SD Synod

Missional Toolbox

Kevin Stillson — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:45:55 +0000

Missional Toolbox of the South Dakota Synod

Greetings in the name of our risen brother, Jesus Christ!

You are about to embark upon an adventure of faith with 200 other congregations and 100,000 other Christians as together we seek to live out God’s vision for us: “That All May be Fed.”

This resource provides you with tools and a step by step approach to discovering the ways that God is calling you to “Proclaim the good news to every hungering soul; Share compassion with all who suffer; and Feed all whose bodies lack nourishment.” New tools will be added to this toolbox on occasion, so return here often. If you have an idea or suggestion for adding to or improving this toolbox, please send it to Pastor Bill Tesch, our Director of Evangelical Mission.

Missional Toolbox Directory

As you will learn from step by step guide, mission planning involves three great listenings: Listening to God, Listening to each other and Listening to community. Out of these listenings, comes your discovery of what God is already up to in your community and what God is calling you to do. Here is a directory of resources to guide you through this process of discovery…

This guide contains the step by step approach to planning.

Resources for listening to God and to each other:

Resources for listening to your community and to each other:

Demographic Resources (facts and figures)

Resources for discovering your congregation’s unique gifts and assets:

Questions? Looking for assistance or someone to come along side you as you begin your planning process? Contact Pastor Bill Tesch at the South Dakota Synod office.

Joys and Concerns: Marge Madsen

Kevin Stillson — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:49 +0000

Rev. Anna Madsen’s mother, Marge Madsen, had surgery on May 2 in Sioux Falls and is doing well.

Please keep Marge in your prayers as she continues her recovery.

News from Campus Ministry at Black Hills State University

Kevin Stillson — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:59:18 +0000

The Lutheran Campus Ministry at Black Hills State University would like to share with you what God is up to in their midst. Their May newsletter tells the stories of four women that have been helped by their ministry. Check it out!

Joy Ranch Grand Opening June 2nd

Kevin Stillson — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:57:26 +0000

Come experience the “Brand New Old West”! Joy Ranch, the new barrier-free retreat center located north of Watertown, is now open!

All are invited to an open house style celebration at Joy Ranch, June 2nd from 1 pm -Firework Finale at Dusk!

FREE Celebration!

Music by “Fly by Night” at 2 pm and 8 pm
Tours
Pontoon Rides
Kids Activities
Old West Demonstrations
Supper for purchase from 5 – 7pm

Learn more at www.joyranchsd.org or 605-886-4622.

Glocal Mission Gathering Speakers

Kevin Stillson — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:51:00 +0000

The Glocal Mission Gathering (GMG) on June 22-23 at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Sioux Falls will bring together congregational leaders for a day and a half of worship, workshops and sharing around global and local mission.

Keynote Speakers will be Pastor David David Vásquez. one of the campus pastors at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and Pastor Stephen Bouman, Executive Director of the Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit in the ELCA.

Pastor David Vásquez is one of the campus pastors at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Following the devastating May 12, 2008, immigration raid in Postville, Iowa, Pastor David served as part of the Postville Relief Effort core team, working in areas of coordination, advocacy and legal support. Originally from Guatemala, Pastor David has focused his research work on immigration as a central image in sacred texts.

Pastor Stephen Paul Bouman currently serves as the Executive Director of the Congregational and Synodical Mission unit. He is founder of the Diakonia ministry education program, which trains lay people for ministry in local congregations. His parish ministry also included building strong multicultural outreach, the launching of two parochial schools, leadership in several church based community organizations, and a variety of ministries of assistance and advocacy among the poor. He currently serves on the board of Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries in Chicago, Illinois.

Director of Youth and Family Opening at Trinity, Yankton

Kevin Stillson — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:03:32 +0000

Trinity Lutheran Church of Yankton, SD is currently searching for a new Director of Youth and Family Ministry.

Are you an individual of faith with gifts for mentoring youth? Can you develop relationships & enhance the spiritual life of youth in grades 7-12 while coordinating family fellowship opportunities throughout the year?

A full job description is available at www.tlcyankton.com. Please submit cover letter, resume and references to srpastor.tlc@iw.net. New graduates are encouraged to apply.

Videos From Rostered Leaders Retreat Available Online

Kevin Stillson — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:01:20 +0000

Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson, of Luther House of Study, presented “The Office of the Keys: The Source of Evangelical Preaching” at the 2012 Rostered Leaders Retreat in Watertown, South Dakota.

The recordings from the presentation are available on the Synod Vimeo Page. There you may stream the presentations or download them to your computer.

News from Cameroon Travelers

Kevin Stillson — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:59:30 +0000

On May 6, 2012, the first women and the first Fulani (an ethnic group in West Africa) were ordained by the Lutheran Church in Cameroon in Ngaoundere. Among the approximately 2,500 in attendance were Rev. Nyla Schoeld, Rev. Erika Lehmann, and Karis Gust representing and carrying letters of congratulation from the South Dakota Synod. Six choirs in attendance set the tone for the six hour service of celebration.

Follow the travelers’ blog for travel updates and photos.

Take the ELCA.org Survey

Kevin Stillson — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:56:56 +0000

What do you think of the ELCA website, ELCA.org?

The ELCA website is a resource for leaders of this church and a place for ELCA members to see all that is happening in the church. Please take a few minutes to take a short survey to let the ELCA know what you appreciate about ELCA.org and where you think they can improve.

If you are a rostered leader, please take this survey. If you are a member of a congregation, please take this survey.

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback!

Send Youth to Synod Assembly!

Kevin Stillson — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:54:13 +0000

Did you know that registering a youth (age 16-21) to vote at the South Dakota Synod Assembly allows your congregation to bring one additional voting member? We have learned from experience that having young people at our Synod Assembly brings new life, energy, and voice to our work and ministry together.

Please strongly consider bringing a youth or young adult as one of your congregation’s voting members to the South Dakota Synod Assembly, June 8-9 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

Any confirmed voting member youth in your congregation can have voice and vote at the Synod Assembly. Bring a youth who is attending the youth gathering in New Orleans, as this will be a great time to meet others from around the state prior to the gathering. And, if they will be singing in the choir while in NOLA, there will be a choir rehearsal at 8 PM on both Thursday and Friday!

Participating in the Synod Assembly is significant in the continued development of young church leaders. They experience first-hand all that God is up to in the South Dakota Synod and ELCA, help make important church decisions, and meet other young church leaders from across the state.

Visit the synod website for more information and registration.