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January 13, 2008
Walking Together is a weekly e-mail newsletter
of the Northern Illinois Synod best viewed in html. If you cannot see the graphics, go to
www.nisynod.org/pubs/wt .
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It's time for rostered leaders to submit annual Report to the Bishop forms. This form is available in formatta format, and if you don't have this program already installed on your computer you will have the opportunity to do so when you go to the ELCA Website. To access the report form on the internet please click here and proceed as instructed. Then follow the steps outlined (1-4) on the left-hand side of the page. If you submit your report electronically send it to jlewis@nisynod.org and put “2008 Report to the Bishop” in the subject line. Before sending the Bishop a copy, be sure you save this form as a document on your own computer and keep a hard copy for your files. If you prefer to mail the completed form, send it to Bishop Gary M. Wollersheim, Northern Illinois Synod, 103 West State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Please return your report NO LATER than March 1, 2008 in keeping with the Synod's constitutional provision S14.05. ("at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly"). If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Musch.
An updated supply pastor list is available at www.nisynod.org/resources/supplypastors.htm
Explore Multicultural Ministry and Outreach – Put these dates and events on your personal and congregational calendars now. Saturday, February 9, 2008. A Multicultural Ministry Event featuring presentations and discussion led by the ELCA Ethnic Ministry Directors. At St. Paul Lutheran, Davenport, IA from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. And Saturday April 26, 2008. An Anti-racism Workshop at St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Island, IL from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Both events are co-sponsored by the Anti-racism Teams of the Northern Illinois and Southeastern Iowa Synods and the Illowa Lutheran Coalition. For information: 309-794-4000 or illowa@mchsi.com .
Widening The Circle Project kick-off meeting on January 24 at LSTC for pastors, youth ministers and anyone else that is interested in working for kids having the opportunity to attend camp. For more information, contact Jim Zei, Project Director, Widening The Circle Project, 108 Meadow Av, Woodstock, IL 60098, 815-338-5361 jzei1@comcast.net
The Northern Illinois Synod's Diakonia Program, the synod's
adult lay education program, will be holding a one day
evangelism and stewardship seminar on February 16
at Faith Lutheran Church, 14206 Flagg Rd, Rochelle. Cost for
the retreat will be $15 per participant which will cover
lunch and snacks.
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Betty Stralow (Congregational Life Committee member) and family at the death of Betty's daughter-in-law, Shannon Stone, on Jan. 3.
Rostered leaders celebrating birthdays in January including:
Sarah Gehring, Ed Goelz, and the other NIS candidates for rostered ministry. Find the complete list of NIS Candidates at www.nisynod.org/candidates.htm .
Those not named here who need our prayers.
Send prayer requests to karin@nisynod.org.
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You can be proud to be a member of the ELCA! Look at some of the ministries YOU make possible through your congregation, synod, and churchwide organization. When you hear the stories you will proudly say, "Wow, the ELCA is really doing a lot!" You help people break out of the cycle of poverty and hunger. Your gifts to the Hunger Appeal make a world of difference to this village in Haiti. You helped provide a new school, six coffee cooperatives, hearty breeding pigs and small businesses that mean a brighter future for these families. This is only one example of how the ELCA responds to hunger by providing relief, development, education and advocacy—all outside the church's regular budget. This ministry is made possible through extra-mile giving to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Find out more at www.elca.org .
The Poverty of Climate Change: Climate Change and Poverty Earth Day Resource 2008! As people of faith, addressing climate change is justice issue. Water scarcity, drought, crop failure, increased disease, and flooding are just a few of the impacts those living in poverty around the world are and will feel from global climate change. This Earth Day, the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs is marking Earth Day Sunday (the Sunday closest to Earth Day) by recognizing the interconnectedness of poverty and climate change and offering a resource for worship, adult study, and youth activities. Copies will be available February 1, 2008. To obtain a copy visit www.nccecojustice.org To pre-order a copy contact the Eco-Justice Program office at info@nccecojustice.org or 202-481-6943.
Register Now For Ecumenical Advocacy
Days 2008 March 7-10, 2008, Hilton Alexandria Mark
Center Hotel, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22311.
Registration is now available for Ecumenical Advocacy Days,
to be held March 7-10, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Scholarships will be available for young adults
(applications due Feb. 7):
www.advocacydays.org/yadults/ Register now:
www.advocacydays.org
This week's front page features from The Lutheran magazine The invisible challenge: One couple tells their story of hearing loss. A model effort: Oregon youth create a 'dream' church building. Psyched about her work: Actor enjoys 'chief' role in comedy. PLUers in a pew rack? Trio dresses up as worship books for Reformation party. Also: Best practices: Hospitality. Also: Letters to the editor: Luther's 95 Theses. Also: Top story lineup for months ahead. Read these articles on our front page ...
OMG! Andrea Pohlmann (right) asks readers to weigh in on the phrase "Oh, my God!" Julie Sevig blogs about sitting in the right pew.
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What does Christ-centered
stewardship look like the in the 21st century? You are
cordially invited to attend "Root, Walk and Invite –
Stewardship for the 21st Century." This Kairos
Continuing Education class, scheduled for April 7-11
at Luther Seminary, will help you develop a personal
stewardship practice rooted in scriptural principles. This
seminar is designed to help you gain a clearer understanding
of your personal stewardship practice, a clear theology of
stewardship and a richer rooting in biblical stewardship.
Participants will be equipped to Root, Walk and Invite. As
if the topic weren't exciting enough, here is some good
news. The first 20 people who sign up for this class will
receive a $100 discount. You can sign up for the class or
get more information at
www.luthersem.edu/kairos or call 651-641-3416. Faith & Science Brown Bag -- Earthkeeping: The Consultation "Earthkeeping" is the subject of a two-day consultation the Lutheran Ecological Network of the Synods (LENS) and the ELCA Washington Office put together. At the close of the meeting, Kim M. Winchell, consultation moderator, will give an overview of topics covered. The Rev. Mark T. Peters will discuss steps Minnesota is taking to address climate change. Thursday, January 17, Noon-1:00 p.m. Council Room, 11th Floor Lutheran Center, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago Directions: http://www.elca.org/localmap.html
Divorce Recovery Workshop, on finance issues, is next Thursday, January 17, 7 pm, at Our Savior's, Rockford. Perhaps you may know someone in the process of divorce or newly divorced who is struggling to put together a viable financial future. Keith Irons, a financial consultant and member of Cross and Crown, will be the presenter. This promises to be an excellent presentation. For more information contact Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries 115 N. Wyman Street Rockford, IL 61101 815/962-4279 www.RockfordLutheranMinistries.com
Marriage Preparation Seminar Sunday, February 10, 1-5 pm, at Grace Lutheran, Rockford. If you have folks who are being married in the next several months, you may want them to attend. Contact Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries 115 N. Wyman Street Rockford, IL 61101 815/962-4279 www.RockfordLutheranMinistries.com, RALMmail@aol.com
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SIMUL anthology celebrates Lutheran voices in poetry. 138 new poems by 138 Lutheran poets--pastors, professors, teachers, school bus drivers, musicians, students, and more--are gathered in SIMUL, the first-ever anthology of Lutheran poetry. "SIMUL refers to Martin Luther's observation that as children of God we are both fully saints and fully sinners simultaneously," says Mark Patrick Odland, the ELCA pastor behind the book. "These poems reflect this paradox and explore the complexity, beauty and messiness of the human condition." Well-known contributors include Gracia Grindal, Steve Swanson, Ann Boaden, Paul Shepherd, and Robert Cording. Copies of SIMUL cost $13.99 and can be ordered from www.amazon.com ( http://www.amazon.com/ ) or directly from Pastor Odland. To request an order form or ask questions about the book, please contact him at simulanthology@hotmail.com.
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ELCA positions through Global Mission: Palestine: COMMUNICATION ASSISTANT Assist the ELCJHL Bishop's Office, congregations and schools with English communication, locally and internationally. All communication is done in English. Based in Jerusalem. M.Div. or higher theological training preferred. Strong writing skills required, minimum 3 years experience in communications (including web design and power point) or journalism preferred. Arabic language skills helpful. Two year assignment
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...were updated 1/4/08
...are available online, and are updated near the first of each month. |
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Looking for
information from a previous Walking Together?
Walking Together is a weekly e-mail newsletter that brings you all the news you need to know to stay up to date on happenings in the Northern Illinois Synod. It is sent to rostered leaders, congregations, and others by request. To be added to the listserv, change your e-mail address or otherwise manage your subscription, please click the link on the right or e-mail Karin@NISynod.org Your submissions, comments, and suggestions are welcomed. Contact Karin Graddy, Communication Director for the Northern Illinois Synod at Karin@nisynod.org.
If you are changing your e-mail address please send your name, old e-mail address, and new e-mail address to karin@nisynod.org .
You can also change your e-mail address, subscribe, unsubscribe, or control other personal options by going to http://lists.faithgroups.net/mailman/listinfo/walkingtogether . If you have any questions about this service, or ever have any trouble with Walking Together, please don’t hesitate to contact Karin@nisynod.org .
Karin
Graddy,
Associate in Ministry
Karin@NISynod.org
Rockford, IL 61101
815-964-9934 - office (Fridays only) 815-762-0758 – cell (email messages preferred)
<>< Making Christ Known <>< |
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The
delegation from the Northern Illinois Synod leaves for
India on January 13. The trip is hosted by Bishop Gary
Wollersheim, Esther and John Prabhakar and John Califf. The
itinerary includes Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal, one of the
seven wonders of the world, before flying to Chennai
(formerly Madras). After visiting Kochi and Tirunelvei
travel to the Arcot Lutheran Church and Tranquebar where
they will be hosted by Bishop Gideon Devanesan. They will
see many of the Christian sites in southern India and make
plans for Northern Illinois Synod congregations to partner
with the Arcot Lutheran church. While on their trip, they
will keep a blog of their experiences. Check it out at
An
updated substitute organist list is available at
On
Saturday, February 16,
every congregation should send teams of 3-5 people to a
free training event for congregational Green Teams
offering practical and inspirational guidance and resources
for the process of bringing "care of creation" into
congregations. The event, hosted by the
NI Synod Green Team and under the leadership of David
Rhoads (LSTC Director of the Green Congregation Program)
will take place from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at Lutheran Outdoor
Ministries Center, Oregon, IL. Anyone interested in
"greening" your congregation is encouraged to attend.
There is
no charge for the workshop. However, in order to adequately
plan for set-up and food, please register your congregation
and the approximate number of participants through Lutheran
Outdoor Ministries Center at 815-732-2220 or
Bishop
Wollersheim and the 28-member delegation from the Northern Illinois Synod as
they prepare to travel to Arcot Lutheran Church in India in
January of 2008. 
1/1
Rev. Kathleen Burkheimer
Children
of Abraham - “Know your neighbor!” Trialogue with Rabbi
Binah Wing, Pastor Jim Roberts, and Imam Shpendim Nadzaku.
Tuesday Evenings 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Vegetarian Dinner (Must
call to reserve dinner for each event.) 6:45 P.M.
January 15: "Prayer & Sacred Chant in Islam, Judaism,
Christianity" Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 6th Street & 3rd
Avenue. 815-963-4815. February 12: "The Meaning of
Faith in Our Traditions: Call of Abraham". Held at Temple
Beth-El Synagogue, 1203 Comanche Drive. 815-398-5020.
March 11: "The Creation in Our Traditions: Common
Ground" Held at the Muslim Community Center, 5921 Darlene
Dr. 815-397-3311. Community welcomed - no cost.
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Northern Illinois Synod, 103
West State Street, Rockford, IL 61101 Questions or comments about this website may be directed to Karin Graddy, Northern Illinois Synod Communication Director |
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