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eSpiritBi-weekly eNews for members and friends of the Western Iowa Synod
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Joining Together in Prayer |
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Synod of the week: Upper Susquehanna Synod, Bishop Barbara Collins & Staff
Congregation of the week: Immanual Lutheran, Forest City Rev. Rodd Hopp & Rev. Zech Anderson - Changing hearts in the heartland
- President Trump, administration and USA
- Nation Immigration reform, families in turmoil at the border
- All those affected by flooding-East Coast & Midwest
- Congregations in transition
- Rostered leaders in transition
- Pastors Kim and Trudy Peterson
- Rev. Melba Smith, hospitalized
- Craig Miller, bicycle accident
- Augusta Victoria Hospital
- Pastor Jen Henry, eye surgery
- Pastor Jeff Ungs, health concerns
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Fear Not
For Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Isaiah 43:1-7 is one of the most hopeful and lovely passages in all of Scripture. Find out why in her September column for Living Lutheran, where she says it is possible for us to fear and fear not.
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WISynod Bishop Election 2019 Survey
The Election Committee invites you, rostered and lay members of WISynod, to take a few minutes to respond to the following survey questions. After 4 weeks, the survey will close and a summary will be published. We ask that you use this as a starter tool for conversation within and among congregations and conferences as we look forward to the next 6 years of the Spirit’s leading us into the future together.
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Letter from Brian Campbell re: bishop's election
Brian Campbell, Vice President, has written a letter to the congregations of the Western Iowa Synod to help begin to prepare for the upcoming bishop's election at the 2019 Synod Assembly. Read the letter here.
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Western Iowa Synod 2019 Bishop Election Information--
The Western Iowa Synod will hold the Election of Bishop at its next Synod Assembly, May 3, 4 and 5, 2019. Electing a bishop is one of the most important responsibilities in the life of a synod in the ELCA. As an election, it is a process informed by the ELCA Churchwide office and governed by the constitution of the synod. In the WISynod, the bishop is eligible to serve two consecutive six year terms, and our present Bishop Prois will have served his first term and is eligible for re-election in 2019.
The WISynod Council has formed a Bishop Election Committee to oversee the details of the election process. This election of a bishop is also a call process where any ordained pastor in the ELCA is eligible. In these months before the Assembly, you are respectfully invited to prayerfully consider what gifts are needed to match the needs of the synod in the office of bishop.
Let’s begin with prayer!
Almighty God, you have given your Holy Spirit to the church to lead us into all truth. Bless with the Spirit’s grace and presence the people of this Western Iowa Synod as we prepare in the months ahead to elect a bishop. Keep us steadfast in faith and united in love, that we may manifest your glory and prepare for the way of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.
Please watch for more Information about the process as it will be regularly updated!
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Stress of farm life addressed by Farm Bill
(Posted on September 24, 2018 by ELCA Advocacy)
By guest blogger Matt Perdue, Government Relations Representative for National Farmers Union
There is a lot that weighs on a farmer’s mind. Farming is a tough occupation. Unpredictable weather, staggering financial risk, volatile markets, and the strain of heavy workloads are all routine aspects of a life in farming. Spend a few minutes in a small town coffee shop, and you quickly realize that the struggles of farming often dominate those conversations. Farmers are comfortable talking about their stressors. What they rarely acknowledge is their actual stress. Full article here!
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YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY GRANT OPPORTUNITY!
Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA gives us the opportunity to expand our ministries among youth and young adults to cultivate young leaders, embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion, and build a robust network of support.
Focus on the following Core Values:
- Form faith in youth and young adults
- Develop and multiply youth and young adult leaders
- Start new ministries or enhancing current efforts
- Promote collaboration and creativity
- Engage youth and young adults of color
- Accompany communities and persons living in poverty
- Innovation
Deadlines
October 19 - Register (Step #1) in the ELCA GrantMaker system
October 31 - All completed applications (Step #2) are due
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University of Iowa - New Parking Process for Clergy
Beginning October 1, 2018, clergy visiting patients will need to pick up a parking validation card from the Main Information Desk. The Main Information Desk is located in the Main Entrance Lobby (Elevator E, Level 1) and is staffed 24 hours/day by either Guest Services staff or Safety & Security.
The validation card has a unique, machine-readable code and allows clergy to exit university parking facilities for no-fee. If you forget to pick up a validation card, you will need to pay for parking at time of exit.
Complete Parking Information Here
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WELCA Retreat and Healthy Women & Girls
About 40 Women of the ELCA gathered Saturday, Sept. 29, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Sioux City for a day that included worship, packing school kits, and praying in new ways with colors and art!
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 New Movement Prayer Video
2019 Annual Enrollment Dates
Employer and plan members make their benefit elections annually. For 2019 benefits, the dates are as follows: for Employers: October 1 – October 26 and for Plan members: October 31 – November 14
Congregational Treasurers' Video Series
Resourceful Servants
Resourceful Stewards Initiative
Financial wellness is a vital part of a healthy life. Ministers who are in a financially sound position experience greater satisfaction in their work and their relationships, and are more able to freely serve the church and its mission without being encumbered by financial anxiety.
Savings Matching Programs
The church is an active partner in addressing specific needs raised by rostered ministers, helping rostered ministers develop their personal financial and stewardship health. Two Savings Matching programs share financial resources with rostered ministers.
These programs match rostered ministers’ contributions to a dedicated emergency savings account and/or increased contributions to their ELCA retirement plan accounts. Click below to learn about the programs, services and resources available to you as a minister or lay person! Deadline to apply is October 14th
Go to resourcefulservants.org for more info!
Upcoming Live Webinars
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Pre-retirement webinar 1: “Can I Afford to Retire?” - October 4th from 2-3pm
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Pre-retirement webinar 2: “Can I Create a Sustainable Income in Retirement?” - October 11th from 2-3pm
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Ready to Retire - November 6th from 1-2:30pm
Register online:
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Western Iowa Synod Upcoming Events
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Siouxland Forum
The first Siouxland Forum for the 2018-2019 season will be:
When: October 5
Where: the farm of Pete and Anna Speiser
(near Emerson, Nebraska)
Time: 9:30am through lunchtime conversation
Cost: $20 includes lunch
Pete recently served Salem Lutheran in Ponca - Anna recently served as a Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Sioux City, and now serves as Chaplain in Wayne, NE
We will tour the farm - and be challenged and delighted with experiences and conversations about faith, farming, and God's creation. More details, and specific directions, to follow....
Please RSVP to David Halaas via email to david.halaas.rev@wisynod.org
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You are Invited to
Pastor Kathleen Anderson's Installation
Where: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
1212 Sumner Ave. SW, Humboldt
When: October 7
Time: 9:00 a.m. service
Join us for the installation of Rev. Kathleen Anderson as pastor
of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Clergy are
invited to vest and process (color of the day).
A Brunch will be served following the service. Everyone of all ages are welcome!
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CONFIRMATION TOGETHER events
hosted by the Living Waters Conference
What: Confirmation Renewal Retreat What: Kid's PJ's mission project
When: Oct. 19-21 When: Nov. 7
Where: Lutheran Lakeside, Spirit Lake Where: Trinity Lutheran, Moville
Time: Weekend retreat Time: 5:30 - 7:45 pm
All congregations are invited to participate (for the November 7 event R SVPs with the # of kids and adults attending should be sent to Pastor Barb Spaulding at liteshine@ymail.com. |
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Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction Benefit
For: Randy Ericksen
Where: Alta Elementary School Cafeteria
1009 S. Main, Alta, IA
When: October 21
Time: 10 a.m - 1 p.m.
Randy Ericksen had a stroke on August 26th, which has affected his left side. You may have met Randy at a Touch of Broadway concert, seen him direct the music for the community theater’s production of Annie this year, listened to him at a park board meeting or a city council meeting. Perhaps you have enjoyed his leadership of the BV County Republican Party. Maybe he sang at a funeral or a wedding at your church. Maybe you were blessed by his office skills. There is no doubt that Randy has been a very present help in our Alta community over the years.
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Reformation Sunday Concert
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church
721 18th Avenue North, Estherville
When: Sunday, October 28
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Plan to attend the Reformation Sunday Pipe Organ Concert and Hymn. Guest organist will be Glenn Henricksen, an accomplished, versatile organist, who is well-known for his ability to inspire audiences through sharing his personal faith and gifted musical ability. Following the concert, there will be fellowship and German pastries served. This is a free event for all, sponsored by the Berghefer Mission and Ministry Endowment.
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Hunger Network - We need YOU!
A revitalized Hunger Network is emerging. As we begin to develop this network, we must acknowledge that hunger is not just a third world problem. Perhaps you already know that one in five of our Iowa children go to bed hungry each night and that over 2000 children in Iowa are homeless each year (State of Homelessness Symposium 2015).
Through prayer and action, we can do miracles in this synod. And we will be fulfilling a mandate from Jesus: “I was hungry and you gave me food, thirsty and you gave me drink…just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (from Matthew 25)
Are you interested in helping the Western Iowa Synod in battling these hunger issues? The ELCA Hunger Team will be facilitating a retreat Nov. 2-3 at Lutheran Lakeside Camp. We need dedicated people willing to learn, train, advocate, and commit to 1 year. Prayerfully consider being a part of this work!
When: November 2-3
Where: Lutheran Lakeside Camp
Cost: $25
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Join us as Welcoming Congregations and/or
Guardian Angels!!
As we face the plight of migrant minors and separated families, let us join together in love and in being the face of Christ. To learn more about these vital ELCA programs and how to take part, click here. For more information or if you have questions, please contact Cindy Wells, WIS Director Global Mission (cindy.wells@wisynod.org; 712 732 4968) or Pr. Eric Alm, WIS AMMPARO Network Chair (pastoralm@gmail.com; 712 541 5035).
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Guardian Angels
Guardian Angels is an initiative of the ELCA to accompany migrant minors to immigration court. The nearest immigration court is in Omaha. There is not one in Iowa. The Western Iowa Synod is partnering with the Nebraska Synod to provide this training and attend court hearings.
You do not have to be an ELCA member nor speak Spanish to participate as a Guardian Angel, but you do need to attend the training. Guardian Angels must be able to attend court hearings during the weekday, generally from either 9-11 am or 1-3pm.
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“Letting Go of What Has You”
Why do I do the things I do? Why do I keep finding myself in the same or similar situations? This 3-day retreat will provide you with an opportunity to look at these questions, become aware of unhelpful patterns, working through to healing and other choices.
When: October 21-23
Where: St. Mark Lutheran Church
5200 Glenn Avenue, Sioux City
Time: 6 pm to 12 pm
Cost: $225 (early registration: $175 if paid by Oct. 1)
For questions or more information, contact Pastor Judith Johnson: 712-736-2361 (home) or 605-881-2241 (cell and text).
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Deaconess Community’s annual J-Term course
 “Diaconal Ministry: History, Formation and Spirituality” - a master's level seminary course for credit/audit/continuing education credit.
- It introduces students to diakonia
- It asks how that history continues to impact the present, and future in the intersection of church and world.
- The Deaconess Community pays the tuition for all students who wish to take the course.
- This course is open to any person discerning public rostered leadership (either roster), already rostered leaders, lay leaders, synod staff, bishops, and candidacy committee members.
- The onsite component will be January 6-12, 2019, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ. There will be two online sessions prior to the onsite component.
Please do not hesitate to contact me, Sr. Liz Colver, Director of Vocation and Education, with any questions.
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Mark your Calendars
Continuing Ed for Pastors, Families, & Students
All inclusive: meals, lodging, education, worship, and endless camp activities for all ages.
When: August 4 - 9, 2019
Where: Lutheran Lakeside Camp Speaker: Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben
Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud,
Lodging: Variety of housing options makes the week affordable for all families. Special rates for students and people considering seminary.
Visit lutheranlakeside.com for more information. Spots are limited so reserve now with no payment until January.
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 2018 Iowa Hunger Summit
The Iowa Hunger Summit gathers leaders from across Iowa representing community organizations, business and industry, state and local government, social agencies, churches and religious communities, schools and universities, civic and social clubs, and other individuals and groups that lead or participate in projects to confront hunger. The annual Iowa Hunger Summit is attended by between 500 to 700 hunger fighters from across the state.
When: October 15, 2018
Where: Downtown Des Moines Marriott Hotel
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Cost: FREE - must register & present their ticket at the door.
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 Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries -
Continuing Education
Supported + Loved: youth and families experiencing anxiety and/or depression
When: October 6, 2018
Where: Carol Joy Holling Camp’s Swanson Center (Ashland, NE)
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Cost: $35, lunch included
Cont. Ed: 6 hours
Church Administrative Professionals Retreat
When: October 8-9, 2018
Where: Carol Joy Holling Camp’s Swanson Center (Ashland, NE)
Time: 9 am - 1 pm
Cost: Commuter: $50 Double occupancy: $50
Private room: $100
Cont. Ed: 9.5 hours
Minister’s Conference: Conference Presenter – Peggy Hahn
When: January 21-23, 2019
Where: Carol Joy Holling Camp’s Swanson Center (Ashland, NE)
Time: 5 pm - 1 pm
Cost: Commuter: $100 Double occupancy: $100
Private room: $300
Cont. Ed: 10 hours
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Saints & Sinners Bus Tour
When: October 12-13, 2018
Brought to you by: Grace Lutheran Church Fort Dodge & Trinity Lutheran Church Webster City
Take three saints (St. Paul, MN, the St. James Hotel and the St. Croix River)...add a hint of history with a twist (a “gangster” guide of underground caves, along with a “Ghosts & Graves” tour of the city)...and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable journey!
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Spiritual Direction Certification Program
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary at Lenoir-Rhyne University
Holy Listening – We believe holy listening is at the core of spiritual direction. It’s listening to one another, and most attentively to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The real and most genuine spiritual director is always the Holy Spirit.
Everyone is Welcome to Apply – Our primary purpose is to train people who feel called to be such spiritual friends, spiritual companions; however, those who are interested in deepening their own spiritual practices are also welcome.
Within the Christian Tradition – Ours is an experience in spiritual direction grounded in Trinitarian faith. However, we recognize that there is deep spiritual wisdom that can be found in other faith traditions. We will draw on those traditions and will integrate them from a Christian perspective
We have commissioned our first cohort and are looking forward to commissioning our second cohort this June. Our next cycle of new participants begins with an intensive January 16 – 19, 2019.
Application deadline is November 15.
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Outreach Nights at Okoboji Bible Camp
Who: 6th—12th graders, their youth leaders, and/or parents
Where: Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, 1203 Inwan St., Milford
When: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
How much: $3 per person to cover food costs
Outreach Night is an opportunity for those in your 6th through 12th grade youth groups and beyond to join with other youth of all denominations around the area to fellowship, grow in faith, and have fun together! This provides a chance for great ecumenical fellowship for kids and adults. An evening of Outreach Night includes dinner, worship, a message, and of course games! Everyone is welcome.
2018-2019 Dates/Game
Oct. 7th -Capture the Flag Jan. 27th-Winter Games
Nov. 4th- Commandos March 3rd-Hoonting
Dec. 2nd- "Silent" Night Game April 7th-Dodgeball
Jan. 6th- Gargoyles April 28th-Secret Agen
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Women’s Day Away
Speaker: Laura Frankl Pedersen
When: October 20
Where: Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp
Are you ready to get a little time away from the stresses of daily life? Join us for a wonderful day of relaxation, friendship, faith, and fun! This one-day retreat, a revamp of our weekend women’s retreat, will include sessions, worship, great food, free time activities, and more. We hope you will be able to escape for a day away and join us this October at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. Our theme for Women’s Day Away is “Choose Joy” Finding hope and purpose when life hurts.
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Youth RechargesRecharges are a great way to get a weekend away, and get excited about faith, and equipped with new insight into an area of scripture. We encourage you to join us for one of our fall Recharges at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp! Our fall theme is "One Another"-John 13:34. Oct. 19-21 4th-6th Grade Nov. 2-4 6th-9th Grade Brochure & Registration FormNov. 9-11 6th-9th Grade Nov. 16-18 9th-12th Grade For more information go to www.okoboji.org/recharges and REGISTER TODAY! |
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Lutheran Lakeside -
Confirmation Renewals
Confirmation is an incredible time of spiritual growth, self learning and scriptural engagement for young people. Here at Lakeside, we are blessed to be able to work with church leaders across the state to create an engaging and fun weekend for youth! Campers participate in 3 days of bible studies, worships, games, team building, and so much more! It's an incredible chance to take a break from the technology driven world we live in, get back to our roots, and renew our love for God and one another.
WHO: GRADES 6-9
WHEN: OCTOBER 19-21, 2018 & MARCH 8-10, 2019
WHERE: LAKESIDE RETREAT SPACES
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ELCA Foundation is searching for a Director of Gift Planning
Key responsibilities are: 1) direct supervision of a national staff of about 20 regional gift planners & 2) Manage the business relationships with ministry partner organizations. Reports to the Executive Vice President of the Foundation. It requires about 30% travel and located in Chicago
ELCA is searching for an Executive Director for Domestic Mission
Brings decisive and visionary leadership, equipping synods and congregations, developing new ministries, & seeking to renew strategic ministries.
Reports to the presiding bishop, requires about 25% travel & located in Chicago.
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eSpirit Submissions
If you have a story, article or pictures to share from your congregation's ministry this summer,
please send to Julie by Tuesdays at noon!
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Western Iowa Synod
318 E Fifth St.
Storm Lake, IA 50588
712.732.4968
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