eSpirit         Nov. 3rd, 2016       “With New Voices — the Small Catechism in the 21st Century” — the Small Catechism in the 21st Century” is an invitation to all members of all ages to hear the catechism from new voices — voices that perhaps we did not hear in our earlier faith experiences and to be renewed in our own voices as witnesses of Jesus Christ.         I was a stranger In her November column in Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that migration has been part of the story of God’s people from the beginning. She urges us to “welcome the stranger, seeing him of her as a fellow traveler, a companion on the way.” Read her column here!         In This Issue: Prayers For the Health of It We Are Church Together WIS Events Important Links: WIS Calendar WIS Facebook Page     Visit our WebSite     Don't miss out on the many great stories, opportunities and events in and around the synod that are listed below! Please share this information with your congregational members and invite them to attend the events!!          Let us join together in prayer..... Synod of the week: Southeast Michigan Synod, Bishop John Schleicher Congregation of the week: Faith Lutheran Marcus, Pastor Allan Cummins Congregations in transition Kelli Ungs, recovering from foot surgery Pastor Tess Panamarrow Pastor Paul Johnston ​​​​​​​World & Upcoming election​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Wanda Norris,and Pr. Arlyn and family--continued struggles with cancer Clergy gathering at Standing Rock on Thursday, advocating with their indigenous brothers and sisters Gabriel Nduye’s mother For the families of the Iowa police officers shot and killed Rev. Bob Buschkemper, back surgery Thursday         For the Health of It         When Life Changes, How Do You Live Well? ​​​​​​​Walk with Pastor Greg and Diane Kaufmann, Associate in Ministry, two rostered leaders who've discovered new ways to exercise and eat well while adapting to chronic health conditions.         We Are Church Together         Accompanying Our Neighbor We write today to update you on both the status of CAD and to invite your participation in exciting future opportunities to accompany Tanzanian smallholder farmers!   Not only accompany, but in such a way that affords them the DIGNITY of self-sustainability and self-determination in their lives!  The same human dignity God’s aspires for all. Future Opportunities Letter  CAD/SACCOS info & Updates         You are invited!! Installation of Rev. Jennifer Henry By the Grace of God, The Rev. Jennifer Henry is called as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer. She will be installed at a Festive Service of Holy Communion. When: Sunday, November 20th Time: 4:00 pm Where: Bethany Lutheran, 15 West 14th St., Spencer Please RSVP by November 14 to (712) 262-2327 or bethany@bethluthspencer.com Clergy and other judicatory leaders are invited to vest (green) and process. Please meet in the parlor at 3:30 pm.         Western Iowa Synod November Living Lutheran Insert         Western Iowa Synod Events         Daily Advent Devotions... will be offered again this year from people of the Western Iowa Synod!!! Advent begins on November 27th. There will be a link to the blog on our website every week in the eSpirit, it will also be sent out via Facebook daily! Middle School/Jr High Gathering - Final week to sign up!! When: Nov. 11th-13th Where: Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp More info and registration here! New to Synod Gathering For rostered leaders new to the synod in the last couple years! When: Thursday, December 1st Where: WIS Mission Center Winter/Early Spring ConFest Events: Wednesday, February 15th @ Trinity, Moville Wednesday, February 22nd @ Zion, Gowrie ​​​​​​​Mark Your Calendar - Leadership Academy 2017 When: Saturday, February 18th              Snowdate: Saturday, February 25th Time: 9:30 am - 3 or 4 pm Where: St Olaf Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge For all congregational members!! Check out more events on the Western Iowa Synod Website​         Other Events...         Okoboji Outreach Night - Secret Agents When: Sunday, Nov. 6th, 5-8 pm Where: Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, 1203 Inwan St, Milford Who: Grades 6-12 Cost: $3 for food Christmas Festival Craft Fair and Bake Sale @ Immanuel Lutheran in Sioux City When: Saturday, November 12th, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Over 30 Vendors - Two full rooms of crafts - Baked goods including Swedish Rye Bread Cost: Free Admission, door prizes given each hour!! Lunch available!! ​​​​​​​ Other Youth Opportunities: Weekend Recharges @ Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp Theme: One Direction – Proverbs 3:5-6 November 18-20: 9th -12th grade When Jesus said, "Follow me," He didn't give a detailed map of what our journey would look like. He simply promised to provide what we need to do what He called us to do. We are challenged to fix our eyes on Jesus, but we encounter so many distractions in life. It's hard to have a single minded focus in life and not wander off the path of discipleship. Sometimes it's unclear exactly what God wants us to do and where He wants us to go. However, when we put our trust in Him, He will guide us in ONE DIRECTION- towards Him! More info and registration here!!         Quick Links Western Iowa Synod      WIS Facebook                 WIS Calendar                   eSpirit Newsletter Archive ELCA Monthly Advocacy Updates           Living Lutheran       ELCA Prayer Ventures   ELCA News        ELCA World Hunger Administration Matters ELCA.org          Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp Lutheran Lakeside Camp St Luke Homes & Services LSI         Western Iowa Synod 318 E Fifth St. Storm Lake, IA  712.732. 4968 www.wisynod.org