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| This week in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA |
Week of June 28, 2015
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As we are sent into the world to do God's work, we pray that we serve with confidence in God's work through us and with humility as people who need each other to spread the gospel and accomplish change in the world. (From ELCA Prayer Ventures)
We also pray for the following leaders and the congregations they serve:
Pastor Brad Peterson, Trinity Lutheran, Boyceville
Pastor Neil Weltzin, Trinity and Georgetown Lutheran Churches, Balsam Lake
Pastors Kurt Jacobson, Jim Page, Brahm Semmler Smith, and Sarah Semmler Smith, Trinity Lutheran, Eau Claire
Pastor Michael Briggs, Trinity Lutheran, Hammond
Installations and Ordinations
Pastor Jamie Brieske will be installed at Immanuel Lutheran, Eau Claire, July 12 at 9:30 a.m.
Pastor Amelia Houdek will be installed at all services at First Lutheran, New Richmond, July 19.
Lucas Ladinier will be ordained in North Carolina July 25. He has been called to serve Our Savior's in Beldenville, Wis.
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"So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye"
Constant Contact (the email service we use at the synod office) tells me I'm an "All Star" because I send a lot of messages and a surprising number of people open (and hopefully read) them. I estimate that in the last seven and half years I have probably sent you about 400 emails similar to this one. But this one will be my last because I am retiring tomorrow.
Working in the synod office has been challenging, rewarding, uplifting, and mostly a great experience. I have met hundreds of faithful people who love this church and have been inspired by those who work tirelessly for the sake of the gospel. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.
Now, it's time for the next chapter of life (or as Greg Kaufmann might say, "the final third of life.") My husband Ray Doring and I plan to continue to love the lake here in Wisconsin in the summer months and love the warmth in Florida during the winter. As it is with many new retirees, I have lists of projects that I am anxious to complete, people I am eager to spend time with, and dreams of relaxation and time for reading, or napping, or both!
And so it is that I say farewell to you, the saints of the synod, and thank you for the support and kindness you have shown me. My successor has not yet been chosen, but when that person is hired, I am confident that you will embrace their new ideas and help them along, just as you have helped me.
And I have just one request. Next January, if you are eligible, please complete your Mayo Clinic Health Assessment!
God's peace,
Merry Soyck-Doring
Synod Communicator (for one more day)
P.S.
Eclipse will be on hiatus this summer, but rest assured that your synod staff will be able to help you if you call or email the synod office.
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Bishop Eaton Will Preach in Eau Claire
As part of First Lutheran's 150th anniversary celebration, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be the guest preacher Sunday, July 26. You are invited to join in these activities: Coffee Reception with Bishop Eaton at
8:30 a.m., Celebration Worship at 10 a.m. followed by a meal with brief remarks from Bishop Eaton at Florian Gardens in Eau Claire at noon. If you plan to attend the meal, please RSVP to First Lutheran with a payment of $20 per plate by July 14.
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Open New Doors with Lay School of Ministry
The Lay School of Ministry is, once again, leading the way in education of the laity with regular classes for the 22nd year beginning September, 11-12. To find out all about it and to register, simply go to www.layschoolofministry.org and print the information you need including a registration form.
A quote from a first year student: "It has opened new doors of information and helped me understand why we do some of the things we do. I enjoyed sharing and growing in faith with others." Attending the Lay School of Ministry has been a decision many students are thankful to have made. It has made a difference in their lives.
We hope to see YOU at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls on September 11 and 12!
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Three Guys and a Motorcycle Ride
It won't be long until Bishop Rick Hoyme, Bishop Jim Hazelwood and Steve Dumas head out for Detroit to the ELCA National Youth Gathering.
Please keep them in your prayers and consider a donation to ELCA World Hunger. Learn more about the ride at facebook.com/threeguysride.
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Attention Gardeners, Don't Miss the Daylily Dig for Malawi!
Get ready for the annual Daylily Dig for Malawi! Tim Fehr and Greg Kaufmann grow beautiful and unique daylilies and once a year they open up their gardens to share them with local gardeners.
For a donation to help our companions in Malawi come to visit our synod, Volunteers will help you select and dig the lilies you like best. The hardest part will be deciding which of these beautiful flowers to choose! So save the date and get your garden tools ready! This year's dig will be
Friday, July 10 (12 p.m.- 8 p.m.), Saturday, July 11 (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), and Sunday, July 12 (1 p.m. - 5 p.m.). Hope to see you there!
View directions to Kaufmann's farm.
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Group Travels to Malawi
Rev. John Sutherland, assistant to the bishop, will accompany a group from our synod as they travel to visit our companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi. They will depart from Wisconsin July 21 to spend two weeks visiting parishes, participating in building projects, worshiping with our brothers and sisters, and becoming familiar with life in this small African country. The group includes:
Carly Lorenz from Strum, Eric Turcott from Cumberland, LuAnn Dohms from Menomonie, Richard and Marjorie Lauring from Cushing, Rev. Greg and Jane Gullicksrud from Maple, Donna Sockness from Rice Lake, Dick Tyson from Menomonie, and Katie Gargulak from Cumberland. Please remember them in your prayers.
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ELCA News
From Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of the crucified and risen Christ.
Last week the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its decision announcing the right of same-gender couples to have equal access to marriage. For many members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, this decision is a welcome sign of hope and a time for celebration. Other members of this church do not agree with the court's decision and remain deeply concerned because of their understanding of Scripture.
This decision affects each of us, some profoundly, and we are not of one mind. Let us continue to accompany one another with prayer, love and mutual respect as we reflect on this new reality and remember Paul's words in 1 Corinthians about the enduring power of God's love. Continue reading . . .
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Hope Lutheran, River Falls, Seeks Church Administrator
Choir Director Wanted
Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA, 202 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire, is looking for an individual to serve as Choir Director. This part-time job involves planning, rehearsing and directing an established adult choir for weekly worship. Grace is a progressive congregation with a commitment to musical excellence. For further information visit the web site
www.grace-church.org or contact Elaine Mann at
[email protected] or 715-832-9713.
Faith Lutheran in Cameron Seeks Education Coordinator
We are looking for a Christian Education Coordinator who will work five hours/week with the Wednesday evening/Sunday morning Christian Education program here at Faith Lutheran Church. This will be a paid position. We are looking for someone with a strong Christian faith who has good organizational skills, works well with children and adults, and is interested in family ministry. For more information contact Pastor Loren at 715-458-2788.
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Director of Youth and Adult Faith Formation, Ezekiel Lutheran, River Falls The Director of Youth and Adult Faith Formation will be responsible for leading ministries to middle and senior high youth and their families, as well as college students, young adults and other adults, equipping the congregation in developing an intergenerational, networked faith model, so that together young and old might grow in "Following Jesus, Living Faith Overflowing with Love." The Director will be personally and enthusiastically committed to this purpose. A position description and job application for this full-time, salaried position can be found at www.ezekiellutheran.org/about/careers or e-mail [email protected] . Part-time Youth and Family Coordinator Opening in Superior Concordia Lutheran Church in Superior, WI is looking for a part-time Youth and Family Coordinator to join our ministry. Any applicant should be dedicated to the role of young people and families in the growth of a congregation. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in ministry or education, but any individual who is passionate for youth and family ministry is encouraged to apply. The position duties include, but are not limited to: organizing volunteer Sunday School staff, planning activities for families, managing social media, and promoting intergenerational programming and events. View details.
SONSHINE MUSIC FESTIVAL - Pancakes and Prayers!
On July 16 through 18 the SonShine Music Festival will fill the air with praise and worship as several nationally known Christian music artists perform at the Somerset, WI Amphitheater. The artist lineup includes Rend Collective, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, Lacrea, Skillet and MORE!
Christ Lutheran Church, 510 Germain St, in Somerset will be open to festival goers 24/7 Friday, June 17 - Sunday, June 19! We will be serving continuous pancakes with the offering of a welcoming place for air conditioned rest and prayer - Pancakes and Prayers! We are located 2 blocks from the Amphitheater - just follow the paved sidewalk to CLC. Our parking lot will be available for a free-will donation.
A Taize' Worship Service will take place on Sunday, July 19 at 9 a.m. and is open to everyone wanting to attend! Check out http://sonshinefestival.com for further festival and ticket information.
Siebert Lutheran Foundation Makes Grant Money Available for Leading Well
Leaders are shaped for their ministries - in God's church and in God's world - within communities of faith. Leading Well is designed for those who serve in leadership roles in which they are called to shape others for ministry. The curriculum includes three annual face-to-face events and monthly, cohort-based coaching groups between events. Coaching groups are led by professional coaches. The Siebert Lutheran Foundation is making generous grants available to cover 75% of the total cost of the entire three-year experience-tuition, lodging, meals and travel. Deadline for grant applications is August 1. Go to www.leadingwell.net for more information and to download the application for Siebert Lutheran Foundation grant.
Summer Concert and Worship at Randall Park, Hwy 12, Fall Creek
Wednesday, July 29, 7 p.m. "Breaking Chains" (rock)
Wednesday, August 26, 7 p.m. "King's Countrymen" (bluegrass) For more information, call St. James Trinity at 715-877-21260
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Wanted: Large Print LBW or WOV
Dallas Lutheran Church is looking for LBW and/or WOV large print hymnals. Please call the church office 715-837-1490 or leave a message via voice mail 715-837-1795 or contact [email protected].
Bridge Builder Training in August
BRIDGEBUILDER, developed by Dr. Peter Steinke, noted consultant, workshop leader, and author, is a resource of trained lay and clergy who assist congregations in reconciliation and healing. Dr. Steinke will lead a training session for those who interested in this process to help congregations move forward in their ministry. It will be held August 24-26 at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. View details and registration form.
In addition to Dr. Peter Steinke leading a Bridgebuillder workshop on August 24 - 26, he will lead a NEW VISION workshop on Thursday, August 27, at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.
This Dr. Steinke's new workshop and focuses on mission and purpose for congregations. View details and registration form. |
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Our Mission Statement
Walking together for the sake of mission in God's world |
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You can learn more about the events listed in this section by clicking on the underlined event title. Send your information about upcoming events to [email protected]. |
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July 9
Pie and Ice Cream Social at St. John's Lutheran, 1804 Highland Ave., Eau Claire. This
is the yearly fundraiser which provides funds to continue serving meals at the Eau Claire Community Table the third Thursday of each month. 4-6:30 p.m.
July 10-11
July 10-12
Annual Daylily Dig for Malawi at the Kaufmann Farm, rural Chippewa Falls.
Friday, July 10 from noon - 8 p.m.;
Saturday, July 11 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
Sunday, July 12 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
July 13-17
Vacation Bible School presented by the Balsam Lake Community and held at Faith Lutheran Church, 305 First Avenue East, Balsam Lake. 1 - 4 p.m. for ages 4 through 6th grade. Registration forms at www.faith-bl.org under Events, or call the church office to request a form 715-485-3800. Enter to win a FREE his and hers bike!
July 15
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| July 26 Rejoice . . . Sunday: ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton - guest preacher; 8:30 am - Coffee Reception with Bishop Eaton, 10:00 am - Celebration Worship Service, 12:00 am - Meal at Florian Gardens (with brief remarks from Bishop Eaton) - RSVP to First Lutheran Church with payment of $20.00 per plate by July 14. This event is part of the 150th anniversary celebration at First Lutheran, Eau Claire.
July 27 - 31
Vacation Bible School at St. John's, Eau Claire. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
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Quick Links
Looking for something that appeared in a previous issue of Eclipse? You can access the last four issues on our website:
www.nwswi.org/news_and_events.
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Contact Information: Merry Soyck-Doring,
Synod Communicator,
715-859-6810
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