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Light two candles to watch for Messiah... |
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Daily Advent Devotions...
are available each day on the Western Iowa Synod website or via Facebook. We not only encourage you to read them but to share with your congregational members and friends.
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Gifts that Keep on Giving |
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A Great Gift Idea
The Western Iowa Synod is widely comprised of individuals who firmly understand the need for reasonable access to credit in an agricultural economy. Might you feel compelled to participate to help CAD grow this funding source? If so, please send your contribution, payable to the Western Iowa Synod with “SACCOS” in the memo to 318 E. 5th St., Storm Lake, IA 50588. More info here.
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Attention Online Shoppers!!
If you're an on-line shopper, check out amazon smile, and as you shop Amazon gives to Western Iowa Synod!
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Mobility System and Candidacy Portal Down December 15 - January 17
The ELCA will be shutting down the Mobility System and the Candidacy Portal on the ELCA website from December 15, 2016 through January 17, 2017 to implement updates related to the new Word and Service roster. There will be no updates, changes or access of any kind. If you are working on a document, PLEASE make sure that you have saved a copy to your computer. Contact Pastor Lorna Halaas at the Synod Office if you have any questions related to these forms.
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In This Issue:
Important Links:
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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!!
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Synod of the week: Florida Bahamas Synod, Bishop Robert Schaefer
Congregation of the week: Our Savior's Lutheran, Rock Valley
Congregations in transition
Rostered leaders in transition
Pastor Tess Panamarrow
Pastor Paul Johnston
Pastor Lorene Glant
Wanda Norris,and Pr. Arlyn and family--continued struggles with cancer
Dee Vaage and family as they mourn the death of Rev. Robert Carl Vaage
First Lutheran Church of West Okoboji
Rachel and Pastor Luke Kuenzli as they celebrate the birth of their daughter, Selah
Kathy Petersen, continued health concerns
Pastor Trish Underberg
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Watch this video to learn how our faith can help us live well each day as whole people of God.
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Hear the Good News
In her December column in Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on Matthew 24:36-44, reminding us that through a helpless baby, God was announcing the end of a world “in bondage to sin and death, a world that believes in a god of ‘what have you done for me lately?’ ”
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Congratulations Rachel & Pastor Luke Kuenzli
Message from Luke: Selah Marie Kuenzli was born at 12:03pm on 12-3, while snowflakes fell outside our hospital window. She gives us yet another reason to pause and think about all of God's gifts. Mom and baby doing well. 7#9oz, 20" length, 13" head, hair darker than the boys.
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New to Synod Gathering - Rescheduled
For rostered leaders new to the synod!
When: Tuesday, December 13th
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (lunch is provided)
Where: WIS Mission Center, 318 E Fifth St, Storm Lake
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Spirituality Retreat for Clergy
Dates: January 8th-10th
Location: Lutheran Lakeside
Theme: Food for Life
Room reservations should be made directly to the camp at 712-336-2109
More information on this event can be found here!!
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Peace Not Walls:
the Holy Land Kaleidoscope
Join us for a day of learning and growth of perspectives as we accompany our brothers and sisters in Christ seeking security, peace and justice for all people in the region! The region encompassing the very life and ministry of Jesus Christ our Lord!
When: Saturday, January 21st; 9 am - 3 pm
Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 300 E Bow Dr, Cherokee
Cost: Depends on number of people attending from your congregation
(range from FREE to $25/person)
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Lutheran Men in mission annual retreat – Lakeside Lutheran Camp February 3-4
Lutheran Day on the Hill - Tuesday February 21
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Winter/Early Spring ConFest Events:
Theme - "You Belong"
Wednesday, February 15th @ Trinity, Moville
Wednesday, February 22nd @ Zion, Gowrie
Events begin at 5:45 pm with a light supper, programing starts at 6:30 pm
Registration will begin on January 5th!!
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"Serving the Church Together"
2017 Western Iowa Synod Leadership Academy
When: Saturday, February 18th
Snowdate: Saturday, February 25th
Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 or 4 pm
Where: St Olaf Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge
For all congregational members!!
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Journey to Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Where: Bethlehem Lutheran, 302 North Oak Street, Inwood, IA
(Look for the life-size Nativity Scene/712-753-4804)
When: Wednesday, DECEMBER 14, 2016
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
At any time during the evening, enjoy fellowship, Christmas cookies and hot apple cider in the church lounge.
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Western Iowa Synod
318 E Fifth St.
Storm Lake, IA
712.732. 4968
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