Synod Profile Response Form

As the Northeastern Minnesota Synod prepares for the election of a bishop at its Assembly May 2-4, 2014, members of the synod are invited to offer their views on the strengths and challenges facing the synod and the qualities desired in a bishop. The Synod Profile is designed to assist in deepening the relationship between synod and congregation as we accompany each other in Christ’s mission. The form can be completed individually or by a small group. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the form and respond to the questions. Send completed forms by December 1, 2013 to:

Northeastern Minnesota Synod Profile Committee
1105 East Superior St., Upper Suite
Duluth, MN 55802

Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
May 2-4, 2014

at Breezy Point Resort

Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud

Voting Members and visitors to the 2013 Synod Assembly will remember the inspiring session with Dr. Persaud as he walked us through the first article of Luther’s Small Catechism. He will be back with us again in 2014 to continue that journey.

Election of a Bishop:
Bishop Tom Aitken was elected as bishop of our synod in 2008. His six year term will be complete in 2014. Our synod constitution states that a bishop of this synod may serve for two terms. Bishop Aitken has announced that he is open to serve a second term if nominated and elected. A Nomination Process for the Election of a Bishop in our synod is now available.

As part of the Bishop election process, our synod is asking that members of our congregations complete and submit a Synod Profile Response Form. It will be helpful to consider your views on the strengths and challenges facing our synod and the qualities desired in a bishop as we move forward. The deadline for submitting your response is December 1, 2013.

Discipleship Challenge: Love Like Jesus Videos:

• Give
• Invite
• Serve
• Study
• Worship
• Prayer
• Encourage

Bishop Aitken’s Vision for the Northeastern Minnesota Synod

Relational Agreement of the Rostered Leaders of the NE MN Synod, ELCA (May, 2013)

Pastoral Letter

Regarding Minnesota’s Recent Civil Marriage Law for Same-Gendered People

Talking Together as Christians about Tough Social Issues

7-Point Devotion for Congregational Mission Plans

Sermon from 2012 Synod Assembly: What Jesus Means to Me

Pastoral Letter on Violence (Conference of Bishops; March 4, 2013)

Some Common Lutheran Understandings

10 Reasons Why I Love This Church

Bishop Aitken’s article on Health Care
(Duluth News Tribune)

As the Synod’s pastor, Bishop Aitken is available in his role as Teacher to do presentations in congregations. He is especially eager to be scheduled for “clusters” of congregations. He may be booked for Sunday mornings, week nights, youth or adult forums etc. on the following topics:

• How do you answer the question, “Are you Saved?”
• Questions about life after death and non-Believers
• This Church I love
• Grieving as a Christian
• Son of God; Jesus or Caesar?
• Bible 101 (Bible Basics)
• The Heart and Soul of Scripture
• Lutheranism 101
• Stages of death, dying and Grief
• My Experience in Palestine and Israel
• Creation Care, from the lost and found Department of the church