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North/West Lower Michigan Synod
801 S. Waverly Rd., Suite 201
Lansing MI 48917
T 517-321-5066
F 517-321-2612
www.mittensynod.org
The Bishop’s Letter June 2009
From Beginning to End
A week has now passed since the Synod Assembly. The Assembly wasn’t perfect, and I was
reminded that even with all the hours of planning, there are, inevitably, ―glitches.‖ Next year, we
need to build in more space between events, e.g., between meals and the plenary sessions.
Monday, our full day, was a little too long for a number of people. The Tuesday schedule was
difficult for those unable to check out of the Radisson before breakfast. As synod staff, we have
already begun debriefing and will be taking time during June to read the evaluations for
suggestions. I know we’ll want, in the future, to allow more time for people to ―breathe.‖ We’ll
want (and appropriately expect) that all will participate from beginning to end.
Oral comments were heartening. Both opening and closing worship experiences allowed many to
express their ―passionate spirituality.‖ The energy of Michael Rinehart’s presentation, the depth
of Titus Presler’s addresses (and especially his meditation in closing worship), the perspective
that Stan Olson brought in his workshops and churchwide greeting moved some to say that this
was one of the best synod assemblies in years. The tone of the workshops on the proposed
Human Sexuality, Gift and Trust social statement and the Report and Recommendations on
Ministry Policies was respectful. Likewise debate on the resolution requiring a ―super majority‖
at the Churchwide Assembly on those recommendations demonstrated the gift given to us of
sharing honest, deeply-held differences without rancor. Our guests from Honduras felt welcomed
and affirmed. The desire for ―an undivided heart‖ seemed widely owned. Personally, I was
grateful for the calm heart God gave me and for the pleasant spirit given to us as we adjusted to
new surroundings.
Next year, May 20-22, Thursday through Saturday, we’ll be back at the Lansing Center but
welcoming also the Southeast Michigan Synod and their new bishop, Stephen Marsh. While
we’ll have some separate time for necessary business/legislative work, we’ll share worship and
meals and keynote addresses. How good it will be for all of us in the ELCA in the Lower
Peninsula to support each other and deepen partnerships as we pray for the ―re-invention‖ of a
sustainable life for the people of Michigan.
June 2009 Page 1
When we gather in Synod Assembly, we are church; we are an expression of the body of Christ
for the sake of the world. My prayer for next year is that we will build on the newly engendered
passionate spirituality, our deepening love for God and our neighbor, and our hopefulness
grounded in the cross and the resurrection. My prayer, too, is that all who come will be able to
fully participate, staying from beginning to end, that all of us are renewed and strengthened for
living the words often used these days in the sending part of our liturgies: ―Go in peace.
Remember the poor.‖
Bishop John
Benefit Concert for the Center for Mission & Ministry
On Sunday, June 21st, at 7:00pm, RACHEL SCOTT, Christian Vocal Artist will perform a concert with
her band at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 3383 Lake Lansing Road, in East Lansing. Rachel will be
leading this worship concert as a part of her tour. She has recently released her new CD - ―Resolution‖
nationally through Wal-Mart and Target stores. She is also one of the musical artists for Compassion
International with the release, ―The Least of These.‖ As of two weeks ago her song ―7:15‖ based on
Romans 7:15 was #6 on London (England) Radio. Come and join us for this special musical blessing on
Father's Day. A free will offering will be received on behalf of the Mission & Ministry Center of the
North/West Lower Michigan Synod. For more information call 517-351-8541.
Center for Mission & Ministry Pledge Update
We made progress at the Synod Assembly in raising the needed pledges for the Center. 60 people made
new pledges totaling $75,630! More response cards are coming in. We will report updates on gifts to
date toward the $1.5 million needed in forthcoming ―E-news‖ releases.
Synod Council Endorses “Making Us One” Campaign
Carolyn Mann, Synod Vice-President
At their recent meeting, members of the Synod Council voiced solid support for the capital campaign to
raise funds for the Center for Mission and Ministry! Members expressed their enthusiasm, excitement
and commitment for the building of the Center. They lauded the efforts of the Steering Committee, Jim
Pence, Kairos Consultant, and Paul Petersen, Owner’s Representative.
In understanding and in recognition of this vital project – and Bishop Schleicher’s efforts in its
promotion – the synod council realizes that many hours of the Bishop’s time will be taken up between
now and November 1. His leadership and commitment are imperative and we rejoice in his willingness
to advance the vision for the Center. In the next few months, whenever his schedule allows, the Bishop
will be traveling across the synod to share the vision of the Center for Mission and Ministry. The
Council has endorsed this use of his time.
We are grateful for the Spirit’s leading in this venture in faith and encourage your ongoing prayerful
petitions and financial support for this endeavor.
June 2009 Page 2
Earthkeeping News & Updates
Kim Winchell, Diaconal Minister
kwinchelldm@aol.com
Peace to you, Peace to the Earth!
Summer blessings and greetings to you all, and may the growing and greening of your corner of
God’s creation bring refreshment and renewal to your spirit!
It was great to see the growing interest in earthkeeping matters, at synod assembly. Here are some
additional ―Earthkeeping Opportunities‖ for you and your congregation:
EKO T-shirts
As some of you may have noticed at synod assembly, I and several other EKO Team members were
sporting some pretty cool T-shirts with the logo you see, above. If you or your congregational
―green team‖ members would like to order some, let me know. We can obtain ―organic cotton‖ ones
for about $7 each.
Oct 9-10 Retreat at Michi-Lu-Ca “Greening our Spirits, Greening our Congregations”
This is a great opportunity for members of existing congregational earthkeeping teams, or for those
who are interested in forming one, to come to Camp for a time of renewal, support, and
encouragement. There will be time for learning from one another and for reflection along the
Camp’s new hiking trails. Plan to carpool from your congregation or your region of our synod.
Come, and let the Spirit help empower and guide your earthkeeping efforts! See retreat listings at
www.elcalivingwater.com for more information & registration.
“The Story of Stuff” is a powerful presentation that has caused a buzz online and among educators
(www.storyofstuff.com). It can be downloaded or viewed online or ordered in DVD format ($10). It
effectively portrays the true costs of ―consumerism‖ and our too-often overly materialistic culture.
Where does the ―stuff‖ we use come from? Where does it go?
Climate legislation
This is a hot topic (pardon the pun) right now and likely for the rest of this year.
The U.S. Congress is (finally!) poised to enact national legislation to curb greenhouse gas
emissions, in response to accelerating climate change. They need to hear from us!
See www.elca.org/advocacy for updates on the ―American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009‖
(HR 2454), and what specific principles the ELCA is advocating for. You can also sign up there for
e-advocacy alerts. Contact your U.S. Rep and Senators this summer, to urge support of this critically
important legislation that will help to protect God’s creation and the many vulnerable human
communities that are already suffering greatly, due to the impacts of climate change.
June 2009 Page 3
At the Synod Assembly, we celebrated
nearly 50% of the congregations joining the
conversation regarding Scripture. These
congregations are making a pledge, much like the pledges made for monetary offering to be
faithful in their study of Scripture and intentionally having conversation. The following people
were the drawing recipients:
Lutheran Study Bibles:
Ann Ziehm - Good Shepherd, Manistee Paul Peterson - First, Muskegon
Pastor Christina Bright - New Life, Dick Hewitt - Prince of Peace, Portage
Spruce Pastor David Woodby - Redeemer,
Dawn Smith - St. Timothy, Midland Owosso
Pat Grostick - Bethany, Kaleva Jane Secor - Grace, Hastings
VBS Kit ......................................................................................... April Bissel - Advent, Lake Ann
Spark Bible..............................................................................Paul Werner - Our Saviour, Saginaw
Spark Story Book .............................................................................. Renee Zimmer - Christ, Reese
Opening the Book of Faith Kit....................................... Hedy Alcock, Prince of Peace - Rose City
Rediscovering the Book of Faith ........................................................ Bill Vance - Hope, Plainwell
Let’s all open the Scripture and Join the Conversation!
On June 23, three ELCA pastors will cruise from University Lutheran in East Lansing (leaving
at 4pm) to Christ United in DeWitt (for a picnic) to help raise money for the ELCA World
Hunger Appeal. Please join us to welcome them and to assist them on their way to the 2009
Churchwide Assembly in August. They have a goal to raise $5 million to eradicate hunger in
our life-time. The pastors will be presenting on the issues of hunger, both here and around the
world. They will be sharing ideas for ―all‖ people to become involved in the hunger effort.
Please plan to attend and join in this ELCA Hunger effort.
Our Synod Hunger Team is looking for volunteers to coordinate the
―Tour De Revs‖ visit. We are also looking for bikers to join in on
the ride from East Lansing to DeWitt. Please contact the synod
office or Lois Neves (leneves@comcast.net) if you are interested.
For more information, visit www/tourderevs.org.
June 2009 Page 4
Synod Assembly Highlights
Rebecca G. Bossenbroek
Executive Assistant for Administration
Three hundred fifty voting members and sixty visitors welcomed Bishop Michael Rinehart (Texas-Louisiana
Gulf Coast Synod), Rev. Titus Presler (General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church), and Rev.
Stanley Olson (Executive Director, Vocation and Education, ELCA) during our recent Synod Assembly. Also
present were our companion synod guests from Iglesia Cristiana Luterana de Honduras: Josefina Santos, Rubi
Flores, and Rolando Ortez.
Election Results
Synod Council Discipline Committee
Rev. Marcy Miller Rev. Janice Hite
Rev. Julie Winklepleck Rev. Julie Schneider-Thomas
Mr. Robert Pooley Ms. Cheryl Frank
Mr. Matthew Riak Ms. Jean Smith
Consultation Committee Mr. Andrew Lohrmann
Ms. Peggy Burns Trinity Lutheran Seminary Board of Directors
Rev. Thomas Pederson
Offering Totals
ELCA World Hunger Appeal ............................................................................................................... $11,942.23
Mission & Ministry Campus (response card total) ............................................................................... $75,630.00
Living Water Ministries .......................................................................................................................... $9,158.37
Resolution A
Resolution A was defeated with 136 opposing votes and 123 affirmative votes.
2009 Churchwide Assembly Voting Members
The following persons were elected in 2008 and will attend the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, August 16-23, in
Minneapolis. Those present during our Synod Assembly were introduced on Monday evening. Presiding
Bishop Mark S. Hanson invites you to participate in 50 days of prayer for the Spirit’s guidance during the
2009 Churchwide Assembly. (Check for details at www.elca.org.) Bishop Schleicher, Vice President Carolyn
Mann will also attend as voting members and Secretary Wayne Hoedt will attend as a visitor.
Rev. Michael Anton Rev. Paul Owens
Rev. Rebecca Ebb-Speese Mr. Matthew Riak
Ms. Sandy Foster Mr. Terry Speese
Ms. Jessica McCallum Mr. Paul Werner
Rev. Joan Oleson Ms. Kim Winchell, Diaconal Minister
June 2009 Page 5
Statements of Intent
Thank you very much to everyone who has reported their Statement of Intent for this year.
Together, our synod is able to support so many ministries, locally and globally, it would be
difficult to count them all. Here are some results so far, comparing this year to last year:
Quantity Percentage
Congregations decreasing their intent 24 19
Congregations increasing their intent 53 41
Congregations keeping their intent the same 17 13
Congregations that have not submitted their intent 35 27
Thanks be to God for every congregation for your partnership in ministry. We especially
celebrate the 41% of congregations (so far) who have increased their intents. If your
congregation has not sent your intent in yet, please send it in as soon as you are able. (The
statement of intent form is available at www.mittensynod.org under RESOURCES.)
Special Gift Opportunity
Advent Lutheran Church in Lake Ann (south and west of Traverse City) has been blessed with
rapid growth. The Holy Spirit is gathering in so many people that their current space is bursting
at the seams.
They have a lovely piece of property for building, and we are seeking $25,000 in special gifts to
help them pay off the loan on the property so that they can move forward with their capital
campaign with no debt on the property. A gift of any amount would be received with praise and
thanksgiving.
A gift could be made as a mission partner, or as an individual gift. If you would like more
information, please contact Clay Bates at claybates@mittensynod.org, or 517-321-5066.
Board of Pensions Update
As of April 30, 56.7% of our participating plan members have completed the Health Risk Assessment.
27 more plan members need to complete the assessment in order for employers in this synod to receive a
2% discount on premiums. Help us report significant progress next month toward the goal of 75%
participation.
June 2009 Page 6
COMPANION SYNOD – THRIVENT BUILDS WITH HABITAT
FOR HUMANITY MISSION TRIP
to Papua New Guinea - September 11-24, 2009
Come and join us for the experience of a lifetime. Travel to our companion synod in Papua New Guinea.
Plans are to spend a week working on a Habitat for Humanity building site and then spend a few days
with our Companion Synod partners and witness the signing of our Companion
Synod Covenant. Participants will meet with our companion synod partners in
Port Moresby, the capitol city. The Habitat for Humanity building site will be out
in the bush, in a village called Nawaeb, near Lae. Participants will live in the
village and work alongside local volunteers. Lutheran Churches have had a
mission relationship with this tropical country for over 100 years. For more details
about the country go to the ELCA Global Mission Country Packet:
http://archive.elca.org/countrypackets/png/desc.html.
The cost will be around $1,200 plus airfare (approx. $1855) for the 14 days. (Thrivent members will
receive a discount.) This fee will include room and board. There will be a few other incidental costs, but
very few. Participants must be 18 years of age, or 16 and accompanied by a parent. Exact costs will be
set when a budget is completed. Direct inquiries to Pastor David Sprang: pastor@ctkinggladwin.com or
989-426-1659.
Register by June 30 at www.habitat.org/cd/gv/apply/thrivent/apply_event.aspx and use the code GVT 10634.
Proposed Schedule
Friday, September 11 Afternoon- meet group in Detroit and fly to Los Angeles; Evening- board
NW/Quantas flights to Cairnes through Auckland
Saturday, September 12 Lost in flight time and crossing date line to somewhere over the ocean
Sunday, September 13 Arrive in Lae; rest/settle
Monday, September 14 Orientation, travel to worksite either on the road to Nawaeb or by boat/flight to
Finchafen; welcome into village
Tuesday, September 15 Begin work
Wednesday - Saturday, Thrivent Builds Worldwide workdays
September 16 - 19
Sunday, September 20 Worship and dedication of house
Monday, September 21 Depart village and return to Port Moresby
Tuesday, September 22 Time with companion synod partners and signing of covenant
Wednesday, September 23 Time with partners, sight seeing
Thursday, September Travel home
June 2009 Page 7
Remember in your prayers
Rev. Kenneth Ebb died on May 16. Memorial services were held on May 22. Cards may be sent to Rev.
Rebecca Ebb-Speese and Terry Speese, 5054 Breezefield Dr., SE, Kentwood MI 49512 and to Virginia
Ebb, The Woods at Maple Creek #25, 1900 32nd Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49508.
Pastor Tom Mammoser’s father-in-law, Wilbert Dierksheide, died on May 15. Cards may be sent to
Pastor Tom and Sandy Mammoser, 1835 Baden Strasse, Gaylord MI 49735.
Bishop Patrick Cooney, Diocese of Gaylord, was recently hospitalized and anticipates surgery.
Roster Updates
Zion, Cadillac welcomes Pastor Scott Torkko who will be installed on June 7.
Samuel, Muskegon welcomes Pastor Marcy Miller (installation to be announced.)
Bethany, Northport welcomes Pastor Tom Otis (installation to be announced.)
Requested Announcements
See the Passion Play in Oberamergau, Germany
In 2010, the people of Oberamergau, Germany will once again present the Passion Play. Since the mid 17th
century, this little town in the Alps has reenacted the story of Jesus’ passion every ten years. Andreas Teich, Pastor
at Messiah, Bay City, will be leading a group there. The group will depart the US on June 24 and return on July 2,
spending a few days in Bavaria, a few in Thuringia (home of the Wartburg Castle) and returning to Oberamergau to
see the Passion Play before heading home. For a group of 20, the land tour cost is $2439/person/double occupancy.
There are cost reductions whenever an additional 10 people are added. The maximum group size is 40. The cost of
airfare will be additional as well as the cost of a number of meals. Direct inquiries to Pastor Teich at 989-893-4444
or andreasteich@charter.net.
Used Office Furniture Available
St. Stephen, Lansing is looking for a new home for some used office furniture (chairs and tables) that has come into
their possession. Direct inquiries 517-321-2244 or office@ststephenelca.org.
Annuity Fund Closure
As the ELCA Board of Pensions continues to monitor the current economic climate, they made a decision to close
the ELCA Annuity Fund — which includes the ELCA Annuity Bridge Fund — to new entrants as of April 3, 2009.
While a difficult decision, the Board of Pensions believes closing this fund is prudent. The magnitude of the
historic downturn in global investment markets has affected the annuity fund’s value. Interest-crediting rates and
annuity payments may be reduced in the coming years as the result of recent investment losses. I can assure you
that the Board of Pensions is actively engaged to restore the value of the annuity fund. Contact the Board of
Pensions for additional information. Call (800) 352-2876 between 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Central), Monday – Friday.
(Press 3 for the Service Center then 2 for the retirement and annuity group.) Or visit www.elcabop.org/annuity
Does Your Church Have a Weekday School or Early Childhood Center?
ELEA is the national membership association of schools and early childhood programs in ELCA congregations and
its full communion partners. With a host of membership benefits, including accreditation, resources, conferencing,
discount programs, employee benefits, and much more, we are here to help you! For more information call 800-500-
7644 or visit www.eleanational.org
June 2009 Page 8
