NEWSLETTERS

Northeastern Iowa Star
Newsletter published 11 times per year

Making a Difference
Bi-annual publication features synod ministries

Northeastern Iowa Supplement, The Lutheran
Most recent issue: November 2008

Congregational Votes Update
(rev. 2-1-2012)

2010 Synod Assembly
The 2010 Northeastern Iowa Synod Assembly took place June 11-13 at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, with the theme "Strengthening the Church." Read more...

Iowa Hay Lift to Texas Makes a Difference

More than 20 truckloads of hay have been delivered from Iowa to Texas farmers coping with severe drought. 

The hay lift was initiated by Pastor Harold McMillin of St. John Lutheran (ELCA), Luana. While visiting with Texas residents at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, Fla., last week, Pastor McMillin learned how Texas ranchers were having to sell their herds due to a lack of food. McMillin suggested a hay lift, and the three ELCA bishops from Iowa met with three ELCA bishops from Texas to plan a joint project.

Read more...

2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Northeastern Iowa participants at the 2011 Chruchwide Assembly

The 2011 Churchwide Assembly took place Aug. 15-19 in Orlando, Fla., with the theme "Freed in Christ to Serve."

Among other agenda items, the Assembly approved a social statement on genetics, officially launched the ELCA Malaria Campaign, and passed resolutions that set a course for the church's future. 

Read more about the 2011 Churchwide Assembly.

View the Plenary 2 video which introduces the Genetics Social Statement and recognizes the leadership of the Northeastern Iowa Synod in its development (56:35). The video also introduces the ELCA Malaria Campaign (1:24:09) and recognizes the Northeastern Iowa Synod as a pilot synod (1:44:56). In addition, Bishop Steven Ullestad shares about gifts from vacation Bible school students at Holy Trinity, Dubuque, (2:09:26). 

2011 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations

Bishop attends White House State Dinner 

Bishop Steven and Ruth Ullestad attended the White House State Dinner for German Chancellor Angela Merkel on June 7, 2011. Chancellor Merkel was awarded the Medal of Freedom at this dinner.

Read more about the event:

http://erikullestad.blogspot.com/2011/06/rubbing-elbows.html

http://www.c-span.com/Events/Obama-and-German-Chancellor-Merkel-Meet/10737422055

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/photogallery/chancellor-angela-merkel-germany-official-state-visit

2011 Synod Assembly

More than 450 voting members and guests attended the 2011 Assembly of the Northeastern Iowa Synod at Luther College. The assembly celebrated the gift of the mission of our church and presented ways to strengthen mission and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world by both Word and deed.

Read more about the 2011 Synod Assembly...

Remembering the Rev. L. David Brown

The Rev. L. David Brown, first bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod, died April 2, 2011, at his home in Denver, Colo., after a lingering illness. A family service took place in Littleton, Colo., and a resurrection celebration took place in Minneapolis on May 21, 2011. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ginny, and the rest of the family.

Read more about Rev. L. David Brown...
 

Mark Anderson receives Called to Lead Award

Congratulations to Pastor Mark Anderson, assistant to the Bishop, who received the Distinguished Alumni Award for leadership from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Chicago. Anderson received the Called to Lead Award which celebrates his ministry of leadership within the greater church and exemplary partnership in ministry. Anderson has been a member of the Northeastern Iowa Synod staff since 2002.

Read the Nomination Letter...