To Rostered and Professional Leaders in the church

All rostered and professional church leaders are invited to attend the MNO Study Conference, held annually at Luther Village, Lake of the Woods, ON. The information attached includes a registration form. The Study Conference is the only time each year (other than at synod conventions in alternate years) that ALL leaders gather together for study, renewal and relationship building with each other.  We encourage congregations who have lay persons on staff to also send their leadership to this event.

The Study Conference is considered an official meeting for rostered ministers and you are expected to attend, as directed in your letter of call:

“that we (the congregation) reimburse you for expenses not otherwise provided for, incurred in attending conventions and other official meetings at which your attendance is required”, and that rostered leaders seek permission to be excused if unable to attend.

Rostered leaders attend not only for their own benefit but for the benefit of their colleagues. This is an event in which we uphold and walk with our colleagues in ministry. It might be one of those times in which it is not about us but about others. Those unable to be in attendance are to request an excuse from the Bishop in advance of the study conference dates.

H1N1 (SWINE FLU) INFORMATION
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization raised its global pandemic alert level to five — its second highest level — meaning a pandemic is imminent and countries must finalize preparations to deal with the outbreak of swine flu.

This is not a time to panic. However with the good sense and intelligence that God has given us, we are wise to prepare for the possibility of a significant disruption in the lives of our churches and communities. With the aid of resources available from a variety of websites, this is a good time to put plans in place that will help you address primary concerns surrounding worship practices and put together a back-up leadership team should primary leaders become incapacitated due to illness. Since the church is a gathering place and seeks to be a community of comfort and healing, it is important that congregations take deliberate steps toward preparing for the possibility of an influenza pandemic. Here are some sources to consider:

After the SARS outbreak, the Eastern Synod developed policies and guidelines for synod office, congregations and conferences and encouraged congregations to develop similar policies to guide community life during an outbreak or pandemic. Saskatchewan Synod rostered ministers and congregational leaders are encouraged to view the Eastern Synod policies and guidelines at www.easternsynod.org

ELCIC Group Services has posted information and links regarding swine influenza, the impact of this outbreak and measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of infection. To view the article and related links, please go to www.elcicgsi.ca

Review information on reliable websites such as www.gov.mb.ca/index.html (Government of Manitoba, www.fightflu.ca (Government of Canada), www.shepell.fgi (ELCIC Employee Assistance Program), www.cdc.gov/swineflu (Centres for Disease Control), and www.who.int/en (World Health Organization).

As we experience this pending health emergency, pray regularly for health care givers, medical researchers and officials so that calm and competency may prevail. I pray that God will keep you, your family and loved ones, and members of our congregations and communities in good health so that we can be a blessing to others.

Many blessings to you as we continue to celebrate the 50 days of this blessed Easter season!

Grace and peace,
Bishop Cindy

+Cynthia G. Halmarson, Bishop
Saskatchewan Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada