Purpose Statement ​of the
​Northeastern Minnesota Synod

The purpose of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is to nurture a
Christ-centered climate conducive to healthy,
​mission-focused congregations and their ministries
​throughout the world! ​

Bishop Amy Odgren
​with a message on January 17, 2021.

January 17, 2021
Dear friends in Christ,
Grace and peace be with you.
On Saturday, January 16th, notices were posted on social media alerting congregations in some parts of the country of a potential threat of violence possibly taking place this weekend or next week leading up to the Inauguration in our nation’s capital.  After conversations with regional colleagues and the Conference of Bishops, it appears that this alarm stems not from a specific threat, but as a result of the highly anxious times we live in. As I write to inform you, I want to be clear that I have not received any threats to our synod’s congregations.  As we continue in these anxious times filled with anxiety and uncertainty, we must remain vigilant for the safety of our leaders, members, and the general public, while not being shaped by misinformation and fear-filled communication swirling in social media circles.
I am reminded of the Gospel story of Jesus calming the storm and giving thanks that he is in the boat with us.  We do not need to be afraid.  In looking toward the coming week, I invite you to pray for our nation, for our elected officials, and for those sworn to protect us.  Please know that you are held in my prayers.
Peace,
The Rev. Amy J. Odgren, Bishop
O God our redeemer, you created light that we might live, and you illumine our world with your beloved Son.  By your Spirit comfort us in all darkness and turn us toward the light of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

Bishop Amy Odgren speaks to the events
​which took place in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021.

Beating Burn Out and Stress Management:
A Zoom gathering for Clergy, Deacons, SAMs, and Youth Leaders.

Tue., Jan. 12, 11 - noon
Tue., Jan. 19, 11 - noon

​Click here for more information.
​
If you prefer a different video format or an audio file,
​please contact Pastor Rollie Bockbrader.

Bulletins are available for your use with this worship service. Click on the links below to access your preferred format.
December 27th Bulletin - Leader Edition - PDF
December 27th Bulletin - Leader Edition - Word
December 27th Bulletin - Participant Edition - PDF
​December 27th Bulletin - Participant Edition - Word
Click here for the link to the Rostered Ministers Reports.
Choose wisely the appropriate report.

Quick Links!

Upcoming Event - February 27, 
9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Faith-Filled Leadership in a Secular Age
Featuring Dr. Andrew Root
For more information and to register through Eventbrite, click the button.

​Annual Meetings during COVID-19?
Are you wondering if you can have a remote, virtual annual meeting, and how to do it, please check the Online Reflections for a video and PowerPoint by Pastor Rollie Bockbrader, Synod Secretary, on the topic.
You can contact him with questions and for more information.  Check here to email him.

​Boy Scouts of America News
As you may be aware, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, primarily due to the flood of sexual abuse lawsuits. There are many questions about what this may mean for congregations that are (or were) chartering organizations for Boy Scout troops. In particular, congregations that chartered Boy Scout troops should consider whether to file a proof of claim in the bankruptcy to protect their interests.
 
The ELCA has prepared a resource on the BSA Bankruptcy which is now available on our resource page under the sexual misconduct tab, here: https://www.elca.org/Resources/Legal#Sexual.

The direct link is here: https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Boy_Scouts_of_America_FAQ.pdf?_ga=2.71922643.1513803537.1603828116-1368800251.1598455994

Contact Us

Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
1105 E. Superior St., Upper Suite
Duluth, MN 55802
Office Hours:
M-F: 8:30am-4:30 pm
Telephone: 218.724.4424
Email: info@nemnsynod.org
Fax: 218.724.4393
ELCA Vision
Claimed by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we are a new creation through God’s living word by the power of the Holy Spirit;
Gathered by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will live among God’s faithful people, hear God’s word and share Christ’s supper;
Sent by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people following the example of our Lord Jesus, and strive for justice and peace in all the world.

ELCA Mission
Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world. This is the mission statement of the ELCA. As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. 
 

ELCA Advocacy
Website: ELCA.org/advocacy
Email: washingtonoffice@elca.org
Social Media:   /ELCAAdvocacy


ELCA Racial Justice Ministries
Website: www.ELCA.org/Our-Work/Publicly-Engaged-Church/Racial-Justice-Ministries


ELCA Young Adult Ministry
Website: www.ELCA.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Young-Adult-Ministry
Social Media:   /ELCAYoungAdults
 

How one Lutheran congregation moved out of “building mentality”
https://youtu.be/trgt28JGPes
New Life Lutheran Church, Texas