September 2017 Volume 34

ear Friends in Southeast , D Grace and peace to you from Christ our Lord!

We stand on the brink of a remarkable anniversary. 500 years ago the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther posted 95 topics for discussion among the faculty and students of Wittenburg University. Tradition says he nailed the document to the church door; recent scholarship has suggested that he more likely glued it up on the wall with other university announce- ments. Either way, the conversation Luther began continues to challenge and to shape the life of the Church.

This 500th anniversary of that event is the first to take place in the ecumenical age. This is the first time we Lutherans have had the opportunity not only to claim this occasion for ourselves, but also to consider what the events, decisions and consequences of the Reformation have been across the wider Chris- tian landscape. We inherit the particular genius of a man willing to risk his life and the hope of his salvation on the revelation that we are all completely dependent on God’s unmerited grace. We also acknowledge that the division and conflict caused by this religious revolution have had enormous consequences for the Body of Christ in the world.

In the words of repentance from the “Service of Common Prayer” first offered at the Cathedral in Lund, Sweden where Pope Francis met with Martin Junge, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation,

“As the commemoration in 2017 brings joy and gratitude to expression, so must it also allow room for both Lu- therans and Catholics to experience the pain over failures and trespasses, guilt and sin in the persons and events that are being remembered.” (#228) “In the sixteenth century, Catholics and Lutherans frequently not only misunderstood but also exaggerated and caricatured their opponents in order to make them look ridicu- lous. They repeatedly violated the eighth commandment, which prohibits bearing false witness against one’s neighbor.” (#233)

In Southeast Michigan we offer two synodical occasions for Lutherans and Catholics to come together to honor the 50 years of dialog that have lead us to a new understanding.

In Flint on September 24. Bishop and I will co-preside at a Service of Common Prayer at St. Mat- thew’s , 706 Beach Street in Flint. The liturgy starts at 5:00.

In Ann Arbor on October 28, and I will co-preside at a similar service at Zion Luther- an Church, 1501 W. Liberty in Ann Arbor. The liturgy starts at 4:30. Both services will have a reception time af- terwards.

I invite all of you to attend either one of these services, but want particularly to invite members whose families are shaped (and sometimes divided) by our two traditions. This is an enormous step forward, and a public affir- mation from leaders in both traditions what we hold in common is so much great than what divides us.

So honor our Reformation heritage! Remember that we are saved by Grace! And reach out in love to all those who need to hear that Good News!

Grace and peace, Bishop Don Kreiss

(The citations in parentheses above are from “From Conflict to Communion” 2014.”)

Prayers for Rostered Leaders, Churches, and Others The Office of the Bishop these times. The Dreamers who are Prayers of Mercy & Remembrance shares the following hoping for actions that will not result The families of the late Rev. Jack names and congregations in life changing responses from local Lacey and the late Rev. Darwin for our collective prayers: and federal lawmakers. Polesky.

Rostered Leaders: Trinity Lutheran Seminary, it's staff Remember the emergency responders. LLM Rosemary Ireland-Black, Deacon and students, as they prepare for a Those who live with, and recover from Troy Jacobson, Pr Sharon Janot, Pr Eric new journey of existence with hateful acts of terror; those recovering Johnson, Pr Michael Johnson, Pr Regina Capital University. from disasters of flood and fire. Those Johnson, Pr Joyce Johnston, Pr Daniel in the armed services. Jones, Pr Dennis Kenny, Pr Paul Keppler Newly called pastors Rev. Beth Prayers of Health & Healing Pr Theodore Kerr III, Pr Jennifer Kiefer, Birkholz and Rev. Scott Seeke to Holy Pastor David Boone, Pr. John Negele, Pr Lauren Kirsh-Carr, Pr William Kirsh- Cross/Livonia Pr. Maxcy Christmas; Fred, father of Carr, Pr Robyn Kistemaker, Pr Bonnie Pr. Nik Schillack; Helena, mother of Pr. Klos, Pr Michael Konow, Pr Gustav The United States of America and all Barry Osterbur; Carol McCrae,daughter Kopka, Bishop Donald Kreiss of its elected leaders; both local and -in-law of Pr. Rod Hokenson; Pr. David national. Congregations: Blake (surgery); Frances Smith (mother

Christ/Waterford, Christ the King/Lapeer, of Pr. Sharon Huff); Harry Steusloff We pray continuously for the Christ the Redeemer/Adrian, (father of Beth Fisher); Andrew presence and gifts of our faith Christ the Shepherd/Ortonville, Runestad-Rabe (son of Pr. Dana), LLM leaders: Bishops Donald Kreiss, Craig Christus Victor/Dearborn Heights, Joyce Brooks, Pr. Darrel Dennis, Mike Satterlee, and Presiding Bishop Church of the Everlasting Life/Clinton Duerksen LLM, Matt (son of Pr. Becky Elizabeth Eaton. Twp., Cross/Clinton Twp., Cross of Glory/ Bolander), Pr. Paul Gateman, Betsy

Detroit, Emmanuel/Livonia, Emmanuel/ (Pr. Roger) Facione, Elaine (Pr. Roger) Companion Synods, Domestic & Southfield, Emmanuel/Ypsilanti . Schleef, Margaret Blake, Pr. Don Global: the Southeastern Prayers of Grace & Support Pennsylvania Synod, the Evangelical Doerzbacher, Pr. Don Thomas. The people of the Gulf, Florida, and Lutheran Church in Tanzania and the Caribbean regions suffering from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in effects of recent hurricanes, that they will Jordan and the Holy Land. receive the support need to get through What’s happening around the Synod

Sept 15 ELCA Youth Gathering Registration opens 19 Executive Committee 21-23 Crossroads Anti-Racism Training 26 Deans/Directors Meeting

Oct 6-7 Discernment Retreat—Lindenwood Retreat & Conf. Center—Donaldson, IN 7 Starting a Nursing Home Ministry—Rise Up—Transfiguration/Fenton 14 Writing Grants to Fund Community Outreach—Rise Up—Grace In Action/ 17 Deans Meeting 21 Synod Council 22-24 Autumn Leaders Event—Traverse City 28 Service of Common Prayer—Zion/Ann Arbor

Nov 4 How to Start a Food Pantry/Food Ministry—Rise Up—St. Thomas/Sterling Heights 14 Executive Committee 23-24 Thanksgiving—Synod Office Closed 28 Deans Meeting

Dec 2 LEAD Intro Event (includes LLM and Synod Council)

Hurricane Relief Efforts

Many of us are still concerned about the families and businesses devastated by Hurricane Harvey, which significantly affected two ELCA synods (Southwestern Texas, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast).

Your continued prayers and moral support are very important and we are thankful to those keeping the prayer lines open.

We are now engaged in the cleanup from Hurricane Irma, not only in the Caribbean Synod but also in the Florida-Bahamas Synod at this moment.

People are displaced from their homes. Communities – including schools, churches, hospitals and service organizations – are challenged to meet the needs of the people. There is a lot of work to be done in rebuilding, but there is also a lot of work to be done to meet the regular needs of the people, such as food, water, shelter and clothing.

The Synod Office has received a number of calls asking where to send financial support. There are two opportunities we would like to share with you:

1. Individual donations can be made out to Lutheran Disaster Relief. To make a donation, visit www.elca.org and follow the tab for Hurricane Harvey Relief. 2. Congregations that collect special offerings are invited to send one check to the Synod Office, earmarked for Hurricane Relief, which will then be forwarded directly to the affected synods.

Congregational donations can also be made by credit card on the synod website at www.semisynod.com, under “Online Giving” and earmarked for Hurricane Relief. All contributions will go to the affected Synods on a bi-weekly or monthly basis.

We offer Option 2 because of Bishop Mike Rinehart’s (TLGC Synod) experience with Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Bishop Reinhart wrote in an email, “Thank you for the support in the wake of Har- vey. Lutheran Disaster Relief (LDR) does case management (usually with Lutheran Social Services) among low income families with no insurance. This is holy work. Congregations are not LDR's pri- mary work. But they are ours as a synod. Gifts to the synod go to support congregations and their leaders to recover and serve their neighborhoods. Our only way to reach neighborhoods is through congregations. So we support congregational efforts to (reach those) homes and churches. And we give to congregations so they can give to their community.”

We ask that you continue lifting up those in need in your personal and corporate prayers. And, as people of God, we ask that you do what you can, when you can. As a synod of the ELCA, we will also do the same.

Thanks be to God!

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

I continue to be grateful for your support of the Rise Up Campaign and the ministry that we share in the Southeast Michigan Synod. I am also excited about what we are accomplishing to strengthen our congregations and our leaders.

As we are now at the point where the campaign has many moving pieces, I want to take a moment to get you up to speed with the seven specific objectives we identified as we began this work.

Stewardship Initiative The Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS) program continues with great momentum and another 10 congregations participating this year. The stories I continue to hear share that not only is SAS helping congregations have more money available for mission, but leaders tell me that it has helped focus their ministry goals. Congregations are already lining up to join next year.

Tune in Process for Congregations Ms. Peggy Hahn (Executive Director of LEAD) was one of our keynote speakers at our Synod Assembly in May. This December 2, LEAD will be here in the Synod for their first introductory session that will help get congregations and leaders ready to work through a process to revitalize ministry in your congregation. The synod is able to provide this resource thanks to the Rise Up appeal and the first congregational participants with LEAD will be those congregations that conduct a campaign this winter or spring.

The “Tune in Process” is distinct from the SAS program, and all congregations in the Synod will be invited to participate in it. While it is possible for individual leaders or individual congregations to contract with LEAD for coaching and direction, we intend to offer a basic option supported through the Campaign at a much reduced cost to participants. As with the SAS program, there will be a roll- ing enrollment period for participating congregations. This will be an opportunity for congregations to get a clearer understanding of both their assets and the needs of the community they serve.

Congregational Grants Congregations participating in the “Tune in Process” will be eligible for grants of up to $5000 to carry out a specific ministry project. Our expectation is that grant recipients will share their learning, successes and challenges, so that our ministry across the Synod can be more focused, more helpful, and more successful.

Rostered Leader Mentoring This year, we have launched four mentoring groups with a total of 16 rostered leaders walking together in support for each other in ministry. These leaders will be strengthened and better equipped to lead in their congregations. Recently, one mentor shared with me “This has really been a powerful experience for all of us in terms of feeling connected and supporting one another.” At least two more mentors will begin their work with new groups before the end of the year; we also hope to begin putting together groups for more experienced pastors. If you might be interested in being part of such a group, let us know at Synod House.

Lay Leader Development Three lay leadership events have been planned for this fall. For the first time ever, we are offering:  Declaring Nursing Homes a Mission Field, led by Rev. Mark Fisher on October 7.  A Grant Writing workshop led by Deacon Meghan Sobocienski and Rev. Matt Bode on October 14, and  A Food Ministry workshop led by leaders from Fish and Loaves and Pr. Heather Oberlin on November 4.

Specific locations, times and any items necessary for preparation will be posted on our website: www.semisynod.com . There is no cost to participate in any of these workshops, though we ask that you register ahead of time (again, on the Synod Website) to ensure that presenters have enough material and there is sufficient food for snacks and meals.

Tithe to “Always Being Made New” Campaign The ELCA is engaged in its own capital campaign, designed to raise additional support for world hunger, congregational develop- ment, ministry with youth and young adults, disability ministries, and much more. As a Synod, we pledge to send 10% of what we raise to help our ELCA partners in ministry across the country and the world.

Part-time Assistant to the Bishop In order to accomplish all the projects of the Rise Up! Campaign, and to position the Synod to keep momentum going after the ap- peal is over, we hope to add a half time Assistant to the Bishop position (A2B). The money earmarked for this objective ($300,000) is intended to offset wages, benefits and expenses associated with this position for 5 years once the Assistant is in position. This As- sistant will also work with the implementation of grants to congregations, and work with them to share their outcomes to benefit oth- er congregations around the Synod.

So far, the Rise Up Campaign pledges total over $350,000. Your gifts make possible the new ministry shared above. Rev. Lori Car- ey recently said, “This campaign is transforming the culture of our Synod.”

Thank you for your continued support, and your participation in the ministry of Jesus Christ for the sake of the Gospel.

Lay Leader Development

Declaring Nursing Homes a Mission Field: led by Rev. Mark Fisher, October 7, 2017 at Transfiguration, 14176 N. Fenton Rd., Fenton Currently national estimates suggest that over 1,500,000 people reside in nursing homes each day with well over 50% rarely receiving visits. Pr. Mark Fisher and his congregation at Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Fenton have begun to address the needs in their community by establishing a visitation ministry that now includes over 15 members from the church visiting well over 50 individuals each month.

Through their work, Pr. Fisher has created a guide book that helps congregations establish a nursing home visitation ministry. On October 7th from 9am to 1:30pm Fisher and his team will conduct a highly interactive workshop that will give you the tools you need to start such a ministry. Lunch will be included as well as a copy of their guide book “Pathways in Compassion”: A Nursing Home Visitation Ministry. Please reply by October 4 to [email protected]

How to Write Grants to Fund Community Outreach: led by Deacon Meghan Sobocienski and Rev. Matthew Bode, October 14, 2017 at Grace In Action, 1725 Lawndale, Detroit Do you have a fantastic idea for a community outreach program but there is no money in the budget for it? Does the thought of writing grants intimidate you? Come to this academy and learn from two experienced grant writers about best practices, how to find grants, what grants will fund and what they will not, and much more! Join us from 9am-3pm at Grace In Action in Detroit. Please reply by October 11 to [email protected]

How to Start a Food Pantry/Food Ministry: led by leaders from Fish and Loaves (a downriver client-choice food pantry), November 4, 2017 at St. Thomas, 8771 E. 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights. Hunger is a very real problem in every community in America. How can congregations respond to this problem? How do you begin to start a food ministry? Join us on Saturday, November 4, from 9:00am— 1:30pm at St. Thomas in Sterling Heights to learn about best practices, how to start, what to do and what to avoid, and federal programs that provide food. Led by Rev. Heather Oberlin and leaders of successful food ministry programs. Please reply by November 1 to [email protected]

AUTUMN LEADERSHIP EVENT North/West Lower Michigan Synod and Southeast Michigan Synod Sunday, Oct. 22nd (6:30P.M.)–Tuesday, Oct. 24st (Noon)

Ever Reforming – Our Ministries, Our World Presenter: Beth Lewis, CEO of 1517 Media Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1050 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686 Rostered Ministers Licensed Lay Ministers

Lodging: To make reservations, please call the hotel directly.  Cherry Tree Inn & Suites: 2345 U.S. 31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686. $109.00 per night, rate is for 2 adults & 2 children; additional guests are subject to extra person fee. Breakfast is included. 25 rooms available – Reservation deadline is August 28th 231-778-9022 Code: Autumn Leadership Event  Pointes North Beachfront Resort Hotel: 2211 North U.S. 31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686. 14 various queen studio rooms and 6 King Studio rooms available at $79.00 per night. Breakfast is th  included. 20 rooms available – Reservation deadline is August 28 231-938-9191 Code: Autumn Leadership Event  Country Inn & Suites: 420 Munson Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686. $99.95 Double Queen Room per night. Breakfast is included. 60 rooms available - Reservation deadline is September 22nd 800 – 830-5222 Code: North/West Lower Michigan Synod  Hampton Inn & Suites: 1000 U.S. 31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686. $109.00 per night. Breakfast is included. 60 rooms available - Reservation deadline is October 1st , 2017 231-946-8900 Code: North/West Lower Michigan Synod

Event Registration: $85/person* Mail the bottom half of this form (one per attendee) to the Synod office with payment. Final registration date is October 6, 2017 Make checks payable to: Southeast Michigan Synod 8115 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, MI 48214 “2017 Autumn Leadership Event” on the memo line. PLEASE PRINT Name______Congregation/Ministry (include city______Email______Phone:______*Includes Program Costs, Sunday night dinner, Monday box lunch, and coffee/snacks Monday & Tuesday mornings. This fee does not include lodging.

PASTORAL VACANCIES BY CONFERENCE—SEPTEMBER 2017

Congregations interviewing for full time positions: Congregation, City, Conference Status

Emmanuel, Ypsilanti, 10 Ready to Interview

Congregations interviewing for part time positions: Congregation, City, Conference Status

Good Hope, Garden City, 7 Interviewing

Calls accepted: Congregation, City Pastor

Lord of Light, Ann Arbor Elizabeth Bakalyar Friedman for campus ministry

Congregations in study and/or served by Congregations in an intentional leaders under synod license: transition process: Congregation, City, Conference Congregation, City, Conference

St. Peter’s, New Haven, 2 St. John, Capac, 2 St. John’s, New Baltimore, 2 Trinity, Brown City, 2 Christ, Sterling Heights, 4 St. Martin’s, Port Huron, 2 Mt. Calvary, Warren, 4 Christ the Shepherd, Ortonville, 3 St. Peter, Warren, 4 St. Thomas, Grosse Ile, 7 Gloria Dei, Auburn Hills, 3 Shepherd of the Lakes, Walled Lake, 8 Trinity, Clawson, 11 Fellowship, Sterling Heights, 4 Bethlehem, Harrison Twp., 5 Good Shepherd, Detroit, 6 Gracious Saviour, Detroit, 6 Interns serving in the synod: Intern Congregation Iroquois Ave. Christ, Detroit, 6 Ken Greble Calvary, Clarkston St. James, Detroit, 6 Branden Hunt St. Philip, Trenton St. Paul, Maybee, 9 Michael Wright Zion, Chelsea

Trinity, Riga, 9

Ordinations/Consecrations/Installations: Rostered Leader Event

Pr. Scott Seeke and Installation Sept. 10, Holy Cross, Livonia Pr. Beth Birkholz Elizabeth Bakalyar Ordination TBD Friedman

Southeast Michigan Synod 8115 E. Jefferson Avenue Detroit, MI 48214-3970 313-821-1055 phone 313-821-1425 fax www.semisynod.com On The Way Together

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Additional Websites 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631 Acts In Common 800-NET-ELCA (800-638-3522) www.actsincommon.org www.elca.org Augsburg Fortress

E-mail Addresses for Synod Staff www.augsburgfortress.org Capital University Bishop Donald Kreiss- [email protected] www.capital.edu Rev. Sean Ewbank - [email protected] Ecumenical Theological Seminary Rev. Heather Oberlin - [email protected] Robin McCants - [email protected] www.etseminary.edu Beth Fisher - [email protected] Living Water Ministries www.elcalivingwater.com E-mail Addresses for Synod Deployed Staff Lord of Light Lutheran Campus Ministry Director Youth Ministry Lisa Jeffreys www.lordoflight.org [email protected] Mission Investment Fund Director Synod Life Rev. Lauren Kirsh-Carr www.elca.org/mif [email protected] North/West Lower Michigan Synod Director Interim & Transitional Ministry Rev. Jan Marvar [email protected] www.mittensynod.org Director Candidacy Rev. Barry Osterbur Samaritas [email protected] www.samaritas.org Director Licensed Lay Ministry Rev. Scott McKinney Thrivent Financial Services [email protected] www.thrivent.com Trinity Lutheran Seminary Director Rise Up Campaign Rev. Jack Eggleston www.TLSohio.edu [email protected] Wittenberg University

E-mail Addresses for Synod Executive Officers www.wittenberg.edu Vice President Al Asfour—[email protected] Treasurer Valinda Vincent [email protected] Secretary George Watson—[email protected]