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SYNOD NEWS
Bishop Gafkjen's November I-K Lutheran Newsletter
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
Listen, God is calling, through the Word inviting, offering forgiveness, comfort and joy. (ELW #513)
Pray always. Do not lose heart.
Please click here to read the full article.
October is Rostered Ministers Appreciation Month!
October is deacon and pastor appreciation month, and we offer our thanks to all rostered ministers in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod.
Gracious God, we give you thanks for pastors, deacons and bishops whom you have called to the ministries of word, service, and sacrament.
With your Holy Spirit, strengthen and sustain these ministers in their calling, so that through their witness the Church would join your work of compassion, mercy, justice, and peace through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Retired Rostered Leader's Luncheon
A wonderful time was had by the nearly 25 folks who gathered at St. John, Louisville, KY for lunch with Bishop Gafkjen and staff on Tuesday, October 15. Thank you to Pastor Andy Rutrough and St. John for your hospitality
!
Stewardship Event November 20
On Wednesday, November 20 from 8:00am--4:30pm, the Ecumenical Stewardship Center is hosting a conference titled "Spirited Generosity: Offering Vitality in the 21st Century" in Atlanta. Resurrection Lutheran Church in Indianapolis (445 E Stop 11 Rd) is serving as a satellite site for the event. Come hear outstanding speakers and engage in thoughtful discussion around topics such as the history and theology of the offering in Judeo/Christian culture; cultural influences on the offering; engaging the offering as an act of worship, discipleship, and mission; and making the offering a meaningful moment when communities gather. Cost is only $5 per person to help defray lunch costs. Please click here for a flyer to share with your congregation. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jerry O'Neal, IK Stewardship Director at (260) 307-1345. We hope to see you at Resurrection November 20th! Please register for the event by clicking here.
Transformational Leadership Academy
The Transformational Leadership Academy is hosting its second formation event for the Lay Worship Leaders program. All are invited to attend! Dr. Cory Driver will be discussing the deep relevance of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament for both early Christian communities and for us today. The seminar will be called "Encountering the Old Testament Again/For the First Time." Participants are encouraged to email
cdriver@iksynod.org with passages from the Old Testament that they have been confused, angered or delighted by, so that we can be sure to discuss those particular sections.
Dr. Driver has taught Bible in seven countries, and at two seminaries. His Ph.D. is from Emory University in Jewish Religious Cultures. He is the director of Indiana-Kentucky's Transformational Leadership Academy.
Particulars: Saturday, October 26. Formation Event Part 1: 10am-12pm, Lunchbreak 12pm - 1pm, Formation Event Part 2: 1pm - 3pm
Cost: $20 for all attendees, except for participants in the Lay Worship Leader Program, whose program fees cover the cost of attending.
Constitutional Changes for Congregations
For congregations who have not recently updated their constitution, this would be an ideal time to engage that process. You can find a resource to guide that process on our synod's website:
https://iksynod.org/document/guidelines-revising-congregational-constitutions/.
This document has been updated to reflect new language and is available for your use. Constitutions may be submitted for an advisory review before the final approval by the congregation, by emailing the draft version to
constitutions@iksynod.org. This email should also be used when submitting your updated constitution that has been approved by the congregation (see C16.01 and C16.02).
College Student Information
Please help us connect your college students with the campus ministry where they are attending college. This information is more helpful than you may know. Contact Carol Ann Webb at
cwebb@iksynod.org with student name, college they are attending, and contact information. Thank you for your time and attention in sending us this information so that it can be shared with campus ministers.
Instagram Account!
The synod has embraced visual storytelling. Please find and follow us @IKSynodELCA. Please be sure and tag us in your photos!
Give with Tithe.ly
The Indiana-Kentucky Synod signed up with Tithe.ly to make giving easier than ever. Download the app and set Indiana-Kentucky Synod as a regular mission to support. You can also simply text the word GIVE to 765-347-9974, then follow the link. You may also visit our website (
www.iksynod.org), click the
Donate Button, and follow the prompts.
Treasurers: Save a stamp and send Mission Support with Tithe.ly! ACH and debit/credit cards accepted.
Please include your congregation name in the "Note/Memo" line.
Thank you for all you do to support the ministries and mission of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod!
Many have expressed interest in knowing where Bishop Bill will be preaching and presiding so that they may attend if they are nearby. Below you will find a schedule of upcoming services and events where our Bishop will be presiding, preaching, participating or leading.
Bishop Gafkjen's Calendar of Events - all times listed are local
October 23-25: Lutheran Center Opening | St. Olaf College | Bishop Gafkjen, Keynote Speaker
October 27: Wittenberg University | Springfield, OH | Weaver Chapel | Bishop Gafkjen preaching | 7:30 pm
October 28-30: Partnered Synod Retreat | Dallas, TX
Bishop Gafkjen looks forward to being with you and your faith community. Please contact his administrative assistant, April Lynch,
alynch@iksynod.org to schedule a time.
Synod
Weekly News
The Indiana-Kentucky Synod welcomes stories and photographs of ministry moments to share with its mission territory. Stories and accompanying photos are accepted for the Weekly News (which is sent out each Thursday), the monthly I-K Lutheran, and the web site (www.iksynod.org). Send announcement submission to Thomas Dearchs, Director of Communications, Administration, and Worship Life tdearchs@iksynod.org by Tuesday at noon (Eastern time) to be included in the Thursday Weekly News. Please see the Publications Submission Guidelines document for complete details on submissions.
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CONGREGATION NEWS
Prayer Concerns
During the weekly I-K Lutheran Center staff devotions, we included these individuals and mission centers in our prayers:
New Hope, Monticello, IN and Rev. Doug Givan, Pastor of Record
New Joy, Westfield, IN and Rev. David Schreiber, Pastor of Record & Will Bevins, Synodically Authorized Minister/Intern
Our Blessed Saviour, Alexandria, IN and Rev. Kal Rissman
Our Saviour, Princeton, IN and Rev. John Schmeling (Interim ELCA Clergy)
Our Saviour, West Lafayette, IN and Rev. Steven Albertin (Interim)
Rostered Ministers Not Under Congregational Call:
Rev. Ben Stallings, Retired
Rev. William Steinke, Retired
Deacon Ruthann Stemler, Retired
Deacon Lake Lambert, President, Hanover College
Rev. Carolyn Lesmeister, On Leave from Call
Saint Paul Area Synod and Bishop Patricia Lull
News from St. John - Fort Wayne, IN
This past Saturday, October 19, the Lutheran World Relief semi trailer was in our parking lot at St. John to collect quilts, health kits and school kits that will be sent around the world to those in need. As the map indicates, we had folks bringing quilts from four states, including as far away as northern Kentucky and Evansville. In addition to ELCA congregations, we had at least one LCMS congregation as well. Thanks be to God for the faithful stewardship of so many Lutheran congregations!
Some of the former members of Mt. Zion Church, which was torn down several years ago, have had the sign for the church restored and plan to have it dedicated on November 10, at 2:00 pm Eastern time. The cemetery at the church grounds is still active. The church grounds are located on State Road 61 at the junction of Mt. Zion Road. This is between Vincennes and Monroe City.
Founded and based in Houston, Texas, Deux Voix (French for "two voices") has amassed a rapidly growing reputation and both national and international acclaim. This is the groups first appearance in the Midwest. This concert is offered in celebration of Thomas Dearchs' 20 years as Minister of Music in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - St. John & Christ, Kokomo, IN. The concert is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. A reception will follow the concert.
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CHURCH-WIDE NEWS
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Bishop Eaton's September/October Column for
Living Lutheran
You are to be bold.
In her September/October column for
Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, saying the actions taken were based on "our scriptural and confessional understanding of who God chooses us to be." In Milwaukee, she says, "we stepped out in faith." Read her column here.
Portico Updates
Innovation Brings Low 2020 Health Rate Increase and More Support: If you haven't read about changes coming in 2020 to the ELCA Benefits Plan, click here to learn more.
Dates for ELCA Benefits Plan Annual Enrollment for Congregations and Plan Members: Congregations have until October 25 to make health plan option selection for 2019. Plan members have from Oct. 29- Nov. 13 to make your selections. Note: If you're part of a sponsored couple, a call to the Customer Care Center can help you navigate some of the trickier details.
Sign into MyPortico to learn more.
ELCA Primary Health Plan Wellness Dollars:
Plan members have until Nov. 30 to earn up to $400 wellness dollars that can be used for medical expenses. If your spouse is also on the health plan, they can, too. If you have already started earning, don't forget to complete your activities. If you haven't yet started, now is the time to begin. Click
here to learn more.
2019 Churchwide Assembly Again Calls Portico to Action:
Portico, as the ELCA's benefits expert, largest institutional investor, and benefits policy advocate, attends this triennial event to lend its perspective as the church conducts its business. As in years past, Portico was called to action - this year, in memorials focusing on ELCA social purpose funds and health benefits.
Read more on myPortico
.
How Do ELCA Social Purpose Funds Make a Difference?:
Impax Asset Management is a U.K.-based global stock investment manager making a worldwide difference by investing in companies that employ measurable positive environmental strategies, including wind farms, solar technology, and wastewater-reduction and -treatment techniques.
Ignite the Church Conference
4th Annual Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando, Florida, February 11-13.
Are you looking for a continuing ed event to inspire, encourage & challenge your ministry? Would Florida in February be a blessing?
Consider attending the Ignite the Church Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 11-13. In addition to 4 large group gatherings with talks and panel discussions on topics related to Congregational Vitality, there will be 12 intensive electives on a wide range of important topics like Reaching Younger Generations, Expanding Kingdom Impact, Church Renewal and Discipleship, Renewing Music, Vitality through Mission, Engaging Your Neighborhood, Evangelism, Social Justice, and Raising Up and Equipping Leaders. There will also be a field trip to Orlando's Castle Church Brewing Community, one of the ELCA's newest and most unique mission starts. The $99 Super Early Bird registration rate includes 2 meals and snacks when you register by November 30th. Rates increase to $109 in December and $129 in January. 75 Leaders from 20 states attended last year's gathering. All conference proceeds are donated to the ELCA Fund for Leaders. Last year's gift totaled $2500. For more information go to
www.IgniteTheChurch.net
We hope to see you there!
Lutheran Child and Family Services
Lutheran Child and Family Services will be operating this year's Christmas Store from December 9-12 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, located at 6810 East 10th Street, Indianapolis. We are looking for donations and volunteers. We are also looking for individuals and churches to purchase gifts for Lutherwood residents to open on Christmas morning. Please click
here for a Christmas Store Flyer to share with your congregation and click
here for a wish list.
"AWAKENING THE SAGE WITHIN"
November 9th, Indianapolis/ Beech Grove - Here is a 1-day weekend retreat designed for elders and elder groups in area congregations, offered by the Benedict Inn in Indianapolis, and Sage-ing International. It's led by I-K Synod pastor and spiritual director, Al Rider, partnering with Paul Severance, retired director of United Senior Action of Indiana. Rather than "
age-ing", the theme is "
sage-ing"... Uniting spirituality with the process of growing gracefully into the final, crowning chapter of life, with a focus on gratitude, service, and leaving a legacy. Join us. For more information on this ecumenical opportunity, click
here.
Subscribe to ELCA Newsletters
Access the latest resources, stories and events from around this church through ELCA e-newsletters and subscribe to several all in one place. Keep up-to-date with the ministries that mean the most to you or share with a friend and encourage them to subscribe. Sign up for news about the global church, Lutheran Disaster Response, stewardship and ELCA World Hunger at
ELCA.org/subscribe.
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