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SYNOD NEWS AND EVENTS - OCTOBER 16, 2017
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 Oct. 32 and Beyond.
+Living Lutheran
With the 500th anniversary, it's been "All Reformation All the Time." But Reformation Day is over-now what? In her October column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that in Christ we are set free for loving and serving others-so let us now live in that freedom.
Click here to read her column.
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A thoughtful look at the why behind stewardship....
as well as the "what" and "how."
When:
Tomorrow,
Tuesday, October 17 @ 6:30-8:00pm
Does your congregation wrestle with motivating people to share time, talent and money (treasure)? Is it difficult to get them to see this is for God's work both in your local context and for the life of the world? If so, you'll want to participate in "Why Stewardship?", a ninety minute online, interactive learning event using
Zoom technology. We'll begin with stewardship shaped by the "why": God's dream that our lives and our world would be healthy and flourish! We'll end looking at the "what" and "how," especially ways to focus your "annual campaign." The event will feature Bishop Jon Anderson, Steve Oelschlager, and Larry Strenge.
Click here for more information.
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Youth Workers Retreat
Oct. 23-24 at Shalom Hill Farm, Windom
Presenter: Pr. Steve Cook
Theme: "An Introduction to Family Systems Theory"
Cost: Entire Event: $75 per person, $25 Tuesday only.
We all live in relationship systems - our families, ministries, community - and sometimes these systems become more anxious and less effective in dealing with challenges and/or conflict. I observe this happening in relationships with staff members, committees, parents and youth.
Family Systems Theory is a different way of understanding how relationships work that can open up new paths for our thinking and behaving. We function better, and when we do, the whole system functions better. First described by Dr. Murray Bowen in the 1950's, it has been applied and extended in all sorts of relationship systems - workplaces, volunteer organizations and faith communities, to name a few.
In our day together, Pastor Steve Cook will introduce the Eight Concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory and help us to apply it to relationships in our life.
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Undocumented: What Do Faith Communities Need to Know?
In a time when many immigrants face uncertain futures, how can faith communities be sources of compassion, support, and action?
You are invited to this teach-in to learn more about the issues facing immigrants and refugees, and what you can do to help.
When: October 28, 2017
Where: Online! The webcast with lectures and panel discussion is from 10-11:30 a.m. (9-10:30 CDT). For a schedule of topics, information about speakers, or to RSVP, visit trinitywallstreet.org/undocumented.
Free and open to all.
Presented by Trinity Institute and Church Meets City, ministries of Trinity Church Wall Street.
Religious and secular community leaders will address the Deferred Action for Children Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status, and other policies affecting immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. You will also have the opportunity to meet with representatives of advocacy organizations to learn about current initiatives and ongoing work.
Most importantly, you'll come away with practical steps your faith community can take.
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Luther Seminary Presents: NO JOKE Live!
A preacher, a rabbi and an Imam walk into ... an unthinkable friendship and forge an unbreakable bond. You might think it's a bar joke, but it's actually
NO JOKE.
Date & Time: Thursday, November 2, 2017 & 7:30 - 10:00 PM CDT
Location: Luther Seminary, Saint Paul
An outgrowth of the acclaimed documentary film, The NO JOKE Project, this live event features the film's primary subjects, dubbed, "The Peoria Three," in a moderated conversation that also showcases clips from the film, as well as a community Q&A. Come see an Evangelical preacher, Muslim Imam and Jewish Rabbi share the story of their unthinkable friendship and introduce you to the three practices that enabled them to cross the difference divide and connect with each other.
Click here to buy tickets: $10
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Medicare Open Enrollment Assistance
Free, comprehensive and objective counseling
The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging®, Inc. will once again be assisting Medicare beneficiaries with their 2018 Medicare plan research and enrollment. Trained volunteers will be available by appointment in Westbrook at Westbrook Library. To schedule an appointment, call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.
WHO: Senior LinkAge Line® and Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA)
WHAT: Medicare Open Enrollment Assistance
WHEN: Friday, November 3, 2017
WHERE: Westbrook Library, 556 1st Ave, Westbrook, MN
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When a Child Dies
Communities and congregations are shaken to the core when a child dies, whether son or daughter, or the age or circumstances of their death.
Herb Chilstrom, first presiding bishop of the ELCA, lost his 18-year-old son Andrew by suicide more than thirty years ago. Now he has released a 200-page book--When a Father Loses a Son-- that will be of great value to pastors and families who encounter this tragedy. Among other things, the author wrestles with the Job-like mystery of a hidden God and highlights the value of the Lament Psalms in his journey to wholeness.
Copies of When a Father Loses a Son can be ordered online at: Herb Chilstrom Books - The Book Mark or by sending a check for $20 (includes shipping) to: Chilstrom Books; 635 S. Park Centre Ave; # 2121; Green Valley, AZ 85614.
All proceeds from book sales go to student scholarships.
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Photo Credit: REUTERS/Jim Urquhart
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During a time of an unprecedented number of disasters around the globe, our church is answering God's call to love others as ourselves. Here is a sample of what Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working on:
- In Texas, where Hurricane Harvey caused destruction, we're hiring a disaster response coordinator to work with our partners and affiliates to connect volunteers and donations to where they're needed most.
- In Florida, where Hurricane Irma caused damage, we're helping Lutheran Services Florida with relief for their most impacted staff.
- In Haiti, we're supporting 100 female-headed households and 100 farmers whose gardens and livestock were lost to the hurricane.
- In Cuba, we're supporting the distribution of items like cookware, dishes and blankets to help families get back to normal life.
- In Mexico, where three major earthquakes struck within weeks, we're supporting our local partner as they distribute food, water and other basic necessities to those who have lost their homes.
- In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Hurricane Maria left devastation, we're coordinating the delivery of critical items including dry food, generators and solar-powered phones.
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Synod Events
Below is a list of all the upcoming synod events. Visit the synod events webpage for more information.
OCTOBER
October 17, 2017
Vinje Lutheran, Willmar
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NOVEMBER
Luther Crest Bible Camp
Willmar Conference Center, Willmar
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Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
PO Box 499, Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: 507-637-3904
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