| 16 Ways to Increase Giving in Your Church |
Pastors, Council Members, Treasurers, Stewardship Committee Members
- Is your congregation often struggling to meet budget?
- Are you deferring needed maintenance?
- Are you putting off adding programs or staff, fearful that you can’t raise the revenue?
- Are you having discussions about needing to cut program or staff?
If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the Seminar“16 Ways to Increase Giving in Your Church” may be useful for you. In our increasingly secular and materialistic society, Christians do not automatically understand or know what it means to be faithful stewards of all of life, which includes our money. This workshop is designed to assist congregational leadership to teach and model faithful and effective stewardship principals in your congregational setting.
SEMINAR DETAILS
Date/Time: Saturday, March 26, 2011 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Location: Gimli Lutheran Church, 50 Third Ave., Gimli. MB
Cost: $25.00 (inc lunch) Four or more from a single congregation - $100 maximum
To register: See attached form or download from www.mnosynod.org (by March 15)
Sponsored by: MNO Synod “Mission as Hope” and Manitoba Inter-Church Stewardship Link
For more info click here |
Dr. Ben Harder, President of Harder & Associates, has been involved in Christian ministry for over forty-five years. He began his ministry career as a pastor in the Winnipeg area, and then became involved in development work in the church. For the past 21 years, he has worked as a consultant with churches of all denominations in the design of both budget and capital campaigns. In addition, he has developed practical stewardship seminars that have both rural and urban applications, which have been conducted across Canada and the USA. |
| mno |
| 2011 Synod Report to Congregations |
The MNO Synod invites all congregations to include the following synod report in their Annual Reports.
Included is a Word document to copy and paste into your report and a PDF if you would like to print a copy to place directly into your report.
Word document
PDF document
The report can also be found on the front page of the MNO Synod website - www.mnosynod.org |
| mno |
| Rostered Minister Study Days |
ELCA/ELCIC
Rostered ministers are invited to a study day with our colleagues to the south, NW Minnesota Synod (western cluster) on Feb. 15th. We will meet at Epiphany Lutheran Church at 8 a.m. to car-pool. If you plan to attend, please let Bishop Elaine know by February 10th.
Please remember your passports as well. The topic is on congregational peace building, with ELCA Bishop Larry Wolorabi and Pastor Rick Sauer presenting. Coffee breaks and lunch will be included, with a free will offering. |
 |
ACC Diocese of Rupertsland/MNO Synod
The Diocese of Rupertsland holds an annual study day each February and has invited the Metro, Agassiz and Brokenhead Conference ministers to a gathering in Winnipeg (St. George's Crescentwood) on February 22, from 11:30-3:30 p.m. Everyone is asked to bring a bag lunch as we gather for worship, meal, and study. Bishop Don will be sending out more information about the theme, etc. as the planning committee makes this available.
|
| mno |
| Women of Faith Fund |
The ELCIC Women of Faith Fund is established by the National Church Council (NCC) to the Glory of God and in recognition of the significant contribution of the women of the Evangelical Lutheran Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Inc. The initial contributions to this fund come from the residual amount remaining after the dissolution of Evangelical Lutheran Women Inc. as per their bylaw which states: "Upon the dissolution or winding up of the ELW, all remaining property, after payment of all debts and liabilities of the ELW, shall be distributed as provided in the articles. (Section 14)" Individuals and groups may make additional donations to the fund.
Read more
Download ELCIC Women of Faith Fund Grant Application Form |
| mno |
| CrossWord Reminder |
The next CrossWord will be distributed
February 9
Please keep this in mind when forwarding material to be included. All submissions should be in to rscherger@elcic.ca by noon the Tuesday prior to the distribution date. Thanks. |
| mno |
 |
February MNO Youth and Campus Service
February 6 at 6:30 pm at Sherwood Park Lutheran, 7 Tudor Crescent.
Did you know that the Presentation of Jesus and the Purification of Mary (40 days after Christmas) have links to Ground Hog Day? A special music and drama team will be involved in this service. This service will also launch the National Youth Project "12 for 12". All offering at this service will go to get 12 for 12 off the ground.
|
|
Still taking applications for Youth Delegate to the National Church Convention
Youth leaders - is there someone in your youth group who you need to tap on the shoulder and encourage to apply? This is a marvellous opportunity for young people to learn how the church works, and to be a voting delegate on powerful issues like "restructuring" discussions on going from 5 synods to 3, and recommendations from the Human Sexuality task force. Please see attached application form.
|
|
An Ecumenical Youth/Young Adult Service (during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity) will take place at St. Mary’s Academy 550 Wellington Crescent on Friday, January 28 at 7:30 pm. One special feature of this worship service will be an interesting and informative examination of the early church's "Agape Meal". A second interesting feature is that our own Prairie Fire will provide some musical leadership in this ecumenical service.
Click here to see the poster |
|
Self Care... the Youth Leader
Ecumenical Youth Leader's Training Workshop
February 1st, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Pastoral Center, Archdiocese of St. Boniface, 622-B Taché Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Please RSVP to Larry (lulrich@elcic.ca) by January 28 if you are planning to attend.
We're wondering two things:
What are your biggest challenges as a youth leader?
-Trying to get everything done without working 80 hours a week?
-Too much pressure?
-Challenging youth?
-Living off of a challenging income?
-Something else?
How do you take care of yourself?
-Spiritually
-Physically
-Emotionally
This seems to be an incredibly important topic for so many of you. Your feedback will assist the leaders to make this most helpful for you. You can also expect to gain some new resources for self-care.
Contact Larry by January 28 with responses and/or to RSVP. |
|
Narnia in the Fort; the True, the Good, and the Beautiful
February Youth Gathering - February 19-21
Attached are the letter to leaders, a Poster, registration form and information for youth and parents. This packet is also being mailed to your congregation in hard copy (along with a colour poster), so be on the lookout for this. It promises to be a wonderful event with Connor Truman as our presenter, and Zion, Fort Frances excited to be hosting us. We have noted that the poster has a misprint - (registration deadline February 1). It is actually February 8 as noted in the printed materials.
Letter to Leaders
Registration form
Information for Youth and Parents
Poster |
| mno |
| Worship and the Arts Gallery |
Going South in the Next Couple of Weeks?
Augsburg Fortress 2011 Winter Music Clinics - Lincoln NE, and Orange City FL 29 January 2011
You are invited to join Augsburg Fortress Publishing House in the remaining 2011 Winter Music Clinics. Held on 29 January in Lincoln Nebraska and Orange City Florida, these exciting events have been developed for the continuing education of today's church musician. These events provide opportunities for church musicians to network, learn, and be inspired. Check the link below for further information.
http://www.augsburgfortress.org/community/events/featured/
music_clinics_winter2011/?redirected=true |
 |
|
Travel Not Quite So Far South
Festival of Homiletics - Minneapolis MN 16 - 20 May 2011
The Festival of Homiletics 2011 takes place in Minneapolis MN from May 16 - 20, 2011. A conference for transformational preaching, this conference promises to be both challenging and re-energizing. This years festival features speakers such as, Barbara Brown Taylor, Walter Brueggemann, Tom Long, Diana Butler Bass and more, as well as music of Mark Sedio, Cantus, Grace Kelly, and others. Be sure to check out details and register at the link below.
http://www.goodpreacher.com/festival/
|
|
Excitement Closer to Home
Refreshing Winds 2011 - Canadian Mennonite University - Winnipeg MB 3 - 5 February 2011
Worship always takes place, some place, some where, at some time, in some location...
This years Refreshing Winds Conference explores what it means to worship in cultural context. The theme was inspired by the title of a well-known hymn based on
Genesis 28:16-17. It reminds us that God is found in surprising places. “This place” is many places, and any place on our planet, wherever people are open to being surprised by God’s presence. And wherever that place is, we are called to live our faith mindful of the culture in which we are located.
This conference features keynote speaker Brian McLaren and the music of Steve Bell, as well as a variety of other resource people. For further information check the following link:
http://www.cmu.ca/conferences.html#refresh |
| mno |
| Update from the Urban |
| Hello to all. The New Year is showing to be a busy year. The Urban continues with serving meals and the numbers are down a little due to the bitter cold weather. When it gets colder outside we find that people are either huddling up at home or they are looking for a warm place for the night. It is not the feeding of people that is getting busier, but rather the other activities at the Urban.
Aubrey and I kept record of how many people we saw for counselling and the length of time that this took. We have people come to us for a variety of reasons. We have those who have suffered a loss and they are looking for some comfort. We have people who have difficulties with their relationships and they come to us for help. There are also those who question where God is in their lives when things seem to be going so very wrong. We also have those who come to celebrate a week of sobriety. There is typically a minimum of two hours each day that are taken up with the counselling aspect of the job. We would certainly appreciate someone who can volunteer time to just sit and talk to the people in our drop in. I am thinking along the lines of ask the pastor afternoon sessions. Tuesday afternoons would be a good time for this.
Read more |
 |
| mno |
 |
New Website for Luther Village
Check it out! www.luthervillage.ca
More to come later in February, but see what we have so far! |
|
Luther Village Annual Meeting
Thursday February 17, 2011
Lutheran Church of the Cross, 560 Arlington St. Winnipeg
7:00 - 8:00 pm |
|
Senior Staff Positions
Required for 5-6 month terms are those of Property Manager and Head Cook. These are both positions that require straining and skill and can often be difficult to fill. If you know of anyone who may be interested, or not even aware of these opportunities, please let them know about it and direct them to our website to investigate or to call Kim at the office to discuss. We ask for your prayers to help us fill these and our other job opportunities!
Application deadline is February 28, with hiring to be complete by March 18, 2011.
Find applications here |
|
| The Luther Village brochure is now available at Lutheran Churches in the synod. If you can't find one call (204.783.3337) or email (info@luthervillage.ca) the office and we will get one to you. |
|
|
| The Winter 2010-11 newsletter is available on the LV website. Click here |
| mno |
| Rev. Dr. Barry Rasmussen Memorial Hockey Tournament |
| Plans are underway for the 2nd Rev. Dr. Barry Rasmussen Memorial Hockey Tournament. It will be held on Saturday, Feb.19, 2011 in Inwood Manitoba (1 hour drive north of the city). Anyone interested in playing should register at 9 a.m. with the first game starting at 10 a.m. This tournament will be in conjunction with the Inwood Winter festival so there will be lots of other activity going on - a big silent auction,fun for kids, and lots of food! Funds raised this year will go to the Teulon and Inwood communities to help support sports activities(Barry believed that playing hard was also an important part of life!) |
| mno |
| Celebrate with Gloria Dei |
 |
| mno |
| Upcoming at Faith Lutheran |
Faith Lutheran Offers Informal Saturday Worship!
Looking for something simple, something informal, something contemporary, something to end the day or the week in gentle worship and praise? Faith Lutheran, 1311 Dakota St., offers Saturday evening worship every week. The service starts at 5:30 and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Still time for dinner, a movie or a date! Special formats as follows: January 8 - Taize; Jan. 15 - Healing; January 29 - Communion; February 5 - Emergent. |
|
| Young Adult Fellowship and Potluck - January 23, 6 p.m. Call Rae-Ann at 204.253.1491 for further details. |
| mno |
| Historic Churches Struggle to Stay Open |
from John Longhurst, Winnipeg Free Press
Two years ago, First English Lutheran Church on Maryland Avenue--a fixture in the west end since 1911--faced an uncertain future.
Sold in 2003 when its dwindling congregation that could no longer afford to maintain it, the church was home to a judo studio before a developer tried, unsuccessfully, to convert it to condos.
Then, in 2008, new life was breathed into the historic structure when Grant Memorial Baptist Church started using it for a new ministry. Today it is home to City Church, a thriving congregation of about 400 people, 90 per cent of them newcomers to Canada from Asia and Africa.
"It's been terrific for us," says City Church co-pastor Tim Nielson. "It was a real answer to prayer."
When it comes to historic places of worship in Winnipeg, there are a lot of people praying--praying and working hard to find funds to fix leaking roofs, old furnaces, cracked plaster, sinking foundations, drafty windows and a host of other repair, upgrade and routine maintenance issues.
That's what's happening at Augustine United, better known as the Village Church. It's one of the city's highest profile and much-loved churches. But it's also trying to keep its doors open.
Read more |
| mno |
| Mission Trips to New Orleans - Congregations Please Post on Your Bulletin Boards |
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
The Lutheran Men in Mission of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Steinbach are planning two Mission Trips to New Orleans in 2011: the first from Friday, Feb. 18th to Sunday, Feb. 27th, 2011, the second one from Friday, March 25th to Sunday, April 3rd, 2011. We would like to invite members of your congregation to join us. The bus has been booked and accommodations have been reserved. We will be staying at Camp Restore located at 9301 Chef Menteur Hwy., New Orleans, LA. www.camprestore.org
If you have been thinking about going to New Orleans, now is your opportunity. We have room for 35 volunteers on a first come, first serve basis. Cost is $400, which covers food and lodging in New Orleans, and helps with bus expense.
We would love to have volunteers, ages 18 and up, from your congregation join us as we prepare for our next mission trip to New Orleans.
Read more
Print poster
 |
| mno |
| Looking for a New Home for Green Hymnals |
| Gimli Lutheran Church is looking for a home for our “old” Green Hymnals (LBW). We have approx. 125 of them...we do not want to throw them out or send them to recycle.
Anyone interested can contact Linden 204.642.5996 or Mona 204.642.3537 |
|
| mno |
| Prayer Request |
| Please keep Pastor Gary Russell in your prayers as he continues his battle with cancer. |
 |
| mno |
| A Great Continuing Education Opportunity |
| Looking for an affordable way to learn and grow this year? Do it from the convenience of your home or office when you join The Renewable Church Learning Community. Members will attend six live webinar events (plus the recorded versions & discussion guides) and receive a monthly article to include in your own online and/or print newsletters, a free copy of the book “19 or More Ways To Ignite Passion in your Congregation” (due out mid-year), an invitation to the Renewable Church Retreat (onsite in the Chicago area this August), and discounts on books and resources all year long. The Renewable Church Learning Community is facilitated by Kelly Fryer, Dave Daubert, Tana Kjos, and the team at A Renewal Enterprise (ARE). Find out more about The Learning Community at www.RenewableChurch.com |
|
| mno |
| A Renewable Approach To Evangelism |
You are about to get a sneak peek at the first ever Renewable Church newsletter article. These articles are only available to members of the Renewable Church Learning Community - members are able to download these articles each month for use in their own online and/or print newsletters. But we want to give you a glimpse of the kinds of resources community members will be getting this year in case you're trying to decide whether or not to join. Click on the link below to download your copy of "A New Approach to Evangelism."
Read more |
|
| mno |
| We Care Kits and Quilts |
Four shipments totaling 44,000 kilos of materials
were sent to four countries: Malawi, Mauritania,
Tanzania and Nicaragua.
The Nicaragua shipment, a first for CLWR, was
distributed by Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de
Nicaragua, a partner church of Lutheran
Church–Canada. It also marked the beginning of
a new partnership with International H.O.P.E.
Canada, a Winnipeg-based organization devoted
to distributing surplus medical equipment and
supplies to the developing world.
The Winnipeg warehouse operation moved this year to its new location on King Edward Street.
Expanded storage space, newly installed shelving
and a one-level layout have made for greater
efficiencies in receiving and shipping of goods.
Donors and volunteers remain at the forefront of the We Care program. As well, gratitude goes
to Home Hardware for its ongoing provision of
free shipping of goods to Winnipeg from
locations all across Canada. |
 |
| mno |
| LTS Open House |
Visit the Seminary!
Explore possible futures in ministry…
Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon
invites you to our
Open House
Saturday, February 26, 2011
WORSHIP with our community in Christ Chapel
SHARE in presentations by our faculty and students
ENGAGE in one-on-one conversation and questions, as well as
stimulating group discussion
Enjoy a chance to relax and dine with the COMMUNITY
**Meals will be provided by the Seminary
Accommodation provided
Some funding available to offset transportation costs
Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 2, 2011
For further information contact
Susan, our Registrar
by telephone: 306.966.7856 or
by email: susan.avant@usask.ca |
 |
| mno |
| Benefit Concert for CLWR Set for February 6 |
| Love One Another: Sacred and Secular Love Songs will be the theme of a concert to be presented on the evening of Sunday, February 6th at First Lutheran Church, Winnipeg. The concert will feature ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson and friends with musical direction by Chrystl Bartel.
A free will offering will be taken for the benefit of Canadian Lutheran World Relief. The concert begins at 7:00 pm. |
 |
| CLWR Annual Report Available Online |
| Visit www.clwr.org to read or download the full
annual report. |
 |
| mno |
| MIC Interfaith - WICCA Event Courses |
WICCA Sponsored by MIC
Wednesday Feb 2nd
7-9 pm
Robert A Steen Community Centre (
980 Palmerston St
.) Fireside Room
Wicca -- not just for Halloween! Join us for an Imbolc event, celebrating the first glimmer of spring. A brief ceremony, followed by time for questions, will help you know this uncommon faith.
Free of charge – but a donation of $5 would help!
Coffee and refreshments to follow. |
 |
 |
|
