ADULT STUDY IN THE NEW YEAR

The North/West Lower Michigan Synod is excited to announce a new series of theological education courses! For five semesters beginning in Winter 2023, the North/West Lower Michigan Synod will offer six-week Zoom courses led by seminary professors. These courses are open to all adults, both laypeople and rostered ministers, and are free of charge.

The next course is:

SIX WOMEN FROM CHURCH HISTORY THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

The North/West Lower Michigan Synod announces the next session of our Adult Theological Education program: Six Women from Church History that You Need to Know About. Join the Rev. Dr. Joy Schroeder for a six-week study of Christian women through the ages starting on January 16, 2024!

The Rev. Dr. Joy Schroeder, an ELCA pastor, is Professor of Church History at Capital University, where she teaches in the Department of Religion and Philosophy and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. She holds the Trinity Chair in Lutheran Heritage. Dr. Schroeder earned a B.A. in Classics from Luther College, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame. 

She is the author of five books on the history of how Christians and Jews have interpreted scripture. Her most recent book, co-authored with Marion Ann Taylor (University of Toronto) is Voices Long Silenced: Women Biblical Interpreters through the Centuries (Westminster John Knox Press, 2022).  

Ever since the beginning of Christianity, women have been teachers, writers, and preachers of the Gospel. Learn about the struggles and accomplishments of six exemplary women from church history:  

  • Perpetua (d. ca. 202), North African martyr and visionary writer

  • Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), Saxon nun and theologian

  • Argula von Grumbach (ca. 1492-ca. 1554), Bavarian Lutheran reformer and pamphlet writer

  • Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648-1695), Mexican nun and poet

  • Jarena Lee (1783-1864), African American preacher 

  • Pandita Ramabai (1858-1922), Indian Bible translator and founder of women’s shelters

Dr. Schroeder will discuss these women’s inspirational lives and writings.

The class will meet on six consecutive Tuesday evenings: January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:15pm ET via Zoom. This course is open to all adults, both laypeople and rostered ministers, and is free of charge. Sessions will be recorded and available to registered participants. Registration is required and will close on January 5 2024. Register Now.

Additional information, including Zoom links, will be sent via email closer to the start of the course. If you have additional questions, please contact communications@mittensynod.org.  

THE HOPE THAT YOU HAVE WITHIN YOU

Resources from the Funeral Planning Workshop held Wednesday, November 9, 2022

You can find the form that was handed out HERE or in the church office.

During the workshop, these on-line resources were mentioned: 

END OF LIFE DECISIONS. This is an ELCA message. Use it to stimulate thoughts and discussion with family about your wishes. Read or download it HERE.

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTHCARE. This document is important for healthcare related decisions, if you end up in the hospital and can’t speak for yourself, your wishes will be honored by the one you’ve designated to speak on your behalf. Read more about it HERE.

MI-POST - Michigan Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. This document might be kept at the bedside, on the fridge, or even on the front door. If someone finds you’ve fallen, had a stroke, etc. the EMTs who arrive will know what to do and what not to do. Your doctor fills it out. More information HERE.   

MICHIGAN LEGAL HELP. - Michigan Legal Help is for people who are handling their legal problems without a lawyer. It can help you learn about your legal problems and get ready for court. There are many Do-It-Yourself tools to help you create court forms. This website does not give legal advice, and it is not a substitute for having a lawyer. Link to their website is HERE.