151 people completed the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment, which resulted in 81.6% of those eligible, resulting in over $29,000 in savings for the congregations of the EaND Synod!!! (Only three synods had a higher completion percentage, not that I’m at all competitive :) )
See the results

Seriously, thank you for your good stewardship of your life, your finances, and for helping out your congregations.

Rev. Bill Rindy
Serving as Bishop of the EaND Synod, ELCA

 April 21-22, 2012
Holiday Inn – Fargo, ND

Theme: “Raising Up Children of God… growing beyond adolescence”

» Download:

• 2012 Synod Assembly Minutes
• 2012 Synod Assembly Resolutions

Minutes

Saturday, April 21

8:15 a.m. Gathering Music

OPENING WORSHIP:

Worship leaders were Rev. Emmy Isaackson, Our Savior’s in Valley City and Rev. Chris Gaule, Grafton Lutheran in Grafton. Rev. Isaackson’s sermon was based on Luke 22.

PLENARY ONE

OPENING OF THE ASSEMBLY:

The opening of this Assembly was called by Bishop Bill Rindy.

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS:

Bishop Rindy introduced our special guests: Rev. Dr. Nathan C.P. Frambach from Wartburg Seminary; Christina Jackson-Skelton, Executive Director of Mission Advancement for ELCA Churchwide; musicians; and many others that contribute to the success of our assembly. Bishop Rindy introduced this year’s assembly planning team and the synod staff. He also pointed out and highlighted the youth involved in our assembly this year.

Bishop Rindy introduced the synod officers: Shar Gumke, Vice President; John Leininger, Secretary; Dave Molmen, Treasurer; and our parliamentarian, Alice Senechal.

FIRST CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT:

Rev. Mark Kolbo, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the first report of the Credentials Committee as follows:

VOTING MEMBERS:

Clergy/AiMs …………99
Lay …………294
Synodical Officers …………3
Total Voting Members …………396
Guests and Visitors …………51
Total Registered …………447

Bishop Rindy declared a quorum present for our Assembly.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND THE RULES OF PROCEDURE:

SA.12.04.01 Moved by Rich Fitzer, second by Jon Nelson, to adopt the Agenda.

MOTION CARRIED.

SA.12.04.02 Motion by Nancy Farnum, second by Beth Johnson, to adopt the Rules of Procedure.

MOTION CARRIED

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY:

SA.12.04.03 John Leininger, Secretary to the Synod, presented the certified minutes from the 2011 Synod Assembly and moved for approval as the official minutes of the Assembly. Second by Tom Colenso.

MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTIONS:

Joel Kangas, member of the Committee on Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

RESOLUTION #1 - 2013 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines for Pastors and Associates in Ministry

WHEREAS, congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod request and appreciate the aid counsel of their companion congregations in this synod and synod leadership in ascertaining fair, equitable, and adequate compensation and benefits for pastors and professional staff; and

WHEREAS, the Eastern North Dakota Executive Committee has discussed and approved these guidelines and commends them to the 2012 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly and to the congregations of this synod for deliberation and use; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the 2012 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly adopt and commend to the congregations of this synod these guidelines; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this assembly approve the publication and distribution of these “Guidelines” to congregations of this synod through the usual and appropriate means employed by the synod office.

Submitted by the Eastern North Dakota Synod Council.

SA.12.04.04 Motion by Joel Kangas, second by JoAnne Moeller to adopt resolution #1.

MOTION CARRIED

ELCA DVD:

Malaria Crisis. Bishop Rindy introduced Marlene Arneson from Walhalla, who is the EaND Synod malaria fund raising coordinator.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Rev. Terry Brandt, assembly manager, highlighted several activities and events that are or will be taking place throughout the Assembly.

BREAK

ELCA DVD:

Chaplains in the ELCA military ministry.

KEYNOTE:

Rev. Dr. Nathan C.P. Frambach, Wartburg Seminary What does it mean “to be church”? Research says that our youth today are drifting away from their church background. Young adults are very present in God’s World, but not so in our churches. Remember, that these are our youth and we need to minister to them. This calls for bold leadership in our church and it must come from the whole church – the laity. Rev. Frambach said he will focus this message on how to welcome and extend hospitality to our youth. This is a calling from God. We must reach out to all of our youth, regardless of their demeanor today. We must remind them of God’s promise through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. We must provide hospitality, whether friend, family or stranger. We must provide Gospel hospitality. It is the manner in which we relate God’s promise to each young adult we approach. We must be good listeners and also be willing to share the opportunities available at God’s Table. We are called to meet the young adults at their place, which may be a place uncomfortable for us. Ministering to our young adults is the responsibility of us all. Some of us are gifted to become involved in this ministry; if you feel the calling, please go into God’s World and minister to our young adults.

RECOGNITION OF ANNIVERSARIES

Congregations celebrating anniversaries:

125th

• St. Mark Lutheran, Fargo
• St. Olaf Lutheran, Esmond
• St. Olaf Lutheran, Devils Lake
• Trinity Lutheran, Forman
• Bethany Lutheran, Hatton
• St. John Lutheran, Jamestown
• Kindred Evangelical Lutheran, Kindred
• High Prairie Lutheran, Lamoure
• St. Peter Lutheran, Leonard
• Viking Lutheran, Maddock

100th

• Redeemer Lutheran, Hope

50th

• Emmanuel Lutheran, Gackle
• Faith Lutheran, Inkster

MISSION MINUTE:

The Project FM – a place for young adults

STATE OF THE SYNOD ADDRESS:

Bishop Bill Rindy – How does one measure the State of the Synod? Demographics? In some cases we see declining populations, but increased population in church attendance. Or, an area may be growing, but attendance is down in the congregation. What are the demographics of your church and community? Do we define the State of the Synod and our congregations by our budgets? We must be on the road together! Our vision must be centered on Christ and the Holy Spirit. Bishop Rindy shared his “95 Gratitudes” with our Assembly. Bishop Rindy highlighted the following ministries:

• Keith Zeh, director of the Congregational Leadership Academy, handed out certificates to the graduates of Focus 1: Evangelism. Congratulations to each of these Evangelists.
• Julie & Craig Johnson from the EaND Endowment Fund announced that in the past 10 years the fund has received over $3 million. More than $1 million has been disbursed to our seminary students and graduates.
• Portico Health Assessment – Bishop Rindy encouraged our pastors and rostered leaders to complete the health assessment. This could save all of our congregations health premium dollars.
• Bishop Rindy announced that our M&Ms in the CAR raised $53,000 for special projects in CAR. This was a very successful fund raiser. He asked what does this mean? It means that we are alive and are willing to go the extra mile for our special ministries.
• Bishop Rindy announced that our EaND Synod offices will soon be relocated to the NDSU Lutheran Campus Center.

In closing, Bishop Rindy is very encouraged by what he sees happening in our synod. He sees our churches moving forward to the Glory of God. Our strength comes from God. We can have renewed faith every day. Each day is a New Day in our life and in our life with God. We must take every advantage in our daily lives to minister to the people of God. Bishop shared the story of the loss of the Lutheran Church in Oriska by fire and the rebuilding of their church with help from the Blanchard Lutheran Congregation as they had recently closed their church. He also shared his belief that his sustainability this past year has come from Jesus Christ. Without Christ where would you be today? Bishop Rindy closed by asking each delegate to ponder and be ready to answer the following questions:

1. Why in God’s name does your congregation exist?
2. What is God calling you to do for Christ’s sake?
3. How is the Holy Spirit equipping you for His sake?

MISSION MINUTE:

Christus Rex Campus Ministry at UND

LUNCH: Noon

Marlene Arneson, campaign chairperson, reported on the Malaria Campaign. She mentioned that three or four congregations are going to engage in a special fund raising campaign for this effort. Christus Rex has committed to raising $15,000 for the purpose of educating people regarding the perils of malaria. April 29 is Malaria Day. Marlene challenged each congregation to have a special offering that day for the Malaria Campaign.

STATE OF THE ELCA:

Christina Jackson-Skelton, Executive Director of Mission Advancement Christina thanked the EaND Synod for our financial support for ELCA Churchwide. 2.9 cents of every dollar we contribute at the local, congregational level goes to support Churchwide Ministries. Christina pointed out the resources that are available to our ELCA members. She shared a video message with us from Bishop Hanson which included highlights of the Santa Marie congregation and other missions of the ELCA. Churchwide continues to support new start-up congregations in the USA and abroad. We also continue to support other congregations as their needs arise. Second goal of the ELCA is building capacity in the world. One of these callings is assisting in relieving World Hunger around the world. This only happens through our partnerships with our congregations in the ELCA. Disaster relief distributed over $10 million to those communities in the USA and the world that suffered from tornadoes, floods, etc. Our EaND Synod contributed more than $10,000 to the Disaster Relief fund. Christina also complimented the EaND Synod for our emphasis on youth and young adults. In 2013 the Churchwide Assembly will be held in Pittsburg, PA. We, the ELCA, must continue to help our neighbors at home and around the world and do this work in the name of Jesus Christ.

PLENARY TWO

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT:

Shar Gumke, Synod VP, addressed our voting members and thanked them for being a part of our renewal. Renewal is when we meet Jesus and decide to follow him. Renewal starts in our heart. We must focus on discipleship by working together. We need to be a church engaged in the world. Members of a Bible Congregation. Look for opportunities to minister in our homes, our communities and the world. Congregations, are you willing to equip your people to go out and witness for Christ?

SECOND REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:

Mark Kolbo, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the second report of the Credentials Committee as follows:

VOTING MEMBERS:

Clergy/AiMs …………………… 113
Lay…………………………………. 317
Synodical Officers …………… 3
Total voting members ………. 433
Guests and Visitors ………….. 69
Total Registered ………………. 502

REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

Rev. Kris Gordon, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, presented the election slate:

Nominee for SECRETARY to the SYNOD (four-year term):

• Ms. Meridee Erickson-Stowman, St. Paul’s Lutheran / Tower City
• Rev. Jeff Nicla, St. Olaf Lutheran / Devils Lake

Nominees for EAND SYNOD COUNCIL (two-year term):

• Devils Lake Rev. Allen Campbell, North Viking & Viking Lutheran / Maddock
• Conference (2nd term-2014) re-nominated
• Fargo Rev. Corey Fuhrman, Living Waters Lutheran / Fargo
• Conference (2nd term – 2014) re-nominated
• Grafton Mr. Mark Drevecky, Adams Mountain Lutheran / Adams
• Conference (2nd term – 2014) re-nominated
• Grand Forks Rev. Jon Nelson, Northwood Evangelical & Washington Lutheran /
• Conference Northwood (2nd term-2014) re-nominated
• Jamestown Mr. Lee Miller, Montpelier Lutheran / Montpelier
• Conference (2nd term-2014) re-nominated
• Wahpeton Mr. Richard Jacobson, Gustaf Adolf, Gwinner
• Conference (2nd term-2014) re-nominated

Nominee for multicultural member to SYNOD COUNCIL (two year term):

• Ms. Charlene Burthold, Our Savior’s Lutheran / Devils Lake (2nd term-2014) re-nominated

Nominee for youth representative to SYNOD COUNCIL (one year term):

• Ms. Kayla Karlsbraaten, Immanuel Lutheran / Esmond (2nd term-2014) re-nominated 

Nominees for the 2013 ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY Voting Members:

Carrington

• Rev. Michael Jacobson, Trinity Lutheran / Cooperstown
• Ms. Jennifer Jacobson, Trinity Lutheran / Cooperstown

Devils Lake

• Rev. Bonnie Weaver, Cando & Bisbee Lutheran / Cando, Bisbee
• Mr. Tom Weaver, Cando Lutheran / Cando

Fargo

• Rev. Sue Koesterman, Elim Lutheran / Fargo
• Mr. Stan Franek, St. Mark’s Lutheran / Fargo
• Ms. Meridee Erickson-Stowman, St. Paul’s Lutheran / Tower City

Grafton

• Rev. Chris Gaule, Grafton Lutheran / Grafton
• Mr. Michael Haukass, Adams Mountain & Hoff Lutheran / Adams

Grand Forks

• Rev. Tom Colenso, University Lutheran / Grand Forks
• Ms. Kathy Fick, Sharon Lutheran / Grand Forks
• Mr. Harmon Abrahamson, St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran / Grand Forks

Jamestown

• Rev. Bradley Edin, Messiah/Fingal; St. Petri & Zion/Nome; St. Pauls’ & Waldheim/Kathryn
• Ms. Faye Bubach, Trinity Lutheran / Litchville

Mayville

• Rev. Liz Davis, Trinity/Ayr; Our Savior/Page; Redeemer/Hope
• Ms. Carley Ward, First Lutheran / Hunter

Wahpeton

• Rev. John R. “Bob” Caranicas, Prairie Rivers Parish / Wyndmere, Lidgerwood, Hankinson
• Ms. Ivy Schulz, Bethel Lutheran / Wahpeton
• Multi-Cultural Mr. Larry Thiele, Dacotah O`Yate / Tokio
• Mr. Noel Tade, Shepherd of the Prairie / Walcott

Nominees for the Consultation Committee:

• Rev. Karla Coen-Tuff, United/Grand Forks
• Rev. Julie Johnson, Elm River & Stordahl/Galesburg; Norman/Clifford
• Ms. Deb Elhard, Christ the King/Ellendale

Nominees for the Discipline Committee:

• Rev. Tom Colenso, University/Grand Forks
• Rev. Lynn Ronsberg, Sharon/Grand Forks
• Ms. Beth Christianson-Melby, Our Savior’s/Hillsboro

Nominees for the 2013 ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLYAlternate Voting Members:

Carrington

• Rev. Jerry Rosin, Trinity Lutheran Parish / Cooperstown
• Ms. Candice Rosin, Trinity Lutheran Parish / Cooperstown

Devils Lake

• Rev. Jamie Desai, Our Savior’s Lutheran / Devils Lake
• Mr. Russell Pearson, St. Olaf Lutheran / Devils Lake

Fargo

• Rev. Rich Kramer, Faith/Journey in Faith Lutheran / West Fargo
• Ms. Tonya Omdahl, Faith/Journey in Faith Lutheran / West Fargo
• Mr. Gary Gonser, Olivet Lutheran / Fargo

Grafton

• Rev. Susan Haukass, Adams Mountain & Hoff Lutheran / Adams
• Mr. Harry Iverson, Grafton Lutheran / Grafton

Grand Forks

• Rev. Kristen Larsen-Schmidt, Calvary Lutheran / Grand Forks
• Mr. Warren Jensen, Calvary Lutheran / Grand Forks
• Ms. Kathy Sukalski, St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran / Grand Forks

Jamestown

• Rev. Linda Schauer, Emmanuel Lutheran / Gackle
• Ms. Marge Lange, St. John’s Lutheran / Jamestown

Mayville

• Rev. Tessa Hansen Mitzel, Immanuel / Buxton; Highland / Cummings
• Ms. Inez Olson, Norman Lutheran / Clifford

Wahpeton

• Rev. Trichelle Kirchenwitz, Trinity Lutheran / Forman
• Ms. Deb Carter, Trinity Lutheran / Lisbon

RESOLUTIONS: (continued)

Beth Peterson, member of the Committee on Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

RESOLUTION #2 – ELCA World Hunger

WHEREAS, in 2011 the Eastern North Dakota (EaND) Synod gathered in assembly under the theme, “God’s Work. Our Hands. Meeting the Needs of a Hungry World”; and

WHEREAS, we heard the challenge of II Corinthians, Chapter 8, verses 13 and 14a: “I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need”; and

WHEREAS, we were reminded that the ELCA constitution states the church shall serve in response to God’s love to meet the human needs of those in our world who are hungry and thirsty and in need of dignity and justice; and

WHEREAS, the number of hungry people in the world continues to rise at an alarming rate to nearly one billion people; and

WHEREAS, the Eastern North Dakota Synod giving to ELCA World Hunger as of year-end 2011 is $180,136* $185,118 ($1.78 $1.83/baptized member), an increase of 33 cents/baptized member from the previous year’s giving; and

WHEREAS, members of the Eastern North Dakota Synod as individuals, families and congregations support local food drives, the Great Plains Food Bank which is our ministry through Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, and other worthy, hunger-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, 52%, 115 of the 219 congregations of our synod, made a contribution to ELCA World Hunger during 2011; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that each congregation in the Eastern North Dakota Synod continue to challenge their membership to raise their annual giving through our world hunger program of the ELCA, exceeding our current average giving level of $1.78 $1.83/baptized member; and be it further

RESOLVED, that each congregation make use of the many resources of the ELCA World Hunger program to address the tremendous needs of an impoverished and hungry world.

*Total amount given to ELCA World Hunger through the EaND Synod and directly to the ELCA.

Submitted by the Hunger and Justice Committee of the Eastern North Dakota Synod

SA.12.04.05 Motion by Liz Davis, second by Chris Gaule to adopt resolution #2.

Motion Carried as amended

SA.12.04.06 - Motion by Liz Davis, second by Jon Nelson to amend the 5th whereas and the 1st resolve as follows:

revise the total dollars to $185,118 and the average donation to $1.83, an increase of 38 cents per member donation.
Motion Carried

Larry Theile, member of the Committee on Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

RESOLUTION #3 – Peace Pole

WHEREAS, Jesus calls us to live as people of peace with the words, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9);

and

WHEREAS, our baptismal covenant binds and calls us to “care for others and the world

God made, and work for justice and peace” (ELW, Baptismal Order of Service); and

WHEREAS, the 2008 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly passed a resolution in support of the Creation of a Department of Peace in the United States Government as a strong

statement about our continued calling to make peace in the world a priority; and WHEREAS, a world-wide movement is taking place to make our global family more aware of the need to act and focus on the ways of peace, rather than focusing on war as a way of settling disagreements and conflicts; and

WHEREAS, this movement initially began in Nagasaki, Japan, site of devastating effects of an atomic bomb dropped during World War II, which continues to claim lives from destructive long term radiation fallout; and

WHEREAS, the movement invites people around the world to erect Peace Poles in different languages at prominent public and private sites on all continents of the world as reminders to work and pray for peace in our relationships with our fellow human beings, so atrocities like Nagasaki will stop; and

WHEREAS, the office of the Eastern North Dakota Synod is relocating to shared space with Lutheran Campus Ministry near the North Dakota State University Campus; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that members of the Eastern North Dakota Synod Hunger and Justice committee invite the University Lutheran Center Board and students to jointly place a Peace Pole in a prominent location at the shared space of the Eastern North Dakota Synod and Lutheran Campus Ministry site, and that these two groups together decide on appropriate placement as well as the selections of languages to be placed on the pole that proclaims, “Let Peace Prevail on Earth”, making a clear witness to the community about our continued efforts to live out Christ’s mandate to be peacemakers; and be it further

RESOLVED, that congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod consider placing a Peace Pole at their site of worship, further proclaiming a central core of Christ’s preaching in the community, to live out our lives as people of peace.

Submitted by the Hunger and Justice Committee of the Eastern North Dakota Synod (for more information on the Peace Pole Project – www.peacepoles.com, or contact a member of the synod Hunger and Justice Committee)

SA.12.04.07 Motion by Liz Davis, second by Nancy Fahrnum to adopt resolution #3. Motion

Carried as Amended

SA.12.04.08 Motion by Peter Coen-Tuff, second by Mark Cutshaw to remove paragraph 5 and 6 from the resolution.

SA.12.04.09 Motion by Joel Bey, second by Jon Nelson to amend the amendment to leave paragraph 5 as is and strike the following words in paragraph 6, “so atrocities like Nagasaki will stop”.

Motion Carried

SA.12.04.10 Motion by Margo Burthhold, second by to amend the amendment to the amendment by just striking the words “like Nagasaki”. Motion failed by lack of a

second

SA.12.04.11 Motion by Ken Gudgel, second by Christy Maley to amend #3 by deleting paragraph 3,4,5, and 6 and in paragraph 8 line 3 replace the words a Peace Pole with the word Cross and strike the word pole in line 8 and replace with the word Cross and in paragraph 9 line 2 replace the words Peace Pole with the word Cross. Motion Failed

YOUTH IN THE C.A.R.

Diane Billey, Chairperson of the Global Missions Committee appealed to the delegates for donations that will assist in financing two CAR youth to the National Youth Gathering July 6-14.

BREAK

MISSION MINUTE: Park River Bible Camp

RECOGNITION OF ANNIVERSARIES:

Anniversaries of Ordination:

25th

• Douglas W. Stave
• Jeffery L. Sandgren
• Paul M. Trenne
• William E. Boelter

PLENARY THREE

REPORT OF THE TREASURER:

Dave Molmen, Treasurer of the Synod, presented the financial reports of the EaND Synod. He reviewed the 2011 Synod Mission Plan’s final numbers, presented the 2012 revised mission plan, and presented the proposed 2013 Synod Mission Plan.

BREAKOUT Session 1 at 4:00 pm

BREAKOUT Session 2 at 5:00 pm

6:00 p.m. (Dinner on your own)

Sunday, April 22, 2012

7:00 a.m. Global Missions Breakfast

Lutheran Church of the Cross, West Fargo

WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION

8:45 A.M. – Bishop Bill Rindy, Preacher

Theme: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God. (and that is what we are)!”

Offering total given at our worship service was $10,943. The first $5,000 will be given to the Heart River Lutheran Church to assist with their special youth program which is ministering to the youth at the Heart River Detention Center. The balance will be divided 1/2 to CAR, 1/4 to Red Willow Bible Camp and 1/4 to the Park River Bible Camp.

BREAK

MISSION MINUTE: World Hunger

HEART RIVER REPORT:

Shera Nesheim reported on work being done with youth at the Heart River Detention Center by opening their church and inviting these at risk youth to worship with them at Heart River Lutheran Church. Community of Hope, a pilot program at the Bismarck YMCA, will begin this summer for these youth in detention at Heart River. Bishop Rindy reported that the EaND Synod, the Western ND Synod, and the Council of Churches are each planning to give $5,000 to this ministry at the Heart River Lutheran Church. He reported that the EaND Synod Council committed to give the first $5,000 of the morning Assembly offering to this ministry.

RECOGNITION OF ANNIVERSARIES:

Anniversaries of Ordination:

50th

• Arlington T. Mitskog
• Kenneth V. Peterson
• Martin J. Simmons
• Roger A. Domyahn

55th

• Albert J. Sandness Jr
• James R. Bjorge
• Wesley N. Haugen

60th

• Darrell K. Schultz
• Donald J. Thorp

In memorandum – March 28, 1925-April 20, 2012

• John C. Mehl
• Otto W. Schmitt
• Ralph S. Rusley

PLENARY FOUR:

THIRD REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:

Mark Kolbo, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the third report of the Credentials

Committee as follows:

VOTING MEMBERS:

Clergy/AiMs …………………… 113
Lay…………………………………. 317
Synodical Officers …………… 3
Total voting members ………. 433
Guests and Visitors ………….. 76
Total Registered ………………. 509

ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

Dan Carlson from the Elections Committee reported there were no further nominations for any positions. The only contest will be for the position of Secretary of the Synod. Ballots were cast for the position of secretary. Results will be announced during Plenary Session Five.

SC.12.04.12 Motion by Chad Brucklacher, second by Susan Haukaas to cast a unanimous ballet for all of the nominees to Synod positions with the exception of the secretary position.
Motion Carried

ADOPTION OF THE 2013 MISSION PLAN:

SC.12.04.13 Motion by Dave Molmen, second by John Leininger to move for the adoption of the 2013 Mission Plan, with the commitment that we will FAITHFULLY carry it back to our

congregations and join together to fulfill it. Motion Carried

KEYNOTE ADDRESS:

Rev. Dr. Nathan C.P. Frambach – Focus this morning will be on a very significant and crucial action - MENTORING! Who we mentor to and how we mentor is very significant and crucial. We are all continuously dealing with change in our lives. How we deal with change is very significant. Multi-media technology has brought many changes to our lives, especially to our youth. What does it mean to be church today? Today we must take a risk and not just rely on our old models to tell the story of Christ. Not all are in the same place in their walk with Christ. How can we effectively minister to others? By what means? Do we have the right tools in our “tool chest for Christ” that we can effectively use to meet individual needs? Most of us want and need to be mentored. We are never too young or too old to be a mentor or to be mentored. A challenge for each of us is to be a mentor for the Lord. The “Whole People of God” have been called to be mentors for Christ. We can and must be a servant for the Lord. Follow God’s call, be a leader for Christ.

LUNCH

PLENARY FIVE:

REPORT OF THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

Dan Carlson, from the Elections Committee, reported that 350 ballots were cast for the secretary position. Results: Ms. Meridee Erickson-Stowman 271 and Rev. Jeff Nicla 79. Elected as the new Secretary of the Eand Synod is Meridee Erickson-Stowman.

MISSION MINUTE: Lutheran Social Services (LSS)

RESOLUTIONS: (continued discussion and adoption of resolution #3; see previous)

RESOLUTION #4: Thank you John Leininger for faithful service to the EaND Synod.

WHEREAS, in 2004 John was elected secretary of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, John has faithfully recorded the life of our synod, signing the minutes “respectfully submitted”; and

WHEREAS, John has blessed the EaND Synod with his time and gifts; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that we say in unison, THANK YOU JOHN FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE

Resolution unanimously carried by acclamation.

INSTALLATION OF SECRETARY OF THE SYNOD:

Bishop Rindy introduced Meridee Erickson-Stowman and installed Meridee as Secretary of the EaND Synod.

CLOSING OF THE ASSEMBLY: Bishop Bill Rindy led the closing of the Synod Assembly.

Respectfully submitted,
John Leininger, Secretary of the Synod

• Read the 2012 Synod Assembly Recap…

• Read the 2012 Synod Assembly Recap…

• Read the 2012 Synod Assembly Recap…

1201 13th Ave N
Fargo, ND 58102
(map)

The office will be closed from May 24 through June 1. Plan to visit us beginning June 4 in our new location at the University Lutheran Center near NDSU campus.

Our phone number will remain (701) 232-3381 and 877-895-4598.

Seminary on the Prairie

June 1 – 2, 2012
Red Willow Bible Camp – Binford, ND

The focus of this year’s Seminary on the Prairie will be on ministry to people in addiction and recovery. The event is facilitated by Rev. Ray Branstiter, Pastor at Recovery Worship in Fargo, and Director of Lost and Found Ministry in Fargo/Moorhead and sponsored by Tri-County Ministry.

Optional event: on Friday morning, June 1, a round table discussion will be held at RWBC on the topic of multi-point / cooperating ministries. Topics will include problems and solutions, programming, administration, and any other points of interest to those in attendance. This is open to all, whether or not attending Seminary on the Prairie. It will begin at 9:30 am, and wrap up by 12:30 pm.

More information:

• Red Willow Bible Camp website
• Brochure and registration form

Two opportunities to serve as Interim Pastor in Lithuania: June-July, 2012 or a 90 day period between December 2012-July 2013. The congregations provide a modern efficiency flat with small kitchen and bath, utilities, wireless internet, television, and local cell phone. Laundry one floor below. Interim pastor is responsible for airfare and living expenses. Valid passport required for period of service plus six months. For more information visit www.vilniuschurch.org or contact Stephen.nelson@elca.org

Senior Choir Director

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd – Moorhead, MN

To begin the fall of 2012. For information call (218) 233-4980 or email pastordan@knowthegoodshepherd.org Applications may be sent to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4000 So 28th St, Moorhead, MN 56560.

Church Office Position Open

Horace Lutheran Church – Horace, ND

Seeking a part time office position effective June 1, 2012. Various office tasks including: bulletins, newslet- ters, keeping data base current, financial secretary, and communication resource. Send a letter of interest and resume to Horace Lutheran Church, PO Box 39, Horace, ND 58047 or email secretary@horacelutheran.com

A collection of sites from around the web worth recommending.  Let the Resource Center know the website you visit most!

Pastoral and Congregational Ministry:

For preaching, take a look at thehardestquestion.org

For new pastors especially, check out The Beatitudes Society for progressive Christian leadership development

Visit Hearts & Minds Books for book notes, reviews, articles for pastors, church leaders, or anyone who cares about congregations and ministry

Worship planning and Christian education resources at textweek.com

A rich well of resources for faith communities from the Alban Institute is available at CongregationalResources.org Invaluable for call committees, leaders in all areas of congregational life, transition times

Faith Formation and Education:

Cutting edge resources for faith formation at

• Spark House
• Augsburg Fortress
• Faith and Wisdom
• Select Learning
• Faith Formation Learning Exchange 

For cutting edge resources for adult formation, check out www.livingthequestions.com

Go to The Thoughtful Christian for excellent adult education resources

Check out Vibrant Faith@Home for ways to strengthen faith formation and family ministry

ELCA Youth Ministry Network exists to strengthen and empower adult youth ministry leaders through renewal, education, and connection.

Faith Practices, Reflection, and Story Telling:

Nooma offers provocative, stimulating and engaging reflections about what it means to be Christian

For tools for spiritual nourishment and faith formation, check out ExploreFaith.org

The Work of the People is  a community of artists who create visual media for mission, worship, and faith practices; including the work of Dorothy Bass and faith practices

Spiritualityandpractice.com for reading the sacred in everyday life, spiritual practices, reading recommendations, courses and events

Learn the art of biblical storytelling at echo.wearesparkhouse.org

deidox.com documents the faith of everyday people

For some remarkable stories about young adults making a difference in the world as persons of faith, go to EngagedLife.org

Social Issues:

RAVE is an initiative that seeks to bring knowledge and social action together to assist families of faith impacted by abuse. Go to theraveproject.org

The FaithTrust Institute in Seattle deals with similar issues

Stewardship:

Stewardship resources from Luther Seminary

Many online resources and articles can be found at The Stewardship of Life Institute at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg

Social Networks and Idea Exchange:

Share your own creative work, writing, ideas for ministry at elca.feautor.org This multilingual, open source site features unpublished resources for all areas of congregational life.

Join conversations about bible study and Book of Faith resources at bookoffaith.ning.com Interesting opportunities for sharing ideas and resources with people around the church

Less well known but not to be missed:

A collection of links for congregations and pastors can be found at revwriter.com

New Testament audio programs and Bible study handouts by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. are available at catholic-resources.org

Brain Connection is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality information about how the brain works and how people learn.

The Old Testament and the Near East by Ralph W. Klein

The Virtual World Project explores Israel and Jordan through an interactive map

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Open for Exploration: Websites

A core group of 6 volunteers serve over 100 families with food resource needs each year. The pantry is constantly working to reach out in new ways. CAFP was the original catalyst for a new food pantry in Dunseith that Rev. John Hesford works with, encouraging them to serve the hungry intheir area and supplying them with their first several trunk loads of food. People were traveling from Dunseith to Cando to get food – almost 65 miles.

“Our volunteers are a great group to work with and we are so honored to be recognized by Great Plains Food Bank as Agency of the Year – and the award is pretty cool too!”

Pictured left to right: David Benson, treasurer & volunteer; Rev. Bonnie Weaver, and Melissa Sobolik, Great Plains Food Bank

» Download: God in Full View May 2012

God in Full View!

Congregation Anniversaries and Anniversaries of Ordination celebrated at the 2012 Synod Assembly.

• Read the 2012 Synod Assembly Recap…

Hymns and the Way They Shape Theology

Part of the ministry of resourcing is sharing unpublished resources. Pastor Roger Reinhart (Richland & Our Savior’s, Colfax) recently shared “Our Hymns Shape Our Theology.” Roger underscores how formative hymns can be. His article is shared below. The following resources echo similar themes:

• Piece Together Praise: A Theological Journey by Brian Wren (B2152)
• Alice Parker’s Melodious Accord: Good Singing in the Church (B1304)
• Gabe Huck’s How Can I Keep from Singing: Thoughts about Liturgy for Musicians (B1303)
• A Heart Set Free: the Life, Ministry, and Lyrics of Charles Wesley and the Story of a Hymn Writer, Charles Wesley: Hymns of Praise (DVD426, DVD428)
• Amazing Grace: Hymns that Changed the World (DVD393)

Our Hymns Shape our Theology

by Pastor Roger Reinhart

I recently heard someone teaching about the hymns we sing, “Our hymns shape our theology.” I think these words speak volumes about the importance of what we sing at worship. It is important to have a nice melody set in an appropriate harmony. At least as important as having “sing-able” songs is to have words that lift up what we believe about God and God’s relationship with us.

What are the characteristics of a fitting hymn or spiritual song for Lutherans?

It’s about God

God’s love for the world and what God has done for us in Jesus.

It’s not about “I, me, my”

Does the song speak more about God or me? Who is the song really about (look at the pronouns)?

It reflects a “Theology of the Cross”

Life is hard, and in the midst of trouble and darkness God finds us – not a God who has rejected us, but the God who came to die rather than lose us, the God who understands us, the God who is in the darkness with us and for us, the God who loves us just as we are.

It does not reflect “decision theology”

 If I know myself to be a child of God, I thank God that God has decided to make me God’s own – it is not mydecision that does this (see Luther’s explanation of the 3rd Article of the Creed in his Small Catechism). Being a Child of God does not depend on my decision, my reaching out, or my choosing. Thanks be to God that in Jesus Christ God has decided for us!

Being Christian is not exclusive but inclusive

We are not “better” or “more loved by God” if we are Christian (not a part of some “in-crowd”), but to us has been given the Good News (the Gospel) that God loves all people and has forgiven us all in the cross of Jesus Christ (we are called together and then sent out by this Good News). “All are welcome in this place,” is the message God sends through us. This gives new shape to our lives, indeed it gives new life!

It is sacramental

Lutherans believe in the “means of Grace” (the ways that God gives us undeserved blessings, saves us). In particular, we include: The Word, Holy Baptism, & Holy Communion. (Again, see Luther’s Small Catechism on “Holy Baptism”, “Office of the Keys”, and “Holy Communion”). Indeed, God is with us all the time – but in the Means of Grace God shows us that God is here for us. Worship itself becomes a sacrament of God’s gifts to us.

It is about Community

This may be most difficult for us. We live in a culture and time where: “It is all about me.” “It’s just me & Jesus.” Even salvation has become an individualistic thing, and much of modern “religious music” reflects this. However, in the Church, we sing in praise of God who calls us together to be God’s people (again, look at the pronouns. Are we singing as a community – “we, us, our”; or am I singing just for me –”I, me, my”).

This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and, no doubt a hymn or two even in our ELW can be found that strays from these foundations; but in general these are guiding principles for our hymns and spiritual songs. In addition to a huge treasury of hymns and songs from the past, there are also many beautiful and inspiring contemporary hymns and songs that fit with our Lutheran hymnody. Some are written by Lutherans, of course, but many are written by people of other denominations, as well as from the Christian Church around the world. Our ELW contains a great variety of songs & hymns, old and new. And, of course, there are many more waiting for us to discover, and many yet to be written.

We are very blessed here at Richland and Our Savior’s to have a Parish Worship Committee and now a Parish Praise Band. “Sing to God a new song.” I thank God for these groups who are helping us to sing songs and hymns at worship that will: first, reflect the love of God who comes to us in Jesus; and, second, shape our theology as we worship together.

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Open for Exploration: Hymns

Julie shares resources for enriching your prayer life and explores a variety of prayer forms and daily spiritual disciplines.

Daily Disciplines

• Visit the ELCA Prayer Center for a daily prayer and a guide to daily prayer for the ministries of the church
• Use the services of Daily Prayer in our worship book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pp. 295-331
• As a daily prayer, go to theworkofthepeople.com and for multiple ways of meeting God in prayer through video visual liturgy
• For reading the Psalms and weekly texts, At Home with God, (B3897) and athomewithgod.org, provide accessible tools for rediscovering the vibrancy of faith through daily liturgical rhythms of reading the Psalms, texts and prayers.
• SacredSpace.ie offers daily online prayer presenting five steps of prayer each day.
• Combine daily exercise and prayer and spiritual wellness with the DVD and book, Stretch and Pray (B3081, DVD167).

Other Ways to Pray

• Writing to God (B3814) invites readers to pray with a pen, writing as a way of deepening our life with God
• If words are not always helpful, take a look at Praying in Color (B3371). This beautiful book and cd invite prayer through drawing and meditating
• Knit One, Purl a Prayer (B3884) describes how knitting can become a form of prayer helping knitters to craft a deeper relationship with God

Congregational Prayer

• Martha Grace Reese’s Unbinding Your Heart (B3828) invites an all-church study focusing on prayer during 40 days of prayer and faith sharing
• Unbinding Your Soul (B3823) is an experiment in prayer and community for small congregational groups

Labyrinth as a Form of Prayer

• Rediscovering the Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation (DVD100) Introduces the ancient practice of prayer using a labyrinth
• Finger Labyrinth (K141) for individual use that includes prayer topics, a Pocket Guide to Labyrinths, and additional resources about the history of labyrinths and ways to pray with the labyrinth
• Circle of Peace Prayer Labyrinth (K147) This twenty-four foot canvas labyrinth can be used as a spiritual tool—a way of silencing the noise and turmoil in our busy lives— for meditative or contemplative prayer. Additional resources are available for borrowing.

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Ways to Pray

Please share what your congregation is doing for Lent! This rich season of the church year is prime time for deepening our worship life and living the remarkable drama of new life in Christ.

Send a note to juliea@eandsynod.org

Lenten Journey: Water Marks is the newest in the Book of Faith Lenten Reflections. These water stories from both Old and New Testaments would be really helpful for a focus on baptism. Other Lenten Journeys include 40 Days with the Lord’s Prayer, Marks of the Christian, and Seven Wonders of the Word. Weekly themes and ideas for worship are included. For individual, group, or congregational use. Preview copies available.

Baptismal themes can also be found in the Washed and Welcome Sourcebook. Articles for reprinting in worship folders or newsletters are available. In Living the Promises of Baptism, key bible verses are highlighted.

ELCA World Hunger offers a Lenten series—12 meals, 12 related stories which are also scripted as dramas for those interested, facts, placemats, fundraising and ideas.

For worship, be sure to consider the DVD series, The Greatest Story: Jesus. The focus on gospel stories includes compelling sand art images that will engage all ages. Preview copy available.

For C.S. Lewis aficionados, themes from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe provide a creative way to focus on Lenten themes using the video, the book, and the LLW Discovery Guide. Copies available.

Check out Pastor Tom Weitzel’s Handbook for the Discipline of Lent, A Lenten Retreat, and Stations of the Cross as well as other Lenten resources at liturgybytlw.com

For worship planning: Worship Guidebook for Lent and the Three Days together with the Music Sourcebook for Lent and the Three Days from Augsburg Fortress. Preview copies available.

Ideas to consider:

Stories Around the Fire: three or four people tell two-minute stories of a favorite Bible verse—how they came across it, what it meant to them then and what it means to them today. Each week people who tell their stories write their names in a congregational family Bible next to their texts in the margins. “We had people as young as nine and people in their 80′s share their stories.”

Sermon series are memorable. There are so many cleverly named series all over the internet. Pick a catchy title and develop your own pieces to it.

Spirituality for Busy People: everybody is busy. Then pick practices such as Sabbath keeping, service, prayer, blessing, eating together, vocation, testimony to unpack during Lent.

Consider Barbara Brown Taylor’s An Altar in the World: look for God outside of church walls. Take a chapter a week to find God in the everyday events of our lives. Have people tells stories of God at work, at school, at leisure—in unexpected places.

The timelessness of Holden Evening Prayer: “We are still in love with Holden Evening Prayer—it sustains us year after year!”

For a rich Lenten worship experience, consider the new Holden Prayer Around the Cross, a set of resources adapted from Holden Evening Prayer and Prayer Around the Cross by Susan Briehl, Tom Witt, and Marty Haugen. To accompany HPAC, a set of musical resources is available in Singing Our Prayer: Companion to Holden Prayer Around the Cross.

TheThoughtfulChristian.com has several downloadable resources available for Lent. Take a look at Walking the Way of the Cross with Paul.

You’re invited to take a look at a stewardship resource ideal for Lent: Mark Allan Powell’s Biblical Stewardship: Our Duty and Delight features seven 20-minute video sessions on DVD, a comprehensive study guide and participant handouts. Session titles include Belonging to God, What is a Steward?, Treasures and Hearts, Motives for Giving, Duty and Delight, and Cheerful Sacrifices.

The 40 Day Journey books for small groups or individual use are designed for Lent. Titles include Journeys with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Joan Chittister, Julian of Norwich, Martin Luther, Madeleine L’Engle, and others.

If you’ve found the Nooma films interesting, consider matching themes from the texts for Lent with the short and engaging DVDs. It’s an excellent way to repeat the themes and invite conversation about the weekly texts. Call the Resource Center for a list!

Bread themes for Lent? Try a Lenten study called Bread in the Wilderness: Spiritual Famine or Gospel Feast, six sessions about hunger and food. A new six-part bible study called Bread and Broth also invites participants to share soup and bread while learning about Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Elisha, John the Baptist and Jesus.

Northwestern Minnesota Synod has shared “Lent 2012: A Season for Prayer and Renewal.” For congregational renewal and reflection, it includes prayer petitions, a plan for midweek worship, Bible readings, mission resources and more. Call the Resource Center for a copy or download.

Teach us to Pray introduces participants to the full spectrum of Christian prayer methods and encourages them to incorporate these practices into their daily lives. Twenty-two lesson plans can be used as a year-long course, as four separate courses or individually. Adaptable for Lent, adult education, prayer and spirituality groups or retreats.

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Open for Exploration: Lent 2012

The book of faith faith as a window, a lens for looking at the world

German theologian Paul Tillich liked to speak of faith as a window, a lens for looking at the world. He challenged students to consider the Bible, prayer—even Jesus—as windows or ways of looking beyond the thing itself to what lies beyond it. Tillich warned against making the window itself—whether Scripture, prayer, or our own tradition—the objects of our devotion.

The biblical stories are remarkable wellsprings. Burbling up century after century, the insights and wisdom they offer continue to challenge, assault, comfort, and even frustrate listeners who find them both compelling and disturbing. These stories are windows for looking at the world and at our own lives. They help us see!

An ongoing ELCA initiative called the Book of Faith invites us to “open scripture and join the conversation.” It’s a way of helping Lutherans engage with the biblical stories. While we don’t make the Bible into an object of worship, the living Word is the lens through which we make sense of life and faith.

You will find here the Book of Faith collection of resources. They provide one way to engage in opening Scripture and whetting our appetites for the riches of the biblical stories. Open scripture! Join the conversations!

Introduction to the book of faith…

…is best described on their website or social network sites: ning | facebook | twitter .

Augsburg Fortress has published the wide array of resources described here (Visit their store). You will also find preview copies of all the Book of Faith offerings in the EaND Synod Resource Center listed here.

How did the Bible come to be our Book of Faith?

Try Rediscovering the Book of Faith, a DVD, leader guide, and participant book. (K164)

How can the Book of Faith renew our lives?

Try Opening the Book of Faith, a DVD, leader guide, and participant book that introduces four approaches: devotional, historical, literary, and theological. (K163)

What Bible might I use?

The Lutheran Study Bible (NRSV) provides hands-on tools for using the Bible—basic introductions to each book, background information, maps, charts, illustrations & more. It’s a great place to begin!

Where might we begin?

Try Making Sense of Scripture: Big Questions about the Book of Faith or Making Sense of the Christian Faith both by David Lose.

Bibles…

….include the following:

• The Lutheran Study Bible (NRSV)
• Spark Story Bible for children ages 2-2nd grade
• Spark Bible—NRSV for children 3rd-6th grade
• Bibles on CD-Rom
• Other Bibles

Additional Resources…

…can be found at the Book of Faith’s Bible resources page where there are links for the following:

• A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to Studying the Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to the Books of the Bible
• About the Bible: Short Answers to Big Questions
• The Old Testament Story
• Fortress Introduction to the New Testament

Together in Faith…

…includes studies that connect with worship themes and follow the Revised Common Lectionary (available at Augsburg Fortress).

• God’s Will for Life (Studies in Mark)
• God’s Extraordinary Church (Studies in Ephesians)
• God’s Standard or Gold Standard? (Studies in Proverbs)
• Songs of the Faithful (Studies in the Psalms)
• Great Expectations (Studies in Isaiah)
• Heaven on Earth (Studies in Matthew)
• Questions for Jesus: Studies in Mark
• Being the Body of Christ: Studies in 1 Corinthians
• From Beginning to End: Studies in Revelation
• Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind: Studies in Luke
• God’s Own People: Studies in 1 Peter
• Signs of the Kingdom: Studies in Matthew
• Church in Waiting: Studies for Advent

Additional Bible Studies…

…appropriate for meeting openers, small groups, and for other short activities are available for free on the following topics:

• Deuteronomy 11:18-19 with Norma Cooke Everist
• Mark 4:2-3 with F. Javier Goita Padilla
• Psalm 111:2,10 with Thulie N. Beresford
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 with Mark Powell
• Jeremiah 17:7-8 with Marty Stortz 
• Romans 8:37-39 with Roy Harrisville
• John 15:5 with Craig Satterlee 
• Revelation 22:1-2 with Susan McArver 
• Amos 5:24 with Peter Nash 
• Matthew 25:35-36 with Kristin Swanson 
• Mark 8:34-35 with Mary Streufert 
• John 1:14,16 with Erik Heen 
• Isaiah 55:1-11 with Stan Olson 
• Augsburg Adult Bible Studies
• No Experience Necessary Bible Studies

Find more Book of Faith resources at Augsburg Fortress 

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Lutherans and the Bible

The Great “O” Antiphons of Advent are favorites of mine because they give shape and words to our deepest longings. To the voices of so many generations before us, we add our own:

O Lord of Light, come, light the hearts of all in dark and shadow;
Spring of Joy, rain down upon our spirits, come, make us whole;
Root of Life, draw us to you, our hope reborn in dying and in rising;
Key of Knowledge, open to us the pathway of peace;
Wisdom, come and teach us the way of prudence.
(Paraphrases of the “O” Antiphons are listed in ELW #257)

In this season of waiting, may the yearnings expressed in the “O” Antiphons echo our own longing for the Christ we celebrate this season: the Promised One who is Lord of Light, Spring of Joy, Root of Life, Key of Knowledge, Wisdom.

As you wait and prepare during Advent, you may enjoy reading Come, Lord Jesus: Devotions for the Home by Susan Briehl (AFP). Briehl’s blessings, prayers, poetry, and songs are combined with scripture and meditations. You also might like Advent Reflections: While We Wait; I wonder as I wander; and Making All Things New (AFP).

These resources are gifts to the church. Several years ago, Briehl wrote a beautiful Advent reflection on the first of the “O” Antiphons about our desire for wisdom. I’ve saved it to reread each Advent season. She closes with this prayer:

“O Wisdom, come and teach us for we are a people highly skilled, but unable to connect with one another. Come and teach us, Sweet Wisdom, for we are a people burdened to breaking with information, but void of compassion, empty of justice, aching for a vision of hope. Come and teach us that we might be wisely rooted, not merely entrenched. O Wisdom, O God’s Wise Heart, O Christ Jesus, come. Amen.”

This is my prayer for each of us this Advent, 2011. Warmest wishes to you all!

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: The “O” Antiphons

SPARK

SPARK Family from Augsburg Fortress is a quarterly magazine for families and children. It provides a way to talk with children about God centered in well-known Bible stories. Family Sample copies available.

Spark Bibles from Augsburg Fortress are designed to help introduce children to age-appropriate Bibles. The Spark Story Bible and Spark Bible NRSVare for ages 2- 6th grade. Preview copies are available from the Resource Center or Augsburg Fortress.

Vibrant Faith Ministries

New from Vibrant Faith Ministries: Teaching the Bible with Children, Youth, Families: Unit 1- Equipping Households of Faith, a resource based on an understanding of baptism that informs the belief that home is the primary place for nurturing and passing on the faith. This will help congregations build a strong and vital partnership with households for a common mission – to experience God’s story and practice the Christian faith in daily life. DVD416

Among many resources produced by Vibrant Faith Ministries is their Faith Formation Learning Exchange. Check it out!

DVDs

The Way of the Child: Helping Children Experience God focuses on the spiritual formation of children. This new resource in the growing Companions in Christ family helps children learn and experience spiritual practices that will lead them into a deeper awareness of God’s presence in their lives. DVD360

For effective worship-centered ministry centered on faith nurture for young children, Helping Children Experience God is based on the book Young Children and Worship by Jerome Berryman and Sonja Stewart. It’s an effective worship-centered ministry of faith nurture for young children. The dvd provides an introductory overview of the program for pastors, Christian educators, worship teams, parents, and lay leaders. DVD126

From Paraclete Press, Tell Me About God can help parents and others talk with children about God’s presence and a God who loves them unconditionally. DVD14

More Resources

Washed and Welcome: A Baptism Sourcebook and Living the Promises of Baptism: 101 Ideas for Parents are part of new baptismal formation resources from Augsburg Fortress. These resources will help pastors and parents with ideas for celebrating the gifts of baptism in daily living including meals, bedtime, play, seasons, milestones, transitions. Ideas are appropriate for children from infant to upper elementary. K172

With humor and honesty, Denise Roy tells stories that can help readers see God’s presence in the ordinary events of family life and children in My Monastery is a Minivan: Where the Daily is Divine and Routine Becomes Prayer. B3776

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Open for Exploration: Faith Formation in Children

The Greatest Story: Jesus will engage, surprise, and transform your congregation as they explore the question “Who is Jesus?” Mark Allan Powell and Allen E. Hilton

The Lutheran Study Bible has gone mobile!

AF and Olive Tree Bible Software have teamed up to offer the Lutheran Study Bible in the BibleReader app.

To access this new resource:

1. Install the free BibleReader application
2. Open the app on your mobile device
3. Create an account
4. Purchase either Lutheran Study Bible with NRSV or Lutheran Study Bible Notes

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: New from Augsburg Fortress

Among the newest resources from Spark is Clayfire Curator , a creative worship design blog. Check out The Stories the Stars Tell, a collection for Christmas and Epiphany.

Sundays and Seasons—Year B: As we begin a new church year, the very best resources for worship are found here. It includes preparation for each season, weekly texts, seasonal rites, music and so much more. Take a look at our preview copy or subscribe online.  You also might like to consider Clayfire (AFP)

For daily prayer, The Meaning is in the Waiting: the Spirit of Advent from Paraclete Press focuses on people of the Bible who waited on God—Sarah and Abraham, John the Baptist .

Advent Book of Faith Reflections offer daily readings, bible study, journaling, activities and prayer. This year’s title is Advent Reflections: Making All Things New from Augsburg Fortress. For small group or individual use.

DVDs for group use include:

• Legend of the Three Trees
• Advent Calendar on DVD
• Songs of Christmas
• The Christmas Story
• Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World?
• Advent, five compelling 2-3 minute video illustrations about Jesus’ birth

For adult study, Kerygma’s Hallelujah: the Bible and Handel’s Messiah explores the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah in four sessions: Comfort, Comfort My People; Who Shall Abide the Day of His Coming?; For Unto Us a Child Is Born; and Glory to God in the Highest. A recording of Messiah is recommended for class use.

For midweek worship in Advent, the Resource Center has a variety of services available for loan: The Long Road to Christmas, Flames for the Faithful, A Child is Born in Bethlehem, and A Place Prepare. (Creative Communications)

Advent and Christmas programs are available for many kinds of settings. In addition to programs, music, liturgies, preaching resources, books, and more are available at Augsburg Fortress.

An old favorite and an especially beautiful book for celebrating Advent and Christmas, Winter: Celebrating the Season in a Christian Home by Peter Mazar combines readings, images, and reflections. (Liturgy Training Publications)

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Open For Exploration: Advent and the Coming of Christ

“Just to be is a blessing; just to live is holy.”
Abraham Joshua Heschel

The following recommendations are singled out for the ways they provide care to pastors and leaders across the church. Resources both for self-care and care of parishioners are included. Some reflect self awareness; others speak to care of others; some address the disillusionment of daily life and ministry. Many draw us back from the edge of self-preoccupation and the running of institutions into the presence of a God who, in the midst of disappointments, illusions and disillusions, will not let us go. It’s a work in progress!

Pastoral Care – Consider the following…

• Search the resource center for resources re: practical aspects of pastoral care.
• Check out the following new titles:
• Nan Guilmartin, Healing Conversations (revised)
• Margaret Benefiel, Soul of Supervision
• Denise Hopkins, Grounded in the Living Word
• Rolf Nolasco, Contemplative Counselor
• Neil Pembroke, Pastoral Care in Worship, Liturgy, and Psychology
• Joe Pennel, Gift of Presence
• John Sippola, Welcome Them Home, Help Them Heal
• Larry Webb, Crisis Counseling in the Congregation
• Form a clergy or colleague group where questions and issues of pastoral care shape conversation and prayer
• Consider meeting regularly with a spiritual director (see below)
• Make time for a retreat (see below)
• Ask someone you trust as a model and “fellow traveler” to be your mentor
• Read, write, take time for nature and the restorative power of creation
• Spend time on those things which give you life
• Sabbatical possibilities

Who am I? They often tell me I would step from my cell’s confinement calmly, cheerfully, firmly, like a squire from his country-house. Who am I? They often tell me I would talk to my warders freely and friendly and clearly, as though it were mine to command …Who am I? They also tell me I bore the days of misfortune equably, smilingly, proudly, like one accustomed to win.

Poke around these sites…

You’ll find interesting resources for pastoral care as well as offerings like events, tutorials, workshops, retreat opportunities, weekly blogs, and more.

• FaithAndWisdom.org
  Retreat centers, events offered by seminaries, colleges, lifelong learning centers
• Spiritual Directors International
  Spiritual directors and how to identify those most helpful
• Sacred Space
  An online prayer guide
• Alban Institute
• Paraclete Press
  Pastoral care resources

Who am I? This or the other? Am I one person today and tomorrow another? Am I both at once?
A hypocrite before others, and before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army, fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?

Retreat Opportunities:

• Sisters of the Presentation Prayer Center - Fargo, ND
• Sisters of Mary of the Presentation House of Hospitality – Valley City, ND
• HeartSprings: Center for Health, Hope, Healing – Fargo, ND
• Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center – Carefree, AZ (see below)
• Holden Village – Chelan, WA
• Franciscan Spirituality Center – LaCrosse, WI

Spend time with the following authors…

The Resource Center loans most of the books and media resources by these authors:

• Eugene Peterson
  www.eugenepetersononline.com
  Peterson’s work can help pastors recover “vocational holiness.” His newest book is The Pastor. Check out his eloquent writing in The Contemplative Pastor; Working the Angles; Under the Unpredictable Plant, and Take and Read. You’ll find intimations of God at every turn.
• Barbara Brown Taylor
  www.barbarabrowntaylor.com
  This writer, preacher, teacher is primarily a worshiper. Her books reflect a way of being and seeing most of us long for: “ … BBT works with God’s word, God’s people, God’s gifts, God’s hope for the world… you who are entering ministry… you who are ministers who have forgotten your call… you who are not ministers but who are standing on the porch, unsure of whether you are seeking or being sought”… you must spend some time with BBT!
• Joan Chittister
  www.joanchittister.org
  Begin with Wisdom Distilled from the Daily, Chittister’s recounting of the Rule of St. Benedict where she clearly describes the richness of daily life when guided by common sense reverence for God, self, and others. Order/borrow her monthly “Monastic Way” for daily reflections about living life fully.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel
  Check out classics like I Asked for Wonder and Quest for God.
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  Must reads include Life Together, Who Am I? and The Wisdom and Witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
• Granger Westberg
  His classic best-seller from Augsburg Fortress is Good Grief . AFP also recommends Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to Know, Pastoral Care of Alcohol Abusers, and Defeating Depression: Real Help for You and Those You Love. We have also added Pastoral Care Emergencies to the RC collection.
• Henri Nouwen
  Don’t miss The Living Reminder, Wounded Healer and Can You Drink the Cup?
• William Martin
  The Art of Pastoring: Contemplative Reflections
• Rob Bell
  www.robbell.com
  In addition to the Nooma films, don’t miss Bell’s provocative books.

Am I then really all that which others tell of? Or am I only what I myself know of myself? Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage, struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat, yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds, thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness, tossing in expectation of great events, powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance, weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making, faint and ready to say farewell to it all?

More resources from colleagues…

AIM Curt Larson, Milnor:
I attended a retreat sponsored by Luther Seminary and the Board of Pensions a couple years ago. Sandy Rothshiller was the main presenter. It was held at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, north of Phoenix, AZ. I don’t remember the name of event, but it focused on self-care. The event helped me determine how to better care for myself, so I can better care for others. The week-long event schedule allowed plenty of free time and the February dates were ideal as it came between the two busiest seasons of Christmas and Easter.

Pr. Kathy Brown, Grand Forks:
Read Wesley Granberg Michaelson’s new book, Unexpected Destinations (Eerdman)

Pr. Dan Carlson, Larimore:
One resource that I have found helpful early in my ministry was a little book entitled, Minister’s Prayer Book edited by John W. Doberstein, Fortress Press copyright 1986. Another thing that I try to do for self care is to make my day off (if there’s an emergency, I try to take another day). Sabbath is important for self care. Some of the best advice for pastoral care came from Professor BIll Smith at Luther Seminary… telling us to know when you are in over your head—REFER. Refer to someone who is a specialist and trained counselor.

Pr. Jim Winjim, Grand Forks:
A couple of books that I have found useful are Becoming a Pastor: Forming Self and Soul for Ministry by Jaco J. Hamman. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press. 2007 and Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William Bridges. Da Capo Press. 2004.

Pr. Rich Budd, Leeds:
I like Eugene Peterson—everything he writes is good. I just recently finished his auobiography, The Pastor: A Memoir. On target also: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, The Contemplative Pastor, and the one that really hits home, Working the Angles.

Pr. Adam Copeland, Fargo:
A good intro for pastoral ministry—The Pastor by Eugene Peterson. A good site for congregational studies, support, and classes— thethoughtfulchristian.com

Pr. Lucinda Lien, Ypsilanti:
Kirk Byron Jones’ Rest in the Storm and Addicted to Hurry; for depression and its treatment without medication, The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns.

Pr. Bonnie Weaver, Cando:
Since our rural population is aging I have found that the annual Geriatric Healthcare, Alzheimer’s, & Hospice Conference in Bismarck is a great help. Each year they have different topics, but I have attended sessions on Pastoral Care for the Care Giver, Communicating with Alzheimer’s Patients, Using Laughter to Ease Crisis Situations, Grief and Alzheimer’s, etc. Also, taking the Prepare/Enrich class on pre-marital counseling was enormously helpful.

Pr. Jessica Merchant, Tri-County:
Two books that immediately come to mind are William Willimon’s Pastor, and Marva Dawn’s Sense of Call. Those two books were quite helpful with self-care my first years of ministry.

Pr. Marty Simmons, Fargo:
Read Chaim Potok!

Pr. Rich Kramer, West Fargo:

• David Augsburger, Caring Enough to Confront;
• Ernest Becker, The Denial of Death
• Anything by Fredrick Buechner
• Edwin Friedman, Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue
• Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence
• W. Paul Jones, Theological Worlds: Understanding the Alternative Rhythms of Christian Belief
• Andrew Lester, Hope in Pastoral Care and Counseling
• Gerald May, Addiction and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions
• Rachel Naomi Remen, Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather’s Blessings
• Daniel Simundson, Faith Under Fire: How the Bible Speaks to Us in Times of Suffering
• Howard W. Stone, Depression and Hope: New Insights for Pastoral Counseling
• Insight: Keep a Sabbath day each week; keep a Sabbath time each day.

Pr. Elwood Rieke, Fargo:
I recommend Pastor Art Johnson who was in charge of pastoral care at Merit Care for many years.  Best authors: William Willimon and Granger Westberg (Good Grief).

Pr. Patrick McCormack, Thompson:
I go back to How to Keep the Pastor You Love by Jane Rubietta and The Cry of Tamar by Pamela Cooper-White.

Pr. Jerry Protextor, Fargo:
I recommend Mark Allen Powell’s work; The Generosity Ladder by Nelson Searcy; and Kirk Nowery’s The Giving Church and The Giving Christian. Best care should also include Dave Ramsey’s material on Financial Peace University.

Pr. Mike Woods, LaCrescent, MN:
The language of God is story, symbol and ritual. (I think Carl Jung said this) and silence. Pastoral care is helping people become fluent in the language of God.

For doing good ritual and symbols I recommend:

1. Gertrude Mueller Nelson To Dance With God
2. The Nilson Family For Everything a Season: 75 Blessings for Daily Life
3. Robert Fulghum From Beginning to End

For good stories

1. Rachel Remen Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather’s Blessing
2. Mary Pipher Letters to a Young Therapist

For Caregivers

1. Wayne Muller’s 3 hour DVD, Called to Action: Strengthening Ministries of Healing is pure gold. (read him in this month’s The Lutheran magazine)
2. Robert Wicks Riding the Red Dragon: Ten Lessons for Inner Strength in Challenging Times
3. The Art of Pastoring by William C. Martin

Local Spiritual Directors:

• Sisters of the Presentation – Fargo, ND
  Sr. Andrea Arendt presprayerctr AT cableone DOT net
  Sr. Elaine Garr garrye@presentationsisters.org
  Sr. Francine Janouse fjanousek@cableone.net
• Catholic Charities ND – Fargo, ND Office
  Peter Edwards pedwards AT catholiccharitiesnd DOT org
• Valley Christian Counseling Center – Fargo, ND
  Ellen Zaeske ezaeske AT mcleodusa DOT net
• Olivet Lutheran Church – Fargo, ND
  Pr. Tiffany Sundeen tsundeen AT olivet DOT org
• MICAH – Crookston, MN
  Daniel Wolpert micahprays AT midco DOT net
• Catholic Diocese - Fargo, ND
  Sr. Dorothy Bunce dorothy.bunce AT fargodiocese DOT org
• Pr. Terry Hagensen stsinner4u AT gmail DOT com

More information about spiritual directors…

Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God, I am thine!
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Replenishment, Reflection, Pastoral Care