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Synod Happenings
Events Happening in and around the Western Iowa Synod, biweekly publication
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Please share this information with your congregational secretaries, leaders and congregational members via your bulletin, facebook page, email, etc, and invite/encourage them to attend the events/ opportunities to Open Doors to others!
These events can also be found on the WIS Website by clicking here!!
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Please Note:
If you would like an event added to this list, please email it to Lynn at least two weeks in Advance to go in this bi-weekly
Synod Happenings e-news.
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Upcoming Conference Meetings
Sunday, February 11th @ 2 pm
Winds of Hope @ Grace, Primghar
Seeds of Faith @ Bethel, Graettinger
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Please Note -
Leadership Academy Date Moved
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If you weren't able to attend the original date there is still time to register for the snow date of February 17th. You can register here!!
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Attention congregation treasurers and bookkeepers!
Join us for a gathering of treasurers and bookkeepers throughout the Synod.
When? Thursday, February 15th, 2018 from 6-8 PM
Light dinner available at 5:30
Where? 318 East 5th St., Storm Lake (Synod mission center)
Why?
1. To network with other treasures from congregations in the Synod and to meet with the Synod treasurer, Michael Jacobson;
2. To discuss best financial practices for congregations
3. The “how-tos” of filling out congregation mission intent forms, remittance forms, giving statements, and other forms;
4. Learn about narrative budgets;
5. Invite questions and conversation from the group.
In the event you are unable to attend in person, attending virtually via video or phone conference will be available. For more information about this event, please contact Pastor Jeff Ungs at e-mail above.
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Western Iowa Synod Clergy Spirituality Retreat
April 8th-10th
Creighton Retreat Center 16493 Contrail Ave, Griswold
Feeling tired from the busyness of Lent, Holy Week and Easter then come and join us for a time away with colleagues for prayer, rest, food, fellowship and holy conversation on our faith journey.Feeling tired from the busyness of Lent, Holy Week and Easter then come and join us for a time away with colleagues for prayer, rest, food, fellowship and holy conversation on our faith journey.
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Faith Formation Summit
When: April 27-28, 2018
Where: Carol Joy Holing Camp, Ashland, NE
We invite you to join with other faith formation leaders and the Vibrant Faith team as we spend two days living into the how-to’s of generating and sustaining a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ for today’s world. We believe effective, transformational ministry will happen by focusing on these two key areas :
- Transforming Relationships
- Digital Engagement
Sponsored by the Western Iowa, Nebraska and Central States Synods!
Poster and Registration available below!!
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Western Iowa Synod Assembly 2018
When: June 8-10, 2018
Where: Sioux City Convention Center, Sioux City
- Wonderful Worship
- GloCal Musicians
- Meet new people
- 5K Walk/Run
- Ministries happening around the synod
- Three expressions of the Wider church
- Election of leaders
- Forum Opportunities
- Establish Western Iowa Synod policy
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Fort Dodge Area Forum
The fun begins at 9:30 am at Grace Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge Iowa. Hope to see you there!
March 8 Psalms
Richard Bruxvoort Colligan
April 12 Musings on Pentecost: The Forgotten Festival
Dr. Barbara Lundblad
May 10 Interculturality
Bishop Roger Prois
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION with COLLEAGUES and OTHERS WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED!
The Forum meets at Grace Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge.
Forums begin at 9:30 am with coffee and fellowship. The program runs from 10 until noon. A catered meal (about $8) is available to conclude the event at noon.
The Forum costs $40 per session, payable at the time of the forum. Or get all 9 sessions in the 2017-2018 year for only $225. Retired clergy rate available.
Join us for another year of learning together as we strive to lead our congregations into God's future
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Travel Opportunity for 2018
Tanzania, Southern Diocese - July 15th - August 15th (approx. dates)
Applications due on February 15th!!
More information and applications can be found here!!
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Save the date!
“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday
....will be Sunday, September 9, 2018. This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Resources Here!!
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Mardis Gras Celebration
Emanuel Lutheran Church will be hosting their 5th annual Mardi Gras Celebration on Sunday, February 11th from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. This event is open to the public.
The event features live music by Da Band, New Orleans inspired food, a photo booth and activities for children. There will also be a silent auction, with a variety items available for bid. A Mardi Gras parade will take place at 5:30 p.m.
All are invited to come in masks and costumes or just as you are. With the exception of the Silent Auction, all activities are at no charge. Auction bidding will close at 5:45 p.m. and the lucky winners will be announced by 6 p.m. A free-will offering will be accepted for the meal. Proceeds from the event will go towards Emanuel youth attending the 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering.
Attendees can park in the lower (east) parking lot. Ground floor access is available through the east doors of the facility.
Please contact the church with questions or to make a reservation. Reservations are not required for attendance, but they will help with the food planning.
Emanuel Lutheran Church is located at 2444 N Broadway in Council Bluffs. For more information, contact the church office at (712) 323-9665 or email emanuellutherancbia@msn.com.
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Nurturing Hope in Bethlehem and the West Bank
Where: Bethesda Lutheran Church 1517 Northwestern Ave., Ames
When: Friday, February 23, 2018 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
A Day With The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb And Bright Stars of Bethlehem
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37th annual Rural Ministry Conference- March 4-6
This ecumenical conference is designed for pastors and lay leaders in rural and small town congregations. The topic for this year is Co-operating Congregations in Mission. We will explore a variety of newer ministry models for smaller congregations. Our keynote speaker, Pastor Marcia Kifer, is a dynamic speaker with many years of experience in a variety of ministry models. Our breakouts include worship for smaller congregations, and evangelism in rural areas. Flier here!!
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Exploring Transitions
Especially designed for rostered leaders, but also anyone in the midst of a life transition
Exploring Transitions provides a time away to explore one’s personal life’s callings, passions, meaning, and purpose. Times of transition offer unique opportunities for reflection and action. Participants may be discerning a new call, facing a major life decision, loss of loved one or health, or thinking about retirement. Transitions are often made easier when time is spent listening, letting go, and trusting God’s guidance. These retreats will incorporate liturgy (scripture, poetry, and music from a variety of sources), discussion, guided listening, Sabbath and walking together.
Exploring Transitions was created and is co-facilitated by Tammy Devine and Michael Larson. There are 4 Exploring Transition retreats: Exploring Transitions: Crossing Over, Exploring Transitions: True to Myself, Exploring Transitions: Life’s Detours and Roadblocks and Exploring Transitions: Living Well, each retreat is a stand-alone opportunity or participants have attended all four. Attached please find information about two April offerings (the schedule for each retreat follows the same format). These retreats are a safe space for individuals to go deeper, to reflect and walk with others in the midst of a life transition who are seeking to embrace a healthier transition.
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Congregational Treasurers and Bookkeepers Workshop 2018
This workshop is to help with accounting questions that arise in congregations; and help build collaboration and support among financial and administrative staff and volunteers.
April 28, 2018
8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Memorial Lutheran Church
701 11th Street, Nevada, IA 50201
Guest Speakers:
Thomas Hammar, CPA
Molly Hammar-Shattuck, Staff Accountant
And by Web Cam, Richard Hammar, Attorney, CPA, & Author of the Church and Clergy Tax Guide
Sponsored by the SE IA Synod
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Pre-Retirement Seminar
If you're over age 50 and within 15 years of retirement, our pre-retirement seminars and webinars are a great way to get planning off to a strong start or keep the momentum going. The seminar answers the important questions you may have about retirement, including:
• How much money will I need when I retire?
• What health care options will I have in retirement?
• As I approach retirement, how can I manage my investment risks?
• How can money be distributed from my ELCA retirement account to create a steady stream of income in retirement?
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 (additional dates and locations listed here)
Location: Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA
Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: $35/person or $70/couple. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Register online here!
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Western Iowa Synod
318 E Fifth St.
Storm Lake, IA
712.732. 4968
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