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NORTHERN GREAT LAKES SYNODEvangelical Lutheran Church in America
Marquette, [email protected]
E-Notes for April 15, 2020
The Season of Easter
Quote of the DayPsalm 91:1-6
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day,
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
Dear Friends in Christ,We are now in about the 4th week of lockdown, depending on whenyour state started. For most of us, we have not gathered in person forworship for at least three weeks. While we are still in the midst of apandemic, it seems to me that we are getting a little more used to beingin crisis. Whether or not that’s a good thing, I’m not sure. Theadrenaline flow is less, but there is still an urgency, an underlyinganxiety as we brace ourselves for what may come next – more badnews, an increase in cases, a loved one who is sick and we feelhelpless. But know this, there are good things happening too. God is at workcreating something new, as already, we see signs of God’s creativework.
People are being intentional about staying connected. Phonecalls, Zoom, online devotions and worship, cards and letters –congregations are doing what is necessary so that no one feelsalone.We are learning about how to use technology in new and usefulways. Bible study has become, in many ways, more accessible. People are taking more ownership of their own faith life withworship at home and using devotional resources. The challengesof our present time are driving people to pray harder, think andreflect more deeply, and wrestle with questions of faith.
When I chose the theme “Be Thou My Vision 2020”, I wrote to you whatI thought that might mean when the year 2020 began. I thought that inthis year, we would not be able to see much beyond the next step. Ididn’t realize then, how true that would be. But even if we can’t see even to the end of the month, God does give uswhat we need for today, for this step, for today’s challenges. For now,that is enough. Be gentle with yourself, and find blessing in this time ofwaiting, of pausing, of having time slow and our routines adjust to newrhythms. In the words of Julian of Norwich, “All will be well. All will be well. Allmanner of things will be well”. Yours in Christ,Bishop Katherine Finegan
Please click on the pictures below for links toCongregational Resources, Online Worship and Faith at Home:
Postponed & Cancelled Synod Events:
2020 SynodAssemblyPostponed
The Synod Council has determinedthat Synod Assembly will be
postponed until May 13-15, 2021 atFinlandia University in Hancock, MI. Refunds have been sent out to those
already registered.
already registered.
Please plan on attendingour Walking Together events this
fall! More informationcoming soon!
StewardshipEvents PostponedStewardship's Flip Side with Rev.Richard Wehrs has been postponeduntil Friday, August 28, 2020. The
Stewardship Workshop forCongregational Leaders with
Grace Duddy Pomroy is tentativelyrescheduled for Saturday, August 29,
2020. Stay tuned for more details!
BoundariesTraining to beRescheduled
The Boundaries Training has beencancelled at this time. As soon as
we are able to reschedule this eventwe will be sure to pass along details.
Upcoming UP Wild Events April 22, 2020 7pm
Interfaith Earth Day Prayer ServiceFaith communities join together offering wisdom on how to restore our
communion with all of Creation. Submit a prayer watch online. Visit the UP Wildwebsite for more details.
UP Wild is an ELCA and Episcopal joint “holy experiment” getting to knowJesus through creation care. All are invited to participate!
WellspringHealth & Wellness in a Time of Crisis
The Northern Great Lakes Synod of the ELCA and the Episcopal Dioceseof Northern Michigan, in partnership with the Cedar Tree Institute, invitespastors, priests, and faith leaders to join us via the internet (Zoom) for a 6
week series of health forums targeting the providing of pastoral care. Beginning April 24 this series will take place on Fridays through May from11 am-12 pm and space is limited to 12 participants per session. Please
find the flyer for this program here.
find the flyer for this program here.
Congregational A & C ReportsDue Friday, May 1, 2020
1. Your congregation received a paper copy of the A & C Report fromthe ELCA in the mail.
2. Your ELCA Church ID# and this year's password are printed on thereports in the upper right hand corner.
3. Click the orange link below to access and fill out the A & C formsonline.
If you cannot find your paper copy of the report, please contact Heather orBetsy at the Synod Office (906) 228-2300 for your congregation's ID#
and password.
Wednesday Noon LiveJoin the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin the first Wednesday ofeach month at noon for updates on legislation and an interview with a guest
via Facebook Live! The next Wednesday Noon Live will take place onWednesday, May 6, 2020.
LOPPW on Facebook
Link to A & C Reports
LOPPW on Facebook
Upcoming Events at Fortune LakeVisit www.fortunelake.org for more details and to register!
Save the Date for One Wonderful Day!Join us Saturday, August 8, 2020 for
One Wonderful Day, an original musical written by FLLC alumni, performed by Musical
Theatre Week campers.
Join the ProductionMusical theatre enthusiasts of all ages are invited to fill the roles of castmembers, ensemble singers, backstage crew and pit orchestra. If youwould like to participate in the production directly, register as a camperfor Musical Theatre Week (August 2-8). Discounts are available throughApril 1.
Join the AudienceSee the live performance of One Wonderful Day on Saturday, August 8
See the live performance of One Wonderful Day on Saturday, August 8at 2 pm CDT at the historic Crystal Theaters in Crystal Falls. A cateredbuffet dinner will follow at FLLC at 5 pm. Tickets must be purchased inadvance. Call (906) 214-2267 or visit the FLLC website to buy yourtickets today. Seats are limited.
Join as a CongregationYour congregation is invited to raise funds to purchase an ad in themusical's playbill, which will be seen by hundreds!
Visit Fortune Lake's website for additional details about how YOU canparticipate in the 90th Anniversary Celebration.
COVID-19 Response FundYou can help the ministries of the ELCA during this time of uncertainty bysupporting your local congregation and making a gift to the ELCA’s COVID-19Response Fund. Your donation will provide funds to the ministries of the ELCAmost in need and best positioned to help. This includes our congregations aswell as local and churchwide ministries capable of reaching and assisting thosein need. Click the red button below to donate.
Link to ELCA COVID-19 Response Fund
Daily Bread Matching GrantsELCA World Hunger is announcing the immediate launch of Daily BreadMatching Grants. Through these grants, ELCA congregations can raise fundsfor their feeding ministries using an online fundraising platform and will receivea grant of $500 from ELCA World Hunger. Up to 100 Daily Bread MatchingGrants are available for ELCA congregations on a first-come, first-served basis,with the possibility of more grants becoming available in the future based on thesuccess of this first round. Learn more here.
April Update fromPortico Benefit Services
People of God, these are interesting times to be in ministry. As you mastermany new skills and carry concerns about your people, your church’s finances,and your own family, please know that Portico is here to walk with you. Porticoplan members, sign in to myPortico for these timely resources: A new hub on myPortico details financial and health resources specificallyrelated to COVID-19, including:
updates on how the CARES Act can provide financial relief forcongregationstelemedicine and emotional health support options for ELCA-Primary and
Link to Daily Bread Matching Grants
telemedicine and emotional health support options for ELCA-Primary andELCA Medicare-Primary plan membersanswers about managing or adjusting flexible spending accountsfinancial resources from the ELCA Retirement Plan RecordkeepingServices Provider, Fidelity
This 16-minute video (filmed March 26) offers:
perspective on the investment markets and how we navigate volatilityways to remain emotionally grounded as retirement account balancesfluctuateresources Portico offers to help you through these uncertain times
Need to talk to your personal Portico Regional Representative? Jennifer Prinzcan be reached at 563/650-4122 or [email protected].
Join the 75,000 Face Mask Challenge COVID-19 is threatening vulnerable communities, and Lutheran World Reliefurgently needs cloth face masks to send to them. The cloth mask you sew inyour living room will provide love and protection to a neighbor in need halfwayaround the world. How many will you make to help stop the spread? Sign up formore info at www.lwr.org/masks.
KeepingZoom Meetings Safe
As your congregation navigatesmore of an online presence, you
might be using Zoom VideoCommunications more than ever.
Check out the link below for tips onhow to help keep your meetings free
from Zoombombing!
While we are involved in the tremendous effort to mitigate the spreadof COVID - 19, there is another important issue that requires our attention.Michigan's response to Census 2020 is critical for the people of our state.
The Census is critically important in determining funding for localcommunities and essential services, shaping our congressional
representation, and determining legislative districts and much more.
Congregation and community members are encouraged to respond to thecensus. Click here for the Michigan Be Counted, Core Messages
document that provides essential information. For more information,please contact the Michigan Census 2020 team at the following toll-free
phone number: 833-8CENSUS (or 833-823-6787).
Link to Zoom Privacy Tips
Innovating During Crisis
Grace Pomroy, Director of the Stewardship Leaders Program at LutherSeminary, has written an article called "Innovating During Crisis" where sheoffers "some opportunities for stewardship innovation during these turbulenttimes." The link to the article on our website can be found by clicking the greenbutton below.
Augsburg Fortress passed along copies of their 2020 brochure and anextended coupon code for us to distribute to the Northern Great LakesSynod. Many churches appreciate the ability to receive not only the
coupon, but also the opportunity to learn a bit about the new resources indevelopment at this time. Although this coupon code indicates that it will
expire this summer, it will be extended to give congregations anopportunity to take advantage of the savings. Please click here to view
the brochure and coupon.
Spiritual Direction Podcast
Link to Innovating During Crisis
Spiritual Direction Podcast"Be still and Know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
What exactly is Spiritual Direction? How does it differ from counseling,therapy, or talking with my pastor? How does spiritual direction assist mein my life and faith journey? Where can I find a spiritual director?
If you have ever asked any of these questions or have never even heardof spiritual direction then this podcast is for you. Pastor Andrea Fluegeland Pastor Grant Van Lishout discuss spiritual direction and try to answersome of the most common questions. Use the link below to listen andlearn more about spiritual direction.
Contact Information forSynod Youth Activites
As youth groups from across our synod gear up for the 2021 ELCA YouthGathering, go follow @nglsyouth on Instagram!
For synod youth-related activities, questions and information, please contactPastor Stacy Pethke at [email protected]. Pastor Stacy is the Chair of the
Youth Ministries Support Team and also the Synod Coordinator for the 2021ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis.
Link to Spiritual Direction Podcast
NGLS Youth on Instagram
SummerOpportunity for
YouthJuly 12-17 at Augsburg University
in MinneapolisApplication Deadline: May 1, 2020
The Augsburg Youth TheologyInstitute (AYTI) is an annual summerprogram for high school students.AYTI offers young people a chanceto connect with others as theypractice place-based vocationaldiscernment connected to a specifictheme. The 2020 theme is "Called tobe Co-Creators: You Are EnoughRight Now!"
The theme of AYTI 2020 deals withthe way that youth are looked downupon in society and highlights theirGod-given gifts. The church and theworld are ready for them right now,and AYTI will help them dig deeperinto how God is calling them inunique ways to God’s redemptivework in our world.
For more general information, feel free to visit the AYTI website, like them onFacebook and follow on Twitter .
Volunteer Service Opportunity forYoung Adults
The Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network is looking for young adults(age 21-30) for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer service andlearning about social justice. From the end of August 2020 to the end of
July 2021, corps members will be provided housing, utilities, healthcoverage, spiritual direction, and a $535/month living stipend. We also
offer a $1000 re-entry grant at the completion of the program.
The placement sites for the upcoming program year include faith-basednon-profits, secular non-profits, congregations, outdoor ministry, and our
campus ministry at UC Davis. These service sites address issues ofhomelessness, food insecurity, unemployment, children and youth
ministries, and other important social justice issues facing our
ministries, and other important social justice issues facing ourcommunities.
For more information, visit the LEVN website or contact Program DirectorCasey Dunsworth at 530-756-1550 or [email protected].
Continuing Education OpportunityGrand View University is now accepting applications for the 2020-2021 cohortof The Moses Project! The mission of The Moses Project is to give ruralpastors a vision of ministry that will help them thrive in congregationalleadership and in turn, enhance the vitality of the congregations they serve.This program is designed to help them build relationships with and learn fromexperienced clergy who will guide them through challenges at critical,transitional phases in their early ministerial career. Through a distinct andexceptional professional development program, pastors will receive criticalsupport, develop innovative strategies, and engage in ongoing learning andopportunities for renewal. They will build the very network that will provide themand those they serve with vitality.
For more information and details about The Moses Project, please visit theGrand View University website.
Lutheran Immigration and
Lutheran Immigration andRefugee Service
How much do you know about those feeling theunimaginable? Visit the LIRS website to take thePop Quiz: What Do You Know About Refugees to
test your knowledge and learn more about theworld's most vulnerable.
Congregational leaders are encouraged to check out the wide variety ofresources available online at the ELCA and NGLS. If you would like Pastor JimDuehring to visit with your congregation about stewardship, please contact himat the Synod Office (906) 228-2300.
Another helpful stewardship resource is the Stewardship Toolkit, written by Rev.Robert Blezard, Assistant to the Bishop of the Lower Susquahanna Synod. "Good, thoughtful, consistent communication, education and action can helpyour congregation develop a healthy culture of stewardship and generosity." Check out the Stewardship Toolkit for more information! The theme for themonth of April is "Steward the Earth, our only home" and the Toolkit has someexcellent resources for congregations to explore Creation Care.
Tithe.ly Giving Option Webinar
As many of you are aware, Tithe.ly is one of the Preferred Vendors forELCA congregations. While their initial services emphasized online giving,this partner is growing rapidly and is announcing new digital tools to helpcongregations grow, especially small congregations. This would includeChurch Management Software and Web Design Services. Pricing willstart as low as $9 per month. Tithe.ly now has more than 500 congregations using their online giving. We already have more than 160 congregations signed up for this webinarannouncement.
Through Tithe.ly, donation forms are integrated into the congregation'swebsite and a mobile app instead of sending donors to third-party sites.Donors have the option to make one-time or recurring gifts to providemore consistent giving. Tithe.ly can work with every ELCA congregation. Learn more at: https://get.tithe.ly/elca
Another Electronic Giving OptionVanco makes handling donations easy for church administrative staff and offerschurches new ways to increase donations by making it convenient for members
to donate. GivePlus also integrates with the most popular names in churchmanagement software to reduce the amount of time spent on reconcilingofferings. Along with Tithe.ly, Vanco is one of the preferred giving options forELCA congregations.
To learn more about GivePlus and the benefits of this preferred vendoragreement, go to www.giveplus.com/elca.
Prayfaithfully DevotionsCheck out Prayfaithfully on our Synod website!
People from the Northern Great Lakes Synod write weekly devotionals. Make daily devotions a part of your routine, you'll be blessed by this
inspiring discipline. Check out our upcoming devotions:April 12-18 by Christine Harkness, our 800th week!
April 19-25 by Pastor Diane SrutowskiApril 26-May 2 by Karen Carter
Maybe God is inspiring you to write for this synod devotional resource.If interested, contact Betsy Koski in the Synod Office, (906) 228-2300
Transitions
We pray for congregations and candidates in the call process. We prayfor patience as we navigate unforeseen and new realities that challengeand change “the way we have always done things.”
and change “the way we have always done things.”
Lifting Up to God in PrayerAll those who feel isolated, alone, and lonely.For all those working from home, that they find balance as thelines between work and home become blurred.For those who are hungry, and insecure about their next meal.For pastors and leaders, that they find refreshment and renewaleven as they strive to meet the new demands of ministry.
Check out www.prayfaithfully.org for weeklyBreath Prayer and Daily Devotions
Visit the Northern Great Lakes Synodwebsite: www.nglsynod.org
Link to the Bishop's Articles forCongregational Newsletters:
https://www.nglsynod.org/newsletter-articles/
E-Notes is a twice monthly electronic newsletterfrom the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.+Bishop Katherine Finegan
Copyright © 2020 Northern Great Lakes Synod, All rights reserved.E-Notes from Northern Great lakes Synod
Our mailing address is:Northern Great Lakes Synod
1029 N. Third St., Suite A
1029 N. Third St., Suite AMarquette, MI 49855
