|
Dear people of the Northwest Intermountain Synod,
One of the most formative experiences during my internship at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN, came on Epiphany in 2009. I had preached during that evening’s festival worship. While shaking hands after service, one parishioner said, “Very nice lecture on Epiphany, Vicar. Next time, make it happen.” To clarify for the non-preachers out there, to be told that a sermon is a “nice lecture” is not a compliment. While this comment did little to boost my ego, it did get me thinking—especially the second part about making “it happen.” The “it” was in reference to Epiphany, which is the commemoration of visit of the Magi as the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles (i.e. all peoples of the world). In two brief sentences, that parishioner taught me the whole point of the sermon—any sermon, not only an Epiphany one—was to strive to reveal Christ himself as present, active, and alive in the world and in that particular place bringing the grace that is the love of God. All sermons should “make it happen;” should reveal Christ.
| |
 |
I Saw Christ's Presence
Fast forward 15 years to Epiphany 2024. On this most recent Epiphany I found myself 1,352 miles away from my internship site at Lutheran Church of the Master, Coeur d’Alene, ID. On that evening people from four different congregations gathered for food, worship, fellowship, and to be reminded once again that Christ is present, active, and alive in the world and in our lives. I saw Christ’s presence in the meal of chili and corn bread we shared while joining our voices in conversation, prayer, and song. I saw Christ’s presence as many of us gathered outside the church building around a bonfire. Some held Christmas tree branches while others s’more sticks gooey with marshmallows. As we prayed the litany proclaiming Christ as light to the world, the tree branches were cast into the fire creating enough light to illumine us and the grounds of Lutheran Church of the Master. And I saw Christ’s presence in the joy and delight of those who were tossing snowballs at and with one another, reveling in the best aspects of this winter season. That evening, I couldn’t help but notice those four congregations—Calvary Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran, Holy Spirit Ecumenical Catholic, and Lutheran Church of the Master—made “it” happen. Together they revealed Christ as present, active, and alive.
Where has Christ been revealed to you? What was that experience like? I encourage you to share the stories with others. Perhaps you may “make it happen” for someone else. And may we all have abundant epiphanies throughout 2024 and beyond!
God’s peace be yours,
Rev. Phil Misner, Assistant to the Bishop
| |
|
All rostered leaders, active and retired, and those On Leave from Call need to submit an annual report to the synod office.
(It is in the constitution).
These reports give your synod staff essential information about your interests and plans for the year. These reports inform our work as a staff.
Annual Reports for Rostered Leaders are submitted to the Synod Bishop through the Synod office: office@nwimsynod.org
- These reports are due February 29, 2024
-
Click here for Roster Leader Report
-
Please note: Download the form, save it to your computer, fill it out, save it again and email to: office@nwimsynod.org
Congregation Reports:
- The ELCA Office of the Secretary receives the annual congregation report (aka Parochial Report), which is used to update the parochial statistics of the ELCA.
- There is now only one form to complete, Form A, which asks for congregation statistics and financial data. The kinds of questions previously asked on Form C will instead be gathered through surveys across the year.
- Form A has been redesigned to make it more readable and easier to complete.
- The instructions have been improved to provide better explanations for how to complete Form A and define what terms mean.
- Paper copy was mailed to each congregation. If you need the online login and password, please contact Cathy in the Synod office: cathy.steiner@nwimsynod.org
Mission Intent Form
|
Embodying Creation Care and Eco-Justice
February 21at 4:30 pm PST/ 5:30 pm MST
Starting in March, the group will meet on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm PST/ 7:30 pm MST
| |
Fertile hills that feed the world. The respite of deep lakes and the energy of rushing rivers. Forests with miles of trails. All of these are part of the beauty that we enjoy in the Northwest Intermountain Synod.
In gratitude, how do we, as people of faith, respond in a way that shows love for all our neighbors within this community of creation? And how do we use the gifts of creation to care for our families now, while also being just to Indigenous people who were here before us and to those who will live here after us? How faithfully are we tending the portion of God’s garden where we live, as instructed in Genesis 2:15?
A group has started meeting via Zoom to explore these and other questions related to creation care and eco-justice within our synod. We share stories of congregations who are already engaging in this mission, and we seek ways to support congregations as they address environmental issues within their landscape and context. Our hope is to inspire and equip congregations to embody the commitments made in the ELCA’s social statement on Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice.
All synod members are welcome to participate in this new group. The next meeting is February 21st at 4:30 pm Pacific / 5:30 pm Mountain. Starting in March, the group will meet on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm Pacific / 7:30 pm Mountain. For the Zoom link, or if you have questions about the group, send an email to the facilitator, Deaconess Katrina Martich, at contact@katrinamartich.com.
| |
Compline in Lent 2024
"Guide us waking O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep we may rest in peace." These words begin the gospel canticle for Night Prayer, or Compline, in the ELW. What a beautiful prayer for the days of Lent: to remember that God both guides and guards us. We will share Compline together as a synod during the weeks of Lent, reflecting on God's enduring care for us and our calling to be God's people. We will sing psalms, hear scripture, read a bedtime story, and pray for one another and the world.
Thursdays at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, live streamed via the synod Facebook page, beginning Feb 15.
Join us and share with others this time to commend the day, and our lives, to God.
| |
Northwest Intermountain Synod
REGIONAL GATHERINGS 2024
April 27 | May 4 | May 18
| |
|
Registration for our winter retreat is open!
All ages are welcome! Bring the family, a group of friends, or just yourself. Snowshoe, cross-country ski, relax, and enjoy the moment at Camp Perkins. For $200, stay in the heated retreat center, or for $150, take the rugged route with a wood-stove warmed cabin and detached restrooms. We have special pricing for families! Contact Casey at associate@lutherheights.org to learn more. Register by Jan. 25 under “retreats” at lutherheights.org.
| |
|
Apply to be a cabin leader at Luther Heights!
Weekly salary ranging from $375-$425, depending on experience! We will work with your schedule, if you can not commit to the entire summer. What are you waiting for? Apply today!
| |
|
Spend an unforgettable summer serving with Lutherhaven Ministries in beautiful North Idaho! Camp counselors, lifeguards, cooks, kitchen assistants, wranglers… there are all sorts of jobs open at summer camp!
Summer jobs are available at Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d’Alene and at Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch in the Bitterroot Mountains.
Camp staff positions are tremendously rewarding, incredibly challenging, and almost always life-changing.
Most of all, kids today need you! We look forward to serving alongside you!
| |
Retirement Readiness Webinars
Resolved to feel more financially prepared for the future? Check out Portico’s Retirement Readiness Series from Fidelity starting at the end of January. Register for live webinars covering topics like turning your savings into retirement income, understanding Social Security, and estate planning basics. Recorded versions of these topics – and many more – are available on demand on myPortico.
Learn to Live 2024 Webinars – January
Take 30 minutes to boost your mental well-being by joining a live webinar led by the Learn to Live Clinical Team. January topics include making effective habit change, mindful eating, and creating a positive mindset by avoiding negative thinking traps. View the webinar schedule, as well as their library of previous topics as well as their library of previous topics, and use the access PORTICO to register.
| | | | |
