reports that "the Peder Eide family worship event at Galilee Bible Camp in Lake Bronson...was awesome. Over 300 attended, mostly young, and were affirmed, challenged, and inspired. Peder Eide noted two firsts: (1) this was the first concert at which his new CD Rescue Me was for sale, and (2) this was the first concert at which his eldest son was a full-fledged band member. Thanks to Kathy Levenhagen who initiated this event, to everyone who helped out, and to you who voted to give $850 of conference funds for this event."
On Saturday, June 4, five participants in the 
Living Grace Lutheran Church is the name given to
a new ELCA ministry start in Hawley, MN. 
Trinity Lutheran’s Intern Pastor, Kinndlee Lund, brings together diverse members of the community for her final seminary project Katie's Table. Its purpose is to create relationships between church members and recent immigrants in the community. There were 15 women in attendance between 8 years-old and 75 years-old. Ten were members of Trinity Lutheran, one was Roman Catholic, and four were Muslim. [...]
On Sunday December 11, 2011 Bishop Larry Wohlrabe and his wife Joy attended church at Kirkebo, Perley, and Nora, Gardner ND. The Bishop gave an excellent sermon on Jesus being the light of the world. 
During the third annual Give to the Max Day on Nov. 16, more than $13.4 million was raised to benefit Minnesota nonprofit organizations. The NWMN Synod was one of the nonprofit organizations that participated. Sixty donors gave just under $7,000 toward the synod's Forward Together annual appeal. Thanks to all who participated! [...]
In a November 3 letter to Moderator Bishop Suneel Bhanu Busi of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) of southern India, Bishop Larry Wohlrabe proposed a pilgrimage to India by Northwestern Minnesota Synod folks in November of 2012. "We are strongly committed to bringing a group of ten or more persons from our synod to the AELC next November," wrote Wohlrabe. "We believe that a November 2012 trip (coinciding with the AELC's annual Pastors Day observance on Martin Luther's birthday) will give us enough time to lay the groundwork for a rewarding exchange with our companion synod friends." You are invited to think and pray about the November 2012 pilgrimage. [...]
Of the 1023 voting members who participated in the Twelfth Biennial Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA in Orlando, 23 of them came from our synod. The theme of the assembly, “Freed in Christ to Serve,” was developed in various ways throughout the assembly including daily services of Holy Communion and three small-group Bible studies led by Dr. Diane Jacobson of the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative. The voting members from our synod wish to highlight the following actions of the Churchwide Assembly and their reflections and impressions. [...]
Five leaders of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) of southern India will be making a “pilgrimage of partnership” to the Northwestern Minnesota Synod between September 16 and September 30, 2011. [...]
Concordia College is pleased to announce that Dr. Jacqueline Bussie has been offered and accepted the position as director for the Forum on Faith and Life at Concordia College. She will begin work as the 2011-2012 academic year commences. The vision for a Forum on Faith and Life is to cultivate public conversation and exploration about questions of community life, faith, service and ultimate concern. With a true spirit of collaboration and creative entrepreneurship, the Forum will seek to breathe life into the valued relationship between Concordia, the church and world. The Forum aims to be a superb and accessible resource of research, publication, lifelong learning opportunities and inspiration for ELCA Synods and congregations within the College's Corporation territory and beyond. [...]
I am sharing this update on the ELCA’s response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan because it is a sign of hope in a very difficult situation. I am also sharing it because, amidst the cacophony of appeals for Japan relief, our members can be assured that their church is able to act swiftly and effectively because of its global relationships, which enable it to draw from an expanded network in its disaster response. [...]
"Waters of Grace" will host its first Sunday morning worship service on Sunday, March 13th, 2011 at 9:00a.m. at the Frazee Event Center. March 13th, the first Sunday in the season of Lent, is such a good time to begin. For over a thousand years LENT (the word means spring) has meant new life, renewal, and new birth in the church. What a wonderful season to begin worship! Each service will be 45-50 minutes in length. The service will include music, Bible readings and messages that engage our minds, spirits, and even bodies in worship. So I invite you to join me and others on March 13th as we begin regular weekly worship. 
Dr. Paul Hill (pictured at left) and Dr. David Anderson (below, right) of Vibrant Faith Ministries, headquartered in the Twin Cities, were the primary presentersfortheevent. They introduced participants to the Vibrant Faith Frame - a perspective on the church that emphasizes ways congregations and homes can be in a dynamic partnership with one another.
The three sponsoring parishes are entering into a two-year coaching
partnership with Vibrant Faith Ministries, and this conference kicked off this Folks from several other congregations in the synod also attended the February 26th.
On Sunday, February 27th, Drs. Anderson and Hill preached in the Gary- Rindal and Barnesville parishes, while Bishop Larry Wohlrabe preached at SalemofHitterdal. Lay leaders from the three parishes continued their training time (with Anderson, Hill and Wohlrabe) in the early afternoon of Sunday.
NOW we would like an opportunity to thank God for you and your generosity. The staff of this committee works daily with many people trying to rebuild their lives.
Bells of Wittenberg seeks to provide a set of handbells to the 
Thrivent Financial is working with two highly respected relief organizations in this effort: Lutheran Disaster Response, which specializes in volunteer mobilization, reconstruction management, spiritual care and long-term recovery efforts, and, the American Red Cross, a leader in short-term emergency response efforts. 
Recovery will be on-going, and we are still in need of volunteers and supplies. Our greatest immediate concern is helping families
secure their homes and farms before winter. This would require a variety of skilled construction labor including, but not limited to: roofers, sheet rockers, siding, door/window installation, and framers.
Experienced fencing crews are needed for rural farms. Debris clean-up and general labor projects continue. Any offer of assistance will be welcome and greatly appreciated.