Light of the Cross June 2019 Newsletter
Ponderings from Pastor Juli
(parts excerpted from the Together Here report for the 2019 Synod Assembly)
One of the significant aspects of our synod’s work is in the area of restoring and developing relationships with the Indigenous communities, especially those within our synod. I felt it was important to share parts of their report presented to the recent synod assembly.
At the synod assembly in 2017, our synod passed a resolution to repudiate the doctrine of discovery and host a service of repentance and reconciliation. Out of that resolution the Together Here team was created, with the purpose of engaging in the ministry of mutual accompaniment through a process of learning, listening and relationship building between our communities of faith and the Indigenous communities within our synod.
The ongoing and evolving goals of Together Here are:
· To walk with our faith communities as we form a shared historical perspective with our Indigenous neighbors,
· To guide our faith communities as God stirs our hearts into authentic repentance of the divisions caused by systematic oppression of which the doctrine of discovery was a piece
· To work with our faith communities to build authentic relationships with our Indigenous neighbors,
· To engage our faith communities in deep listening of Indigenous peoples through a process of truth telling and healing, and
· To prepare our faith communities to participate in ceremonies of healing led by Indigenous people within their own traditions as they deem appropriate then invite Indigenous communities to participate in an appropriate ECLA synodical ceremony of repentance and reconciliation.
Together Here is planning a number of workshops over the course of the next 11 months with the goal of providing space where people throughout our synod can get to know the stories of those living in our communities. The series creates opportunities to learn and discuss experiences and shared histories in order for us to see each other with the hearts of neighbors rather than through the eyes of strangers.
Trinity Lutheran in Brainerd will host these workshops in our area on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A schedule of topics will be posted on the bulletin board and I will try to include each monthly topic in the newsletter.
The first event will take place on June 26 and will be a “Blanket Exercise”. This is an interactive experience that raises awareness of the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and no-Indigenous peoples in the United States. The experience is designed to increase knowledge about the laws, policies, and programs used during nation building that have impacted Indigenous people’s rights and self-governance by literally walking participants through our shared history with a different perspective. During the experience, participants are provided the opportunity to form a common memory and begin conversation about how we can build intercultural bridges together
I am planning to attend these workshops and would welcome any other interested individuals to join me. I am proud of the work of our synod in this area, and I encourage your prayers for the work of the Together Here team.
Campfire Conversations
Last summer we tried out a new event called “Campfire Conversations” which met on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. Part faith discussion, part Bible study, part worship, this mid-week gathering met at the campfire (or inside if the weather didn’t cooperate) for about an hour on Wednesday evenings. This informal time together was well-received as we enjoyed being outside in nature and sharing with one another how God has been active in our lives. Those gatherings will continue this summer and we invite you to return, or to try it out for the first time. The Campfire Conversations will return this summer, but they will not occur every week. Please note the schedule below with some possible themes:
June 12 Resentment (The elder brother in Luke’s prodigal son parable)
June 19 Humility
July 3 Doormat versus Servant
July 10 Wealth – what makes someone rich?
July 17 Accompaniment – how do we we “walk with” others?
August 14 Regret
August 21 Saints
August 28 Perseverance
Thank You
Sincere thanks to everyone for your prayers and concern for our grandson, Cameron (Linders). We truly are thankful for your love shown to our family. Cameron, age 14, is a miracle child – he’s back in school with a good prognosis. Thank You!
Denny & Sharon Linders
5th Annual Mille Lacs Lake Area Operation Community Connect (OCC)
Mille Lacs Area Health Foundation and Mille Lacs Health System along with area businesses, organizations, county agencies, and churches are hosting this one-day event which is designed to connect families and individuals of all ages to local resources, jobs, information, housing and other services.
Last year over 100 community members attended. This event s free and open to everyone. Included are free hygiene packages, children’s tennis shoes, and a meal. Also provided are free dental services for children and pregnant women, a car seat clinic, and a discount for Ruby’s Pantry. Volunteers are also needed. Here’s the specific information you need to attend or encourage someone else to attend:
Mille Lacs Lake Area Operation Community Connct
Monday, June 3, 2019
Onamia Elementary School
35465 125th Ave
Onamia, MN 56359
For more information, please contact Diane Seefeld 320-532-2604 or email her at dseefeld@mlhealth.org
Lakes Area Unlimited Learning
Need to boost those brain cells? Lakes Area Unlimited Learning can help. With monthly programs on a variety of topics you can join your friends for a little educational stimuli. Lakes Area Unlimited Learning is a non-profit with a mission of fulfilling the need for social connection and learning opportunities for inquiring minds. Briefly, the details on the summer programs are listed below. The sessions run for 2 hours, and the cost for non-members is $5. All programs take place in the Conference Center at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby.
June 11: The Most Magical Bird in the World: The Common Loon (1:30-3:30)
July 9: “The Search for Economic Justice: Radicalism on the Cuyuna Iron Range” by
Pamela Brundfelt (historian and retired instructor at Vermilion Community
College. (time not known)
August 13: Recent developments in International Politics by Tom Hanson (currently a
Diplomat in residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the
University of Minnesota – Duluth) (time not known)
For more detailed information talk to Margaret or Tom Lunacek or take a look at the brochure on the kiosk. Website: www.UnlimitedLearning.net
Play Days
Helpers are needed for all our church’s activities during play days!
· There is interest in having the rummage sale and a sign up sheet is available at the Volunteer Table so you ca indicate your willingness to help.
· We will provide a float for the parade – helpers needed to decorate and undecorate the float as well as to walk in the parade.
· On Sunday, we will share the Tent Service with Community Alliance church. We
are responsible for providing special music – for a couple of places within the
service – let Pastor Juli know you’d be willing to do this.
Synod Assembly Highlights
Bob and Kay Rocheford, along with Pastor Juli, attended the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly in Duluth on May 3-5. Here are some of the highlights:
Did you know…
· Our theme this year was Just Peace Accompaniment: Doing God’s Mission Together
· We enjoyed ELCA Glocal (yes, spelled correctly) musicians and educators shared music in worship and workshops
· We heard presentations from guests from our Companion Synod in India (South Andhra Lutheran Church)
· In his sermon, Bishop Tom Aitken highlighted the gift of accompaniment we have in our companion synods in India, Honduras and Russia
· Catherine Anderson, our synod’s Coordinator for Youth Ministry stressed the importance of faith communities being places of unconditional love, grace and mercy – announcing a new mental health initiative and providing resource kits for every congregation, encouraging them to begin important conversations with youth about anxiety, depression and suicide.
· Our congregation received recognition (among other congregations) for giving just over $12 per confirmed member to World Hunger
· A Bishop Election Committee has been formed and they have already begun preparations for the election of a new bishop at next year’s synod assembly. (Bishop Tom will complete his second term and cannot be re-elected)
· Major items of business included the passing of resolutions on Migrants at the United States-Mexican Border, Companion Synod Support, Opposing Conversion Therapy and a Commitment toward Gender Justice: Call to Repentance as well as approving the 2020 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines and the 2020 Budget
· that $4,647.50 was raised through the Marketplace for ELCA World Hunger
· and that $9,545.00 was raised from the Quilt Auction for ELCA World Hunger (thanks to Ruth Krautbauer for donating the baby quilt that raised $75).
· Next year’s assembly will be held at the DECC in Duluth on May 1-3 and will include the election of a bishop, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women, and Pastor Juli’s 35th anniversary of ordination. You might want to be the Voting Member for this extraordinary event next year!
Church Photographer/Historian
We are in need of someone who has an interest in preserving our congregation’s history by taking pictures of significant events here. This does not have to be just one person, but we are seeking to have a more coordinated effort in this area. If this sparks your creativity or interest, talk to Pastor Juli and we’ll see what kinds of resources you need.
Salem WEST & The Mustard Seed in Deerwood
Summer is often a time for unloading usable items you no longer want or need. Salem WEST and The Mustard Seed in Deerwood are great places to make a donation. Salem WEST works in partnership with local Social Services and non-profit agencies to assist individuals and families in our communities. Here’s a handy reference about what they can and cannot use.
All items must be from a smoke-free home.
Items not accepted
· hide-a-beds, recliner couches
· particle/pressboard items – microwave carts, entertainment centers, bookcases
· electronics such as TV, VCR, computers, printers, copy machines
· Mini blinds, vertical blinds, curtain rods
· Car seats/booster seats
Items accepted
· Beds: queen, full, twin mattresses/boxes/frames, toddler beds, Pack n Plays
crib mattresses
· Furniture: couches, loveseats, futons, living room chairs, recliners, end tables, coffee tables, lamps, bookshelves, small desks/computer desks, desk chairs, kitchen/dining room tables and chairs, night stands, TV stands, dressers
· Linens: all sizes of bedding (comforters, sheets, blankets, mattress protectors) including toddler/crib; kitchen towels, dish rags, pot holders, bath towels, wash cloths, hand towels, shower curtains, throw rugs, area rugs throw blankets, curtain panels, pillows (No feather)
· Household: dish sets, glasses, silverware, pots and pans, bakeware, kitchen utensils, toasters, coffee makers, blenders, crock pots, microwaves, mixers, dish drainers, storage containers, vacuums, NEW mops/brooms, dustpans, trash cans
· Baby items: High chairs, strollers, bouncers, booster seats, baby swings, diapers, wipes
· Clothing: Clothing and shoes be free of rips, holes, and stains and in good condition.
They also accept books, toys, craft supplies, jewelry, tools, home décor items, seasonal and holiday decorations.