Brief Updates from Bishop Schleicher

After polling those who have already given to the Making Us One capital campaign, we have the "go-ahead" to further live into the intent of Making Us One. As early as November Sister Nancy Brousseau, our Center for Mission and Ministry facilitator will be moving her office to a refurbished Christ United. The Christ United site will serve as our primary "hub" for spiritual formation (including Lay Ministry training) and for deepening our ecumenical and inter-religious witness and commitments.

Responding to a request from the Southeast Michigan Synod Council, our Synod Council will be appointing this month ten people to serve on a joint task force to explore the possibility of the two synods in the lower peninsula becoming one synod. As you can imagine, this discerning process will require much prayer and honest conversation. beyond the congregation and mission support to the synod -- that Living Water Ministries will be considered as an entity to receive gifts from your congregation. The mission of Living Water Ministries is to provide ELCA ministries and its partners in the lower peninsula of Michigan excellent camping, retreat, and conference opportunities. This mission occurs in environments designed to awaken, renew, sustain, and strengthen relationships with Christ and each other, centered in God’s abundant grace. The vision: Through inspired, extraordinary experiences of Christian community, every person who participates in this ministry departs to serve as Jesus served.

A message from Carolyn M. Mann, Synod Vice President

At the 2010 Synod Assembly in May, voting members adopted Resolution G, which focuses on Living Water Ministries, a shared mission of the Lower Michigan Synods. The resolution adopted by the assembly anticipated a reduction in funding from the synod in 2011 because of lower projected revenue. Reduced revenue will impact the ability of Living Water Ministries to provide some vital programming.

One of the resolves stated, "That every congregation in the North/West Lower Michigan Synod be encouraged to contribute 50 cents ($0.50) per baptized member in a special offering towards a synodical goal of $5,000 in additional support for fiscal year 2011." It is hoped as you plan your 2011 budgets and funding for projects --

Please share with your congregation these Living Water mission and vision statements:

Your generous contributions toward this effort will be appreciated. Congregations are encouraged to send support via the synod office. Please continue to pray for the Living Water Ministries Board of Directors during the search process for a new executive director