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SYNOD NEWS AND EVENTS - August 8, 2019
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The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is happening this week.
MILWAUKEE - Gathering under the theme "We Are Church," members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are meeting in Milwaukee for the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly - the highest legislative authority of the ELCA.
In his sermon during Monday's opening worship, Rev. William "Chris" Boerger, secretary of the ELCA, emphasized how the assembly theme is central to the assembly's purpose.
"We are church," said Boerger. "We gather here in Milwaukee with this theme. We are church. But we do not say, 'We are the church.' We know the church of Jesus Christ is much larger than the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. But we are part of it.
"We are the church because of what is happening here among us ... the gospel is being preached, the sacraments are the center of what's happening here this week. ... We are the church because of what God is doing."
Referring to the day's text, Boerger said, "Jesus is the living water. ... Jesus is telling his followers that their job is to let this living water flow through them. The church is the water fountain for a thirsty world."
During the week, the assembly participants will spend time in worship, Bible study and plenary discussions as they deliberate how to go about God's work in this church.
Click here to read more.
There are so many assembly highlights, but a big moment to celebrate would be that
Elizabeth Eaton was re-elected presiding bishop of the ELCA. On the first ballot, 897 votes were cast and 670 votes were needed for election. Eaton received 725 votes, which is 81.19% of the vote.
Stay Connected:
- Bp. Jon Anderson's Facebook Highlights
- ELCA Facebook Highlights
- Recorded Assembly Livestream
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MEF Helps Rostered Leaders Paid Below Guidelines: Grant for Retirement Equity Deadline Extended to September 30th
Saving for retirement can be particularly challenging for rostered ministers who are paid below synod guidelines.
The Ministerial Excellence Fund's Grant for Retirement Equity is one way that our synod assists rostered ministers whose employer retirement contributions fall below what they receive at a guideline's salary. The grant helps to make up the difference between the employer's annual retirement contribution to be paid in 2019 and the amount that would be paid if the rostered minister were receiving a compensation package at the SW Minnesota Synod guidelines for his/her years of experience.
Rostered ministers who are paid below guidelines are encouraged to apply for this MEF grant. If the congregation makes up for lower pay in other ways, a conversation can be held with the Gifts of Grace co-directors to see if the rostered minister qualifies.
The application can be found on the synod's webpage under the "Rostered Ministers / Grants" link. The application will remain open until September 30th.
Other MEF grant opportunities to keep in mind:
The MEF Grant for Unexpected Medical Expenses application is also open to rostered minister and their family members. Up to $1,000 is available to help with the out-of-pocket expenses of medical bills that come from a medical expense or counseling that arose unexpectedly in 2019.
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Cultivating Generous Congregations
in smaller member settings
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod invites you and your ministry team to participate in a three-part seminar experience that will enrich the way you and your congregation approach generosity and giving. Cultivating Generous Congregations (CGC) is an interactive seminar of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. CGC demonstrates how pastors, deacons, and ministry leaders can energize congregational generosity.
This is a great opportunity! Your congregation or parish will have personal guidance and coaching throughout and following the CGC seminars.
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Community Organizing Training for
Southwestern Minnesota Leaders
November 4-6, 2019
Shalom Hill Farms, Windom, MN
This event is an opportunity for faith and community leaders in Greater Minnesota to gather for community building and training. The training will provide the skills we need to engage our communities in ways that are strategic, community-centered, and effective. Participants grow their skills to build authentic and impactful relationships in and with their community to create change.
Especially encouraged to attend are leaders in the EcoFaith movement in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, and leaders in the movement to address predatory lending in the State of Minnesota. Space is limited to 18 participants and 4 trainers.
Dates: November 12-14
Location: Shalom Hill Farm (near Windom, Minnesota)
Cost: $245/person (estimated)***
(Includes two overnights at the retreat center, meals from Thurs lunch - Saturday lunch, resource materials, and professional training)
Click here to register.
***Funding is available leaders from the Southwestern Minnesota Synod to attend. Contact Pr. Steve Cook at the synod office to learn more.
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Synod Events
Below is a list of all the upcoming synod events. Visit the synod events webpage for more information.
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AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
September 16-17, 2019
Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer and the
New London/Spicer area
New London/Spicer area
September 28, 2019
St. Stephen Lutheran, Marshall, MN
OCTOBER
Registration Open!
October 6-8, 2019
College of Saint Benedict. St. Joseph MN
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NOVEMBER
November 2, 2019
First Lutheran, Marshall, MN
SW MN Synod Boundaries Workshop
November 5, 2019
Faith Lutheran, Spicer , MN
Jr. High Youth Gathering
November 22-23 & 23-24, 2019
Best Western and Conference Center, Willmar, MN
Leading Worship: A Skills Workshop
November 16, 2019
Cross of Calvary, Olivia, MN
DECEMBER
JANUARY
January 11, 2020
St. Stephen Lutheran, Marshall MN
FEBRUARY
2020 Equipping Congregations Day
February 29, 2020
Willmar, MN
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Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
PO Box 499, Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: 507-637-3904
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