Bishop s Letter, October 2011

Transcription

1 Bishop s Letter, October 2011 Showing Up: An Exhortation In an age when we are so easily infected by cocooning, opting to stay at home rather than making the choice to visibly witness to our oneness in the body of Christ, I believe we are called to repent of isolating tendencies. Symptoms of this infection, this illness, include not showing up for weekly worship, or if we are congregational leaders, not reaching beyond the confines of our local parish to regularly participate in ecumenical and conference and synod gatherings. The metaphor of being members of the body of Christ helps us to re-member, to regularly show up for one another, to demonstrate by our actions that we believe in the one holy, catholic, and apostolic church. When we make it a habit of the heart to be present for one another, we are the body at its healthiest, at its best for the sake of the world. I saw this so clearly at the ordination of Carla Rush this September 18 at First Lutheran in Dayton, Ohio. At least 150 people including a dozen pastors and a deaconess showed up to be with Carla, to publically promise to support her as a servant of Christ in the ministry of word and sacrament. Five of these made the nearly seven-hour journey from Bethany, Kaleva, where Carla will now serve as pastor. It is hard to overestimate how much this meant to Carla and to all the rest of us. We filled the worship space at First with loud praises and prayers and acclamations during this oncein-a-lifetime experience for Carla. Now, I suspect, each September 18 Carla will remember this day in 2011 and perhaps especially these words spoken in the ordination rite, the church s call is God s call to this ministry. What made this so striking is that it was a gray Sunday afternoon. Most of the assembly would have already gathered that morning in their own congregations. It would have been so much easier to skip it, or maybe just send a fleeting prayer for Carla from one s home. But they came. They showed up. At the September gathering of Capital Conference rostered leaders, I exhorted these leaders to resist cocooning (though not exactly in Now, I suspect, each September 18 Carla will remember this day in 2011 and perhaps especially these words spoken in the ordination rite, the church s call is God s call to this ministry. those words). I urged them to be present on the 25 th for the installation of Laura Gerstl, newly ordained pastor now serving at Calvary, Lansing. I did that because I know what it would mean for Laura and for Calvary and for the health and vitality of our whole church. The urge to cocoon can be powerful. It is often so much easier to yield to our weariness, to declare our need for selfcare, as necessary and holy as that just as often is. Especially if an event or gathering is not part of our regular routine, we find it pretty easy to say no. Which brings me to this invitation: During the days between October 30 and November 13, you are invited to be present for discernment gatherings within your congregation and in some cases in your conference or with a nearby congregation. (Times and places to be announced soon.) As a member of the body of Christ, you have something to offer, some insight, some perspective, as all across the two ELCA synods in the lower peninsula we seek to hear God s voice in creating a plan for mutual missional action.

2 You are invited to speak (and write) the promptings within you, however imperfect or partially-formed they may be, regarding the will of God for your congregation and the synod. Guidelines for this discernment process will be sent to your congregation soon, but note immediately following this article some questions with which you can already wrestle before you attend a discernment gathering. In the heart of our ELCA mission statement is the word gathered. It is what the baptized people of God do. It is essential to our witness. I exhort you to resist the cocoon option. For the sake of your sisters and brothers in Christ and for the sake of our witness to the world, show up! ~ Bishop John + Congregations may wish to use these questions in October as conversation starters before completing the more formal form during the discernment gatherings in early November. + Discussion Starters for Michigan Synods Congregations 1. What is most important to you about being a Lutheran? 2. Within God s mission in the world, what do you think Lutherans do best? 3. What is your congregation s distinct mission, and what are its greatest strengths and weaknesses in doing that mission? 4. Your congregation relates to its community, to other congregations, to your synod, and to the ELCA. Which of these relationships are most important to you, why, and what, if anything, would you like to change in these relationships? 5. What are your hopes and fears for the next ten years for your congregation? 6. What would be most helpful to you in working to fulfill your hopes for your congregation? Not yet a Synod Enews Subscriber, but would like to be? The Mitten Synod Enews is a digital newsletter sent via to communicate timely news that may not appear in the monthly Bishop s Letters or Congregation Newsletter Inserts. Please contact Amanda Highben, Pastoral Intern for Communications, and we ll add you to the list. amandahighben@mittensynod.org

3 Defining Mission Support Pastor Roger Hardy, Assistant to the Bishop for Evangelical Mission When did we start using the term MISSION SUPPORT and what does it mean? Previously we may have used words like benevolence or synod apportionment. People often ask me this question. Here is my best answer for using Mission Support: MISSION: this is what God is calling our congregations and our synod to be about as centers of God s mission. This is our purpose as the church. Our mission is contextual. It is shaped by where you are located, by the people who live in your community, and by the powers and principalities that are at work in your environment. Our mission is passionate. There is a sense of urgency for us to be engaged in God s mission through our ministry priorities. God s mission needs congregations and a synod that are committed to the common purpose of God s mission in our communities. SUPPORT: Once we have named what we believed God s mission to be in our context, we plan how we will support God s mission. What resources skills, abilities, prayers, scriptural study, talents, time, and money are needed to do what God is calling us to do? How will we respond to the challenge that God has laid before us? How will we create options to enhance our available resources for God s mission, both globally and locally? What we are doing is supporting what God is doing beyond the life of our congregations and synod. The first place we need to start is to name our Mission: what is God up to in our context and what is God calling us to be and to do? Support is how we will commit ourselves to making God s mission a priority of our existence. Remaining Mission Support Conference Gatherings Each of our 8 conferences is hosting a gathering for stewardship committees, congregational councils, and pastors for conversation regarding mission support. Mission support is a portion of your congregation s offerings that are shared with the ELCA Synod and churchwide ministries for God s mission in the world. Letters are being sent to pastors and council presidents. Please plan to attend the one in your conference. The schedule is the same in all conferences: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m 12 p.m. (Lunch included.) October 1 Bay Trinity, Midland October 8 Greater Grand Rapids Christ, Wyoming October 15 Kalamazoo Lord of Life, Portage October 22 Capital University, East Lansing October 29 Stony Lake First Lutheran, Muskegon

4 Summer Reflections Pastor Julie Bailey, Assistant to the Bishop for Vocation and Education I recently returned from a great vacation in Costa Rica. For the most part I relaxed and rarely thought about things in Michigan. However, as I was sitting in a hot spring, gazing at the active volcano smoking in Arenol, I thought about baptism. How relaxing and assuring it was to sit in the water, and at the same time how dangerous never knowing when temptation or challenge will erupt. I remembered the promises made to me by God in baptism, and the promises that congregations make when someone is baptized to encourage them to grow up in the faith. Prior to my trip, I spent 10 days at Michi-lu-ca for Leadership and Advanced Leadership Training Schools and for Bass Lake. It was awesome. Youth always amaze me and alleviate any worry I have about the future of the church. As I travel so many congregations tell me they need youth and want to focus on youth and young adults. So I was surprised when I reviewed the congregations represented at these three events and found only four of our congregations in the synod represented. I know about band and sport camps, of vacations, of financial challenges. However, I also know that in many congregations, the information wasn t provided to families, sometimes not shared in bulletins or newsletters, and often the youth were not invited personally to one of these events. Where did the promise go? Synod events are not the only ways in which we reach out to youth. I know some congregations who have vital and active youth programs where the youth feel cared about, loved, and know they are part of the congregation. I hear other stories from youth that the church doesn t listen to them, doesn t care. What message is your congregation sending? I hope to see more congregations represented at the Michigan Gathering December Pastors do not need to be the leaders; a parent could be the sponsor. Registration is open now at The National Youth Gathering registration for 2012 opens October 9. Beth Mundwiler from Mt. Pleasant can answer any questions you may have about this. She can be reached at bmundwiler@chsd.us. For more information, go to: Faith/Ministry/Youth-Ministry/Youth-Gathering.aspx. Pastor Sue Hand is providing Youth Ministry Training around the synod, as well as the opportunity to participate in webinars. She may be reached at hands@charter.net. I pray we do not let opportunities for our youth to grow in faith pass us by!

5 More from Pastor Julie Bailey October is Clergy Appreciation Month (October 9 is Clergy Appreciation Day) October is a time set aside for the appreciation of those who work in ministry as ordained clergy. This began in the early 90s as a way to celebrate pastors and their families. I want to take this time to thank all the clergy in our synod for your tireless efforts in the proclamation of the gospel, your work beyond your called ministry site, and your dedication to the call to which you But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. ~ 1 Thess serve. I have been blessed to work with so many of you, and we don t say it often enough we appreciate what you do. Thank you! I pray that all clergy will sense and receive the thankfulness and appreciation from those with whom we serve. Mutual Ministry This is just what it sounds like, ministry that is mutual. During October and November, many congregations and ministries are preparing the budget for the coming year. As you do this, I encourage congregations and pastors to discuss goals and expectations for the coming year. Some already do this, some even formally. Here are some resources to assist you: 1. Compensation guidelines for rostered leaders will be available by October Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work. In the appendix, there are tools that can be used as you assess gifts and the coming year. (ISBN ) Many congregations might already have a copy. 3. I can provide another format of Tool #6 for pastoral and council review, or you can find them on Augsburg Fortress website under the Pastor and People book. 4. Complete a Definition of Compensation form. One was completed when the pastor began serving, but in most cases hasn t been done since. This form documents the mutual agreement to financial compensation and expectations of both the pastor and the people. This form will be posted on our website under resources. Sometimes ministry just happens, but often it takes a missional approach. When we focus on everything, it results often on focusing on nothing. When the congregation and pastoral leadership have different ideas, ministry is not strengthened. Let s be intentional. Please call the synod office if you need some assistance.

6 Women Who Are Clergy Retreat: Oct 23-25, 2011 Frankenmuth, MI Cost: Single ($195) Double ($110) Space is limited; register soon! Checks payable to NWLMI Synod. Find the registration form at: * Registrations received by October 10 receive the book, The Girlfriends Clergy Companion: Surviving and Thriving in Ministry. Earthkeeping News & Updates Kim Winchell, Diaconal Minister, Earthkeeping Ministries Greetings all, from the Pacific NW! I am writing from Seattle, where I am currently spending some time with my oldest daughter, Kelly and her husband, Diego, to help out and welcome their first child (and my first grandchild), Tomas. Much to do, for mom and grandma. It makes the need to care for this Earth for the sake of future generations all the more real; it really all stems from love for one another. A book suggestion for harvest time: Year of Plenty: One Suburban Family, Four Rules, and 365 Days of Homegrown Adventure in Pursuit of Christian Living by Craig L. Goodwin I have a copy of a short discussion guide (shared with me by Rev. Goodwin) that I can copy and send if any congregational groups would like to read/study this book. In 2008, Pastor Craig Goodwin and his young family embarked on a year-long experiment to consume only what was local, used, homegrown, or homemade. In Year of Plenty, Goodwin shares the winsome story of how an average suburban family stumbled onto the cultural cutting edge of locavores, backyard chickens, farmers markets, simple living, and going green. More than that, it is the timely tale of Christians exploring the intersections of faith, environment, and everyday life (

7 Leaps of Faith - Moving Sustainability Forward in Houses of Worship One day mini conference: Wed, Oct 5, 2011 Aquinas College, Grand Rapids This one day conference will inform and educate congregations, students, and the public in building visions for sustainability in faith communities and identifying actionable next steps. Dr. Andy Hoffman, world-recognized leader in sustainability from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business will be the keynote speaker. Sessions will include topics in energy efficiency, faith education, public policy, and business sustainability. To register please visit Finally, don t forget the commemoration of St. Francis, renewer of the church ( ) is Oct. 4. A service for the blessing of the animals may be found online at Sundays and Seasons. Peace to you, Peace to the Earth! Matthew 25 Recognitions Judy Enger, Synod Hunger Team Member Grace Lutheran Church (Hastings) was one of 10 congregations nominated for the Matthew 25 Award for local outreach at the 2011 Synod Assembly. The members of Grace have taken seriously the phrase Making Christ Known. With noisy offerings and food donations they actively support Love, Inc., a cooperative ministry organization in Barry County. At Christmas they sponsor fifteen families providing them with food baskets, clothing and gifts. ELCA World Hunger Program is generously supported, and members of the congregation are supporters of the Barry County CROP walk. For more information you may contact Grace Lutheran Church at Another nominee for the Matthew 25 Award for local outreach was St. Thomas Lutheran Church (Cheboygan) located in Cheboygan County, where over 18% of families are at or below poverty level. As a past winner of the Matthew 25 Award, the folks at St. Thomas continue to reach out to their neighbors. Each week about 200 families come to choose food. A pool of one hundred volunteers from St. Thomas and five area churches keep the pantry stocked, interact with clients and provide cooking tips. Local Boy Scouts carry bags of groceries. Individuals required to perform community service work at the pantry often continue as volunteers once their service is complete. For more information you may contact Lowell or Jean Beethem through the church at

8 Hopeful and Grateful for Our Church Rod Nordby and Nancy Anderson (ELCA Missionaries in Papua New Guinea) We left Papua New Guinea on June 1st for the journey back home to the United States for our first home assignment. Now at the end of August, we are nearing the end of our time in the U.S. We leave on September 6 for the long trip back to our home and ministry in Papua New Guinea. We have missed our friends and colleagues and are eager to return to live and work again among the people of PNG. PNG has claimed a very special place in our hearts and we feel honored to be called by our church to serve there. While home we have preached and done presentations in 15 different congregations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Missouri. We have enjoyed showing pictures and telling stories about our life and ministry in Papua New Guinea and have met many wonderful people including wheat farmers in Kansas and business executives in Michigan. We have experienced the full breath and diversity of our church. A week was also spent at the Summer Missionary Conference at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin with Global Mission Staff and missionaries serving throughout the world. Our Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson spoke at the Summer Missionary Conference our last day together. He expressed great excitement about the future of the ELCA and how he is more hopeful and grateful than he has ever been Nancy and I share this excitement about our church. What we found during our congregational visits is that Global Mission is a ministry that excites people and binds us together as one church. The great diversity of people we met would probably never have anything to do with one another except for the fact that all are involved in supporting us as missionaries of the ELCA and are very excited about being part of Global Mission. We continue to be very grateful for the support of all who sponsor us as ELCA missionaries in Papua New Guinea. We are very grateful for all those who invited us to their congregations, for those who hosted us in their homes, for those who continue to pray for us every day. Your commitment to Global Mission gives us hope that our church does indeed have a wonderful future. We look forward to our return to PNG. We ask for your continued prayers, for our safe journey and our ministry. Bel isi bilong God istap wantaim yupela. The peace of God be with you all.

9 Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministries The Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministries at Western Michigan University offers opportunities for worship, Bible study, and small group discussions to help students explore faith. We want to thank the area congregations for your support in various ways. If you know of any students who are attending WMU, Kalamazoo College or Kalamazoo Valley, or are interested in learning more about our ministry please contact Pastor David Louder or ). Bass Lake Festival 2011 Keeps Youth Rooted in Faith This year s Bass Lake Festival at Michi-Lu-Ca Conference Center and Camp, Aug 5-8, centered around the theme of Rooted. Speakers, bands, and workshop leaders all focused on what it meant to be rooted in our faith, rooted in the Word, and rooted in community, as over 200 individuals had an experience where their faith was strengthened and renewed. First Century Ministries delivered messages connected to the theme while they created various pieces of art using mediums such as porcelain clay, painting, pottery, and carpentry. Musical artists Attaboy, George Moss, Will Serrano, and R.A.D. (youth from Immanuel Lutheran, Detroit) performed spirit-filled sets that got the crowd dancing, singing, and contemplating their faith. Events like karaoke, square dancing, coffee house, ice cream social, and game night all rallied youth together as we celebrated community. Please visit to stay connected to updates regarding the 2012 Bass Lake event, and other events and programs offered by Living Water Ministries. Peace, C.J. Clark Executive Director Living Water Ministries

10 Churchwide ELCA News Flooding in the Upper Susquehanna Synod The Upper Susquehanna Synod is the North/West Lower Michigan Synod s partner synod. Flood relief efforts continue in the Upper Susquehanna Synod after devastating floods in early September. Pastors have discussed the extent of the damage in their communities, learned of what kind of supplies and volunteers the affected areas need, and analyzed the resources of their congregations for responding to that need. Pastors and congregations of the Upper Susquehanna Synod are now in the process of communicating these needs, collecting and distributing these resources, and recruiting volunteers. Below are two ways to aid in the flood relief efforts: + Donations (from congregations or individuals) can be sent to the Upper Susquehanna Synod office, marked Flood Response. 500 Reitz Boulevard, P.O. Box 36, Lewisburg, PA 17837, , + Work teams are needed to assist with cleaning-up flood-damaged homes, in some cases to remove drywall. This work would be arranged in conversation with Karl-John Stone, Assistant to the Bishop (karljohn@uss-elca.org or ). ELCA organizes cross-county hay lift to help Texas farmers, ranchers ELCA NEWS SERVICE September 15, 2011 CHICAGO (ELCA) - In times of disaster, members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have a history of responding quickly and generously. So when an ELCA pastor from Iowa learned about the plight of farmers and ranchers in drought-stricken Texas, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work on a solution that's helping to restore these communities in need. More: