News and Information

The Way It Looks from Here: E-Letter from Peter Rogness

2008-08-27T06:04:29Z

The Way It Looks from Here
An occasional e-letter from Peter Rogness

August 27, 2008

Dear Partners in Ministry:

It is with a great deal of pleasure and excitement that I write to share with you the decisions made regarding the synod staff. I wrote a month ago to invite applicants for the position of assistant to the bishop for leadership support and described two other positions to be filled as well�a communications specialist and an assistant to the bishop position created in partnership with the churchwide unit for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission (EOCM).

A week ago at this time, we were still in process with all three of those positions�a source of some concern in light of Ralph Baumgartner�s announcement last week that he had accepted a call to Galilee Lutheran Church in Roseville. That was a week ago. I�m pleased and excited to share the news that all three positions are now set, and as of October 1, we will once again be fully staffed in the synod office.

Let me introduce the three new persons, and then I�ll summarize how this staff configuration will look as a whole.

Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership Support
When we posted the position, the response was surprising and encouraging. We had 15 persons apply, as well as a number of others who inquired. Rather than going through applications wondering if there were any who could do the work well, we faced again and again the recognition that many of them would bring very strong skills to this work. It was enjoyable, but in the end, a difficult decision. I am pleased to inform you that the synod council extended a call to Sister Noreen Stevens at its August 25 meeting. Many of you know that Noreen, a member of the Deaconess Community of the ELCA, has been serving since 2001 as candidacy coordinator in this synod on a part-time basis. During this time, she also served as director of the Eastern Minnesota Resource Center (located at Luther Seminary) and, more recently, as director of vocation and education for the Deaconess Community of the ELCA. Prior to this work, she served parishes in Chicago and St. Paul as director of educational ministries and curriculum coordinator. Noreen is currently serving as a member of the ELCA call review task force which is reviewing current call practices throughout the church. Noreen brings significant skills and experiences in the support and guidance of rostered leaders in the church through her candidacy work. Her attention to personal and professional development of candidates and to the administrative and organizational work involved make for an excellent fit for the work of this position. She is a known and welcome presence among other synod staff. Congregational leaders who work with her will find a delightful and servant partner. Noreen will begin working full time in the office later in September.

Assistant to the Bishop for Evangelical Mission
I am also able to announce the addition of Pastor Paul Erickson to the synod staff. Paul�s position is funded by the churchwide program unit for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission as a result of a new staffing strategy that seeks to move mission strategy to a more local level. Paul has been serving as associate pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, a congregation long a stalwart in mission work in both its internal vitality and in its leadership in developing of our companion synod relationships in Iringa and, more recently, with Guatemala, and Paul is a member of the Guatemala task force. Fluent in Spanish, Paul was called to Augustana to help shape a mission strategy for the growing Latino population in that area, reflecting ministry work he had done in both Chicago and Milwaukee before coming here. This position as defined by EOCM moves from handling the mechanics of new mission starts, to being a catalyst in creating local strategy tables that will initiate new and transformational work. This fits well with our priority as staff at building relationships that focus on outreach and new mission initiatives. Paul is married to Lynn, a senior M.Div. student graduating from Luther Seminary in December. He begins his full time position in the synod office on October 1.

Communications Specialist
Also on Monday, after receiving a number of applications and interviewing four strong candidates, we offered this new position to Kate Olson, a 2008 graduate of St. Olaf who majored in political science and Hispanic studies. In hiring Kate, we�re following through on a recommendation made in 2005 that the 20-hour/week communications position then held by Beth Helgen be made full time. We did bring on Beth full time, but moved many administrative responsibilities to her portfolio and in effect squeezed out the communications work. Kate will bring solid writing skills, a love of the church, and an engaging spirit to our team.

Synod Staff
In summary, the team of people poised to join with you in the ministry of the church
in this place looks like this (Note: We are using the title assistant to the bishop rather than bishop�s associate for two reasons: (1) It is by far the dominant term used throughout the church; and (2) the language may also indicate a greater singularity of purpose in that it positions us all to assist in the work of the office of bishop):

The Rev. Peter Rogness, bishop
The Rev. Susan Miller, assistant to the bishop for congregational life and mission. Furthers congregational health and vitality; coordinates children, youth, and family ministry; stewardship practices; interim pastors; and Book of Faith initiative; serves as liaison to the South, Southeast, and East Central conferences.
Beth Helgen, assistant to the bishop for administration. Oversees administration and coordination of the office of the bishop; serves as liaison to the bishop; Crossing Bridges; personnel; governance, including synod council and synod assembly; and communications.
Sister Noreen Stevens, assistant to the bishop for leadership support. Provides administration and oversight for candidacy, mobility, and call process, with particular emphasis on developing relationships and seeking to engage all rostered leaders in the life of the church; serves as the liaison to the North and North Central conferences; provides oversight for First Call Theological Education.
The Rev. Paul Erickson, assistant to the bishop for evangelical mission. Engages synodical leaders, structures, and strategies in the formation and development of evangelizing congregations; provides oversight for ethnic and urban mission strategies and collaborations; congregational development; collaborative mission funding strategies; partnerships with congregations and leaders to become mission partners throughout the synod; serves as liaison to the South Central conference
Myrna Lamberton, financial administrator. Consistent with the increasing load of designated financing, Myrna�s position increases to .75 FTE.
Cyndi Berg, office manager. Provides oversight for office operations; provides oversight and coordination for events planning and arrangements; assists in carrying out ministry initiatives and collaborations; provides support for Paul Erickson and Susan Miller.
Nancy Johnson, roster and program assistant. Coordinates events planning; assists with organizing Crossing Bridges disbursements; provides administration of the database; assists in the coordination of mobility and call process; provides support for Noreen Stevens, Beth Helgen, and Peter Rogness.
Kate Olson, communications specialist. Coordinates production of all print communication; develops and enhances new electronic communication strategies that include a larger web presence; blogs; online communities; and electronic newsletters.
Suzie Bjork, administrative assistant. Provides part-time support in the office and assistance with special events.

In the months ahead�at the theological conference and ministerium as well as the synod council retreat, at which we will include a wider group of leaders�we will work together to deepen understanding of how we can be partnered together most powerfully. We will continue to do the work that has been central to our lives�the equipping and support of leaders, transitions and calls, the threefold vision work. We will seek to more energetically come together for effective mission on the territory of this synod. We will serve and draw together. I have been blessed to have strong colleagues here in the synod office in the past. I am very pleased with the people who will now form the staff team of people going forward, and am confident that you will find in them strong and supportive partners for your ministries as well.

I continue to give thanks for the opportunity to serve with you.

Peter Rogness

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

With Sympathy

2008-08-26T15:00:21Z

With Sympathy

August 26, 2008

Paul Swenson
The Rev. Paul Swenson, pastor and chaplain, died Aug. 25, in Stillwater, after an eight-year battle with prostate cancer. He served parishes in Marshall, Montevideo, and Alexandria, and later became director of chaplaincy for United Hospital, St. Paul, and for the St. Croix Chaplaincy Association, serving Lakeview Memorial Hospital, Stillwater, as well as area nursing homes.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie and sons, Joshua and Andrew; his parents, Neil and Marie Swenson; his sisters, Ginny (Al) Cummings, Patty (Ted) Harrison, Liz (Don) Kraska, and many loving relatives and friends. A time for visitation will be held at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd. (NW corner of Hwy 36 and Co. Rd. 5), Stillwater on Wed., Aug 27, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., with a special sharing time at 7:00 p.m. the funeral service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2561 Victoria St. North. Roseville, on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 11:00 a.m.. Memorials preferred to Lakeview Memorial Hospice Program. Bradshaw 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater 651.439.5511.

Please remember Paul, his family, and the extended community he served in your prayers.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

2008-08-24T13:14:42Z

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

For the week of August 25, 2008

-Synod Office and the GOP National Convention, September 1-4
-REGISTER NOW! Theological Conference, September 28-30
-Hearings about Draft of ELCA Social Statement on Human Sexuality, September 18
-ELCA Civic Engagement Tour, August 28-29
-Around and About the Saint Paul Area Synod

SYNOD OFFICE HOURS AND THE GOP NATIONAL CONVENTION
The GOP National Convention will be held at the Excel Energy Center Sept. 1-4. The site is about a half of a mile from the synod office, and we anticipate that traffic during that week could be heavy. The office will be open during regular business hours, but we will not be scheduling meetings in the office or in the conference room. If you need to stop by, you might want to call ahead to see if we can provide you with information about traffic conditions.

From Peter Rogness
Theological Conference Centers around 'Igniting Biblical Imagination'
Rostered leaders from the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods are invited to this year's theological conference at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, Sept. 28-30. Dr. David Lose, associate professor in Biblical preaching at Luther Seminary, is the keynote speaker and will use four sessions to explore the theme "Igniting Biblical Imagination. There will be time for worship, fellowship, synodical meetings, and a whole afternoon of free time. Please make plans to be a part of this event. A registration brochure has been mailed. Registration is also available online.

Igniting Biblical Imagination
Only 5-10 percent of Lutherans report that they are in a Bible study of any kind. Why is this, and what can we do to nurture a more lively and active sense of the power of Scripture and Bible study? The key, as we will discuss during our time together, is to ignite and cultivate a Biblical imagination. The Bible, at core, is a story�an audacious, breathtaking story that tries to make sense of our lives with each other and before God. By taking the narrative nature of Scripture seriously, and by placing this story alongside the other stories that shape our lives, we will practice ways of opening up Scripture in our lives and in our congregations.

Session 1: Homo Narrans � Reaching our People Through Story
After stating the challenge in front of us, we�ll probe our own deep relationship to stories, sharing some of the stories of our lives and some of the stories that have shaped our lives as preparation for entering the Biblical story.

Session 2: The Perils of Yahweh � Entering Scripture as Story
What difference does it make to treat Scripture as a story? What challenges are there to doing so? What are the Biblical stories that have most shaped our lives?

Session 3: A Few Words on Biblical Authority
We confess that Scripture is the �norm for our faith and life.� What do we really mean by that? How is Scripture authoritative today? And, what do we do with people who have a very different idea of Scriptural authority than we do?

Session 4: Bringing Scripture Alive in the Congregation
In this closing session we will suggest, discuss, and practice a variety of means by which to engage our congregations in lively and productive engagement with Scripture.

About David Lose
David Lose holds the Marbury Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary where he has also served as academic dean. Lose is currently the director of the Center for Biblical Preaching and director of Luther�s new Center for Faith and Life. He is the author of Confessing Jesus Christ: Preaching in a Postmodern World and is currently at work on a book on vocation and the law/gospel distinction.

Hearings on Draft of Social Statement on Human Sexuality
Saint Paul Area Synod hearings on the draft of the Social Statement on Human Sexuality will be held on Thursday, September 18, at 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., at Roseville Lutheran, Roseville. The Rev. Peter Strommen, former bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod and chair of the human sexuality task force, will be present at the hearings to receive the comments. A record of comments from the hearings will be shared with the entire task force, which will consider them while crafting revisions for the proposed social statement that will be released in 2009.

What happens at a hearing?
Hearings are intended to be forums for comment and recommendations, so it is important to read the draft social statement prior to the event, since time will not be given to reading it together. Comments from hearings are critical to the process of crafting a proposed social statement. Forty percent of the draft of the Social Statement on Education, was changed after the hearings and before a final proposal was crafted for consideration at the 2007 Churchwide Assembly.

Resources to prepare
The draft of the proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality can be downloaded at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney. Additional resources are available at this site also. Blurbs for bulletin announcements and more information about the format and rules for the hearings will be available at www.spas-elca.org the week of August 25. If you have questions, contact Beth Helgen at 651.224.4313.

From the ELCA Washington Office
Civic Engagement Tour: Your Faith, Your Vote
Aug. 28, 11:30 a.m., Woodlake Lutheran Church, Richfield, and Aug. 29, 11:30 a.m., Cross of Hope Lutheran, Ramsey. Lunch and fellowship begin at 11:30 a.m. The forum begins at 12:00 noon. Chances are good that you are overwhelmed with televised debates, opinion poll analyses, and feature stories tracking the presidential candidates. It's easy to become sidetracked by the political mudslinging and partisan bickering, until we consider how our faith can inform our civic engagement. In his Large Catechism, Luther identifies government as a means through which God works to preserve creation and to help maintain a peaceful and just social order in a sinful world. Our faith values should inform how we look at public issues and interpret what is happening in political life. The ELCA is called to be a public church; and thus, we have a responsibility to engage potential political leaders on the values and ethics affirmed by our faith. This isn't about partisan politics. In fact, in order to protect religious liberty and our nation�s democratic system, we must remember that it is not the church's role to promote any single candidate or endorse any activity that will provide any form of partisan gain. Our goal is to equip Lutherans to understand what nonpartisan political activities we can engage in as a church, and to encourage others to get involved. Now is the time to register to vote, think critically about our civic responsibility, and prayerfully and thoughtfully evaluate political issues, as we keep the promise for a faithful democracy. Please join staff from the ELCA advocacy office to discuss:

How and why we are called to be a public church?
Why does the ELCA advocate?
Who is your advocacy staff?
What are permissible nonpartisan electoral activities for churches?
Issue conversations on: domestic and international hunger and poverty, immigration, global conflicts, and the environment.

Around and About the Saint Paul Area Synod
The nations are here!: Community of Nations Block Party
Sept.14, 12:00 noon-3:00 p.m., Christ the King, 1900 7th St. Northwest, New Brighton. A celebration of the ethnic diversity in the Saint Paul Area Synod. Worship at 2:00 p..m., with Scripture, prayer, and song in many languages. Featuring ethnic foods, dress, games, booths, and music of Latino, Hmong, Chinese, American Indian, African American, Tanzanian, Liberian, Nigerian, and American cultures. For more information, contact the Rev. Vern Rice at
vernrice2000@yahoo.com or 763.785.4013.

Fundraiser for Todd Fultz
Sept. 14, 4:00 p.m., Faith Lutheran, 886 Northshore Dr., Forest Lake. A pig roast dinner to support the recovery of Todd Fultz, son of the Rev. Don and Eunice Fultz, Iringa companion synod coordinators, who was injured in a car accident. For information, call 651.464.3323 or 651.462.4669.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

2008-08-19T16:59:55Z

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

For the week of August 18, 2008

-Synod Office and the GOP National Convention, September 1-4
-Theological Conference, September 28-30
-Hearings about Draft of ELCA Social Statement on Human Sexuality, September 18
-ELCA Civic Engagement Tour, August 28-29
-Urgent Needs from Southeast Asian Ministry

SYNOD OFFICE HOURS AND THE GOP NATIONAL CONVENTION
The GOP National Convention will be held at the Excel Energy Center Sept. 1-4. The site is about a half of a mile from the synod office, and we anticipate that traffic during that week could be heavy. The office will be open during regular business hours, but we will not be scheduling meetings in the office. If you need to stop by, you might want to call ahead to see if we can provide you with information about traffic conditions.

How and why we are called to be a public church?
Why does the ELCA advocate?
Who is your advocacy staff?
What are permissible nonpartisan electoral activities for churches?
Issue conversations on: domestic and international hunger and poverty, immigration, global conflicts, and the environment.

From Southeast Asian Ministry
Toiletries, household items needed
Southeast Asian Ministry (SeAM) is collecting travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, bar soap, and all those freebies from hotels. Also, if you have clean blankets and quilts in good condition and rice cookers that you no longer want/need, these, too, are desperately needed. Refugees from Southeast Asia are arriving daily seeking asylum from oppressive governments that outlaw most basic human rights. These items will be included in care packets that are given to newly arriving refugee families by our parish nurses. Items may be dropped off at SeAM during regular business hours Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer Krueger, executive director, at 651.293.1261.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

From Peter Rogness, Saint Paul Area Synod

2008-08-19T12:10:33Z

From Peter Rogness

August 19, 2008

Dear Partners in Ministry:

The Rev. Ralph Baumgartner, who has served as bishop�s associate in the Saint Paul Area Synod since 1995 when he joined the synod staff to work with Bishop Mark Hanson, has asked that I share the following information with you:

Dear Friends in Christ,

I wish to share with the synod the news that I have accepted a call to serve Galilee Lutheran Church in Roseville as their pastor. The congregation voted to extend the call to me on August 17, and I will begin my ministry there on October 1.

Thirteen years ago I joined the staff of the Saint Paul Area Synod, and the whole experience has been wonderful. My role in all those years has been to collaborate with others in order to start new congregations, help established congregations renew their mission, and give encouragement and support to culture-specific ministries. During all this time, I have also been a partner with others to identify and equip leaders for mission in the call process. All these activities have connections with the synod�s threefold vision for mission to foster new leaders, share the story of Jesus, and end poverty.

With Bishop Rogness having been recently elected to a second term, this was a good time to discern my call and consider a transition. I�m excited about serving Galilee Lutheran Church. They place a high value on worship as the center of their life together in Christ. In particular, they want to engage the challenge of outreach in a first-ring suburban community that is seeing a rapid diversification of its population. And finally, Galilee is an active member of ISAIAH, through which it is engaged in the public arena to make the metro community a more just place for all those living here.

I want to thank Bishop Rogness and my colleagues on the synod staff who have given me support and encouragement as I discerned this new call. I also want to thank the pastors, other rostered leaders, and lay leaders of our synod with whom it has been my pleasure to serve all these years.

In Christ,

Ralph Baumgartner

Over six years ago when I began this transition to the Saint Paul Area Synod, Ralph Baumgartner�s first words were �Let me help you any way I can,� and that has consistently been the spirit he has brought to the work here. His passion for the health of the church, for outreach to people on the margins, and his willingness to assist whenever called on has been consistently present and will serve him well as he joins with the people of Galilee in that community. We have known of Ralph�s exploration of a return to parish ministry as we have simultaneously gone through the re-staffing in the synod office. I am grateful for the timing that has unfolded, which has kept him on board through this summer of transition. And I am pleased for Galilee and happy that Ralph will continue to be a valuable part of the ministry we do together in this synod.

We will hold a farewell reception for Ralph on Tuesday, September 16, from 3:00-5:00 p.m., in the Gathering Space at Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill. Please plan to join us to thank Ralph, reminisce about his ministry here, and wish him well in his new call.

Peter Rogness

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

Theological Conference

2008-08-11T14:23:47Z

Theological Conference, September 28-30

From Peter Rogness
Rostered leaders from the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods are invited to this year's theological conference at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, Sept. 28-30. Dr. David Lose, associate professor in Biblical preaching at Luther Seminary, is the keynote speaker and will use four sessions to explore the theme "Igniting Biblical Imagination. There will be time for worship, fellowship, synodical meetings, and a whole afternoon of free time. Please make plans to be a part of this event. A registration brochure is being mailed. Registration is also available online.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

2008-08-09T17:02:38Z

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

For the week of August 11, 2008

-Summer Office Hours through August 15
-Staff Openings in the Saint Paul Area Synod
-Crossing Bridges: It's About Goals
-ELCA Civic Engagement Tour
-Around and About the Saint Paul Area Synod
-Cyber Garage Sale and Cyber Bulletin Board

Communications Specialist Sought for the Saint Paul Area Synod
We are currently seeking a communications specialist in the Saint Paul Area Synod. This is a new position which fulfills a recommendation made by Shirley Teig following a consultation in 2005 that the synod hire a full-time staff person to oversee communications, and repeated by John Johnson following the interviews and focus groups he led this June. This is an entry level position, particularly suitable for a recent college graduate or a person with one or two years of experience. Applications will be received until Friday, Aug. 15. For a complete job description>

FROM GARY F. ANDERSON, CROSSING BRIDGES MISSION APPEAL
It's About Goals
The Olympics are underway in Beijing and the world is watching. The games are about many things such as team-work, being good sports, training, fun, challenge, competition and international friendships. But finally for the athletes the Olympics is about achieving goals and, yes, even winning the gold! Goals are not everything, but they are important. Our Saint Paul Area Synod congregations working together in the �Crossing Bridges-Connecting in Mission� appeal have a goal to raise $2 million to advance the mission of our church in the greater Saint Paul Area. We want to do God�s work more effectively in four key areas that impact lives here and abroad. Now we are so close to our goal. The other end of the bridge is just a bit over $100,000 away! We started out over two years ago with a huge bridge in front of us. Now we can see the end. It is like one of the Olympic athletes running in track and as they round the final turn, the goal is in sight. Sixty five of our congregations and hundreds of individuals have participated. If every congregation does something, we can easily make or even exceed our goal. With fall planning going on, now is a good time to go for the goal. If your church is one of the remaining 49 that have not yet joined in Crossing Bridges, please consider doing so with a effort to gather an offering this fall. If your congregation has already joined in the effort, another gift would carry us across the goal. If you are an individual who has already made a gift, thanks for considering another. If you have not made a gift, please do so. Information is available at www.spas-crossingbridges.org.

How and why we are called to be a public church?
Why does the ELCA advocate?
Who is your advocacy staff?
What are permissible nonpartisan electoral activities for churches?
Issue conversations on: domestic and international hunger and poverty, immigration, global conflicts, and the environment.

Around and About the Saint Paul Area Synod
The Citizen as Co-Creator
Aug. 19, 7:00 p.m., Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church, 170 Virginia St., St. Paul. Harry Boyte, nationally known community organizer and author of The Citizen solution: How You Can Make a Difference, challenges the recent studies that portray American democracy as in decline. He argues we are at the threshold of a great shift, toward self organized cooperative citizen efforts, in which people and communities define problems, what to do about them, and how to measure success. Organizing is different than mobilizing campaigns where people are rallied in support of predefined goals. Organizing depends on the citizen as co-creator of a democratic society. People of faith are challenged to move beyond acts of charity and service to work that helps build and repair the world. Boyte will describe some of the theological roots of organizing and the citizen as co-creator, and discuss ISAIAH, an organization featured in The Citizen Solution. The Rev. Grant Stevensen, president of ISAIAH, will respond.There will be time for small group discussion. Information at 651.225.8989.

CYBER GARAGE SALE and Cyber Bulletin Board
Green Hymnals and With One Voice Available for Free
Christ the King Lutheran, Bloomington, has approximately 230 copies of the green hymnal and With One Voice. Email Jane VeVea or call 952.881.8600 if you have a home for them.

Sharing Space
A synod congregation is allowing another congregation to use space for its services, and the congregation wants to draft a memo of understanding that outlines expectations and accountability. A commercial real estate lease is too complicated and formal, but the congregation wants to address issues of insurance and who pays for what, etc. If you have a draft of such a lease, please email Beth Helgen.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

Important Information from Peter Rogness

2008-08-09T12:18:56Z

Important Information from Peter Rogness

From Peter Rogness

August 9, 2008

We have received word that the victims of the attack at a tourist site in Beijing were Todd and Barbara Bachman, members of Christiania Lutheran Church, Lakeville. Todd was killed by the assailant and Barbara was injured. A Chinese tourist guide was also injured. The Bachmans are the parents of parents of former Olympian Elisabeth Bachman, who is married to men's volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon, and were in China to attend the Olympic games. More information at this link>

Please keep the Bachman family, the members of Christiania Lutheran Church, and all those affected by this violence in your prayers. If additional information becomes available, I will share it with you.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

2008-08-03T14:31:23Z

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

For the week of August 4, 2008

-Summer Office Hours through August 15
-Staff Openings in the Saint Paul Area Synod
-Crossing Bridges: Achieving the $2 Million Goal
-ELCA Civic Engagement Tour

From Beth Helgen, Saint Paul Area Synod
Synod Summer Office Hours Continue through August 15
The synod office is open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For six weeks this summer on Fridays, July 11-August 15, the synod office will be open from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon and closed for the afternoon. Regular Friday office hours resume the week of August 18. Because of vacations, off-site meetings and appointments, and continuing education, there might be a few occasions when the office opens a little late or closes a little early because of staffing. If you plan to drop by early or late in the day, please try to give us a call to let us know you are coming.

Two Openings on the Staff of the Saint Paul Area Synod
Bishop Rogness announced in an e-letter several weeks ago a re-positioning and re-focus of the work of synod staff. Because of this effort, he seeks applications for the following positions:

Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership Support. A key function of the synod staff is its equipping and supporting those in leadership in the life of the church. Though all staff do this, there are a number of key areas in the synod�s life that can be focused in the responsibility of one person. This is a new position that centers on administration and oversight for candidacy and mobility and call process, with particular emphasis on developing relationships and seeking to engage all rostered leaders in the life of the church. Since this work heavily involves the rostered leadership of the church, it�s preferred that this person be rostered as well. This assistant will serve as the liaison to the North and North Central conferences and provide oversight for First Call Theological Education. For a complete job description>
Communications Specialist. This is a new position which fulfills a recommendation made by Shirley Teig following a consultation in 2005 that the synod hire a full-time staff person to oversee communications, and repeated by John Johnson following the interviews and focus groups he led this June. While print communication will be one component of this portfolio, the thrust will center on developing and enhancing new electronic communication strategies that include a larger web presence; blogs; online communities; and electronic newsletters that further the mission of the synod. This is an entry level position, particularly suitable for a recent college graduate or a person with one or two years of experience. For a complete job description>

FROM GARY F. ANDERSON, CROSSING BRIDGES MISSION APPEAL
Achieving the $2 Million Goal
Our synod�s exciting �Crossing Bridges-Connecting in Mission� appeal depends on gifts from three sources: congregations, granting organizations, and individuals. All three are important to achieving our $2 million goal and using those financial resources to strengthen the mission of the church in our synod and beyond. The good news to date is that we have received many gifts from individuals! Included are gifts from many of the pastors of the synod along with numerous individual members of synod congregations. These gifts range in size from a few dollars to up to many thousands of dollars. Every gift of any size is welcome. One way leaders in the synod can help us cross bridges is to make a personal pledge or gift. Another way is to speak to people who might make a commitment to Crossing Bridges. Pastors and key lay leaders in congregations can play a vital role in this regard. They are the ones who know people and are in the best position to make the invitation to give. Pledge forms are available through the synod office or online at www.spas-crossingbridges.org And remember, gifts can be designated and may be made directly to the synod or through a local congregation. Also, do not forget that gifts designated to ending poverty or future leaders will be matched by the Thrivent Lutheran Foundation and gifts to ending poverty will be matched by the Otto Bremer Foundation. The ELCA Fund for Leaders will match $1 for every $2 designated for future leaders. We are close to moving all the way across the bridge to mission, nearing our $2 million goal. With your help and that of others, we can go all the way across and beyond!

How and why we are called to be a public church?
Why does the ELCA advocate?
Who is your advocacy staff?
What are permissible nonpartisan electoral activities for churches?
Issue conversations on: domestic and international hunger and poverty, immigration, global conflicts, and the environment.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

With Sympathy

2008-07-28T10:56:23Z

With Sympathy

Kathleen Von Fischer
Kathy Von Fischer, 61, wife of the Rev. Charles Von Fischer, who retired recently as senior pastor of Christiania Lutheran, Lakeville, died Friday. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Joseph (Colleen Webb) and Paul (Mari); five grandchildren, Isaac, Josie, Summer, Liam, and Peter; and two brothers Jerry (Jill) Johnson and Mark (Katie) Johnson.

Funeral services will be held today, Monday, July 28, at 1:30 p.m., at Christiania Lutheran Church, 26691 Pillsbury Avenue, Lakeville.

Please remember Chuck and his family and Christiania Lutheran in your prayers.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below:

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

2008-07-27T12:40:18Z

News and Information from the Saint Paul Area Synod

For the week of July 28, 2008

-A Bunch of Reminders!
-Light of the World Featured in MinnPost
-Ecumenical Worship Events from the Minnesota Council of Churches
-Events Around and About the Saint Paul Area Synod

From Beth Helgen, Saint Paul Area Synod
Photo Directory of Rostered Leaders
The photo directory of rostered leaders is nearing completion. If you did not have your picture taken at the synod assembly, but would like to be included, please submit a photo to Cyndi Berg by August 1 (that's Friday!). If you are submitting a professional photograph, we must have a release from the photographer before we will be able to include it. If you have questions, please call 651.224.4313. Photographs cannot be returned.

Handbook Information
We're also in the throes of undertaking a major update of information for the synod handbook, verifying information for leaders and congregations and seeking (if you choose to include it) cell phone numbers and multiple email addresses. All rostered leaders and congregations have received forms to complete. Please return forms to the synod office by August 1. Follow-up phone calls will begin shortly. Please contact Nancy Johnson if you have questions.

Synod Summer Office Hours Continue through August 15
The synod office is open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For six weeks this summer on Fridays, July 11-August 15, the synod office will be open from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon and closed for the afternoon. Regular Friday office hours resume the week of August 18. Because of vacations, off-site meetings and appointments, and continuing education, there might be a few occasions when the office opens a little late or closes a little early because of staffing. If you plan to drop by early or late in the day, please try to give us a call to let us know you are coming.

Saint Paul Area Synod in the News
How to Start a Church While Your Kids Are Taking a Nap
Steve Scott, former religion writer for the Pioneer Press, has written a feature article about the Saint Paul Area Synod's newest mission congregation, Light of the World, Farmington, in MinnPost, a non-profit online newspaper boasting news and analysis from some of the most experienced journalists in the Twin Cities. (That's a not so subtle hint to sign up to receive MinnPost five days a week in your email inbox!) Read the story>

From the Minnesota Council of Churches
Ecumenical Worship Events
35 W Bridge Commemoration and Celebration
Interfaith Prayer Service
Aug.1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis. Remember the victims and survivors of the 35W bridge collapse and honor the rescue workers and others who responded with courage that day. Following the procession and invocation, Governor Pawlenty, Mayor Rybak, and Minnesota Council of Churches President Bishop Sally Dyck will offer brief reflections and service participants representing diverse faiths will lead attendees in songs and prayers. For more information contact Gail Anderson at 612.230.3210.

Service of Remembrance
Aug. 1, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Golf Medal Park, West River Road, Minneapolis. Artists from different cultures will perform until 5:30 pm when a procession led by first responders and community leaders will walk to the Stone Arch Bridge (or viewing area on West River Parkway for shorter walk). The public is invited to join in the procession. At 6:05 p.m.�the time that the bridge collapsed�a moment of silence will be observed, ending with the ringing of bells across the city and state.

Prayer at the Fair
Aug. 24 and 31, 9:15-9:45 a.m., State Fair Band Shell. Going to the Fair doesn�t have to mean skipping church. Celebrate the abundance of life in Minnesota and all of God�s creation at a special worship service sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Churches. The casual service contains both the familiar forms of church including hymns, prayers and a sermon and also gets into the fun spirit of the Fair with our �bulletins on a stick." Celebrants represent the many denominations that make up the Minnesota Council of Churches, making the service a celebration of Christian Unity.

Darfur: Where is Our Moral Compass
Sept. 3, 5:00-6:00 p.m., State Capitol Grounds. This non-partisan event will create international awareness about Darfur, focusing on current conditions and what can be done to improve the situation. The event will include an interfaith prayer service, Camp Darfur (a reenactment of what life is like in Darfur), stories from survivors of genocide, and speakers. For more information contact Lynne at 612.230.3211.

Events Around and About the Saint Paul Area Synod
Inspiring a Love for Physical Activity
July 31, 6:30 p.m., St. Andrew's Academy, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi. Former Minnesota Teach of the Year Don Glover will speak and lead families in fun physical activities. H ewill provide tools for parents to inspire and engage in physical activity, without having to rely on adult-driven programs to which many children are accustomed. All ages are invited to attend. Call 651.762.9122 or email Ed Cavin for information.

Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail

Subscribe to News and Information via email by entering your email address below: