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This week in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA
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Week of January 5, 2014
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New Year = New Look! If you have "God's work. Our hands." photos that you would like to share, please email a digital copy to [email protected].
We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work.
We do God's work in the world--restoring and reconciling communities--not because God needs us to do so, but because our neighbor does. We pursue justice and seek peace no matter how long the journey or wide the chasm.
We Walk Together
This week the synod staff prays for all who have been severely impacted by this frigid winter weather--especially those who work outdoors, and those who struggle to provide a warm, safe environment for their families.
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 The Season of Epiphany
by Pastor Amy Hessel, Bethany Lutheran, Star Prairie
People don't ride camels very much these days, but they do go traveling near and far to see and do things that excite and fulfill them. For many people the cold winter months have become "get away" months. Warm places beckon many a Midwesterner to shovel out the driveway, drive to the airport, and hop on a plane. Those of us who can't escape the ice and snow indulge our yearnings for warmth by paging through travel magazines, hitting the tanning bed, or catching a show like "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel. We spend a little money and invest a little time on getting away because it is important to us. And, if we don't have the money we often take a little time to mentally get away. Back when I worked in retail stores we called the time after Christmas the Cruise Season.
In the church, though, it's not called the Cruise Season. It is called the Season of Epiphany. The Day of Epiphany is January 6 every year. It marks the day that tradition says the Wise Men found the baby Jesus in his mother's arms. How much time and money do you think the Wise Men put toward their travels? Continue reading . . . .
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 Reminders from Bishop Hoyme 2014 is here (well, almost here)! If you are covered by the Portico Benefits health plan, it's time to complete your health assessment. Not only does it provide you with important health information, you are also rewarded with dollars that will reduce your medical costs AND every congregation and organization in our synod saves 2% on the cost of insurance premiums if we meet the completion goal. Please don't put it off. Visit the Portico Benefits website and click on Mayo Clinic Embody Health. A few important financial details need your attention. Our fiscal year ends January 31 so please check with your congregation's treasurer to make sure you are current with your 2013 giving. If you have not completed your 2014 Statement of Intent, please send it in right away. It is essential information that we need to plan for the coming year. Join me in welcoming the Rev. Laurie Skow-Anderson, who will begin serving as our Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission January 9. It will be great to be fully staffed again! The Winter Theological Event is scheduled for February 9-10 at the Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Mary Sue Drier, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, South Carolina. Visit our website to learn more about it and register. Continue to watch for upcoming installations of pastors and attend if you can. Your support means a lot to your colleagues who are moving into new settings. May you continue to be blessed to be a blessing during 2014.  Bishop, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin |
 | | Pastor Yvonne Marshall (center front) was surrounded by colleagues who welcomed her into our synod following her installation at Our Savior's Lutheran in Whitehall, January 5. |
 | You might think these big smiles (and "W" fingers) are for Wisconsin, but you'd be wrong! These proud pastors are all loyal graduates (and classmates?) of Wartburg Theological Seminary.
(Left to right: Pastor Amy Odgren, Pastor Yvonne Marshall, Pastor Kari Jonas) |
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Global Relationships
He can make a difference in your life.
Will you let him?
Pastors who travel to Malawi in order to teach at the Pastors' Academy return to their American congregations with pictures and stories to share--and often, they are changed. They may see the world a bit differently. Their faith may be reinvigorated. They may have a greater appreciation for some comforts they had taken for granted. Each traveler has unique experiences, but most agree that they are affected by this time spent in accompaniment. Yes, they have taught, but they have also learned.
Pastors in Malawi look forward to attending the annual Pastors' Academy, to deepen their theological education and connect with others. Many of them make tremendous sacrifices to attend. But we will only able to help them get this education if we have pastors who are willing to teach at the Pastors' Academy this summer.
How can he make a difference in your life? Ask some of the pastors who have taught at earlier academies.
(Left to right): Greg Kaufmann, Amy Odgren, Joanne Sorenson, Michael Meier, Mary Ann Bowman, John Sutherland.
We are Currently Seeking Teaching Pastors for 2014 Pastors' Academy in Malawi July 14-28.
Possible departure on July 13, returning July 29. Cost will be approximately $2500. We need two folks who have a love for adventure, companionship ministry and teaching. More details are available on our website.
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ELCA News
Building up God's global church--together
Because ELCA missionaries have helped establish churches throughout the world., we are now part of a much larger story - a global community of more than 70 million Lutherans in 79 countries. To find out how you can be engaged in this global church, see www.ELCA.org/globalchurch.
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Bulletin Board
Pastor Mary Ann Bowman will be installed by Bishop Rick Hoyme at Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls on Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m. All clergy are asked to vest and to arrive 20 minutes prior to the service for the processional. The color is green.
The Right Reverends would like to sing for you
A quartet of reverends, we have sung for many occasions--including church gatherings of all kinds--for 13 years. We sing a variety of songs including gospel, spiritual, barbershop and anthems. We do not charge. Any offerings we receive go to providing food for Malawi feeding stations for children. We have raised $6000 so far for the feeding stations. If interested, contact Paul Tobiason at [email protected]
or 715 205 8623.
New Hope Lutheran, Sand Creek, Seeking Director of Music
Learn more about the openings for organist and choir director.
Benefit Concert at Luther College
Luther's Office for College Ministries will host Lespwa f� nou viv/Hope Makes Us Live, Saturday, January 11, 2014, 7:00 PM in the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College as a benefit concert for Haiti, celebrating the legacy of Luther College alumnus Ben Splichal Larson, who was one of the many casualties of the Haiti earthquake on January 12, 2010. View details.
Light fixtures for sale
The Building and Grounds crew just completed replacing the lights in the entrance and overflow area at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1310 Main Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701. They replaced a total of 9 light fixtures. We will be selling the old light fixtures for $40 each. If you are interested in purchasing one or more of these fixtures, please contact Mike Hallquist at 715-579-2080. View photo.
Building Men for Christ, a workshop sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission will be held at St. John's Lutheran, Eau Claire, Janaury 25. This is a one-day workshop to help church leaders develop a life-changing men's ministry in their congregations. Don't miss this opportunity to revitalize your men's ministry! Learn more about it . . . .
Wartburg Theological Seminary's Rural Ministry Conference - Save the Dates!
March 2-4, 2014
Wartburg Seminary's Rural Ministry Conference is where leaders in rural communities and congregations gather to gain insight and inspiration, to network and neighbor that their ministries might be empowered. This ecumenical conference includes worship, keynote speakers, workshops, and Bible study, and offers participants a unique opportunity to network with others who are active in and concerned about rural ministry. View brochure and registration form.
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Our Mission Statement
Walking together for the sake of mission in God's world |
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Events
You can learn more about the events listed in this section by clicking on the underlined event title.
January 10-11
Lay School of Ministry at Our Saviour's, Chippewa Falls.
January 11
Imagine Together: Going Public, Jeremy Myers, Augsburg College, at Our Saviour's, Chippewa Falls.
January 21
Interim Pastor's Network at the synod office. Pastor John Mann will be leading a discussion using two of our own interim sites as case studies. Snacks at 9:30 a.m., meeting 10 a.m. - noon.
January 19
Jearlyn and Billy Steele at the Bethel Highlands campus, Hudson.
January 25
Building Men for Christ workshop at St. John's Lutheran, Eau Claire, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission.
February 7-8
Lay School of Ministry at Our Saviour's, Chippewa Falls.
February 8
Imagine Together: Theories of Culture: A New Agenda for Theology, Ministry, and Faith Formation, NathanFrambach, Wartburg Seminary. At Our Saviour's, Chippewa Falls.
February 9-10
Winter Theological Event at Metropolis Resort and Conference Center, Eau Claire.
February 19
Tony Campolo at Bethel Highlands Campus, Hudson, 7 p.m.
March 29
Middle School Youth Gathering at Bethany Lutheran, Rice Lake.
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Quick Links
Looking for something that appeared in a previous issue of Eclipse? You can access the last four issues on our website: www.nwswi.org/news_and_events.
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Contact Information: Merry Soyck-Doring, Synod Communicator, 715-859-6810
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