god’s beloved people, bits and pieces - footy boots · p quincy, wa - st. paul a ... p wilbur, wa...
TRANSCRIPT
FROM THE BISHOP God’s Beloved People,
The spring is busy and lots is going on! Bits and Pieces for now!
But first, last and always: Blessed Easter on April 8! May Jesus awaken you to the resurrected Life! Susan
and I will remember with joy my brother Scott that day, knowing that his life is safely nestled into Christ, in
God (Col. 3:3) because the power of death has been defeated!
Parochial reports:
The synod and national partner are eager for you to complete your parochial report for 2011. This information
is crucial to our task of directing assets for ministry in the right direction! Please complete your parochial
reports ASAP so that we have accurate information on which to plan for ministry! We’ll be asking a local
volunteer to begin the pestering calls very soon!
Portico Health Assessment:
Did you know that the synod congregations saved over $15,000 dollars last year because we had enough
members take the health assessment? In addition, the synod received $7,000 in incentive dollars that we are
using to promote health and wellness in our synod members and the church. This matters because without the
wellness initiative our health care expenses just keep going up! This is a tangible way to increase your own
well-being while being a steward of church resources. If you’re a plan member Please take the Health
Assessment before April 30, 2012! https://www.elcabop.org/en/UnderstandMyBenefits/Health/
ELCAPrimary/HealthAssessment/Overview.aspx
Spring Conference of Bishops Meeting I’m just back from our regular meeting. It was primarily house-keeping work,
continuing the adjustments required by a down-sized church. The clear focus of the
whole church beyond congregations is the health, vitality, faithfulness, and support
available to congregations. As we begin our own synod study of concrete assets
needed by congregations and the delivery system for such support we remain very
grateful for the resources and support of the Churchwide partner!
Mission Support and the budget: Thanks be to God!
You will soon receive a letter from me thanking your congregation for Mission
Support in 2011. We were able to finish the year just into the black and we are
thankful for your support! As grateful as we are, the budget for your congregation
and for the synod and Churchwide is a month-to-month focus. Receipts for Feb-
ruary 2012 are just under the amount received in 1992 so the challenge continues.
Pr. Helga Jansons and the Synod Stewardship Table have resources available for
your use.
APRIL 2012
The Cross Connection is a monthly publication of the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod
published for its clergy, associates in ministry, lay leadership and ecumenical partners.
Jesus, First, Last, Always God’s Grace, Our Gratitude
The Spirit Powers Us No Fear! Transformation
Connections Multiply Miracles Go, Tell & Serve
Continued on page 3
April 2012 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Page 2
From the Director of Evangelical Mission
MISSIONAL LEADERSHIP - Pr Helga Jansons
I think being missional is to be emotionally and spiritually interested in the lives of others. This includes peo-
ple you do not know or, the unknown areas in the lives of people you do know. It is being receptive and will-
ing to allow others to transform your thinking and understanding about life. It also means to put your faith on
the line – which may mean you are rejected by that person. It also means to show that you care about strangers.
Being missional means worrying less about ourselves: a self denying forgetfulness about our congregational
size and resources. It is to be concerned with what God is already doing and what God wants to have done in
the community.
The creation of a Missional culture is not our natural inclination, especially in hard times. Such a turnaround
takes work. It needs good leadership. Here are some ideas:
Prayer – seek Jesus’ power, guidance and direction. There is enormous power that is given us and at work
through us. Ephesians 3:20 and especially believe 3:21.
We are to be God bearers: people want to connect with God and experience God’s presence and they want to
feel that they belong and that what they do matters.
Do not be afraid to lead. People want competent leaders. Know what you think and be able to articulate it so
that others can understand it and repeat it.
The priorities of the Pastor’s time and energy are best set together with the Church Council. Then leaders can
back the Pastor up if people should complain.
Be clear about the role and expectations of the Church Council. Decide ahead of time what the purpose of the
Council is, and is not. That way you will focus on ministry, mission and vision and not waste time on things
that the committees must be trusted with.
Committee chairpersons need clarity about their 1) Responsibilities 2) Authority (to spend money, choose
team members, set up meetings or to communicate to the congregation…) and 3) Accountability (who can they
talk to about how things are going).
Establish a Transformational Ministry team as a constant reminder that new ideas are in the making. Evaluate
your church structure. Is it effective and open to new ministry?
Let dying programs die – can’t do it all, stewardship of time and energy. Have the courage to evaluate what is
working and what is worth the time and resources.
As leaders we are to pray, dream and imagine what God might be calling us to do and be. Be specific. See it;
who is there, what are people doing, what is happening?
When a congregation works together to do whatever it takes to share the love of Jesus with people outside the
Church it needs innovation. It is an adventure with some risks. The cost of discipleship is just that! We are not
a “historical preservation society”, are we? Have a theology about new life and a process for how initiatives
can be tried. Continued on page 8
April 2012 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Page 3
CALL PROCESS STATUS A Process beginning/congregational study I Interim AP Associate/Assistant Pastor
B Names received or on-site visits in process P Pastor VP Visitation Pastor
C Call in process/issued CP Co-Pastor AIM Associate in Ministry
NV New Vacancy LP Lead Pastor L Lay Position
TC Term Call SP Supply Pastor TM Transition Minister
(available for the open-ended call)
POS LOCATION/CONGREGATION STATUS PASTORAL CARE P Connell, WA—Gideon Lutheran NV
P Ephrata, WA - Holy Trinity A ...................................................... Phylis Stromme I
P Gifford, ID - Good Hope A .................................................... Valerie Beesley TEEM
P Goldendale, WA - Christ the King A .......................................................... Ron Shipman I
P Kamiah, ID - Faith A .............................................................. Art Finney I
P Mattawa, WA—Grace C ............................................................ Dale Larson SP
P Moses Lake, WA— Immanuel NV .......................................................... Steve Myers SP
P Moscow, ID - Emmanuel A ..................................................... Robert Chenault I
P Post Falls, ID - Calvary A .......................................................... Dean Stewart I
P Quincy, WA - St. Paul A ................................................................ Bill Voris I
P Spokane, WA—Bethlehem NV ..................................................... Roger Bruggink SP
P Spokane, WA - Messiah A ............................................... Kimberly Meinecke I
P Wilbur, WA - Wilbur A ................................................................ Tom Inch I
Calls Accepted
Rev. John Stevens has accepted the call from Zion Lutheran in Oregon City, OR to be their pastor. He will begin
serving there May 13. His last Sunday with Bethel Lutheran in Firth, ID and Emanuel Lutheran in Blackfoot, ID will be
April 15.
Installations
Rev. David Kappus was installed as pastor of Central Lutheran Church in Spokane, WA, Saturday, March 10, 2012,
11:00 am.
Rev. Ken Carrothers will be installed as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran in Boise, ID Sunday, April 1, 2012, 2 pm.
Rev. John Schrann will be installed as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Yakima, Sunday, April 15, time TBD
Rev. Nick Nicolai will be installed as pastor of troy Lutheran Church in Troy, ID April 22, 10:30 am.
Assembly Assembly Assembly!
It’s a pleasure to encourage your attendance at the Synod Assembly later in April (27-29, Wenatchee, WA).
The program committee has put together a wonderful afternoon of activities and learning; a youth assembly is
now receiving registrations; creative worship and joyful noise will resound along the Columbia River; we’ll
welcome and hear news of new ministries among us! I look forward to seeing you in Wenatchee!
Holden Village, after the Assembly?
Holden Village is celebrating a 50th Anniversary this year! Registration fees can be waived if you’d like to
visit April 30 to May 2, 2012 following the Assembly in Wenatchee.
Write to Holden at [email protected].
God’s richest blessings,
Pr. Martin Wells
Bishop
Continued from Page 1
April 2012 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Page 4
Take the 2012 Health Assessment Portico Benefits
Our Chance For $17,000
The ELCA Board of Pensions is offering us the opportunity to earn a 2% discount on ELCA
health contributions again in 2012. Each congregation and organization in our synod will
receive a 2% discount on health contributions if 65% of our eligible ELCA-primary plan
members complete the confidential Mayo Clinic Health Assessment January 1 – April 30.
In 2012 we could collectively save $17,000!
If you have ELCA-primary health coverage, this savings depends on you. Take the 2012 Mayo Clinic Health
Assessment on the EmbodyHealth web portal at www.elcaforwellness.org January 1 – April 30. We’ll be one
person closer to 65% participation, and you’ll earn $150 in your personal wellness account to offset out-of-
pocket medical costs.
To date 31 have taken the health assessment and we need at least 34 more to take it!
Instructions for taking the assessment are available in the Understand My Benefits section at www.elcabop.org.
Mission Interpreter Up-coming Training
What is a Mission Interpreter? A Mission Interpreter is a Story Teller that tells stories of the mission and min-
istries we are involved in locally, nationally and globally through the ELCA. They inform us not only about
these ministries but how our mission dollars support them and they thank us for our continued, faithful giving
toward these ministries.
It is the goal of the ELCA that every congregation have at least one Mission Interpreter, thus if your congrega-
tion does not have one you will want to participate in one of the next scheduled trainings which are noted
below. This training will give you everything you need to be the best and most capable story teller necessary
for this call. Look for our display table at the assembly where we will be happy to answer any questions you
might have regarding this position, or you can e-mail me at [email protected] .
Sharon Lone-Browder
Mission interpreter Coordinator
Boise
April 21, 9 am - noon
King of Glory Lutheran Church, 3430 N Maple Grove Rd.
Please contact Lisa Kraft at [email protected]
Spokane
May 5, 9 am - noon
Central Lutheran, 512 S Bernard
Please contact Betty Krafft at [email protected]
Yakima
May 19, 10 am – noon
Central Lutheran, 1604 W Yakima Ave
Please contact Sharon Browder at [email protected]
April 2012 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Page 5
APRIL 2012
We ask that you keep the ministry of the synod as well as those listed below in your prayers
April
05 Bob Chenault (Moscow, ID) ~ 20th anniversary of ordination
14 Mary Johnson (Ellensburg, WA) ~ 10th anniversary of ordination
17 Betty Krafft (Spokane, WA) ~ 10th anniversary of ordination
18 Gary Moore (Spokane, WA) ~ 30th anniversary of ordination
21 Kristine Blaess (Pocatello, ID) ~ 10th anniversary of ordination
27 Teresia Calene-Hasseries (Wenatchee, WA) ~ 15th anniversary of ordination
Please Remember in Prayer …
.. .. Pr. Earl Barnard (Boise, ID) and his wife Sharon as Earl deals with health issues.
.... Pr. Rick Evenson (Medical Lake, WA) and family as he continues his treatment for multiple myeloma.
.... Pr. Shelley Bryan Wee (EWU Campus Ministry) as she continues treatment for cancer.
.... Roger deVeer and Pr. Marilyn deVeer (Horseshoe Bend, ID) as he continues with health issues.
.... Pr. Allen Ingebritsen (Spokane, WA) as he deals with health concerns.
.... Pr. Tom and Betty Ledbetter as they deal with health concerns
.... Pr. Eric Ranum as he continues to deal with health concerns.
.. .. Mrs. Marilyn Ulleland, wife of Pr. Duane Ulleland (Retired - Spokane Valley, WA) as she continues treatment for the
reoccurrence of cancer.
.... Prayers of thanksgiving and celebration for the first ordination of women in the Eglise Evangelique Lutherienne au
Cameroun, on May 6. Pastor Nyla Schoeld from the South Dakota Synod will participate in the ordination service.
Pastor Nyla Schoeld is the daughter of Pr. Tom and Sharyn Christensen (Boise, ID). The pastor to be ordained is a for-
mer student of Pr. Christensen.
.... congregations and rostered leaders in call processes (see page 3)
Prayer Requests . . .to be included in the Synod Prayer Requests, please email your request for inclusion in
the Cross Connection to the synod office by e-mail [email protected] or call 509-838-9871.
OUR CHURCH IN ACTION
Holden Village is seeking volunteers
Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center located in Washington state's North Cascade Mountains above Lake
Chelan, is seeking short- (minimum of 3 weeks) and long-term volunteers for summer and fall 2012. Each year
Holden operates through the efforts of more than 600 volunteers as a multi-generational community that rejoices in
and embraces diversity of age and experience. Volunteers join the Village's rhythms of worship, work, rest, and
community and have access to Holden's renowned summer programming and hiking opportunities. Volunteer
opportunities are available for individuals and families in a wide variety of roles. All volunteers receive room and
board. Some 3-8 month positions also receive a stipend and health insurance.
For information, please go to http://www.holdenvillage.org/work-at-holden-village or email staff-
April 2012 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Page 6
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
2012 Institute of Liturgical Studies
April 16-18, 2012
Valparaiso University
Theology, Music, Practice
Plenary Presenters Institute Seminars
Gordon Lathrop Sarah Bjornebo
Fred Niedner Phil Horrigan
Marty Stoltz Susan Johnson
Chris Scharen Scott Weidler
www.valpo.edu/ils
North American Association Catechumenate
Training Institutes In 2012 “GO, BAPTIZE, MAKE DISCIPLES”
For pastors, worship leaders, and educators; directors
of spiritual formation
Cost: $280
Minneapolis ~ May 18-20
Spokane ~ August 3-5
www.catechumenate.org ~ download a brochure and/
or register online for the institute of your choice.
Scholarship applications are also available.
PLU Summer Theological Conference
June 18-20
Spiritual Formation in the Home
Conference Leaders
Teresa Ciabattari, Ph.D
PLU Assoc. Professor Sociology
Nathan Frambach, Ph.D
Wartburg Seminary ~ Assoc. Professor Youth,
Culture, and Mission
Samuel Torvend, Ph.D
PLU ~ Professor of Lutheran Studies
For more information: www.plu.edu/congregations
Living Liturgy: Worship and a Way of Life
June 4-8
Holden Village
The week will take its shape from the four-fold pattern of
the liturgy: Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending, and will
include bible study, sessions on worship planning, liturgi-
cal theology, building leadership skills for musicians, and
forming lay leaders. Join Susan Briehl, Marty Haugen,
Mary Preus, Ben Stewart, and Tom Witt in this
special week of Holden programming.
For more on Living Liturgy: www.livingliturgy.com
Register as a regular Holden guest to take part in this
event. www.holdenvillage.org
MONEY LEADERSHIP
for
THRIVING CONGREGATIONS
Includes the following topics: Money Autobiography,
Giving, Saving, Spending, Debt management, Financial
Life Planning, Money Leadership and Family Systems in
the Congregation, Personal and Congregational Action
Planning
Retreat for all clergy and rostered leaders AND spouses
MAY 11-12 (2pm to 1pm)
Clearwater Lodge at Camp Spalding
(45 minutes north of Spokane)
A gorgeous retreat center and includes 3 meals
$40 per person, $70 per couple
Led by Keith Mundy
(Dir. for Stewardship, ELCA)
and
Melanie Wallschlaeger
(Dir. for Evangelical Mission, SW WA Synod)
RSVP Synod Office
For further information contact [email protected]
DEVELOP YOUR CONGREGATIONAL
MISSION PLAN
your EWA-ID Synod Director for Evangelical Mission
and Renewed Evangelizing Congregations Table
are available to assist you
Contact: [email protected]
April 2012 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Page 7
HOLDEN YOUTH WEEKENDS
Sponsored by Trinity Lutheran College ~ guest artist Nate Houge
What are the Holden May Youth Weekends?
The Holden May Youth Weekends are retreat events for high school youth groups
and their leaders, held at beautiful Holden Village, nestled in the beautiful
Cascade Mountains. The program includes sessions, small group conversations, a
service project, and free time activities. There are opportunities to enjoy the
outdoors, including an afternoon hike to see a high mountain lake, mountains, and
wildlife. Holden also has a recreation center, ice cream parlor, and plenty of space
to sit and enjoy the beauty of God's creation!
This year's theme: Keep Church Weird
The Church is weird. For starters, our faith doesn't begin with what we have done for ourselves, but instead
recognizes what God has done for us. In this world, that's different. Even then, the Gospel of Jesus is (and,
therefore the Church should be) counter-cultural, where the first are last, weakness can be strength, and death
actually means living life to the fullest. Then we have our peculiar churchy traditions: sprinkling water on
babies, eating bread, drinking wine, Confirmation, putting handprints on the youth room wall, and all those
church potlucks. Weird stuff, isn't it?
Our large group sessions will tackle such weirdness by exploring our freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1), what it
means to be a non-conformist in the ways of the world (Romans 12:2),
how we live together as Christians (Acts 2:42-47), and how Christ calls
us in our baptism (Galatians 2:20). Yes, the Church is wonderfully
weird - so let's keep it that way!
Cost is $165 per person.
Contact Kathy Fisher, Holden May Youth Weekends Coordinator, at
Choose from three dates:
Sat., May 19 to Mon., May 21
Fri., May 25 to Sun., May 27
Sun., May 27 to Tues., May 29
SAVE THE DATE
MAY 12, 2012 Lutheran Campus Ministry
at
Eastern Washington
University
will hold their annual Auction.
Tickets: $15.00 or reserve an entire table of 8 for
$100.00. If are able to help with the auction by either
providing an item or buying tickets (or both), please
contact Pastor Shelley at (509) 951-5701 or email at
YOUTH EMPOWERED FOR LEADERSHIP
AND SERVICE (YELS)
June 24-27, 2012 at Shoshone Base Camp
in North Idaho
Three youth and one adult from each congregation in the
EWAID Synod are invited
More information to follow
April 2012 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Page 8
From the Director of Evangelical Mission ~ cont’d
Set SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Set them for no more than a year
ahead of time. If you meet them you will need to make new goals, if not, you will need to re-evaluate whether
your goals were the right ones to have.
Empower others by equipping them for ministry inside and outside the church. People want skills and practice.
Many know what they need to do – like sharing their faith – but they need to hear themselves saying the words
in a safe place.
Team building and training takes time and happens best when leaders are away from the Church building.
Finding common ground, discovering what people are passionate about and understanding where people are
coming from is worth the investment. Everyone has a story of faith to tell.
Many people can share a common goal or direction– but how to get there is the challenge. Most disagreements
are in the details.
Be able to communicate your ideas well. Practice it. Innovative people or the most unique ideas are going to be
more out of step with what people are used to. So it is even more important that you can articulate your per-
spective and ideas.
“Churches are a lot like horses. They don’t like to be startled or surprised. It causes deviant behavior.” Learn
how to make changes. Here are some thoughts:
Test the waters informally with a cross section of people if you have a new idea. Share it and see how people
respond. Do they agree or are they interested? If they resist, pay attention, they will give you a clue to potential
flaws in the idea. Don’t be discouraged.
Present first drafts not proposals. Even if leaders agree with the proposal, the more strongly a pastor/ leader
presents it, the more others will put up a fight. (That’s why some of the best ideas are most resisted). Some-
times it is the presenter who is being opposed. If another person describes an idea it may be received posi-
tively.
Most people will not adopt a new idea unless they know that respected people are for it. Find out who are the
strong supporters, ahead of time.
If you go public with a new idea and people are more likely to react, and few people ever back down once
they’ve opposed something publicly.
When information is presented too close to a decision-making process, people see it as lobbying. Share what
you are thinking and learning with leaders early and often.
Seek permission not buy in; experiment. “I’ll let you try it” – can get it going faster, and the stakes are not so
high if it fails.
Continued from Page 3
April 2012 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Page 9
Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Assembly
Go – Tell - Serve! April 27-29, 2012
Wenatchee, WA
Late fees are $50 per person received after March 17
Audio Visual submission deadline April 10
SYNOD ASSEMBLY NEWS
Updates about the Assembly will be posted at www.ewaidsynod.org
2012 Synod Assembly Guest Speakers
Jim and Rosemary Tiffany will be addressing the assem-
bly on Saturday morning. The Synod Assembly
Planning Committee invites you to read their book,
Uncomfortable Neighbors—Vecinos Incómodos:
Cultural Collisions Between Mexicans and Americans
prior to coming to the assembly to get the most out of
this opportunity.
To find out more about the Tiffany’s ministry a link is
posted on the Synod website: www.ewaidsynod.org
Synod Assembly Youth Gathering
Who: Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to a
youth gathering occurring alongside the
2012 Synod Assembly
When: April 27-29, 2012
Where: Wenatchee, WA
Costs: $15 per person
Meals: All meals are included except for
Saturday lunch, which will be on your own
Lodging: All youth and adults will be
housed at Celebration Lutheran Church
801 8th St. NE, E. Wenatchee, WA 98802
Registration is due by Friday, April 13, 2012
All churches are responsible for providing
adult leaders for the youth they send as well
as having release forms for each participant
On Saturday the youth will have opportunities to
participate in workshops, explore the local
community, hang out with friends, and go
bowling, ice-skating and swimming (don’t
forget your swimsuit). Closing Worship at the
Synod Assembly will cap off a weekend of faith
and fun on Sunday morning.
On Saturday there will be free time for each
church group to explore the North Central
Washington Region. The Washington State Ap-
ple Blossom Festival will be taking place during
the gathering with activities such as a carnival
and food fair to participate in if you choose.
Registration forms have been emailed to each
congregation and are posted on the Synod
website: www.ewaidsynod.org/youth assembly
Heidi Cryer, our Synod Coach for the
National Youth Gathering will provide
training Friday, April 27 in Wenatchee
the weekend of the Synod Assembly,
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
SPOKANE WA
PERMIT 277
of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
314 S. Spruce St., Suite A
Spokane, WA 99201-5823
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
EASTERN
WASHINGTON
IDAHO SYNOD
April 2012 Newsletter
April
8 Easter
21 Mission Interpreter Training—Boise
26 Synod Council
27-29 Synod Assembly
30 Health Assessment deadline
May
4-5 Synod Candidacy Committee Meeting
Spokane
5 Mission Interpreter Training - Spokane
11 Money Leadership for thriving Congregations
Clear Water Lodge—Davis Lake Spokane area
12 EWU Campus Ministry Auction
19 Mission Interpreter Training—Yakima
June
4-8 Living Liturgy—Holden Village
24-27 YELS—Shoshone Base Camp
SYNOD CALENDAR
Please reproduce any and all articles for publication in congregational newsletters or bulletins. The Cross Connection is
also available on the synod Web site at www.ewaidsynod.org. Deadline for articles is the 5th of each month.
STAFF
Bishop ................................................ The Rev. Martin Wells
Assistant to the Bishop ....................... The Rev. Mark Nelson
Director for Evangelical Mission ..... The Rev. Helga Jansons
Program Administrator ..................................... Cathy Steiner
Assembly Manager .............................................. Karla Olson