Bishop’s Letter - September, 2013storage.cloversites.com/ststephenlutheranchurch/documents... ·...
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North/West Lower Michigan Synod 2900 N. Waverly Rd. Lansing MI 48906 T 517-321-5066 F 517-321-2632 www.mittensynod.org Bishop’s Letter - September, 2013 Crossing Over I’ve been reading about God’s people crossing the Jordan River, coming out of the wilderness and into God’s time of fulfilling promises (Joshua 3). I imagine everyone was excited and apprehensive as they crossed over—especially Joshua as he prayed about how to lead. I’m certainly excited and apprehensive as I “cross over” into a new call among a faithful people for the sake of proclaiming Christ and prayerfully participating in his own work of reconciling the world—especially our corner of it in North West Lower Michigan—to God’s very Self. I’m apprehensive because, as the Lord said to Joshua, “you have not passed this way before” (Joshua 3:4). The Office of Bishop is a brand new adventure for me. Entering into the unknown is frightening, especially when we earnestly desire to be faithful. Yet, our apprehension is tempered because God is leading us. God gave Joshua and the Israelites the Ark of the Covenant to follow, commanding, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God… then you shal l set out from your place. Follow it, so that you may know the way you should go…’” (Joshua 3:3-4) God gives us the cross of Jesus Christ to follow. One of my favorite verses is Jesus’ promise, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). Even when we have not passed this way before or are unsure of which way to go, the cross assures us that Jesus is drawing us to himself. I’m exhilarated because I know in my bones that, like Joshua and the Israelites, we are entering into God’s time of fulfilling promises, doing new things, and bringing new life. If the Book of Joshua is any indication, it won’t come quickly or easily. New life certainly won’t be what we expect or maybe even hope for. Reading on in Joshua is difficult. It’s a story of violence and conquest—walls fall, battles are fought, the people break faith, and the covenant needs to be renewed. But God never stops working among the people. I have experienced God at work in our synod in the congregations I visited this summer and the leaders I’ve partnered with, and in our church among the eleven bishops who, like me, were called this spring. By the time you read this, I will be among you, learning from Bishop John—who blesses me with a grace- filled transition—and watching for the new thing God is doing, and naming it when I see it. I hope you will watch as well, imploring Christ to bring new life and naming it aloud when you experience it. I will not “cross over” the Jordan River but the Straits of Mackinac during the 56th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day. I don’t expect the waters to part; I do expect our God to meet us on the bridge. I’d love to have you walk with us, and if you can’t, I’d love to have you meet us at the end of the bridge to pray with us and cheer us on! Wherever you are on Labor Day, I’d love to have you pray for me. I am praying for you. After crossing the bridge and entering into this synod of promise, I hit the road to be among you until I am installed as bishop on September 22 in Midland. I’d love for you to be there. You can get details about the Bridge Walk from Pastor Sherry McGuffin [email protected] and my public schedule at my website www.craigasatterlee.com I feel called, blessed, excited, and so very grateful as I “cross over” into this synod of promise. I look forward to grasping your hand, together following the cross into God’s promised future, and proclaiming Christ to and with you, as together we prayerfully participate in Christ’s own work of reconciling the world to God’s very Self. ~The Rev. Craig Alan Satterlee, Ph.D. Bishop-Elect
Transcript of Bishop’s Letter - September, 2013storage.cloversites.com/ststephenlutheranchurch/documents... ·...
North/West Lower Michigan Synod
2900 N. Waverly Rd.
Lansing MI 48906
T 517-321-5066
F 517-321-2632
www.mittensynod.org
Bishop’s Letter - September, 2013 Crossing Over I’ve been reading about God’s people crossing the Jordan River, coming out of the wilderness and into God’s time of fulfilling promises (Joshua 3). I imagine everyone was excited and apprehensive as they crossed over—especially Joshua as he prayed about how to lead. I’m certainly excited and apprehensive as I “cross over” into a new call among a faithful people for the sake of proclaiming Christ and prayerfully participating in his own work of reconciling the world—especially our corner of it in North West Lower Michigan—to God’s very Self.
I’m apprehensive because, as the Lord said to Joshua, “you have not passed this way before” (Joshua 3:4). The Office of Bishop is a brand new adventure for me. Entering into the unknown is frightening, especially when we earnestly desire to be faithful. Yet, our apprehension is tempered because God is leading us. God gave Joshua and the Israelites the Ark of the Covenant to follow, commanding, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God… then you shall set out from your place. Follow it, so that you may know the way you should go…’” (Joshua 3:3-4) God gives us the cross of Jesus Christ to follow. One of my favorite verses is Jesus’ promise, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). Even when we have not passed this way before or are unsure of which way to go, the cross assures us that Jesus is drawing us to himself.
I’m exhilarated because I know in my bones that, like Joshua and the Israelites, we are entering into God’s time of fulfilling promises, doing new things, and bringing new life. If the Book of Joshua is any indication, it won’t come quickly or easily. New life certainly won’t be what we expect or maybe even hope for. Reading on in Joshua is difficult. It’s a story of violence and conquest—walls fall, battles are fought, the people break faith, and the covenant needs to be renewed. But God never stops working among the people.
I have experienced God at work in our synod in the congregations I visited this summer and the leaders I’ve partnered with, and in our church among the eleven bishops who, like me, were called this spring. By the time you read this, I will be among you, learning from Bishop John—who blesses me with a grace-filled transition—and watching for the new thing God is doing, and naming it when I see it. I hope you will watch as well, imploring Christ to bring new life and naming it aloud when you experience it.
I will not “cross over” the Jordan River but the Straits of Mackinac during the 56th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day. I don’t expect the waters to part; I do expect our God to meet us on the bridge. I’d love to have you walk with us, and if you can’t, I’d love to have you meet us at the end of the bridge to pray with us and cheer us on! Wherever you are on Labor Day, I’d love to have you pray for me. I am praying for you. After crossing the bridge and entering into this synod of promise, I hit the road to be among you until I am installed as bishop on September 22 in Midland. I’d love for you to be there. You can get details about the Bridge Walk from Pastor Sherry McGuffin [email protected] and my public schedule at my website www.craigasatterlee.com
I feel called, blessed, excited, and so very grateful as I “cross over” into this synod of promise. I look forward to grasping your hand, together following the cross into God’s promised future, and proclaiming Christ to and with you, as together we prayerfully participate in Christ’s own work of reconciling the world to God’s very Self.
~The Rev. Craig Alan Satterlee, Ph.D. Bishop-Elect
Portico Benefits
Upcoming Pre-Retirement Seminars
The seminars (most relevant to people age 50-plus or who are within 15 years of retirement ) are hosted by a certified Ernst & Young planner, who answers your questions about retirement planning, such as:
How much money will I really need in retirement? How can I avoid common retirement traps? How can I protect my assets to ensure the money is there when I need it? How can I create lifetime income? What steps can I take to ensure a smooth transition into retirement?
All seminars are day-long events that run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $35 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Event Date Time Location Register By
Pre-Retirement Seminar
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Quality Inn & Suites 705 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA 23459
Friday, Sept. 27, 2013
Pre-Retirement Seminar
Monday, Nov. 4, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church 1501 West Liberty Ann Arbor, MI
Monday, Oct. 14, 2013
Pre-Retirement Seminar
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
8:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
ELCA Churchwide Ministries 8765 W. Higgins Road Chicago, Illinois 60631 Map
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013
Pre-Retirement Seminar
Friday, Nov. 15, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary 4201 N. Main St Columbia, SC 29203
Friday, Oct.25, 2013
Pre-Retirement Seminar
Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Brossman Center 7301 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19119-1794
Friday, Nov. 15, 2013
Pre-Retirement Seminar
2013 TBD Gettysburg Seminary Gettysburg, PA
Pre-Retirement Seminar
2013 TBD Milwaukee, WI
Pre-Retirement Seminar
2013 TBD Colorado
Pre-Retirement Seminar
2013 TBD Missouri
TO REGISTER: Please register by sending an email to [email protected] with the following information:
Your name, Spouse/partner name (if attending and their e-mail address), the date and location of the seminar you want to attend along with any dietary restrictions.
Questions? Contact [email protected] or call 800.352.2876
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday* Sept., 8, 2013
for every congregation of the ELCA!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*"God's work. Our hands." Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. We can show our love by cleaning up neighborhoods, delivering meals, collecting supplies for refugees overseas, visiting our neighbors, and/or helping a child learn to read. For more information about “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, t-shirts and a helpful toolkit designed to plan for the dedicated day of service, please visit:
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Welcome-to-the-ELCA/25th-Anniversary/Our-hands-Sunday.aspx
PLEASE BE SURE TO RSVP!
If you are planning on attending any of the following events,
please be sure to RSVP now!
Thank you.
That All Will Be Heard. Action Through Advocacy. Don’t delay! Now is the time! If you’ve been meaning to sign up for “That All will Be Heard. Action Through Advocacy” seminar presented by the North/West Lower Michigan Synod Hunger Team, DO IT NOW! The registration deadline is September 18. The Seminar will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, September 28 from 10 am to 3 pm, the registration fee of $20 includes lunch. The seminar will encourage lay people and congregations to be advocates for the poor, and will highlight the importance of advocacy and our role as Christians. You will learn how to be an effective advocate, both locally and nationally, on issues that relate to the poor and hungry. Detailed information about speakers and workshops is on the Synod website: www.mittensynod.org click on “News & Events” and sign up NOW!
It's a Glocal Event in Dearborn All are encouraged to attend this ELCA Glocal Mission Gathering (GMG) for congregational leaders. This event features worship, an immersion experience, and time(s) for sharing information on global and local mission. It's for individuals and church teams - especially those who desire the tools to engage neighbors of different faith backgrounds - including youth ages 16 and older. This event will be held on:
Friday, September 20, 2013, 2:00 PM - 8:30 PM through Saturday, September 21, 2013, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mother of the Savior Lutheran Church, Dearborn
Cost is $35 per person. If viewing a digital copy, click on the following: Program Agenda & Register or go to: http://preview.tinyurl.com/okl967p
Installation of Bishop-Elect Craig Alan Satterlee Sunday, Sept. 22nd at Trinity/Midland RSVP to the synod office at 517-321-5066.
THE 56th ANNUAL MACKINAC BRIDGE WALK
2013 Annual Bridge Walk / SEPTEMBER 2, 2013
Join Bishop-Elect Craig Satterlee at the 56th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk! There is NO FEE or registration to participate in the walk. Bus transportation from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace is available at $5 per person (infants are free). For more information, visit:
http://www.mackinacbridge.org/annual-bridge-walk-7/
In addition, Bishop Elect will preach in Petoskey that Sunday at
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1450 E. Mitchell Rd.
“Unconference, Too” - A Special Opportunity in August for Church Leaders
A gathering of church leaders seeking to integrate biblical theology with healthy family systems and congregational leadership will take place at Trinity Lutheran, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, August, 28-30. The guest presenter will be Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke. Our host presenter will be Pastor Larry Foster, coordinator of the synod Resource Team. Registration will be limited to 40 people. This gathering is co-sponsored by our Resource Team and the Resource Team of the Northeastern Ohio Synod. “Unconference, Too” begins at 1:00 on Wednesday, August 28 (lunch on your own) and ends on Friday morning, August 30, at 11:50 (with a box lunch provided for the road). The total cost is $150 plus lodging (a list of low-to moderate cost lodging options is available from Larry via email: [email protected]). Note that you should send a $50 deposit with your registration form and that the registration should be mailed by August 19. The balance of $100 is due when you arrive.
Detach here -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration Form Name_____________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City_____________________________________________ State_________________ Zip______________ E-Mail Address_____________________________________ Phone_______________________________ Any special needs? _______________________________________________________________________ Send with $50 deposit (check made out to Larry Foster, Resource Team Coordinator) by Aug. 19 to:
Rev. Larry Foster 205 W. Obell St. Whitehall, MI 49461
Plans Underway for Lay Ministry Training Program Events Participants in our Lay Ministry Training Program (LMTP) will attend four two-day and two one-day learning events in the coming year. Plans are well underway and we are excited to have professors from Trinity Lutheran Seminary provide biblical instruction and pastors from our synod lead sessions on other topics (see the schedule below). For more information, please contact Rebecca Bossenbroek, Lay Ministry Training Program Administrator, at [email protected] or 517-927-4755.
September 20-21, 2013 (register by 08/26/13) Zion Lutheran Church, Saginaw MI Exodus: C. Lynn Nakamura - PhD, Mindful Calling LLC Sacraments: Rev. Andreas Teich - Messiah Lutheran Church, Bay City MI
October 12, 2013 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Big Rapids Introduction to Healthy Congregations: Rev. Clayton H. Bates – Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Big Rapids MI
November 1-2, 2013 Location to be announced History and Exile: C. Lynn Nakamura, PhD - Mindful Calling LLC Creeds: instructor to be announced
February 7-8, 2014 St. Francis Retreat Center, Dewitt MI Psalms: Rev. Dr. James M. Childs, Jr. – Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus OH Worship: Rev. Sarah Friesen-Carper – Peace Lutheran Church, Charlotte MI
Saturday, March 1, 2014 Location to be announced Emotional Intelligence for Leaders: C. Lynn Nakamura, PhD – Mindful Calling, LLC
March 28-29, 2014 Location to be announced Prophets: Rev. Dr. Henry J. (Hank) Langknecht - Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus OH Stewardship: instructor to be announced
Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world.
MISSION INTERPRETERS
NEEDED!
Mission interpreters are active
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) church members who care about
the mission of this church and share the
message of the ministries of the ELCA
If you are interested in becoming a
Mission Interpreter or know of someone
who is, please contact Bill Duggan at
(269)-964-8314 or via e-mail at:
Director for Evangelical Mission
The posting for the open DEM position is now live on the ELCA website. If viewing a digital copy, please click on the link below for further information: https://rn11.ultipro.com/EVA1000/jobboard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=%2A4D7D72F14226DD4F or type in the following link: http://tinyurl.com/n6fbs5g
