Congregational Leadership Academy
Focus 1: Evangelism Leader
Saturday, September 10, was an incredible day that stretched from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Twenty six lay leaders made their way to Concordia College from near and far, representing the ministry of the baptized from eight congregations of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod and eleven congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod. They participated in class session two (of the six-session) of Focus 1: Evangelism Leader. All sizes and shapes of congregations were well represented with an energy and motivation that inspired the instructors for the day. Subject for the day was the three great listenings – listening to God – listening to our neighbors – listening to our contexts.
Session three will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2011 focusing on “Faith Story Sharing.” Continue reading…
On behalf of Dacotah O`yate and the families affected by the apartment fire, I want to express my sincere thanks to all in the Eastern North Dakota Synod for the tremendous responses by congregations and individuals. And there are still efforts continuing by many in the Synod. This is just an update on the families and what is still needed. Continue reading…
Bishop Mark Narum and the Western North Dakota Synod have established a Flood of Love Fund to help with the cleanup and rebuilding of ELCA congregations affected by flooding in Minot. Those who live in these communities have experienced the destructive powers a flood of water can bring, we invite you to be a part of helping them experience God’s healing power as the people of God respond with a powerful Flood of Love. Continue reading…
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I greet you in the name of Jesus, our hope and salvation.
This summer, in our diverse settings of ministry and times of rest, we have joined in prayer for those living in the midst of natural disasters, economic uncertainty and famine. We also have been preparing for our twelfth Churchwide Assembly (external link), August 15-20. The assembly provides a marvelous opportunity for us to affirm our identity as the ELCA and celebrate God’s mission that flows from it.
Whether or not you are able to join us for the assembly in Orlando, I invite you and your congregation to watch the business sessions and worship via live video streaming at www.elca.org/assembly (external link). You will witness a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace and believes the good news that we are freed in Christ to serve our neighbors at home and around the globe. Continue reading…
Dear friends in Christ,
Let me share the joy of my people and pastors here with you. Central African Lutherans are so amazed for what you have been doing for the Lutheran Church here so far. But what is going on now is most amazing: new church roofs are put and District Pastors come to love more their ministries among their congregants because of the motorcycles you have offered. They are so grateful and want to acknowledge it. We hope that it will continue for the glory of God. May the heavenly Father bestow His divine blessing upon everybody. Continue reading…
Should Your Congregation Establish a Special Endowment Fund to Enable Donors to Reap Unprecedented Tax Benefits?
by Craig M. Johnson, CPA, Fargo
The 2007 and 2011 North Dakota Legislatures have passed legislation which allows a significant income tax credit for certain gifts to “permanent, irrevocable” endowment funds of qualified North Dakota charitable organizations (including religious organizations). This legislation pertains to certain “business” gifts made in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2006 and also to certain gifts made by individuals and “businesses” made in taxable years beginning after 2010. Qualified donors will likely find that well over 50% of their gifts will be “subsidized” through State and Federal tax incentives! Continue reading…
If you haven’t been tuning in to the live stream of the Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Triennial Convention, check out video highlights from the gathering . Watch on-demand videos now (external link) on the WELCA website for inspirational speakers, Bible studies, and informative plenary sessions.
Highlights:
Continue reading…
How can we specifically help the people of Minot?
When disaster strikes, sometimes all that is left to cling to is your faith! That’s why Lutheran Social Services and Lutheran Disaster Response work hard to put faith in action. With one flooded home after another all across North Dakota, the need is great and Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota is there to meet the need. Continue reading…
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