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Summer 2012 Resource Paper for Leaders of ELCA Congregations www.elca.org

The joy of singing binds us together. Page 2

Christ is the light that leads to a safe harbor. Page 3 and the reforming Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Haines happens is a truly reforming moment – the aspire to do no less. After all, God's word is City, Fla., experiences Sunday congregation starts moving to the African our great heritage. At the same time, God's through music in a very intentional way. tune and keeps moving while singing the amazing word of grace is understood and Ryan Hostler, minister of music at Lamb German . It doesn’t take long for the expressed in constantly new ways. There are of God for the past 14 years, says, “Our , congas, organ, trumpet, shakers and, new songs to be sung, fresh biblical insights liturgy and hymnody is constantly reform- finally, the entire assembly to become one to be shared, and new talents and tongues to ing and adapting as we grow and expand while singing the combined of the employ. Indeed, the festival of the Reforma- Learning and growing through a our liturgies, hymnody and understanding Day, connecting brothers and sisters in tion is the perfect time to keep faithfulness year in Malaysia. Page 4 of the church. Lamb of God has decided from across the globe. Ryan continues, “The fresh. The world, and we along with it, still that we should expand our German juxtaposition of these hymns is one of the need to hear and celebrate the good news repertoire in order to help us experience a most powerful experiences I have that reforms lives, namely that we are saved church that is constantly reforming. It is not encountered – all generations of Lutherans by grace, through faith, for Christ's sake. So uncommon to experience a movement from singing, drumming, moving and proclaim- long as we faithfully sing the old song in a Bach cantata followed by a hymn from the ing the word together.” new ways, reformation continues.” global south in the same worship service.” Mark Bernthal put it this way: Connecting music from around the globe One of the emerging traditions at Lamb “Reformation brings to mind two words as a visible sign of the breadth of the church of God is to intersperse the verses of the that must go hand in hand: faithfulness and is evident in our church’s primary worship Tanzanian hymn, “Listen God is Calling” renewal. Good old struggled resource, “Evangelical Lutheran Worship,” Music, the Reformation and Luther. (“Evangelical Lutheran Worship” #513) with and fought to remain faithful to the timeless which has greatly increased accessibility to the German chorale, “Lord Keep Us Steadfast and changeless Word of God known to us in music beyond our dominant European and Page 5 in Your Word” (ELW #517). What always Christ. Worship in the church should North American roots. continued on page 6

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Singing through the year for the By Gail Ramshaw ELCA.org/seeds History fer the eight liturgy, Neale was stuck in a minimal LivingLutheran.com/seeds books claim hymns by ministry out of the way, where he used that the Ref- Paul Ger- his extraordinary linguistic abilities to Seeds for the Parish (ISSN 0897-5663) is ormation hardt, who bring into English dozens of the classic published four times a year (Jan., April, began with added the “I Latin and Greek hymns. Can you hear July and Oct.). It is distributed without the “bam- feel” to the him over the ages, shaping his phrases, charge to professional staff and lay lead- bam-bam” “We are.” finding his rhymes, his voice drowning ers of congregations, synods and regions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in of Luther’s On the Sun- out that of his shortsighted ? America. hammer nail- day near- We are gifted by new texts from hymn ing up the 95 est Sept. 1 writers presently at their computers craft- theses. But are seven ing the “We are” songs of the faithful. Mission Advancement Scott Hendrickson – Director, Marketing perhaps the choices by But we are also enriched by hymns writ- Communications real Reformation – the Christian move- the Danish poet Nikolai Grundtvig, in- ten by the dead, whose voices are alive ment of thousands, then millions, of be- cluding “Built on a Rock” (#652). From in us. So check the calendar; find the Editorial Staff lievers who faithfully come to church for Dietrich Bonhoeffer, executed by Hitler masterpieces of faith and devotion that Jan Rizzo – Editor word and , yet who know that on April 9, #626, and from Jiri Tranovsky, hold our sorrows and shape our joy; and Connie Sletto – Copy Editor the church can err – began with singing. the Slovak who died on May 29, #602: sing, and sing, and sing. Karen Dersnah – Designer Rather than mumble some words or listen don’t miss them. Gail Ramshaw studies and crafts to an exquisite or pitiful choir, we together But proud as we are of dead Luther- liturgical language from her home in Note: Not all resources and program ideas sang “Lord, have mercy,” “Glory to God,” ans, let’s not be narrow in our song, for Philadelphia. listed in Seeds for the Parish have received official ELCA review or endorsement. “Holy, holy,” “Lamb of God.” The we are made wider by the songs of other Resources: became a communal song. The was . Did the Eastern poet John of • “Earth and All Stars: Hymns and Writers: Gail Ramshaw; Paul Lutter; rhymed into stanzas easy to memorize, Damascus (Dec. 4, e.g., #363) sing the Songs for Young and Old” by Her- Twila Schock when after dinner each evening we sing hymns of the Western Bishop Ambrose bert Brokering (Augsburg Fortress, our favorite from last Sunday’s worship. (Dec. 7, e.g., #263)? From Patrick (March ISBN: 978-0-8006-5929-5, $14.95) Credits: Cover: Used with permission of And Lutherans keep singing: grate- 17, #450,), Francis (Oct. 4, #835), Thomas All ages will enjoy this collection of the African Children's Choir; page 2: ful to be part of a cultural minority that Aquinas (Jan. 28, #476), and Nicolaus songs by the author of “Earth and All St. Marie's Lutheran Church, Baltimore, not only can sit there and listen, but also von Zinzendorf (May 9, #624), we have Stars.” Herbert Brokering, a treasure photo by Stuart Wright; page 4: can stand up and sing and sing and sing. one unforgettable hymn each. among hymn writers of our time, has Staff photos In song, the I becomes a We, lethargy On the Sunday nearest to Nov. 25 selected 170 of the best of his hymn aroused from slouching in the pew, the comes Isaac Watts, who complained to Permission is granted for ELCA and song texts for this volume. www. congregations to reproduce excerpts from hymns still there in a decrepit mind that his father about the lousy versification augsburgfortress.org holds little else. What “I feel” is less im- of the psalter he was given to sing, and Seeds for the Parish provided that copies • “Great German Hymns Arranged are for local use only and that each copy portant than who “we are”: a community his father responded, “Give them some- in Contemporary Styles” by Bradley carries the following notice: “Reprinted of Christ, committed to life and death in thing better, young man,” and he did, Sowash (Augsburg Fortress, ISBN: from Seeds for the Parish.” the triune God, singing as we go. crafting nearly 700 hymns, 10 of which 978-0-8006-3744-6, $16.00) Bradley We start with the hymns that Luther are in "Evangelical Lutheran Worship." Sowash surveyed multiple musicians POSTMASTER, send address changes to: wrote: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” What would we do without “Joy to the and for this list of beloved Richard Millett (ELW #504-505) on the first Sunday of World” (#267) or “O God, Our Help in German hymns and then arranged 8765 West Higgins Road Lent; “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Ages Past” (#632)? Nine more, on March them in his "flexible contemporary Chicago, IL 60631 Email: [email protected] Bands” (#370), an un-sappy hymn 2, come from Charles Wesley, who with styles." The primary focus is for solo that faces down death; all 11 stanzas of his brother John invented a “method” for piano but chord symbols are included “From Heaven Above” (#268) during devotion, urging all Christians to stand for additional adaptation. www.augs- Christmas (we’re Lutherans – we can do up when they sang, and so, Methodist burgfortress.org it!); “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word or not, we do. One hymn comes from (#517) on the last Sunday of October. George Herbert, but near to March 1 we And what shall we sing near to Feb. 18, ought not do without “Come, My Way, Luther’s death day? Perhaps “In Peace My Truth, My Life” (#816). and Joy I Now Depart” (#440). But stanzas must be set to music: Then we check the calendar of com- thanks to J.S. Bach for seven arrange- memorations for more singing Lutherans. ments in our cranberry book, and also Second (or first?!) prize goes to Philipp to Heinrich Schütz and George Frederick Nicolai, Oct. 26, from whom came both Handel. We will sing at least one from the King of “Wake, Awake, for each near to July 28. Night Is Flying” (#436) and the Queen “O But hymns must be translated. So Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!” (#308). near to July 1 we sing words fit for our In both, hiding in the first letter of each mouths by Catherine Winkworth and stanza are the initials of his dear student, John Mason Neale. Judged by his bish- dead of the plague. Or perhaps you pre- op to be far too dedicated to elaborate Seeds for the Parish 3

Christ, our lighthouse By Paul Lutter Are your financial strategies ready Recently on Facebook, a friend of members of the congregation. Yet when mine posted a picture he had taken of a Christ’s love shines in such a way to call for 2012? lighthouse. Taken on a sunlit day, the pic- us outside our walls and into the world, ture of the lighthouse looks quiet and still. Christ’s promise is that ministry will not Put the strength and stability of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to But lighthouses aren’t made for calm, diminish but will flourish in ways we can- work for you with an annual review—it takes less than an hour. sunlit days. Lighthouses do their best not even begin to fathom. Schedule a review to: work in the midst of darkness and fog Christ’s light also clears the throats to illumine where there is hope of safe and voices of those who believe they have Maximize retirement contributions and review goals. harbor. Lighthouses also shine light on nothing to say — or that they might say Review estate strategy needs and update beneficiaries. those who are in trouble on the water so the wrong thing — when speaking up and that others can identify where and when out in the name of Jesus Christ. While Consolidate IRAs and 401(k)s. help is needed. this is widespread, it is really born not out Review protection coverage. In John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I am of faith but fear. When such fear arises, the light of the world” (John 8:12). It’s the church needs to hear again the good Establish an emergency savings fund. neither the first nor the last time in John’s news of and receive again the Contact your financial representative and get started today! Gospel that Jesus is identified as light. In Lord’s Supper, where Christ’s body and the first chapter, Jesus is the “light (that) blood are given not abstractly but specifi- shines in the darkness and the darkness cally to and for you. Because of this good cannot overcome it” (v. 5). In the ninth news and these gifts given to and for us, chapter, Jesus says, “As long as I am in the there is much to share about how God world, I am the light of the world” (v. 5). loves and forgives us in Christ. Set to the As “light of the world,” Jesus Christ, tune of humility and thankfulness, the our lighthouse, shines the light of his point of our message is not to inundate grace, love and hope into a dark, hid- or intimidate, but rather to invite people den world where people are hungry and into the light and love of Jesus Christ by thirsty, homeless and impoverished, abused sharing how we have been wrapped in and abandoned, dying and dejected and the hope of safe harbor. otherwise hurting and in need. When and where Christ’s light shines A light that reveals for the church in these ways and God’s In these hidden spaces, Jesus Christ, Spirit is loosed among us in word and our lighthouse, reveals and uncovers the sacrament, we are set on fire, our eyes, hurts and needs of the world so that the hearts, minds, voices and lives are turned church may clearly see how and where we inside out, and we become actively and are called to live out what Martin Luther passionately concerned and involved in calls the “love and care of the neighbor.” the world God loves. When “the light shines in the dark- Resources: ness,” it shines all over the place, iden- • “Christians in Society: Luther, the tifying not only the needs and concerns and Social Ethics” by William of those whom we would serve. The light H. Lazareth (Augsburg Fortress, ISBN: also shines on the church, revealing where, 978-0-8006-3292-2, $23.00) William when and how we are in need of God’s Lazareth sets his sights on how Martin love and mercy, healing and hope, grace Luther's principles of biblical inter- and forgiveness. pretation fueled his understanding of One of the primary ways that Christ’s the church's life and mission. www. light shines for the church is to unmoor augsburgfortress.org the church from thinking that we cannot • “The Prodigal Hugging Church: A be Christ’s torchbearers of God’s love and Scandalous Approach to Mission for grace in the world because there’s just too the 21st Century” by Tim Wright much pain and suffering in the world to (Augsburg Fortress, ISBN: 978-0- be at all effective. To that, Christ’s light 8066-4278-9, $9.99) Rethink the mis- Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products points us not to the whole world but to sion of your congregation in light are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent specific places and instances where our of Jesus' commitment to embrace Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial representatives are hands and feet, hearts and voices can be culture. Written for both leaders and registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents of hope for the sake of the gospel. members, this book will encourage agents of Thrivent Financial. Christ’s light also scatters the church’s you to embrace the prodigals in your For additional important disclosure information, please visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. darkness of worrying that too much focus community. www.augsburgfortress.org Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota • Thrivent.com • 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) outside of the walls of a congregation 27248SP N1-12 201200239 will mean diminished ministry for the 4 Seeds for the Parish

Life without expectations Molly Cook has no problem admitting Molly writes in her bi-monthly newsletter Youth Group at Basel Christian Church of Faith has been a journey for Molly, but that faith hasn't always come easily for her. to friends and family back home. "And Malaysia. the one thing she's never struggled with "I am fascinated when learning any- now, here I am, six months later in Kota "I was very intimidated to attend their is the power one person has to make an thing about religion," she says, "but it is Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. I have found youth service on Saturday nights, and so, impact on another. having that gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, happiness, friendship and most importantly for the first few weeks, I didn't go," she says. "Although there are plenty of reasons never-ceasing, blind faith that I have never a home on the other side of the world. I "However, on the first night that I did at- on the news each night to doubt humanity," quite succeeded with." have a family here!" tend, I knew it was going to be OK … I felt she says, "there are also countless moments Lately, though, Molly says faith has In her first at home. I was every day where I am in awe of it.” been getting a lot easier due in part to a few months of welcomed in "The simple beauty in making someone decision she made to dedicate a year of service, Molly with open arms, smile just by saying hi," she continues. her life to serving abroad. has already and seeing their "Knowing what can happen when people Molly is participating in an ELCA been on quite faces, hearing come together to do something great has churchwide ministry that provides young an adventure. them sing, and always been inspiring to me." adults an opportunity to volunteer over- When enjoying their This faith in people and the power to seas as a servant-leader for this church. she's not been company has inspire may be what brought Molly to Ma- Through ELCA Missionary Sponsorship, teaching Eng- been my favor- laysia, but it's her faith in something bigger 230 ELCA missionaries serving in nearly lish phonics ite part of my that is transforming her experience there. 50 countries are supported, thanks to the lessons to journey thus "I wasn't ready for this change, to join generosity of ELCA members. the students far." the 'real world,'" she reflects. "I wanted to In the young adults program, volunteers in the pastry In particu- grieve the death of adolescence instead of are placed around the world to work in skills certifi- lar, Molly has face my big scary future. Little did I know community, grow in their faith, and bet- cate program found the ELCA that this 'ending' was just the beginning of ter understand their place in God's world. at Sabeh Cheshire House, she's attended methodology of accompaniment to be a something so much greater than I could And understanding her place in God's retreats with other young adult volunteers strong, guiding principle in adapting to have ever have imagined." world is something Molly has definitely in Singapore and Hong Kong, spent time her new home away from home. Resources: been learning a lot about. snorkeling and exploring Malaysia with "I have found accompaniment through • Learn about the ELCA’s Young Adults Molly's assignment has taken her to her new friends and colleagues, and tried walking side-by-side with the people in my in Global Mission program at www. Kota Kinabalu, Sabeh, Malaysia, where she lots of new cuisine. new communities," she says. "When I think elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three- works at Sabeh Cheshire Home, a school "I have developed a couple of mottos about accompaniment in my own life, I Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/ that teaches people living with disabilities since coming here," Molly says. "The first realize how eager I am to learn, to grow, Global-Mission/Engage-in-Global- some important life skills so that they may is 'always say yes!' The second is to 'live to understand the world around me. I ask Mission/Global-Service/Basics-of- be able to lead productive, happy lives. without expectations' and the third, 'eat questions, I listen, I interpret, and I learn. Global-Service/Young-Adults.aspx. The journey to Kota Kinabalu, Molly first, ask questions later.'" By asking questions of my own and offering says, has been eye-opening. Molly has also found a home in a local answers to others I have built connections "This past May I graduated from college," congregation as a member of the Eklektos and relationships simply by being myself."

18 years of missionary service began with an ‘Oops!’ By Twila Schock

“I’m afraid of my own new chal- was on my first day as a missionary that Ja som navozenstvo!” And, I was proud. I doing something lenges in ministry, I fulfilled the prophecy. was being a good, cross-culturally sensitive dumb!” I confess that in my You see, I was determined to do it missionary. Or so I thought. Years ago I ut- heart of hearts I still all “the right way.” During missionary They laughed at me! tered these words to utter those words. orientation, I had taken copious notes on What had I said? Why was that funny, Dr. Rolly Martinson, “I’m afraid of how to enter a new context with grace. I I wondered. a professor at Lu- doing something had learned the importance of learning Two weeks later, Dr. Kuruc, the di- ther Seminary, who dumb!” the local language. I contemplated how rector of the school said, “Mrs. Schock, had been brought to “Don’t worry!” I could adjust my American standard of do you have any idea of what you said?” the ELCA mission- consoled Dr. Mar- living to accommodate the local economy. “No,” I gulped, my new missionary ary orientation to tinson. “Of course So, on my first day, I was going to do it glow rubbed off by this time. serve as a counselor you will! And, at the just right! I was going to introduce myself “You said, ‘I am Pastor Twila Schock, for new missionary recruits. time you do, you’ll be too dumb to know to the faculty of the Lutheran high school and I am religion!” Today, after 18 rich years of serving that you’ve done it! Know this, though. where I was called to teach in Bratislava, I was embarrassed. Like a balloon after both as a missionary and as director for They’ll forgive you and love you in spite Slovakia, in my newly acquired Slovak lan- a birthday party, I was totally deflated. ELCA Missionary Sponsorship, I look of it.” guage. When it was my turn to introduce That was not merely an arrogant thing forward to returning to parish ministry I didn’t wait very long as a mission- myself, I stood up and announced with great to say. It was downright absurd. in the United States. And, as I look to ary to act on his prediction. In fact, it confidence, “Ja som Pani fararka Schockova. continued on page 7 Seeds for the Parish 5

Celebrating the Luther Decade

When Martin Luther posted his Nine- the observances of the Luther Decade. Q & A ty-five Theses on the door of the Castle Working hand-in-hand with the Lutheran The Seeds for the Parish editor recently asked friends of the ELCA Facebook Church in Wittenberg on Oct. 31, 1517, World Federation Wittenberg Center, it he set in motion a reforming movement provides an opportunity to explore both page: Has your congregation hosted an interfaith service or event? If so that changed the world. Today, as we ap- heritage and future possibilities of what what did you do? proach the 500th anniversary of Luther’s it means to be a Lutheran. The Lutheran posting, Christians around the world are World Federation Wittenberg Center No, but last fall I went with the New Goshenhoppen Church, (a) UCC church, preparing to observe the occasion. provides two seminars a year based on to the Al Ahad Islamic Center in Allentown, Pa., where we shared in their The Lutheran World Federation, a themes that gather Lutherans from around worship. A week later their congregation joined New Goshenhoppen in communion of churches numbering 68 the globe to focus on various aspects of their worship. It was very inspiring. million Lutheran Christians in 140 member faith and life. See more information at —David Lintvedt churches from 78 countries, identifies this www.elca.org/lutherdecade. anniversary “as an occasion for the joyful The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA pre- celebration of the power of the Lutheran siding bishop and then-president of The Tonight (May 21) we are hosting a Jewish-Christian-Muslim conversation witness to the gospel and at the same time Lutheran World Federation, opened the "Ancient Faiths; Modern World" that looks at how technological changes a space for the self-critical acknowledge- Decade by preaching at the celebration impact our communities. ment of failures in faithfulness and of service in 2008. He encouraged everyone —James Krombholz the continuing pain of division among to hear the call of the Reformation today Faith Lutheran Church Christians” (from The Lutheran World and make it come alive in our faith and life: New Providence, N.J. Federation Strategic Plan). Planning for “You are not far from the kingdom observances beginning in 2015 and cul- of God” (Mark 12:34). Did you hear that Because we share our space with Broadway United Church of Christ, most minating at the Federation's assembly in word Jesus spoke? Did you hear when of our holy days are done as interfaith! But our young adult service has the summer of 2017 began last fall. and where it was spoken: two millennia had a rabbi and an imam discuss things with us. Having a rabbi translate Similarly a churchwide staff team is ago to a member of a defeated, occupied a Psalm for us from Hebrew into English was very enlightening – compared consulting with leaders and representa- nation, far from the center of power, a to what was in our English language Bible, some of the meanings were tives of ELCA institutions, organizations minor local official, whose name is not very different! and other groups in preparing to present in the historical record. Did you hear it —Advent Lutheran Church a proposal to the ELCA Church Coun- now across the centuries, spoken in your New York, N.Y. cil at its fall 2012 meeting. The working hearing, here, today? proposal is for an observance that serves …one of the most important ques- God’s mission in the religiously diverse tions for us to ask today is, “What is my My church, Redeemer Lutheran, in Succasunna, N.J., has been participating culture of North America by discovering posture before my neighbor? My Muslim in ”cross faith conversations” with a local synagogue. Over the four sessions, opportunities and strengthening initiatives neighbor, my Jewish neighbor, before we took turns hosting, each faith asking questions about the other and that bring historic Lutheran or evangelical neighbors shamed for their poverty or educating each other in an open, friendly atmosphere. It was a wonderful resources to that service in a renewed way. despised for their prosperity?” Just as the experience for all! I heard they may continue in the fall. However, Lutherans around the world word once attracted a nameless scribe —Shelly Wagman Housel already have an opportunity to begin ob- and called a servant named Martin, so serving this milestone in the reformation it continues to call us to “what makes move. Since 2008 the Evangelischen Kirche for peace and mutual upbringing” (Ro- On Tuesday evening, May 29, 2012, Lutheran Church of the Cross in Berkeley, in Deutschland has been counting down mans 14:19). Calif., will be having Rabbi Kahn from Congregation Bethel here in Berkeley toward the 500th anniversary with an A most fitting commemoration of to discuss Reformed Judaism. I would love to have a local Islamic leader observance called the Luther Decade. The the Lutheran Reformation will be the come and do the same thing. Luther Decade explores different aspects of daily renewal of our baptismal calling to —Sean Riley what it means to be the reforming church proclaim the good news of God in Christ today through 10 year-long themes. through word and deed, to serve all people The theme for the current year (2011- following the example of Jesus, and to Interfaith and interdenominational are two different things. Many interde- 12), the Reformation and Music, celebrates strive for justice and peace in all the earth. nominational activities, but none interfaith, that I know of. That would be the many ways music was used then and In so doing you will be bearing witness pretty cool. now as an instrument of worship, prayer to God’s promised future. You will be —Yarissa Ramos and grace. This year, there will be sugges- announcing, “You are not far from the tions for a hymn festival that will include kingdom of God.” global music, as well as liturgical pieces Resources: Every Thursday we gather members of our community, Christian, Jewish, to be used for Reformation worship. An • To learn more about the Wittenberg Muslim, and nonbelievers to pack gifts of weekend food for children and adult education session will be download- Center, go to www.elca.org/Who-We- youth in our community. able that walks through the heritage and Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Church- —Jennie Taylor Hodge development of some of Luther’s hymns. wide-Organization/Global-Mission/ Reformation and Tolerance is the theme Where-We-Work/Europe-Middle- for 2012-13 in the Luther Decade. East/Germany/ELCA-Wittenberg- Editor’s note: If you would like to follow the ELCA Facebook page, you can The ELCA Wittenberg Center provides Center.aspx. find us at www.facebook.com/lutherans. a valuable resource for participating in 6 Ripe for Picking

New ELCA roadmarker now available Online learning opportunities

Sometimes we all need a sign Order forms can be found at Select Learning offers online For more in- — now congregations can lead www.elca.org/brandmark in the courses for continuing education, formation about the way to their front door with “Get started” section. Congre- Associate in Ministry candidacy and Select Learning a new ELCA roadmarker. These gations should fax their orders a variety of certification processes. Select and online courses rustproof aluminum signs are directly to Stout Industries, an Learning is a great partner for lifelong go to www.se- available in a four-color enamel approved supplier, which will learning for individuals and congregations. lectlearning.org. finish and feature an authorized handle production, payment Here are the online courses for fall 2012. use of the ELCA emblem. The processing and shipping. All Beginning in September 2012: sign is printed with the words, orders will ship direct to each • Introduction to the “Lutheran Church Welcomes congregation. Be sure to check • From Jesus to Luther You” and allows customizable your local regulations on post- • Getting Down to Basics: Augs- space for your congregation’s ing signs before placing your burg Confessions and the Small name, address and an arrow if needed. orders. Summer is a perfect time to up- Catechism Prices vary depending on the needed cus- date old signs or welcome new visitors • The American Religious tomization but range from $68 to $91 with with new directional roadmarkers. Order Experience shipping and handling extra. yours today.

The recipe for your next fundraiser Every congregation is looking for new theme that is unique and appealing to your Publishing. Each company offers different showing the editorial team a proof of the ways to raise funds, either for their own congregation. printing and pricing options so be sure your cookbook before it is ready to be sold. Once benefit or as an outreach to those in their Examples of themes are: Christmas team determines the best publisher for your the proofs are approved, it’s time to sell community. This year help your congrega- cookie recipes, kid-friendly recipes, des- congregation. the books. tion fundraise with something timeless and sert recipes, appetizer recipes or recipes The third ingredient is the design of This is the final ingredient of the recipe: meaningful: cookbooks. from around the world. the cover, dividers and pages. If your con- selling the book. Decide where is a good This fundraiser has been successful for After the theme is chosen, it is time for gregation is interested in a higher profit, place to sell the cookbooks. It is important to many congregations and it can be for yours the second ingredient: recipes. Announce to consider having local businesses purchase begin selling within your congregation since as well. However, when planning a cook- your congregation, pastors and community an ad to advertise in the cookbook. Also, the members are the ones who submitted book fundraiser, it is important to follow members that recipes will be accepted dur- don’t forget to design a page with the history the recipes and will cherish the memories. this recipe for success. ing a certain time frame. During that time, of your congregation and the organization Some congregations bring their cookbooks The first ingredient on our list is to form the editorial team will organize the recipes this fundraiser will benefit. to local bookstores or vendors to be sold on a team of editors. This team will decide on and decide on a publisher to assemble the If your editorial team wants to get more consignment. Regardless of how you decide a theme for the book, collect the recipes, recipes and publish the cookbook. people involved, the cover design can be to sell your cookbook, you have created find the publisher and determine the cost There are many publishers that work opened up to the congregation. Have a mem- a delicious recipe for successfully rasing of the book. with cookbook fundraisers and will be re- ber create a design that will be meaningful money for a good cause. The theme is a very important ingredient sponsible for typing the recipes and as- to the congregation. A cookbook fundraiser also creates in this recipe; it’s like the chocolate chips in sembling the cookbook. Three companies Mix the first three ingredients together timeless and unique memories for all in- a chocolate chip cookie. Since there are so have received particularly high reviews from (theme, recipe and design) and send them volved. Be sure to hold a congregational many generic cookbooks on the market, it congregations on fundraisers: Fundcraft to the publishing company. The publisher potluck after the fundraiser to taste all of is essential that the editorial team creates a Publishing, Heritage Cookbooks and Morris will take care of typesetting, binding and the delicious recipes. continued from page 1 Consider the Gathering and Sending music from parts of the world that may be derstanding and worshiping is not only by Tim Dowley (Augsburg Fortress, sections of hymns and songs in the wor- new to us, and singing it all with informed for Reformation Sunday,” share Don and ISBN: 978-0-8006-9841-6, $35.00) This ship resource. They include texts and/ integrity and passion. Mary Johnson, members of Lamb of God popular history of Christian music is or music from Germany, England, the Beyond enlarging a vision of the church who both previously worked on the ELCA the first to encompass all eras, regions Netherlands, El Salvador, Sweden, France, and participating in an ongoing vision of Chicago-based staff in areas related to and varieties of this rich and vast trea- Zimbabwe, Japan, United States, South the reformation, another benefit to con- global mission. “In this congregation, the sure. From its Jewish origins, through Africa, Cuba, Denmark and Wales, from gregations is that the singing of familiar liturgy, music and preaching are grounded medieval and hymns, to gospel various periods of history, and in a va- hymns is often energized by the inclusion in solid theology and historic understanding and rock, Christian music around riety of musical styles. And this is only of global music which is led with percussion of Lutheran worship. Yet, there is always the world is harmonized beautifully a sampling of the extent of music that is and movement. Worshipers may sing the something fresh and new that is incorpo- in this colorfully illustrated survey. available to congregations today. old hymns and chorales of our Lutheran rated every Sunday, often from another www.augsburgfortress.org. The challenge before worship planners heritage, led by the organ, with more energy, part of the world. This keeps us grateful • “Hymns in Jazz Style” by Aaron David and those who lead music is to value the as well as learning songs new to them and for our heritage but constantly looking Miller (Augsburg Fortress, ISBN: 978- treasury of music we have received from growing to love them like the ones they forward.” 0-8006-7853-1, $17.50) Appropriate for the past while enriching and expanding have known for many years. Resources: worship settings as well as just plain the repertoire with new songs and beloved “At Lamb of God, this way of un- • “Christian Music: A Global History” fun to play. www.augsburgfortress.org. Ripe for Picking 7

Resources from Augsburg

‘Welcome, Child of God’ ‘Go Make Disciples: An Invitation to ‘Community in the Inventive Age’ Connect: Tween Sunday School by Anne Ylvisaker, illustrated by Claudia Baptismal Living’ by Doug Pagitt With Connect, McGehee Paperback, 208pp, $12.99 Paperback, 168pp $14.99 tweens revisit the Board Book, 14pp, $7.99 ISBN: 978-1-4514-2612-0 ISBN: 978-1-4514-0147-9 Bible’s greatest sto- ISBN: 978-1-4514-0133-2 This highly The Inventive ries, uncover major First-place win- informative hand- Age provides oppor- biblical themes, and ner in the picture book is intended to tunities for reshap- discover how the book category of help congregations ing all institutions Bible relates to the 2011 Midwest implement the task and communities. their own lives. It Book Awards, this of making disciples Doug Pagitt brings is Bible-centered delightful children’s in their own com- to life 10 Inventive Sunday school with board book features munity. “Go Make Age characteristics just enough quirky illustrations that Disciples” provides as they are expe- tween humor to get help children connect to their updated resources rienced through them hooked. Connect is designed to be and reinforce the baptismal connections for preparing adults the community of used with fifth- and sixth-graders, and that surround us everyday. In addition to for baptism or affirmation of baptism, and Solomon's Porch—a shares an NRSV Bible with “Holy Moly.” being a treasured reminder of the child's for Christian discipleship. Appropriate for holistic Christian community in Minne- Learn more at wearesparkhouse.org. baptism, the text has been written to be a wide range of Protestant denominations, apolis that is engaged in mission. These sung to the child, and a music graphic is especially Lutheran, Episcopal, Anglican, 10 characteristics of Inventive Age culture ‘Caring Liturgies: The Pastoral Power of included on the back cover of the book. United Methodist, Presbyterian and Re- will serve as a guide for those creating new Christian Ritual’ formed traditions. faith communities and making changes in by Susan Marie Smith ‘A Field Guide to Contemporary Wor- existing ones. Paperback, 160 pp., $18.00 ship: How to Begin and Lead Band-Based ‘Ministry with Persons with Mental Ill- ISBN: 978-0-8006-9736-5 Worship’ ness and Their Families’ ‘Holy Moly: Bible Brought to Life’ Available Aug. 1, 2012 by Andrew Boesenecker and James Graeser by Robert H. Albers, Steven D. Thurber, Holy Moly is Caregiving prac- Paperback, 220pp, $24.99 and William H. Meller an exciting new tices in churches of- ISBN: 978-0-8066-9590-7 Paperback, 256pp $29.00 curriculum that ir- ten center around This is an essen- ISBN: 978-0-8006-9874-4 resistibly captures listening and giving tial reference work Medical and the imagination of counsel, making re- for anyone thinking pastoral counseling kids by bringing the ferrals, and creat- about starting a con- professionals come Bible to life. Kids ing support groups temporary worship together in this book walk away from for specific needs. service, especially to provide accurate class excitedly re- In “Caring Litur- those who aren’t clinical information telling the stories they just learned and gies,” Susan Marie quite sure where to and practical theo- eagerly awaiting what’s next. Each lesson Smith proposes that start. In addition logical insights on invites kids into the story with animated Christian ritual is both a method and a to providing infor- nine common men- Bible story retellings, reinforces the lesson means for helping people through times mation about the nuts and bolts of instru- tal disorders. Lay through the colorful pages of the Holy of transition and uncertainty, even vulner- mentation and working with microphones and clergy caregivers Moly Bible Storybooks and Connect Bible, ability and fear. and speakers, this guide provides valuable will find here reliable and invaluable in- and encourages creativity and imagination discussion about why and when to begin a sights for ministry with both the afflicted with activities that bring the stories to life. service. and the affected. Learn more at wearesparkhouse.org. continued from page 4 And, today, as I look forward to entering on the table, but rather hand them respect- do – know and believe that the body of ions are eagerly waiting for them to arrive, a new context for mission, I am so grateful fully to the recipient. To place them directly Christ has room for errors and will thrive warts, gifts and all! for that experience. That experience was the on the table is tantamount to a death wish. nonetheless. What is also certain is this: Now, more beginning of my long, arduous growth as a I needed to learn that shaking another’s I am thankful for these 18 years and for than ever, ELCA missionaries need our missionary. I learned how to listen and receive. hand over a door threshold is wishing them the privilege of serving my global neighbors support. They need financial support. And, In the days to come, I would learn many bad luck. who were gracious enough to receive me – they need our prayers. Some of them will cultural, religious and linguistic aspects about Deepened skills of both listening and fumbles and all. serve in challenging circumstances. All of Slovak Christians. I would learn about the receiving have shaped who I am as a pastor I am grateful for Lanny Westphal, who them will know life-changing experiences. deep piety and Socialist government history and are gifts that I hope to bring to my new will now take on this important work as I am concluding my formal service of which both grounded and fueled the faith of congregation. My global neighbors have director for ELCA Missionary Sponsorship. ELCA’s global mission but the great work will these people. And, most importantly, before taught me much that missionary orientation This summer, he will help shepherd and continue. Contact Lanny Westphal on how you I could hope to give, I needed to receive the can’t provide: on-the-ground training in train over a dozen new long-term mission- can sponsor or support an ELCA missionary, gifts of the local culture. new ways of living out faith; the ability to aries for service. To be sure, they are eager visit www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship I needed to learn that, if one brings flowers laugh at myself; and the ability to – despite to do it right. To be sure, they will make or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657 . to another’s home, one must not put them the accidental and absurd things I might mistakes. To be sure, our global compan- Summer 2012 Seeds for the Parish

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID 8765 West Higgins Road Shakopee, MN Permit No. 38 Chicago, IL 60631

United in song This issue of Seeds for the Parish celebrates five centuries of Lutherans keeping the Reformation alive in music.

B:10.25” T:10.25” S:10.25”

IT TAKES A SPECIAL INVESTMENT TO TURN A BOWLING ALLEY INTO A SANCTUARY.

March 18, 2009. Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Orlando, Florida. When you invest your savings with the Mission Investment Fund you get more B:5” S:5” than a great fi nancial return. That’s because we use the money you invest to fund T:5” building and renovation loans for ELCA congregations like Spirit of Joy. Thanks to an MIF loan, this congregation transformed a bowling alley into a one-of-a-kind worship space where it provides shelter for the homeless, adult literacy tutoring and meals for hungry families. “Do unto others.” How’s that for an investment strategy? To learn more, contact us at 877-886-3522 or elca.org/mif.

Mission Investment Fund investments are subject to certain risks. See “Risk Factors” in the fund’s Offering Circular. The fund’s investments are not bank accounts. As securities issued by a nonprofi t institution, the investments are not insured by FDIC, SIPC or any other federal or state regulatory agency. The securities are sold only by means of the Offering Circular. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described here.

JOB: MIF6010 NAME: MIF6010_Bowling_SeedsParishR2.indd FONTS: Stalemate (Medium, Light, MediumItalic), Pabst L (Regular) AS CLIENT: ELCA-MIF ROUND: 2 IMAGES: MIF6010_Bowling_ROP.psd (CMYK; 517 ppi; 58%), ELCA_MIF_ MEDIA TYPE: ROP LAST SAVED: 10-17-2011 4:28 PM Logo_0K.ai (50.65%) PUB: Seeds of the Parish PATH: Studio:Volumes:Studio:Work Com...MIF6010_ INKS: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black AD ISSUE: None Bowling_SeedsParishR2.indd AS: Mike Finke PRINTED AT: 100% CW AD: David Yang BLEED: None CW: Amy Markley TRIM: 10.25” x 5” PP: Carrie Seanor LIVE: None PP SA: Matt Fast

SA

NOTES: Bowling