Reconciling Lord

News Update from the Western Iowa Synod-ELCA

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June 4, 2020

e-Spirit

On my desk...

Words from Martin Luther on the Bible –

“I beg and really caution every pious simplicity of the language and stories frequently encountered there, but fully realize that, however simple they may seem, these are the very words, works, judgments, and deeds of the majesty, power, and wisdom of the most high God. For these are Scriptures which make fools of all the wise and understanding, and are open only to the small and simple… Therefore dismiss your own opinions and feelings, and think of the Scriptures as the loftiest and noblest of holy things, as the richest of mines which can never be sufficiently explored, in order that you may find that divine wisdom which God here lays before you in such simple guise as to quench all pride. Here you will find the swaddling cloths and the manger in which Christ lies, and to which the angel points the shepherds. Simple and lowly are these swaddling cloths, but dear is the treasure, Christ, who lies in them.”

We are a church whose unity is in Jesus Christ, who gathers us around word and water, wine and bread. We believe that people meet God in Scripture, where God’s relationship to and intention for all humankind is revealed.

The events of this past week have been challenging. As people of faith, we search for ways to make sense of what is happening. We turn to scripture for wisdom, understanding, discernment and words. And there, in these holy words we find love; God's amazing and abundant love for all people and God's command that we love one another as God first loved us!

So into the events of these days we speak truth; naming racism for the sin it is.
We stand with God's beloved people of color who are hurting because of our actions and our inaction.

Into this messy world, hurting and divided, I offer this prayer from Unity in the Community prayer service on Thursday Noon, Sioux City.

Why? Because the stories I learned in Sunday school, the life of Jesus, and the God I know in the Bible calls me to love kindness, do justice and walk humbly with God.

And so we pray.

Reconciling Lord,

On this day…we turn to you… asking for courage.

In this past week… we have once again… witnessed

the grief and anger

the tears and destruction

the brutality and death

all part of systemic racism in this country we call home.

Give us courage to see this truth…

In this past week… we have once again… heard the cries

I can’t breathe

I can’t breathe…I have no job, no health insurance

I can’t breathe…I have a knee on my neck

I can’t breathe… I have dark skin

I can’t breathe

because of systemic racism and…

the privileges given only to white people

Give us courage to hear the cries of your beloved children…

Give us courage on this day …to confess that…

we who are white…

have indeed too often turned our eyes away

not wanting to see the pain of our sisters

have indeed for too long remained silent

not wanting to hear the dying words of our brothers

have indeed built a world of privilege and power

not caring for our neighbors...but too often only ourselves.

Forgive us Lord

…we have sinned against you…and your people.

Reconciling and Loving God…you who name all…beloved…

on this day…draw us together

showing in us the splendor of diversity and the beauty of unity.

Life giving Spirit…you who can move every human heart…

on this day…stir us from our complacency

bringing down the barriers that divide

crumbling suspicion and hatred.

Lord Jesus…you came to this earth to bring life and hope and healing to all people

on this day…grant us courage to do as you taught

so that we might at all times…

…speak the truth

…strive for justice

… and work for peace.

Merciful, God,

hear the cries of your people,

receive our prayers,

and fill us with your Spirit. Amen.

Lorna

Rev. Lorna H. Halaas, Bishop
Western Iowa Synod, ELCA

Resources & Tools for Honest Dialogue about Racism

Talking about race, privilege and fear is not easy, but silence is not an option. There are many resources and tools to explore ways to have dialogue with our families, churches and communities.

Here are some resources on race.

PRAYER CONCERNS

- Racial harmony

- Farmers

- Healing of national and global strife

- Western Iowa Rostered Ministers and Congregations

REFLECTIONS FROM SYNOD SOUL COMPANIONS

Soul Companions is a group of individuals in the Western Iowa Synod trained in spiritual direction and spiritual formation. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather to support each other's spiritual growth. We encourage all rostered leaders, staff and congregants to seek spiritual companionship and growth through spiritual direction, spiritual formation groups, and spiritual retreats. Spiritual direction is currently available through several certified directors in our network. In this edition of e-Spirit, Pastor Trish Underberg reflects on the life-giving source of tree roots in "Finding God Around Us."

Finding God Around Us

By Rev. Trish Underberg,

Soul Companions

Western Iowa Synod

Pastor of Country Roads Ministries

This is a picture of a few of the tree roots that had been dug up in the northwest corner of the parsonage at St. John, rural Akron. I was intrigued by the size and various shapes these roots took and how deep they went into the ground. I have thought about those roots quite a few times over the last week. I know those trees that the roots fed and nourished were not in good shape and yet those roots never gave up on the tree.

I imagine that is how God might see us sometimes not very pretty to look at, losing limbs every time the wind comes up and yet God continues to nourish us along. Just as those roots were deep so is God’s love for us. For the last three years I have been drawn to the song that Richard Bruxvoort Colligan wrote called, "Like a Tree." The words of the refrain are: “Like a tree by the flowing waters growing deeper, stretching high. Like a tree by the flowing water connected to the source of life.”

The image in my mind’s eye is that network of roots seeking out God, which then allows us to stretch out in love toward our neighbor. I invite you to look to nature and see where God is showing up in new ways. Peace.

TELL US ABOUT WESTERN IOWA MINISTRIES

In the article below, be inspired by the Peer Ministry Leadership, a recent recipient of the Western Iowa Synod Endowment Grant. Tell us about an amazing ministry in Western Iowa by emailing paula.damon@wisynod.org.

Youth Program Targets Improving Relationships, Saving Lives

SPENCER, Iowa - “Life for our youth nowadays is much harder than we realize,” said Lynn Egesdal, regarding Peer Ministry, a youth training program, tentatively set for Fall 2020. Egesdal, an ELCA Deacon, serves as the Coordinator of Children’s, Youth and Family Ministry at Bethany Lutheran in Spencer.

“When you hear what young people go through at school and through social media, it is heartbreaking,” noted Egesdal, who cited startling data from the 2018 Iowa Youth Survey that one in 10 students had a plan for suicide and 1 in 20 students attempted suicide within the past year. The survey also reports a 53 percent increase from 2012 and 2018 of young people with a plan to commit suicide.

Partially funded by a 2020 Western Iowa Synod Endowment Grant, Peer Ministry will offer training for 7th – 12th grade students on effectively interacting with others. The grant will help bring Peer Ministry trainers to the Spencer area and will assist with follow-up training.

Participants will learn how to improve interpersonal and possibly save lives, such as how to be an effective listener, a better friend and have overall healthier relationships in everyday life at home, in school and socially in person and online.

“Teaching our youth how to demonstrate love and care toward others is rooted in Matthew 22: ‘Christ first loved us. And this is part of the greatest commandments: 37 Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 ‘This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 ‘All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’”

While developing a Spencer-area Peer Ministry Training, Egesdal is working with Peer Ministry’s Lyle Griner; and in conversations with Melissa Moser, First Congregational Church, Spencer; Pastor Denise Parrello, Trinity Lutheran (ELCA) Alta; and Kjersten Rathke, St. John Lutheran (ELCA), Le Mars, all of whom have shown interest in the program.

“I am hopeful this training will equip a large group of youth in our community,” she added. “If just one Peer Ministry youth friends a person or talks him/her out of committing suicide, it definitely will be worth it.”

For more information, visit Peer Leadership Ministry. Send questions for Lynn Egesdal to lynn@bethluthspencer.com.

This is the first in a series of amazing ministries as told by the 2020 Endowment Grant recipients to be featured in upcoming editions of e-Spirit. Western Iowa Synod Endowment Grants range from $200 to $1,000 for local projects addressing youth, food insecurity, Christian education, church renovation, peer ministry and community outreach. Tell us about an amazing ministry in Western Iowa. Email paula.damon@wisynod.org.

Registration Open

Synod

Authorized

Ministers (SAM)

ONLINE PREACHING CLASSES*

*Required for SAM Annual Authorization

WHEN:

7-9 p.m., Aug. 5 and Aug. 12 via ZOOM

HOW MUCH:

Only $25 per person for both sessions.

WHO:

Current SAM - These classes are required for SAM annual authorization.

Future SAM - Interested in becoming a SAM? These classes are a first step.

PRE-READING:

For Aug. 5 class, read "A Lay Preacher's Guide.

How to Craft a Faithful Sermon" by Karoline Lewis.

Preaching date(s) will be scheduled during class.

ONLINE CONTINUING ED CAMP | JULY 6-8

With Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud

"BEING LUTHERAN IN THE 21ST CENTURY:

HEARING THE WITNESS TO THE GOSPEL IN MARTIN LUTHER'S HYMNS"

The Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud, Wartburg Theological Seminary, will present an online continuing education camp titled "Being Lutheran in the 21st Century: Hearing the Witness to the Gospel in Martin Luther's Hymns, " July 6-8. For details on how to register, visit Being Lutheran in 21st Century.

Calendar note....

COMPANION SYNOD SUNDAY

Historically, the first Sunday in June has been designated Companion Synod Sunday in Western Iowa.

Generally, if the first Sunday in June does not work, congregations are encouraged to select a different Sunday during the year. With COVID-19, civil unrest and Presiding Bishop Eaton's sermon scheduled for this first Sunday, June 7, an alternative Sunday to celebrate our Companion Synods will be designated for later in 2020.

If your congregation has not planned for Companion Synod Sunday, watch your email for a date later in the year. However, if your congregation already has plans for a Companion Synod Sunday service, that's great! Please designate Companion Synod Sunday offerings to the Girls' School or for hospital medical supplies.

Whenever you celebrate our Synod's companion relationships with the Southern Diocese in Tanzania, Africa, and IELCH in Chile, South America, visit the Western Iowa Synod's Companion Synod Sunday webpage for worship resources, including hymns, intercessory prayers, translations of common worship phrases from English to Swahili and Spanish and fundraising ideas.

SUMMER READING

Author Anna M. Madsen's book is a fresh and challenging look at the legacy of Martin Luther and the new reformation that is calling people of faith to action today. This book is born out of the conviction that at least two gods are currently competing for our collective trust: nationalism (and its many sub-manifestations) and quietism.

Jan Richardson, a gifted author, poet, and artist, believes it is essential for women to listen to one another and to bring the fullness of their lives, with all their wonders and messiness, into their life of prayer. This book, Richardson writes, is an invitation to enter into a conversation.

Creation, Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020

FREE AT-HOME SUNDAY SCHOOL SERIES
Family Sunday School by Sparkhouse Media

Return to In-Person Worship | Considerations

As ELCA congregations face difficult decisions regarding when and how they will be able to gather again for worship, this resource offers general guidance. This not a comprehensive, one-size-fits-all resource; it will need to be interpreted and adapted for your local context. In many, if not most contexts, it will not be safe or advisable to gather for in-person worship for some time. National, state and local medical and legal guidelines will need to be consulted and followed. While risk is not avoidable, this guidance is presented with the aim of reducing the level of risk for your community. Your pastor and congregational leaders will want to carefully review these considerations for Return to In-Person Worship from the ELCA.