Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” - Romans 12:10

The woman on the radio just declared to the talk show host that she was “embarrassed to share the same human race” with him. Harsh statements seem to be more and more prevalent.

Recently in our local newspaper, a man wrote in questioning the insight of having children name the new elementary school. There was a rough edge to his statements. A few days later, a fifth grader replied, and although I agreed with her understanding, she went for the jugular when she wrote that she was “offended by the ignorance” of his position. She did not just disagree, she wanted to hurt him … probably because she was hurt.

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The Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke spoke to a crowd of more than 180 rostered and lay leaders at Midland Lutheran College on April 20. The event was co-sponsored by the college and the Nebraska Synod.

Dr. Steinke, who has served as a parish pastor, a therapist for clergy, and a consultant to congregations, has authored a new book titled “Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times.” In the book, Steinke suggests that churches should be viewed as living, breathing organisms, and the health of a congregation should be evaluated using family-systems theory.

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Make It Simple is a new ELCA stewardship resource to assist congregations in their stewardship ministry. From congregational, small group and household learning events to children and youth activities, Make It Simple provides tools to engage all age groups. A series of nine video segments add personal witness.

Learn about simplicity and generosity and get help in conducting a response method to receive members’ commitments to financially support God’s mission in their congregations.

Make It Simple is available in an interactive DVD version as well as a free web-based, downloadable version.

WORKSHOPS ACROSS THE SYNOD
Lincoln - June 18 - 7 PM -9 PM - Sheridan Lutheran Church
Syracuse - June 28 - 3 PM-5 PM - Luther Memorial Church
Beatrice - June 29 - 7 PM - 9 PM - St. John’s Lutheran Church
Aurora - June 30 - 7 PM -9 PM - Messiah Lutheran Church
Omaha - July 9 - 7 PM - 9 PM - St. Thomas Lutheran Church
Gothenburg - July 28 - 7 PM-9 PM - American Lutheran Church
Sidney - July 29 - 7 PM-9 PM - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Bring your Stewardship Team and learn more about this new resource for 2009.

For more information about this wonderful new resource, go to: www.elca.org/makeitsimple.

For more information, contact Lee Griess, at (402) 896-5311 or e-mail Lee at leegriess@nebraskasynod.org.

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