RIVER CROSSINGS
SPRING 2015
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6-10
11
12-13
13
14-15
16
17
18
19
20-21
Synod Assembly Overview by
Bishop Steven Delzer
The Bridge: Synod Assembly
Synod Assembly Offering by
Rev. Peter Reuss
Getting to Know the Assembly
Speakers: Tammy Walhof &
Mary Minette
Synod Assembly Workshops
Honoring Our Recently Retired
Clergy
Spring Communications
Workshop
In Celebration of Hymn
Singing by Rev. R. Rudolf
Upcoming Boundaries
Workshop on May 28
Rethinking Stewardship by Rev.
Regina & Terrance Hassanally
Luther Reading Challenge
& New Mission Start Table
Update by Rev. Jason BryanWegner
The Bridge: Enough Food for
All Updates
Thank You for Helping by
Kathy Bolin
The Bridge: Accompaniment
Quarterly Synod Centenarians:
Agnes Olson & Alvena Glynn
RIVER CROSSINGS
SOUTHEASTERN
MINNESOTA SYNOD
SPRING 2015
VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 2
ON THE COVER
This issue of River Crossings is focused on our
upcoming Synod Assembly taking place on May
8-9, 2015 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
This year’s assembly theme is “For God So Loved
the World” with a special emphasis on the care of
creation. The logo is a visual representation of the
many layers of connectedness between caring for our
planet and feeding all people.
River Crossings is published four times per year by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
1001 14th St NW
Suite 300
Rochester, MN 55901
507-280-9457
FROM THE
EDITOR
This quarter’s issue of River
Crossings provides you with
all kinds of Synod Assembly
background information.
I’ve also included our past
three issues of The Bridge.
The Bridge is our monthly,
reproducible resource meant
to be a bridge between
the three expressions of
our denomination: churchwide, synod, and local
congregation. I hope it will be helpful in your context!
In peace and with joy,
Rev. Emily A. Carson
Director of Communications
[email protected]
SYNOD ASSEMBLY
OVERVIEW
more famished
for a justice that
distributes food
By Bishop Steven Delzer
fairly and do all I
can until every
The theme of our 2015 Synod Assembly is
from John 3:16: “For God so Loved the World” child on earth
– not just the people in the world, but the
has bread
whole world and everything in the world.
enough.
Our primary focus as a synod is on our
Enough Food for All initiative to eliminate
food insecurity in Southeastern Minnesota
by 2020. But the theme For God so Loved
the World adds an emphasis on the care of
creation. These two themes are inextricably
intertwined since the growing of our food is
dependent not only on the soil, air, sunlight,
and water of the earth, but also on the people
who bring that food from the fields to our
tables.
For the past few months I have been using,
as a part of my morning devotions, a book
titled, 99 Blessings - An Invitation to Life, by
Brother David Steindl-Rast. Blessing 40 has
so captivated my heart and mind that hardly
a day goes by without me reflecting on its
significance for both our Enough Food For All
initiative and the care of creation:
SOURCE OF ALL BLESSINGS,
You bless us with bread –
“fruit of the earth and work of
human hands,” gift of nature and
of culture, primary image of all
food, and symbol of our human
communion around a worldwide
table. May I eat each morsel of
bread with a gratitude that implies
outrage at hunger; may I grow ever
As you prepare for
this year’s Synod
Bishop Steven Delzer
Assembly, I invite you
to spend some time prayerfully reflecting on
this blessing, especially noting these phrases:
• Bread – “fruit of the earth and the work of
human hands.”
• Bread (as the) primary image of all food,
and symbol of our human communion
around a worldwide table.
• May I eat each morsel of bread with a
gratitude that implies outrage at hunger.
• May I grow ever more famished for a
justice that distributes food fairly.
• (May I) do all I can until every child on
earth has bread enough.
To learn more about our denomination’s
commitment to caring for creation, read the
1993 ELCA Social Statement: “Caring for
Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice” available
at the elca.org website. An abbreviated version
is available as part of our Pre-Assembly Report
found online at http://www.semnsynod.org/
assembly2015.
Bishop Steven Delzer was elected to serve as Bishop of
our Southeastern Minnesota Synod in June of 2013.
He invites all congregations to participate in our synodwide Enough Food for All Initiative. Find out more at
http://www.semnsynod.org/effa.
1
THE BRIDGE
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR CONGREGATIONS OF THE SOUTHEASTERN
MINNESOTA SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
Key Features
General Info
•
May 8-9, 2015
Mayo Civic Center
30 Civic Center Drive SE,
Rochester, MN
•
•
The Southeastern Minnesota
Synod Assembly is a gathering
of the members of our synod,
some of whom have been granted
the responsibility of being
voting members. The assembly
gathers for worship, Bible study,
fellowship, and the business of
the synod - budget, elections,
resolutions, and reports.
•
•
A focus on caring for creation,
ending food insecurity and John
3:16-17
Engaging speakers
A time to adhere to the business
of the church
Fruitful worship
Informative workshops
Registration
•
•
Online registration is encouraged
and available at http://www.
semnsynod.org/assembly2015
A printable paper copy is also
available and can be mailed in.
Key Speakers & Leaders
Bishop Steven Delzer
Southeastern
Minnesota Synod
Synod Bishop
Tamela Walhof
Director of Lutheran
Advocacy-Minnesota
Assembly Speaker
additional Details
•
Who is eligible to be a voting
member? •All clergy and Associates
in Ministry (AIMS) under call on the
roster of the Southeastern Minnesota
Synod •Lay voting members from
each congregation (for the number
eligible from your congregation visit
http://bitly.com/semnvote2015)
•Members of the Synod Council
•All retired clergy and AIMS on the
roster of the synod shall elect 10%
of their number to serve as voting
members. All other retired clergy
shall be advisory members with
voice but no vote. Retired clergy and
APRIL 2015 ISSUE
2
•
•
•
•
•
AIMS may not be elected as voting
members of their congregation.
Visitors: Anyone may register as a
visitor. To receive meals and other
assembly materials, the fee is the
same as for voting members. No
•
charge for observers.
Pre-Assembly Report and Schedule:
Available online by April 15. Each
congregation is responsible for
•
ensuring voting members have access.
Parking: Maps included in PreAssembly Report.
Lodging: A block of rooms is
available at the DoubleTree in
507-280-9457
•
Mary Minette
Director for
Environmental
Education and Advocacy
Churchwide
Representative & Bible
Study Leader
Rochester. Call 507-281-8000 by
April 18 and request a room in the
block reseved for “Southeastern
Minnesota Synod” to receive a special
rate of $120/room plus tax.
Meals: A continental breakfast
Friday and Saturday, lunch Friday
and Saturday, and dinner Friday are
included.
Offering: This year’s offering
will be split between Channel
One and the ECHO Food Shelf.
Online information: http://www.
semnsynod.org/assembly2015
HTTP://WWW.SEMNSYNOD.ORG
SYNOD ASSEMBLY
OFFERING
By Rev. Peter Reuss
Some tasks seem too large to tackle on our own.
Taking a shovel to a large parking lot full of snow
would sound like a hopeless task. Who could
ever move that much snow? Yet if enough people
showed up with shovels there could be hope of
getting the job done. Each shovel would play an
essential part in the whole task.
Throughout
southeastern
Minnesota,
congregations
do great work to
feed the hungry.
Many collect food
or money for
local food shelves.
In the face of the
huge number of
hungry people in
our midst it can
feel like holding
a shovel in the middle of a vast parking lot. Who
can feed this many people?
At the 2015 Synod Assembly we have an
opportunity to pool resources to make a BIG
impact on hunger in southeastern Minnesota.
Every year at the two Assembly worship services
an offering is taken. This year, as part of
the Enough Food for All goal of ending food
insecurity in southeastern Minnesota by 2020,
the offering has been designated for Channel
One Food Bank and ECHO Food Shelf in
Mankato. Channel One efficiently serves nearly
every county in this synod, with a mere $25 able
to provide food for a family of four for 10 days!
The Mankato area is not covered by Channel
One, so this synod intentionally includes their
local ECHO Food Shelf as a partner in ending
food insecurity.
This Synod Assembly
offering is an opportunity
for the congregations
of the Southeastern
Minnesota Synod to all
join together. Just think
of what could happen
Director for Evangelical
if congregations took
Mission, Rev. Peter Reuss
special offerings to be joined
together at the Synod
Assembly! If congregations
brought an average
collection of $100 each,
over 87,000 meals would
be available for those most
in need. If congregations
brought an average of
$250 then over 218,000
meals would be available.
If congregations brought
an average of $500, over
437,000 meals could feed
folks. Wow!
Congregations will also
receive a special map put together by the
Building Bridges Working Group of the Enough
Food for All Task Force. This map is meant to
be displayed in your congregation and shows the
actual numbers of hungry people in each county
in our synod.
Each community of faith plays an essential part
in the whole task. Working together makes each
individual effort a part of a huge impact in the
world. We are not alone. We are a synod, walking
together in faith.
Pastor Peter Reuss serves as an Assistant to the
Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission for our
Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
3
GETTING TO KNOW THE
2015 ASSEMBLY SPEAKERS
scribes and Pharisees (who were political leaders,
in addition to being religious leaders). With the
Spirit of God working in and through us, we can
call our leaders and our society back to justice and
righteousness, and we can live the supersized version
of righteousness and justice by loving God and loving
others! My favorite Scripture passages include Luke 4:
18-21, Isaiah 58, Micah 6: 6-8.
Assembly Speaker: Tamela (Tammy) K. Walhof
Vocation: Director, Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota
How does your faith inform your vocational
calling?
God is at work to redeem, restore, and transform all
aspects of a fallen world. Hunger, poverty, and the
degradation of God’s good creation don’t match God’s
vision.
A “messed up” world leaves some people feeling
hopeless, believing there is nothing that can or will
change, and so they don’t feel compelled to work for
a different vision. Some Christians of other church
backgrounds look at extreme poverty and the fallen
structures (economic/political) that contribute to
poverty and hunger, and believe there is nothing here
for us. Their worship and action is escapist, looking
only toward Christ’s second coming. Yet, God does
give us a pretty clear vision of what the world should
look like, and how God wants us to live (see Isaiah 58,
Matt. 25: 31-46, Luke 4:18-21, the Old Testament
prophets). In that vision, everyone has enough, and
where something is lacking, God’s people step up not
just to offer a Band-Aid, like feeding or clothing the
poor, but to change the system and structures that
keep people poor by insisting upon justice. (The words
justice and righteousness are intricately interrelated,
and refer to right relationship. Righteousness refers to
right relationship with God, while justice refers to right
relationship among people).
We are called to be advocates for that vision of justice
and community, even with our political leaders. We
can be like the advocates Moses, Esther and the
prophets were in their day, and like Jesus with the
4
Bible Study Leader & Churchwide
Representative:
Mary Minette
Vocation: Program Director, Environmental Education
and Advocacy
How does your faith inform your vocational
calling?
I’ve been interested in and passionate about
environmental advocacy since I was a child (I wrote
my first letter to the editor as a nine-year-old), but
didn’t realize until I came to work for the ELCA
Advocacy Office in Washington nine years ago that
one of the underlying reasons for that passion was my
faith. Like many people, creation is where I find God
at work! Favorite verse: Psalm 104, verse 24—“Oh
Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom
you have made them all; the earth is full of your
creatures.”
Describe one experience in the past year that
brought you a lot of hope and encouragement
in the Spirit’s working through the ELCA.
This past September I had the privilege of marching
among over 200 ELCA Lutherans at the People’s
Climate March in New York City and was inspired to
see how many people took the time to travel to New
York to express their concern about climate change
(along with more than 400,000 other people).
SYNOD ASSEMBLY
WORKSHOP OVERVIEWS
The following workshops will be offered during Synod
Assembly at 10:00am & 11:15am on Saturday,
May 9. Please share this information with the voting
members in your context.
Why Lutherans Care for Creation (Mayo
Suite A)
“We dedicate ourselves to the care and redemption
of all that God has made.” Lutherans frequently offer
this prayer of thanksgiving each Sunday morning.
To be sure, care for God’s creation is central to the
Scriptures and deeply rooted in the theology of Martin
Luther and the Lutheran confessional tradition. This
workshop surveys biblical and theological foundations
for creation care and identifies resources Lutherans
can utilize in their congregations and communities.
Presenter: Jim Martin-Schramm, Professor of Religion, Luther
College, Decorah IA
Organic Farming: It’s Roots in Our
Communities and the Possibilities it Offers
for God’s People (Auditorium Stage)
Join the conversation as a panel of local organic
farmers share why they choose to farm organically,
what the term organic means in our world today, how
the fruits of their labor cares for creation, and how
you might plant the seeds of organic farming into your
community, your congregation, and your life.
Presenters: Eve Barr/Todd Juzwiak of DreamAcres, Daniel
Miller of Easy Yoke Farm, Jennifer Rupprecht of Earth-BeGlad Farm, Jerome Walch of Four Sisters Farm
Clean Energy, Climate, Health, and Hunger
(McDonnell Suite A)
Are these issues related? How? What is Lutheran
Advocacy - MN (LA-MN) doing to address these
concerns with our State legislators this spring? What
plans exist to continue this work in the months and
years ahead? Join this interactive workshop to learn
answers to each of these questions, and more!
Presenter: Tammy Walhof, Director, Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota
Rising CO2, the Science of Climate Change,
and your Congregation (Mayo Suite B)
Climate change is an unprecedented challenge to
humankind which, if unchecked, will increase all the
inequities and troubles of the world. Yet the issue
is fraught with some confusion. Come to hear the
science explained in layperson’s terms, the primary
skeptical questions addressed, and the role churches
can play in ensuring that we maintain a hospitable
climate for generations to come. Bring your questions
and concerns. We will also discuss specific actions
churches can take in making a difference in the care of
God’s creation.
Presenters: Alan Anderson and Rev. Luther Dale
Enough Food For All: Stories of God’s Work
and the Possibilities in Our Congregations
(McDonnell Suite B)
In 2014, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
committed to ending food insecurity in southeastern
Minnesota. So what has happened during the past
year? Listen and learn about the work of the synod’s
four Working Groups: Healthy Food, Advocacy,
Building Bridges, and Hands On. Hear stories of the
ministry and outreach which area congregations
are currently engaged in. Think together about the
partnerships yet to be cultivated, and imagine the
place where you and your congregation are called to
connect in this ministry, as we care for God’s people as
part of God’s Creation.
Presenters: Enough Food For All (EFFA) Southeastern MN
Synod working group members
Abundant Grace, Abundant Bread—
Looking to the future of the Southeastern
Minnesota Synod (Exhibit Hall)
Rev. Mike Ward of GSB (Gronlund, Sayther, Brunkow)
served as the consultant for our Southeastern
Minnesota Synod, guiding us through a Visioning
process, and a Feasibility Study for a potential
campaign. During this workshop, Mike will facilitate a
conversation about what these processes mean for the
future of the synod, sharing how we got here, what he
learned about us, and point us to where this means we
are going. Mike works with congregations and synods
across the country.
Presenter: Rev. Mike Ward, Certified Fund Raising Executive,
Partner/ Gronlund, Sayther, Brunkow
5
HONORING OUR
RECENTLY RETIRED
CLERGY
By Rev. Emily A. Carson
This year at the Synod Assembly, we will carve
out time to honor our newly retired pastors! We
give thanks to God for their faithful service to
the Gospel, and we wish them joy and peace in
retirement.
REV. BETSY DARTT
Favorite Bible references, books, movies,
and hymns: The book of Philippians, the
Lord of the Rings series, Les Miserables, Barter
(a poem by Sara Teasdale), Hymns: Immortal,
Invisible and Beautiful Savior.
REV. CHRIS BREKKE
Favorite Bible references, books,
movies, and hymns: Anything by C.S.
Lewis, Shawshank Redemption, the book of
Ecclesiastes, Hymns: O Christ the Same and
Lord of all Hopefulness.
Meaningful ministry memories: My second
call as a mission start in Colorado. I remember
knocking on 11,000 doors as the community was
forming. And building a church building was
very memorable.
Joys/plans/anticipations about retirement:
Extra time to be with family - especially parents
and grandchildren. Working on a few books.
Learning a new instrument.
Words of guidance for new rostered
leaders: Love the lord, love the people.
Cultivate relationships.
6
Joys/plans/anticipations about retirement:
More time with family, grandchildren, time with
sisters, free weekends, pulpit supplying and other
continued ways to serve, quilting.
Ways you nurture your spirit: Piano and
music, prayer, meditation, taking time to truly
LISTEN to God.
Words of guidance for new rostered
leaders: Love the people, remember how much
God loves YOU - keep trusting and listening to
the spirit.
To view this issue of River
Crossings online and explore our
archives, visit: http://semnsynod.
org/river-crossings/
Continues on page 7
REV. PAUL FORDE
Favorite Bible references, books, movies,
and hymns: Carl Barth’s book The Epistle
to the Romans, anything by Fred Craddock.
Movies: Field of Dreams, ET, Schindler’s List.
Psalm 18:30, Gospel of Mark, 2 Thessalonians
3:3, Psalm 51, Exodus 14:13.
Meaningful ministry memories: I
participated in many youth activities and retreats
over the years. Always enjoyed visiting folks at
the nursing home. Bible studies were a big part
of my ministry, and I always tried to facilitate a
meaningful Lenten series.
Joys/plans/anticipations about retirement:
Spending time with Alexa Lupo, my first
grandchild! Traveling, supply preaching, Habitat
for Humanity and local service activities.
Gardening, golf, and tennis.
Ways you nurture your spirit: Prayer
retreats, daily devotion practices.
Words of guidance for new rostered
leaders: Be sure to take your continuing
education time and opportunities, use your
vacation time, stay intellectually involved. Don’t
let your personal library end with your seminary
training. Avoid neglecting your family.
REV. BOB KAUL
Favorite Bible references, books,
movies, and hymns: I am a student of the
Old Testament, especially 2nd Isaiah and
the prophets with their call for justice and
rightenousness. Romans 8:35-39. Hymns: On
Christ the Solid Rock I Stand and Be Thou My
Vision.
Meaningful ministry memories: A trip
in 1982 to Nicaragua, teaching - especially
Confirmation, providing pastoral care.
Joys/plans/anticipations about retirement:
Spending time in my wood shop, time with kids
and grandkids, and time playing the guitar.
Words of guidance for new rostered
leaders: Get into really good, deep habits of
spiritual exercise. Find a good spiritual director.
Learn how to deal with conflict; learn as much as
you can about administration.
“Get into really good, deep habits of
spiritual exercise.”
-Rev. Bob Kaul
Continues on page 8
7
REV. JOHN TORRIS LOHRE
REV. JOHN PETERSEN
Favorite Bible references, books, movies,
and hymns: Team of Rivals, Devil in the
White City. 1 Corinthians 10:13. Hymns:
Borning Cry and Drawn to the Light.
Favorite Bible references, books, movies,
and hymns: Telling Secrets by Frederick
Buechner. Galatians, Isaiah 43:1, 1 Corinthians
1:8-9, Hymns: How Great Thou Art, Thy Holy
Wings and Lift High the Cross.
Meaningful ministry memories: Being part
of a team ministry and the collegiality of that.
I learned things from every call. And I really
enjoyed being part of the ELCA.
Joys/plans/anticipations about retirement:
Continue supply preaching. Read. Golf. Time
with grandchildren is a top priority. Travel.
Words of guidance: There are so many
insights and resources if you’re willing to ask!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be flexible.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
-Rev. John Torris Lohre
Meaningful ministry memories: Music has
always been a huge part of my ministry. I also
have fond memories of distributing communion,
baptisms, and being part of the “ministry of
presence.”
Joys/plans/anticipations about retirement:
Time! I have time to do the things that I love.
Bicycling, woodworking, reading fiction.
How do you nurture your spirit? Reading
and study of Scripture, prayer, meaningful
conversations.
Words of guidance for new rostered
leaders: Stay in the Word and bring the Word
to life for people! Take good care of yourself.
Take a regular inventory of what’s working and
what’s not working in your life.
Continues on page 9
8
REV. LOUISE STROMBERG
Favorite Bible references, books, movies,
and hymns: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life
Together. I enjoy writing poetry, too. John 15:16,
John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9. Hymns: My Hope is
Built on Nothing Less, Rise Shine You People
Meaningful ministry memories: Involvements
in the lives of people at significant moments bringing God’s love into situations. Baptisms,
weddings, funerals.
Joys/plans/anticipations about retirement:
Spending time with grandkids, traveling to Ireland,
time to read, quilt, serve, and use my embroidery
machine.
How do you care for your spirit? I always
set aside a place for quiet time, preferably in my
sunroom.
Words of guidance for new rostered leaders:
Be sure to nurture your own faith and love God’s
people.
“Love God’s people.”
-Rev. Louise Stromberg
REV. DENNIS TIMMERMAN
Favorite Bible references, books, movies,
and hymns: Romans 8:28, Gospel of John,
Crossways Bible Study.
Meaningful ministry memories: Habitat for
Humanity, community involvements, serving as an
EMT.
Joys/plans/antcipations about retirement:
Opportunities to spend more time with family,
schedule freedom, time to build and fix things.
Words of guidance for new rostered leaders:
Recognize the importance of having outlets
beyond the church. Find a text study group.
REV. JANE TIMMERMAN
Favorite Bible references, books, movies,
and hymns: Poetry of John van de Laar,
Gospel of John.
Meaningful ministry memories: 7-day silent
retreat at Villa Maria, leading grief groups.
Joys/plans/anticipations about retirement:
Nice not to have commitments. I am taking voice
lessons. Looking forward to more jewelry making.
Words of guidance to new rostered leaders:
Have a life outside of church connections. It’s
so easy to get so focused on church ministry. It’s
important to have involvement with people who
aren’t involved in the church.
Continues on page 10
9
REV. CURTIS ZIESKE
HELPFUL LINKS
Favorite Bible references, books, movies,
and hymns: Political and sports biographies.
Gospel of John, Luke - Chapter 1, Hymn: The
Church is One Foundation
Churchwide:
• Resources:
http://www.elca.org/Resources
• ELCA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
• Living Lutheran (stories and blogs):
http://www.elca.org/Living-Lutheran
• ELCA Advocacy:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaadvocacy
Meaningful ministry memory: My
Sabbatical experience in the Holy Land - building
relationships there.
Joys/anticipations about retirement: Travel.
The opportunity to be available. More time to
read and enjoy things slowly.
Words of guidance for new rostered
leaders: The stuff I remember is the stuff that
brought joy. Count it all joy. Take opportunities to
pursue your theological interests. Appreciate the
sacraments.
ADDITIONAL RETIREES BEING
HONORED AT SYNOD ASSEMBLY
INCLUDE:
• Rev. Graciela Jortak
• Rev. Lydia Mittag
• Rev. Donald Roberts
• Rev. David Rossow
10
Ministry Partners:
• Good Earth Village:
http://www.goodearthvillage.org
• Lutheran Campus Center - Winona:
http://www.lccwinona.com
• Crossroads Campus Ministry - Mankato:
http://crossroadsatmnsu.org/
• Lutheran Advocacy - Minnesota:
http://bitly.com/semnlutheranadvocacy
Synod Reminders:
• For the full synod calendar, visit: http://
semnsynod.org/calendar
• Monthly call process & roster updates:
http://semnsynod.org/callprocess/
• Sign-up for the weekly e-news: http://bitly.
com/semnenews
The Southeastern Minnesota Synod presents the...
Spring
Communications
Workshop
May 18
10am-3:30pm
St. Ola f Lutheran Church
Austin, M N
With Rev. David Hansen:
the “Digita l Pastor”
Cost & Details
Good News - New & Ancient Tools
$10 (includes lunch)
Ideas travel faster than ever, but it is harder than ever to be
heard among the thunderous voices calling for the attention of
our audience. In this rapidly changing world of communication
and community, how can the voice of the church be heard over
the noise? How can we use the tools available to us to develop
meaningful and lasting connections and relationships? During
this day-long workshop experience, we will explore a variety of
communication tools – some new and some ancient – that help us in
sharing the Good News. We will talk about the best strategies for
sharing our message and building community, gain some hands-on
experience, and discuss practical tips for reaching people in the
digital age.
Register online at http://
www.semnsynod.org/
communicators
Questions? Email
Emily Carson (carson@
semnsynod.org).
This event is open to anyone
who communicates (and
that’s everyone)! Clergy,
church staff, lay people, and
volunteers.
Rev. David Hansen “the Digital Pastor” helps congregations and leaders to use new tools to
share the Good News and build community. His work has been featured in The Lutheran,
PLGM Magazine, The Social Media Gospel, and other publications. You can connect with
David on Twitter (@rev_david) and Facebook (facebook.com/revdavidh).
11
IN CELEBRATION OF
HYMN SINGING
preached and taught a
doctrine - salvation was by
faith alone. He believed that
the Bible should be translated
By Rev. R. Rudolf into the language of the
people and that the worship
Everyone smiles and everyone joins in when
service should also be in the
someone begins to sing, “Jesus loves me! This I
know, for the Bible tells me so.” For most children language of the people. He
emphasized the need for
this is the first song they memorize. When they
education, not only among
learn it and sing it, their faces brighten and there
Rev. R. Rudolf
the
clergy
but
also
among
is joy in their voices.
the laity, and so he produced
The Catechism. And, most
All of us love to sing Christmas hymns. When we
importantly, one must credit him for the birth
sing them we feel good! When we sing the carols
we feel like the shepherds who heard a great song of congregational singing (he wrote some great
hymns).
and who saw a great sight and we rejoice. Why?
Simply, because the Christmas hymns are so
With the invention of the printing press, people
wonderfully familiar.
in the pews were
provided the opportunity
The first week I was
With the invention of the printing
to become active
in my first parish
press,
people
in
the
pews
were
participants in the
after ordination, the
worship service instead
provided the opportunity to
parish organist came
of being just spectators.
to the parsonage. She
become active participants in the
brought me a hymnal.
Learning new
worship service instead of being
As she handed the
hymns…having the
hymnal to me she
just spectators.
unfamiliar become
said, “I have marked
familiar
the hymns that the
members know. They
The easiest way to learn a new hymn is to sing it
like to sing the familiar hymns.” As I looked at
often: i.e., four consecutive Sundays. When the
the marked hymns it was a fair number, but in
organist introduces a new hymn he or she should
my opinion too many of the really good hymns
play only the melody line. For the first Sunday
were missing. I knew I’d miss singing some of my
or two a soloist or small group could lead the
favorites. I had to devise a plan to help the folks
congregation in learning the hymn. The soloist
learn more of those great old hymns.
or small group could sing the odd numbered
verses with the people in the pew joining in on the
Singing hymns…participant or spectator
even numbered verses. On succeeding Sundays
when the organist moves to full accompaniment,
Prior to Martin Luther and the Reformation
an instrument (flute, trumpet, violin, etc.) or
in the 16th century people in the pew were
instruments could emphasize the melody sound.
spectators at worship. The music at the service
was provided by professionals. It was rarely in the
language of the people. Those in the pew had few
responsibilities and seldom responded.
Today most would agree that Martin Luther
provided four essentials for the church. He
12
During that month a paragraph or two might
appear in the service folder answering the
question, “Why are we singing this hymn?” If
there is a Children’s Meditation, that meditation
could tell the story of the hymn
Continues on page 13
of the month or it might take a verse from the
hymn and connect it to the scriptural basis. It
might also be emphasized in the sermon. Once
a hymn has been used as a hymn of the month,
it needs to be returned (reinforcement) on
occasion…and, sung at least once or twice during
the following few months.
There are many other opportunities for practicing
hymns: have a practice session on occasion ten
minutes prior to a service (leave time for a prelude
for member worship preparation). If possible
think of having the entire Sunday school take a
Sunday every quarter to be in the nave to practice
new hymns. Another option…extend VBS an
additional half-hour just to learn new hymns.
Always use a hymnal when learning a new
hymn…projection screens do not include the
music…and, seeing the notes, rise and fall,
becomes important when learning a new melody.
As Lutherans let’s not permit the loss of our
reputation as “the singing church.” For we know
the nurturing and strengthening of our faith
provided by those good old hymns.
Online articles for pastors, musicians
and others interested in improving
congregational singing
Just type the title of these articles into your search
box on your computer and the links will be
available.
1. “Nine Reasons People Aren’t Singing in
Worship” by Kenny Lamm
2. “Five ways to Improve Congregational
Singing” by Keith & Kristyn Getty
3. “Dear Traditional Worshipers” (in Ponder
Anew)
Rev. R. Rudolf served St. John Lutheran in Owatonna
for 28.5 years. Since retirement in 1995, he has been
supporting the arts and enjoying an average of 70 concerts
per year.
UPCOMING BOUNDARIES
WORKSHOP
Thursday, May 28, 2015
9 am-3 pm
Is it all right to be friends with members of
the congregation? How many days in a row
without a day off is healthy – five? Eight?
Fourteen? The Boundaries Workshop not only
shares information to keep congregational
members safe within church communities, it
also encourages leaders to be healthy and to
lead others by modeling healthy relationships
and working habits. In addition, the electronic
communications we all share change those
relationships quickly.
Pastors, associates in ministry, interns, and
program staff serving our synod are invited
to this workshop. It is recommended that this
workshop be taken every 5 years.
Led by Rev. Jim Arends (Bishop, La Crosse
Area Synod) and the Southeastern Minnesota
Synod Staff
Cost: $5.00 per person for noon meal to be
collected at the check in table on the 28th.
Checks may be written to the SEMN Synod,
attn: Boundaries.
Please RSVP by May 14, 2015 by emailing
[email protected] or larson@
semnsynod.org or calling Kari or Gwen at
507-280-9457 or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota.
13
RETHINKING
STEWARDSHIP
by Rev. Regina and Terrance Hassanally
If you Google search the state of church giving
you can find, in the same results feed, one
headline that declares church giving is at an all
time low and another that says church giving
has gone up. The results can be confusing. The
Rev. Regina and Terrance Hassanally
confusion only adds to the anxiety many of
us are prone to feel when it comes to financial income. Of special note is something we have
stewardship in the church.
observed in the 2005 through 2012 data. The
under-25 age group gave the smallest portion
Historically, the largest benefactors of
of income to charity. However, of the amount
charitable giving have been education and
that they did give, the vast majority — in
religious organizations. While there have been 2012 that was 73 percent — was directed to
bumps along the way, religious organizations
“church, religious organizations.”
in the United States of America have enjoyed
an upward trend in terms of charitable dollars While those under 25 give a smaller portion of
received.
their income to charity, of the dollars they do
give the vast majority of it, up to 73%, is given
Wondering where all those generous donors
to religious institutions. It can be expected that
are? It turns out Minnesotans are among the
those in the under 25 age bracket might give
most generous philanthropic givers, exceeding a small portion of their income to charity, as
the national average and according to the IRS those in this age bracket typically have low
giving 5.1% of their adjusted gross income
income levels and very often, high debt and
in charitable contributions. What does this
expense levels.
mean? It means there is money to be given and
Minnesotans are willing to give it.
However, as age increases so does earning
potential. We think some of our greatest
And if you’re thinking well, that may be true
financial givers might be in the generations to
but young people in the church just don’t
come. Already those under 25 are choosing to
give like past generations used to – and that’s
give significant sums of their charitable dollars
the problem! Allow us to gently invite you to
to support their faith communities. As those
reconsider this notion in light of actual data.
individuals have more to give the actual dollars
According to John and Sylvia Ronsvalle, who
given has opportunity to increase.
have researched what Americans give to the
church since 1988, and have studied national
If you think all of your congregation’s
trends across denominations:
financial eggs are in one basket, and that
basket is starting to grow older and older,
In every age group, giving to “church, religious we invite you to consider the potential givers
organizations” received the highest portion of among you – not just in terms of finances, but
14
also leadership and gifts for ministry. People
make financial investments where their other
investments already lie.
People make financial
investments where
their other investments
already lie.
Consider this an invitation to rethink
stewardship, specifically financial stewardship.
Consider for a moment that perhaps our best
days are not behind us but that the potential
for a new wave of stewardship in finances and
leadership is sitting in our pews. This is not an
invitation to invest in young adults solely for
the purpose of financial gain. It is an invitation
to rethink the scapegoats we typically use to
help us make sense of the radical changes
the institutional church is in the midst of
and to start thinking more broadly about all
the different pieces and people that might be
involved in ushering in the next generation of
church.
There is more data to offer than can fit into
this space. You need to know that Americans
have charitable dollars to give and religious
organizations are always among the top
recipients in terms of dollars given. You
also need to know that those under the
age of 25 are willing to give, especially to
religious organizations. One last thing to
keep in mind: there is an upward correlation
between congregations that talk about money,
stewardship and finances and the dollars those
congregations receive.
If you want to invite more people into active
stewardship a good first step is to talk about
it. A lot. Once a year on Stewardship Sunday
is not enough. And talking about money only
when you’re asking for money is never a good
idea. Find creative opportunities, use venues in
which you know your congregation is paying
attention, and teach them about our call, as
the people of God, to generously give.
Terrance has been working in the world of finance since
2007 first as a fundraiser and currently as a financial
advisor for Edward Jones. Regina is pastor at St. Luke
Lutheran Church, Goodhue. They have two sons and
are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third child in
June.
Connect with our
Synod Online:
Website:
http://www.semnsynod.org
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/
semnsynod
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/
semnsynod
Consider signing up for Steps
of the Steward: our monthly
e-newsletter or one of our
regularly produced resources
at.
http://bitly.com/
semnsynodsignup
15
LUTHER READING
CHALLENGE
• What did Martin Luther really say in the 95
Theses?
• Is it true he had a special affection for the
Virgin Mary?
• Did he think the Old Testament was all law
and no gospel?
• What was his advice concerning prayer?
• Did he advocate good works?
• Why was the real presence of Christ the center
of all his thinking?
• How did his last will and testament break the
law (in favor of his wife)?
• What did Luther actually say and think?
As the Reformation anniversary in October 2017
draws near, Martin Luther will be a hot topic
of conversation. Lutheran churches are already
asking themselves how to commemorate the big
event. It’s not too early to start preparing! And
what better way to do so than actually to read and
discuss Luther’s own words?
That’s where the Luther Reading Challenge
comes in. Sign up for a free account and join
countless other readers around the world in reading, discussing, and reflecting on Luther’s important writings!
Each text begins with an introduction, giving its
context and key themes. You can add marginal
comments, respond to others’ remarks, and raise
your own questions. You can also tailor your own
profile to share and connect with others.
In time there will also be a blog, other languages,
and even gamification elements!
JOIN TODAY!
HTTP://WWW.
LUTHERREADINGCHALLENGE.ORG
16
NEW MINISTRIES TABLE
UPDATE
By Rev. Jason Bryan-Wegner, Table Chair
God isn’t finished with new ministry in Southeastern
Minnesota. This is why the synod has a New
Ministries Table. For some time, we as a table have
wondered what exactly our role is. You may even
be asking yourself, “We have new ministries in our
area?” A couple of decades ago, it was common
for the Office of the Bishop to identify where new
churches should be planted. A developer would be
chosen and get to work on the ground. A committee
of the synod would oversee that work.
Today, it seems like God’s movement is more
fluid. New ministries are emerging from within
congregations and communities, rather than being
initiated by the Office of the Bishop. Today, a new
house church movement is being developed out
of Gloria Dei in Rochester. Trinity Fellowship in
Rushford is building partnerships with the local
Presbyterian church and the Latino community.
These are exciting new things God is doing in and
through our faith communities. It has made the
Table wonder what other ways the Holy Spirit is
stirring in our communities.
The New Ministries Table’s role isn’t to identify
where new ministries should go today. God is
already at work preparing the field. Rather, we serve
to partner with congregations and communities
to tell their stories of what our Creator is doing,
and provide access to resources for new ministries
that are emerging in our synod. As a team, we’ll be
listening in a variety of places throughout the synod
for ways God is calling new people to worship God
and serve others. The Lord of Life isn’t finished
with new ministry in southeastern Minnesota.
Thank God for that!
Rev. Jason Bryan-Wegner is a pastor at Zumbro
Lutheran Church in Rochester and chair of the New
Ministries Table.
THE BRIDGE
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR CONGREGATIONS OF THE SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
ENOUGH FOOD FOR ALL (EFFA)
UPDATES
By The Working Groups of the EFFA Initiative
Enough Food for All (EFFA) is our Southeastern
Minnesota Synod’s initiative to end food insecurity in
Southeastern Minnesota by 2020. We believe Jesus is
the bread of life, and we take seriously his invitation
to provide food and drink for those in need. Our
hope is to partner with other agencies, congregations,
non-profits, and religious organizations to eradicate
hunger in our region. Over the past year, four different
working groups have been formed to address different
aspects of food insecurity. Below are updates from
each of these teams.
Healthy Food: Ending food insecurity in this
synod will take more than a Lutheran effort! With
a goal of ensuring that foods abound in nutrition,
this task force is partnering with the State Health
Improvement Program (SHIP). Every county has a
SHIP coordinator (often affiliated with Public Health
offices). Providing healthy foods is a cornerstone of
that program! With spring coming, congregations are
utilizing resources and expertise from SHIP to start
community gardens on their property. Local food
shelves will soon abound in fresh produce! To find
the SHIP coordinator in your area, go to http://www.
health.state.mn.us/divs/oshii/ship/communities/.
Building Bridges – Making Connections through
Food: Often when we think of hunger our minds
think of starving children in Africa or people in the
inner city of Minneapolis who struggle to put food
on the table. This taskforce is working to help us see
that hunger isn’t only an ‘over there’ issue. It’s right in
our backyards. At the Synod Assembly posters will be
provided showing the number of food insecure people
MAY 2015 ISSUE
•
507-280-9457
(per county) in our synod. Be sure to pick one up and
display it for your congregation, then pray about ways
that you can reach out to your neighbors to provide a
good meal.
Advocacy: The mission of the Advocacy working
group is to educate members of congregations of our
synod about hunger and its systemic causes, and to
gather advocates to counter those systemic causes.
Members of our working group recently attended the
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition’s “Day on the
Hill” in St. Paul, MN to bring concerns about poverty
and working families to our state legislators. We are
planning a future workshop for members of our synod
to learn more about food insecurity and opportunities
for action about this concern.
Hands On: The Hands-On working group has
been busy focusing on being the conduit between
the churches and the synod. We’ve established a
need for churches to share ideas about ways to
elimate hunger on a local level. With the the help of
the synod’s weekly e-news, Facebook page, and the
upcoming Synod Assembly, we are doing what we
can to help congregations connect with one another.
Over the past year we’ve received information and
stories from 84 churches in the synod about their
food ministries and how they’re working to alleviate
hunger in their communities. Over a dozen churches
have been contacted to share unique ideas they have
implemented within their churches and communities.
Presently, these churches are developing videos to
share at the 2015 Synod Assembly. We are looking
forward to stemming other ideas off this in the future.
For more information on Enough Food for All, visit
our website: http://www.semnsynod.org/effa
•
HTTP://WWW.SEMNSYNOD.ORG
17
THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO
GROW ONE OF THE FASTEST
GROWING CHURCHES IN THE
WORLD!
By Kathy Bolin
At the 1990 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
unanimously passed Resolution No. 90 – 08 to
establish a Companion Church relationship with the
Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Tanzania (ELCT). At that time there were less
than 50 congregations in five districts (conferences)
in the diocese.
In February of
2015 Bishop Alex
Mkumbo of the
Central Diocese
wrote that in
November 2014,
23 new pastors had
been ordained to
serve in their now
94 congregations
in 9 districts in the
diocese.
Bishop Mkumbo said, “Thank you again for your
support in training our new church workers, Pastors,
Evangelists and Parish Workers. Although we have
repeated several times to say thank you, it does not
matter how many times one can give thanks.” Two
new districts (conferences in the Central Diocese)
were officially established in February 2015 and five
congregations were opened in 2014 with new ones to
be opened as well in 2015.
In addition the Tabora Mission Area, adjacent to
the Central Diocese, will soon become a new ELCT
Synod. The Tabora Mission area has been served by
pastors and evangelists from the Central Diocese.
For the past 25 years your faithful support to the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod for your Companion
Church in the Central Diocese has helped to provide
for the renovation of the school buildings, sending
of teachers and scholarships to Lutheran Institute
Kiomboi (LIK). Hundreds of students, mostly
from the Central Diocese, have received theology,
evangelism and parish worker education at or through
18
LIK. Your support (and the
work of the Holy Spirit) of
this small rural bible school
in the Central Diocese
has been instrumental in
the establishment of new
congregations and the growth
of one of the fastest growing
churches in the world. Each
of the 94 congregations is
Director for Global Mission/
the ‘mother’ congregation
Companion Synods,
of several ‘sub-congregations’
Kathy Bolin
making a total of over 400
preaching points. Sub-congregations are served
by evangelists who
in addition to their
daily work as a farmer
or teacher, cares for
the needs of their
congregation including
preaching on Sundays,
visitation and teaching
confirmation. The
ordained pastor from the
mother church serves the
sub-congregation to perform marriages, confirmations,
baptisms, funerals and communion once a month or as
often as possible given some congregations have more
than five or six sub-congregations. Beginning in the
early 1990’s pastors and lay-people from Southeastern
Minnesota Synod have taught English and theology
classes at LIK. Most teachers have taught for one
three month semester, a one month evangelism course.
Rev. Carl Bruihler from First Lutheran in LeSueur
says, “Teaching a group of 90 evangelists game me
a much deeper understanding and appreciation for
the challenges and joys that go with the daily work
of ministry in the rural congregations of the Central
Diocese; for me it was a mission of Accompaniment in
the truest sense of the word!” If there was a television
network that was all good news, perhaps the IAGN
Network (It’s All Good News), this story of your
commitment to being Companions with the Central
Diocese could be a “breaking news” story. It is indeed
good news. God’s church is growing and you have and
are making a difference. Asante sana. Thank you.
Kathy Bolin serves as Director for Global Mission/Companion
Synods for our Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
THE BRIDGE
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR CONGREGATIONS OF THE SOUTHEASTERN
MINNESOTA SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
ACCOMPANIMENT: A
THEOLOGY OF MISSION
By Kathy Bolin
Director for Global Mission/Companion Synods of
the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
both reconciled within God’s story. One definition of
accompaniment is: Walking together in solidarity in
a way that practices interdependence and mutuality.
Accompaniment promotes:
MUTUALITY: We work to recognize that all of us
have gifts to offer to God’s mission. Mutuality is built
The attitude with which we approach other people and
upon giving and receiving trust as we grow together.
cultures matters greatly. As members of the Evangelical
• INCLUSIVITY: Our cultures filter and influence
Lutheran Church in America, we uphold an approach
how we see the world and each other. Inclusivity
called accompaniment.
requires self-reflection and honesty about ourselves
and our own communities and relationships.
Accompaniment is a scriptural and practical way of
• VULNERABILITY: Jesus shows us that
understanding mission that has been articulated in the
vulnerability (openness to relationship, giving up
past few decades in dialogue between churches in the
power) is God’s way of redemption. It takes courage
“global North” (those who historically
to be vulnerable.
sent missionaries) and churches in the The five pillars of
•
EMPOWERMENT: When
“global South” (those who historically accompaniment:
we can name and acknowledge
received missionaries). Today, there
that relationships have differences
1. Mutuality
are more Christians in the “global
of power, and we strive to bring
2. Inclusivity
South” than in the “global North.”
balance to those partnerships,
It is a different world than that of
we are working to empower one
3. Vulnerability
the earliest missionaries, and our
another. Learning to let go of
4. Empowerment
understanding of and living out of
power – to become vulnerable – is
mission must respond.
5. Sustainability
an act of empowerment.
• SUSTAINABILITY: The
The accompaniment model was presented to the
accompaniment value of sustainability requires that
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
any given relationship will require an intentional
by Latin American churches as a model for being
commitment of attention and time to build up all
companions with one another. The foundational
those who are involved. The key to sustainability is
scripture for this model is Luke 24:13–35, the Road to
listening, hearing and sharing.
Emmaus passage. This story of Jesus reminds us that
mission is a journey and that Christ is already present in As a synod, we are committed to encouraging this
encounters and visits wherever we go. Our companions
way of approaching interpersonal and intercultural
may be individuals in our own community or our
relationships. Thank you for your partnership in
partners in Colombia, Tanzania, South Sudan or other
expanding awareness about this important topic.
countries around the world.
For more on accompaniment and our connections
Luke’s Road to Emmaus passage illuminates to us how to with Colombia, Tanzania, and other global ministry
accompany one other in our journeys. Accompaniment
programs, please contact Kathy Bolin at bolin@
helps us to see mission differently. It brings your
semnsynod.org.
story and my story together to a place where we are
FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE
•
507-280-9457
•
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HTTP://WWW.SEMNSYNOD.ORG
19
QUARTERLY SYNOD
CENTENARIANS
By Rev. Emily Carson
Several months back I received an
enthusiastic message in my email inbox
from Pastor Beth Krolak of Grand Meadow
Lutheran Church. She shared, “I have two
101-year-olds in my congregation who would
probably love to talk with you. Both are here
in Grand Meadow. Let me know if you want
to arrange a chat with them.” It didn’t take
me long to take Pastor Beth up on that offer
and arrange a visit to Grand Meadow, located
about 25 miles south of Rochester.
What a privilege it was to spend a breezy
March afternoon with Pastor Beth visiting
Agnes Olson and Alvena Glynn! The insights
of these centenarians are thoughtful and
compelling.
Name: Agnes Olson
Home Congregation: Grand
Meadow Lutheran Church
What Bible verses and books have been
impactful to you?
John 3:16, Ephesians, The Lord’s Prayer
Where are the places you feel most
peaceful?
“The garden. Growing flowers and vegetables.
I’ve always liked to garden. It’s so nice to see
the results and be outside.”
What are some of the ways you served
within the congregation over the years?
“I washed millions of dishes. I was a Ladies Aid
leader and a Misson Circle leader.”
Agnes Olson is 101-years-old and a member of Grand Meadow
Lutheran Church
When times have been difficult, where
have you found strength?
“Through God and family.” Agnes lost her
husband during World War II. She was left
with four young sons and another on the way.
During the interview she shared a profound
sentiment: “The Lord did not give me much
in the way of talents, but he did give me the
ability to adapt to changing circumstances.”
How do you nurture your faith and spirit
these days?
“I go to church services. I also like to watch
Peace and Power on television. When I go to
bed, I turn the lights out and then talk to God.”
What do you want the generations who
come after you to know about Jesus?
“To believe in Him. To believe he will help
them carry their load. To pray. To learn to
depend on him.”
“The Lord did not give me much in
the way of talents, but he did give
me the ability to adapt to changing
circumstances.”
Continues on page 21
20
Name: Alvena Glynn
Home Congregation: Grand
Meadow Lutheran Church
Pastor Beth, Alvena, and I sat down for
the interview around her kitchen table.
We munched on cookies and apples and
rejoiced in the way God is at work in our
everyday lives.
It was especially meaningful to look through
an album of photos from Alvena’s 100th
birthday party last Easter. It was very clear
that family and friends play a central role
in her life. Alvena also shared an album
of newspaper clippings from her time on
the Grand Meadow basketball team in the
1930s.
How do you nurture your faith and
spirit these days?
“I pray a lot, listen to sermons, read the
Psalms, read my devotions, and watch Peace
and Power on television.”
When times have been difficult, where
have you found strength?
“In reading the Bible and praying which
makes me feel closer to God.” Alvena also
shared about the important role quilting has
played in her life and in the caring of her
spirit.
What are some of your hobbies?
“I have been reading a lot for the last 5
years. Before that, I was too busy and was
often quilting.”
Alvena Glynn is 101-years-old and a member of Grand Meadow
Lutheran Church
“When I am near my poppies.” Alvena
loves the poppy plant and has a beautiful
collection of poppy plates as well as an
exquisite poppy quilt.
Do you have a favorite hymn?
“How Great Thou Art.”
What do you want the generations
who come after you to know about
Jesus?
“He died for our sins. He avoided
temptation. I hope they have a sense of
purpose.”
Each quarter, a synod centenarian is celebrated
in River Crossings. Is there a member of your
family of faith who has reached the 100-year
mark? Please let me know by emailing carson@
semnsynod.org or calling the Office of the Bishop
at 507-280-9457.
What are the places you have felt
most peaceful?
21
Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
1001 14th St. NW, Suite 300
Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 507-280-9457
http://www.semnsynod.org
Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
1001 14th St NW, Suite 300
Rochester, MN 55901
PHONE: 507-280-9457
FAX: 507-280-8824
River Crossings is the quarterly newsletter of the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod. Please share ideas,
suggestions, and articles with the synod’s Director of
Communications, Pastor Emily Carson at carson@
semnsynod.org.
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