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This week in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA
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Week of May 11, 2014
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We are a church that is a catalyst, convener and bridge builder.
Our faith calls us to see the world as interdependent. The ELCA has become a force for connection, working across denominations, faiths, organizations and sectors, locally and globally. We're a welcome partner because we respect the perspectives and strengths of others and share a common vision to uphold human dignity.
We Walk Together
The synod staff will pray for these congregations and rostered leaders during their next weekly staff meeting. We invite you to include them in your prayers this week as well.
Faith and Rock Creek Lutheran Churches, Durand, Pastor Michelle Nickodemus
Luck Lutheran Church, Luck, Pastor Ralph Thompson
First and Messiah Lutheran Churches, Port Wing, Pastor Nancy Hanson
St. John's Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, Pastor Nathan Aaseng
New Hope Lutheran Church, Sand Creek, Pastor Barbara Koch
Modena Lutheran Church, Mondovi, Pastor Natalie Leske
Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church, Osseo, Pastor Lewis Thompson
The Minneapolis Area Synod invites us to join them in prayer for their companion synod, The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN). In particular, please pray for the nearly 300 school girls who have been abducted by the Boko Haram.
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Walking and Working Together
Joseph Morrossi Banda, member of Lilongwe Cathedral Parish in Malawi, Africa, will graduate from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, May 18, with a Master's Degree in Theology. Because our synod has a companion synod relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi, Janelle Koepke, Director for Mission Support and Communications at Wartburg, invited us to participate in the Wartburg tradition of creating banners to honor students as they graduate. Pastor Paul Oppedahl, Our Saviours' Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls, accepted the invitation to participate in the tradition. 
The Blessing of the Banner took place during the Sunday Worship Service April 6. The banner was designed by La Mae Rohland and stitched together by her daughter-in-law Lan Pham Vu. Lucianne Boardman did the lettering on the banner. It was sent to Wartburg to be displayed in the refectory prior to graduation.
Members of the Our Saviours' and Lilongwe Cathedral Parish Companionship Committee will attend Banda's graduation at Wartburg. The banner will be given to him at his graduation and will later be taken to his congregation in Lilongwe.
Thank you to Arlene Wright, Our Saviour's, for sending this story and photos. |
5K Run/Walk Helps Stomp Out Malaria
The folks from Trinity Peace Lutheran Parish, North Beaver Creek (La Crosse Area Synod), and Blair Lutheran (LCAS), had a great time at their 5K event for the ELCA Malaria Campaign May 4.
 Bishop Jim Arends (LaCrosse Area Synod) brought the word; Sanctuary Singers led the group in song, and over 150 people ran/walked the 5K race and Mosquito Mile.
 
Thanks to Pastors Ben and Mara Ahles-Iverson for their work on this event and for sharing the story and photos.
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Global Relationships
 ELCA Malaria Campaign A child dies from malaria every 60 seconds. We are in a special moment to help turn this around. Since the start of the ELCA Malaria Campaign, ELCA members and our companions overseas have already seen a reduction in the number of deaths from this preventable, treatable disease. Our synod's goal is to have 100% of our congregations participating in this campaign. We're not there yet, so please consider getting involved now. We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world - together. Working though Lutheran partners in Africa, the ELCA Malaria Campaign is uniquely positioned to help provide mosquito nets, education, testing, medication and more to help eliminate deaths from this disease - for good. Learn more . . .
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ELCA News
The following excerpt is from "Ask a Pastor," a feature of Living Lutheran.com
Are We Scaring People Away?
The average weekly worship attendance for the ELCA dropped by about 20 percent between 2007 and 2012. Many congregations are asking themselves, "What can we do differently?"
"While our congregation is facing a decrease in membership and looking for ways to attract new, and especially young adult, members, we are realizing as Lutherans we are using many words and terms that are foreign to younger generations and [those] previously unchurched. Words such as narthex, nave, sacristy, creeds, epistle, acolyte and even references to the church year - Lent, Advent, Pentecost. Do you have suggestions on how to retain our Lutheran heritage without alienating visitors before they become returning worshippers?" - Judy N., St. Paul Lutheran Church, Villa Park, Ill.
Continue reading . . .
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Congregational Renewal Grants are Available
Did you know the ELCA has money to help your congregation in the renewal process? Four really significant grants are available now.
Installation News You are invited to the installation of the Rev. Grant Aaseng as Senior Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, 35 West Messenger St, Rice Lake. The installation services will be Saturday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 1 at 9 a.m. A reception will follow both services. Associate in Parish Ministry Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pepin is seeking a Jesus centered, joyful individual to support our worship, visitation, community outreach and education ministries. A passion for scripture, proclamation, working with volunteers and a strong understanding of Lutheran theology are essential. 20 hrs/wk including Sundays. Resumes can be emailed to pastor@immanuelpepin.org by 5/26/14 Luther Point is currently in a search for an Executive Director The Executive Director will embrace and embody the mission and vision of Luther Point Bible Camp-Forming Faith ~ Pointing to Christ-so guests of all ages may experience the transforming love of God. Visit the website below for the Job Description, Application and Reference Consent Form. http://www.lutherpoint.org/employment-opportunities. Applications must be received by June 15. Stump Grinder Needed The Northwest Synod of Wisconsin's newest congregation, Living Water Lutheran Church of Cameron is cutting trees and clearing land in preparation for its upcoming groundbreaking. If you have (or know of someone who has) a stump grinder and could lend a hand, they would be extremely grateful. Please call 715-456-8916 or email pastor@livingwater-cameron.org Change or Die Conference Is the death of Lutheranism inevitable given shrinking membership and attendance at many mainline churches? Attend the annual Change or Die Conference presented by the Siebert Lutheran Foundation and hear stories of ministries that have grown and thrived amidst the rapidly changing Church, societal and cultural environment. This year, the Conference focus is on the Dynamics of Leadership While Managing Change. View details. From Spirit in the Desert Holden On The Road...at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ! June 6-12, 2014. Holden Village at Spirit will be all about: Native American Immersion - Native American Culture, Life and History. You will learn about the art, music, jewelry and social customs. We will also spend time experiencing and learning from the Native American communities in the Phoenix area. For detailed information and to register, go to: www.spiritinthedesert.org.
Music Minister: Peace Lutheran Church Menomonie, 12 hours per week.
Duties include accompanying worship on piano and organ, accompanying the Adult Choir, and overall administration of our Music Ministry. For a complete Position Description go to: http://plcmenomonie.com/docs/Newsletters/Music_Minister_for_Web_Site.pdf
2014 Synod Assembly Walking & Working Together June 7-8 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire |
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Our Mission Statement
Walking together for the sake of mission in God's world
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You can learn more about the events listed in this section by clicking on the underlined event title.
May 14
Life Together: How to Form Cooperative Ministries at Luther Park, Chetek, 7-9 p.m.
May 14-16
Music Makes Community, a three-day workshop in paperless song leadership and participatory liturgy in Minneapolis.
May 17
4G Stewardship: Growing Grateful Generous Givers at Calvary Lutheran, Neillsville, 9 a.m.- noon.
May 17
4G Stewardship: Growing Grateful Generous Givers at St. Paul's Lutheran, Curtiss, 9 a.m.- noon.
May 17
Free clothing giveaway at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Balsam Lake. For details, call (715)485-3800.
May 19
Celebration for Pastor Amy Fondroy Eich at Joy Lutheran, Prescott, 5-8 p.m.
May 20
Interim Pastors Gathering at the synod office, Chetek, 10 a.m. - noon (gather at 9:30 a.m. for coffee/fellowship)
May 31
4G Stewardship: Growing Grateful Generous Givers at Central Lutheran, Chippewa Falls, 9 a.m. - noon.
June 2-6
Emotional Intelligence Workshop at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA.
June 7-8
Walking and Working Together (Synod Assembly), UW-Eau Claire.
June 15-21
Wartburg Youth Leadership School
June 17
SWO Board Meeting with Outgoing/Incoming Board Members, Luther Park, Chetek, 9:30 a.m.
June 21
4G Stewardship: Growing Grateful Generous Givers at Gethsemane Lutheran, Baldwin, 9 a.m.- noon.
June 21
4G Stewardship: Growing Grateful Generous Givers at Our Savior's Lutheran, Superior, 9 a.m.- noon.
June 23-27
Washington Island Forum sponsored by the Wisconsin Council of Churches.
June 28
4G Stewardship: Growing Grateful Generous Givers at Trinity Lutheran, Spooner, 9 a.m.- noon.
July 18-20
Guys, Guts & God's Glory a Lutheran Men in Mission gathering at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, Nashville.
View promo card.
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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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