http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Latest news from the South Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. en-us http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//sdslogo_rss.gif http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html 140 68 Wednesday, June 18 2008 Wednesday, August 27 2008 Weds, 27 Aug 2008 14:51:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Susan Marone, AIM, Associate to the Bishop, has asked that we forward this information from the Interim Ministry Association ELCA. Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html. [082708] Weds, 27 Aug 2008 14:31:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//events.html A conference for lay leaders, clergy, parish nurses and their volunteers, and everyone involved in ministries of healing and caring. Saturday, October 4, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 2660 Dakota Ave. South, Huron, South Dakota. ... Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dick Hardel, Youth and Family Institute, Bloomington, Minnesota. ... Cost: $15.00 (includes lunch). Registration deadline: September 29. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//events.html. [082708] Tues, 26 Aug 2008 13:55:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Once again we are reminded that "here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Hebrews 13:14) ... We have learned of the death this past Saturday, August 23, of the Rev. Dr. Phillip E. Snobeck, Sioux Falls. Dr. Snobeck was a longtime teacher in both undergraduate and graduate programs at Augustana College, Sioux Falls. He was 87 years old. ... Visitation, with the family present, is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 27, at Miller Funeral Home in downtown Sioux Falls, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service to follow. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 2001 S. Elmwood Avenue, Sioux Falls. ... A complete obituary may be found online at http://tinyurl.com/6lk49z. ... Please join us in prayer for Dr. Snobeck's family and friends during this time of mourning. [082608] Tues, 26 Aug 2008 13:38:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Bishop David B. Zellmer is recently returned from Detroit, Michigan, where he attended the funeral of the Rev. John H.K. Schreiber, bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA. Bishop Dave has asked that we pass along this obituary of Bishop Schreiber, which was prepared by ELCA News Service: ELCA News Service -- The Rev. John H.K. Schreiber, bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Southeast Michigan Synod, died suddenly Aug. 16 in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. He was 47. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html. [082608] Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:18:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//events.html During his stay with us for Fall Theological Conference, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Ngah, Dean at the Institut Luthérien de Théologie de Meiganga, EELC, in Meiganga, Cameroon, will be conducting several teaching events across this synod. Because of his limited time at the Fall Theological Conference, these events will provide an opportunity for more in-depth information on Evangelism and Discipleship. There will be opportunity for conversation and the chance to take advantage of Dr. Ngah's vast knowledge. ... Please plan to attend one of these teaching events around the state ... See the schedule and register at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//events.html [082508] Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:51:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Jim and Karen Noss have served many years as missionaries to Cameroon, Africa, one of this synod's Companion Synods. You have been a part of their ministry all these years, and they would like to meet you! ... There will be a celebration of the ministry of Jim and Karen Noss this Friday, August 29, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, with a potluck supper at 6:00 p.m. Come hear their ministry stories, share your mission stories, and join in fellowship. ... We are honored to have them visit in South Dakota upon their return to the U.S. and as they begin to enjoy their retirement years! ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html [082508] Thurs, 21 Aug 2008 09:57:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html On July 31, a severe storm moved across north-central and northeastern South Dakota with winds clocked as high as 118 miles per hour. Significant devastation occurred in Day County, including the cities of Webster and Waubay as well as nearby communities and rural areas. ... Back on Track, a South Dakota disaster response group, and Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, have teamed up with Day County Emergency Management and other Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disaster (VOAD) partners to form an emergency team for recovery. ... Volunteer crews are needed to help with tree removal, general debris cleanup, roof repair, raking, sawing, and cleaning fields for farmers in preparation for harvesting. Volunteers will need to be equipped with safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, etc.). ... The volunteers will be provided water, meals, snacks, and sleeping arrangements if needed. If you are able to volunteer, please contact Steve Hargis at 605/770-0653 or sghslh@itctel.com.  ... Financial resources also are needed to assist those who are unable to recover their homes, outbuildings, farms, fields, or yards to a safe and livable condition. Donations are being accepted by Back On Track for these purposes. Please send your gifts to Back On Track c/o Lutheran Social Services, 202 S. Main, Ste. 228, Aberdeen, SD 57445. [082108] Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:01:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Our friends at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have asked us to pass along news of a Milestones Project Event at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, September 5. More information is at www.pavilion.eventbrite.com, password Thrivent. [081908] Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:29:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Back on Track and Lutheran Social Services have teamed up with Day County Emergency Management to form an emergency team for recovery from the July 31 storm that left many areas of Day County with massive amounts of damage. ... Volunteers are needed to help with tree removal, general debris cleanup, roof patching, raking, and sawing, as well as cleaning fields for farmers needing to harvest. Volunteers will need their own safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, etc.), and will be provided water, meals, snacks, and sleeping arrangements (if needed). ... If you are able to volunteer, please contact Steve Hargis at 605/770-0653 or sghslh@itctel.com. [081308] Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:49:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//events.html Please note that hotel rooms will be released August 14. Please contact the Comfort Inn (information below) if you need to make lodging arrangements. ... Fall Theological Conference, September 14-16, Lutheran Memorial Church, Pierre, South Dakota. "Evangelism and Discipleship" with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman and the Rev. Dr. Joseph Ngah. Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//events.html. [081108] Thurs, 07 Aug 2008 10:02:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html The minutes of the "Listening Post" on the ELCA's Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality, held at the South Dakota Synod Assembly, May 31, 2008, are now online. Visit http://www.augie.edu/sdsynod/news.html. [080708] Tues, 05 Aug 2008 13:36:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html UCC Pastor Jeff Wallace, who serves St. Paul, Java, has asked that we keep his wife, Renata, in our prayers. She is scheduled for a mammogram tomorrow, and the Wallaces ask us to pray that the resulting diagnosis not be cancer or, if it is, that the cancer can be treated. ... Please join us in prayer for the Wallace family at this stressful time. [080508] Tues, 05 Aug 2008 09:53:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Pastor Mindy Ehrke, Mount Vernon, has asked for prayers on behalf of her daughter, Sara, who has been suffering from a migraine for the past three weeks. To alleviate her pain, she is on narcotics that prevent her from working. The family is taking her to Mayo Clinic next week to consult with specialists. ... Please join us in prayer for their safe travel, and for Sara's speedy recovery. [080508] Tues, 05 Aug 2008 09:35:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html We have received this from the Rev. James and Janet Schwartz, formerly of this synod, whose daughter, Sarah Lehr, Kimball, died recently: We would like to share with you that our dear sweet daughter Sarah Song Schwartz Lehr has gone home to live with Jesus. She was a ray of sunshine to all that she came in contact with. She was born in Korea and came to us when she was 10. Sarah walked with full leg braces and crutches. She learned to drive a car, she married and had two children, Kara who is 11 and Nathan who is 16. She finished college and taught special Ed in Kimball and Chamberlain. The mayor of Kimball made a proclamation that the 26th of July forevermore in the town of Kimball will be Sarah Lehr day. She has definitely made her mark on people's hearts. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html. [080508] Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:43:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Bishop David Zellmer has asked us to pass along word that his mother, Ila Zellmer, is doing much better. Mrs. Zellmer had suffered some setbacks following surgery after she fell and broke her hip, and had required additional surgery. But she is improving, and plans called for her to be moved to a rehab floor some time today. ... The Zellmer family greatly appreciates the many expressions of concern that they have received, and ask that we continue to keep Mrs. Zellmer in our prayers. [080408] Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:59:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Once again we are reminded that "here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Hebrews 13:14) We have learned of the death this past Sunday, July 27, of Cecil Sanderson, Brookings. Mr. Sanderson is the father of Pastor Kwen Sanderson, Vermillion. ... The funeral service is this afternoon, Wednesday, July 30, at First Lutheran Church, Brookings, with interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sanderson Legacy Fund for McCrory Gardens, the United Way, or First Lutheran Church, Brookings. ... Pastor Kwen tells us, "He was 94, so it was a good long life." Please join us in a prayer of gratitude for that good long life, and please join us in keeping Mr. Sanderson's family and friends in prayer during this difficult time. [073008] Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:12:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Here is an update on Bishop Dave's mother, Ila Zellmer, who had suffered a serious setback last week in her recovery from a fall earlier this month. ... Following surgery on Friday, Mrs. Zellmer's condition has improved somewhat. She has been moved from ICU to a medical floor, but she remains in guarded condition. ... The Zellmer family thanks everyone for their prayers and good wishes, and asks that we continue to keep Mrs. Zellmer in prayer as she recovers. [072808] Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:47:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Pastor Duane Neugebauer, Chamberlain, has informed us of the death on Saturday, July 19, of Sarah Lehr, Kimball, who is the daughter of Pastor James and Janet Schwartz, formerly of this synod. The funeral for Ms. Lehr, who died of liver cancer, was this past Wednesday, July 23, at the Kimball High School Kiote Den Gymnasium with burial in the Kimball City Cemetery. ... Greetings may be conveyed to the Schwartzes at 892 Lisa Lane, Haines City, Fl  33844. ... Please join us in prayer for Sarah Lehr's family and friends during this difficult time. [072808] Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:38:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//damascus.pdf Our friends at the Association of Christian Churches of South Dakota (ACCSD) have asked us to publicize The Damascus Road, a workshop designed to "lay the foundation for the long-term work of dismantling racism." The workshop is sponsored by MCC Central States and Central Plains Mennonite Conference. ... Antiracism Analysis Training will be held in Sioux Falls August 21-23 at Mercy/Good Shepherd Church, 2100 W. Ralph Rogers Road. The training fee is $200 per person, which includes lunch on Friday and Saturday and refreshments. Application deadline is August 8. ... You may download a PDF copy of the event brochure at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//damascus.pdf. ... For more information, please contact Central Plains Mennonite Conference, 605/925-4463 or cpmcsd@gwtc.net. [072508] Thurs, 24 Jul 2008 13:33:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html We have received news that Bishop Dave's mother, Ila Zellmer, has taken a turn for the worse in her recovery following a fall earlier this month. She is in critical condition in the intensive care unit at St. Luke's Hospital, Sioux City. Bishop Dave is en route and will provide us more information at the appropriate time. ... Please join us in prayer for Mrs. Zellmer and her family as they confront this latest crisis. [0724708] Tues, 22 Jul 2008 15:46:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/sdsynod/forms.html The Pastors' Seminary Debt Reduction Fund provides assistance to pastors serving in the South Dakota Synod. The assistance that is available is considered a loan and will be forgiven if the pastor remains in the synod for five years following receiving the loan. If they leave the synod within five years, the loan must be repaid. The loan is paid directly to the lending agency and applied directly to the principal of the debt. It is also required that persons receiving a loan attending a session with Consumer Credit Counseling which is provided at the expense of the synod. ... The deadline for Seminary Debt-Reduction Assistance applications is August 1. To apply, please visit the Forms page on the South Dakota Synod website (www.augie.edu/sdsynod/forms.html) and choose one of the two links for Pastors' Seminary Debt Reduction Application Form--either PDF (which may be submitted electronically or physically) or Microsoft Word format (which may be submitted physically). ... Please share this information with pastors you may know who might not be aware of this program. Thank you! [072208] Tues, 22 Jul 2008 09:40:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Once again we are reminded that "here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Hebrews 13:14) ... Pastor Fred Nelson, Bella Vista, Arkansas, called this morning with the news that retired pastor Merlyn O. Huke, formerly of South Dakota, died this past Friday, July 18, in Bella Vista. He was 76 years old. ... A full obituary may be found at http://tinyurl.com/6clpy9. A memorial service will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m. at United Lutheran Church of Bella Vista. ... Greetings may be sent to Pastor Merlyn's wife, Ardis Engler Huke, at 10 Oxford Lane, Bella Vista AK 72714. ... Please join us in prayer for Pastor Merlyn's family and friends during this time of mourning. [0722708] Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:15:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//cs2.html Events, Travel Updates, and More. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//cs2.html. [072108] Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:25:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Tex Sample to Speak at November 8 Event in Sibley, Iowa ... Our neighbors in the Western Iowa Synod have asked us to pass along information about this upcoming event. If you are interested in receiving more information, please contact the Western Iowa Synod at wis@wisynod.org or 712/732-4968. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html. [072108] Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:47:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html As of 1:30 (CDT) this afternoon, July 21, the South Dakota Synod needs only 42 more people to take the Mayo Clinic Health Risk Assessment (HRA) in order for synod employers to qualify for a 2% discount on ELCA health plan contributions! A synod needs 75% of its eligible health-plan members and spouses in order to qualify; as of this writing the South Dakota Synod stands at 62.9%. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html. [072108] Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:15:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Our friends at Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota have asked us to pass along this National Situation Report released this past Friday, July 18, by Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). It deals primarily with flooding in the Midwest. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html. [072108] Thurs, 17 Jul 2008 15:55:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html More joyful news: Bishop David Zellmer called in with word that, despite the weather, he succeeded in flying his mother, Ila Zellmer, from St. Petersburg, Florida--where she had fallen and broken her hip--to Sioux City, where she is now in rehab at St. Luke's Hospital. ... The Zellmer family is glad to have her home, and grateful for the prayers and expressions of goodwill that they have received since Mrs. Zellmer's mishap. ... Please join us in a prayer of thanksgiving that she is home again, and a prayer for her continued recovery. [071708] Thurs, 17 Jul 2008 14:35:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Some joyful news, courtesy of Pastor Olaf Roynesdal, Sioux Falls: Pastor Kermit Rye will be honored on the 50th anniversary of his ordination with an open house at East Side Lutheran Church, 1300 E 10th Street, Sioux Falls, on Sunday, August 3, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  He will be preaching at the morning worship services (8:00, 9:30, 11:00 a.m.). The 9:30 a.m. service is broadcast at 11:00 a.m. on KSOO Radio (1140 AM). The service can also be heard on East Side's web site (http://www.eastsidelc.org) the next afternoon. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html [071708] Tues, 15 Jul 2008 14:30:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Once again we are reminded that "here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Hebrews 13:14) ... Pastor Becca Freeman, Sioux Falls, has informed us of the death of George Matchan, Owatonna, Minnesota. Mr. Matchan is the father of Pastor Paul Matchan, Sioux Falls. ... Funeral arrangements are pending; we will share more information with you as it comes to us. ... Please join us in keeping Mr. Matchan's family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time. [071508] Tues, 15 Jul 2008 14:25:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html We have learned that retired pastor Harold Verhulst, Sioux Falls, has again been hospitalized, this time with an infection. (He was hospitalized last month in relation to his Parkinson's Disease.) Please join us in prayer for Pastor Verhulst's speedy recovery. [071508] Tues, 15 Jul 2008 14:22:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Pastor Sue Wolf, Sioux Falls, tells us that surgery to remove a screw from the ankle that she broke in May has been postponed. The ankle is still not sufficiently healed, and so Pastor Sue needs to wait for the arrival of a "bone stimulator," which she will need to use for a month before surgery can be again considered. In the meantime, she continues to rely on a wheelchair. ... Please continue to keep Pastor Sue in your prayers as she continues her long recovery. [071508] Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:15:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Our friends at the South Dakota Institute of Geriatrics have asked us to help them publicize the South Dakota Caregivers Conference, August 19-20, Sioux Falls. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html. [071408] Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:15:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Once again we are reminded that "here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Hebrews 13:14) ... Linda Johnson, the wife of retired pastor Earl Johnson, Dell Rapids, has informed us of the death this past Tuesday, July 8, of Mrs. Ragnal Johnson, Truman, Minnesota. Mrs. Johnson is the mother of Pastor Earl and the grandmother of Pastor Elizabeth Johnson, Groton. ... The funeral will be held tomorrow, Saturday, July 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Waverly Lutheran Church near Trimont, Minnesota. A complete obituary is online at www.kramerfuneralhome.com. ... Please join us in prayer for Mrs. Johnson's family and their friends at this difficult time. [071108] Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:58:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Here is an update on retired pastor Harlan Norem, Sioux Falls, who had bypass surgery on June 30: We're told that he has been moved to Avera McKennan Hospital for therapy, and that he is doing better. ... Please join us in keeping Pastor Norem in prayer as he continues his recovery. [071108] Thurs, 10 Jul 2008 15:45:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Here is more information about the funeral arrangements for Pastor Donald Schumacher, who died yesterday: The funeral will be held this coming Monday, July 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lake Norden. At the family's request there will be a processional and a recessional; clergy are invited to vest in red. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be Tuesday, July 15, in Ashley, North Dakota. ... Please continue to keep the Schumacher family in your prayers. [071008] Thurs, 10 Jul 2008 09:25:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Once again we are reminded that "here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Hebrews 13:14) ... This morning brings news of the death of Pastor Donald Schumacher, Badger. Pastor Schumacher suffered a fatal heart attack yesterday evening. ... The funeral service is tentatively scheduled for this coming Monday, July 14. Bishop David Zellmer is meeting with the Schumacher family today, after which we will have more information to share. ... Please join us in prayer for the Schumacher family and their friends at this difficult time. [071008] Tue, 8 Jul 2008 14:15:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html We previously asked that you join us in prayer for Brooke Hershey, Hill City, the husband of Margie Hershey, TEEM, who had been diagnosed with stage-one lymphoma. Margie now writes: "Please continue to remember Brooke in your prayers. His platelet count had steadily dropped during June, threatening massive chemo. He took the first antibody treatment and after one week the platelet count had climbed 24 points. Praise the Lord!  He still has more treatments, but if this continues, that is all he will have to have until there is another flareup." ... Please join us in a prayer of thanksgiving at this positive news, and please continue to keep the Hersheys in your prayers. [070808] Tue, 8 Jul 2008 14:10:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Pastor Duane Neugebauer, Chamberlain, writes with an update on retired pastor Harold Bailey: ... "As you remember, he fell, and then needed surgery in June. He is recovering at Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, is in good spirits, has a good appetite, and is hoping to go home maybe around August 1." ... Please join us in a prayer of thanksgiving at Pastor Bailey's ongoing recovery. [070808] Tue, 8 Jul 2008 14:00:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//jc.html Pastor Susan Wolf, Colman, tells us that she is scheduled to meet with her surgeon this coming Friday, July 11. ... "If all is well," she writes, "I will have surgery to remove a screw that has to come out before I can finally bear weight on my right ankle. I broke my ankle on May 15, had surgery the following day, and returned home on June 7. Since that time I have been confined to a wheelchair or walker. Please pray that I can have my cast removed along with the screw and be able to walk again." ... Please join us in prayer for Pastor Sue's continued recovery. [070808] Mon, 8 Jul 2008 13:24:00 CDT http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html Dear Colleague in Ministry: Recently, I joined with three leaders of Lutheran organizations in writing a letter to the two major party candidates for U.S. President, U.S. Sen. John McCain and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. The letter, which highlights policy priorities on a number of topics, was signed by Ralston H. Deffenbaugh, Jr., president, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; the Rev. John A. Nunes, president, Lutheran World Relief; Jill A. Schumann, president and chief executive officer, Lutheran Services in America; and me. ... Read more at http://www.augie.edu/related/synod//news.html. [070808]