wfn.org | Lutheran Rural Ministry Conference Focuses on 'Renewable Energy' March 1-3

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Title: Lutheran Rural Ministry Conference Focuses on 'Renewable Energy' March 1-3
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

>February 9, 2009  

Lutheran Rural Ministry Conference Focuses on 'Renewable Energy' March 1-3
09-039-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Finding renewable energy through shared
ministries is the topic of the 2009 Rural Ministry Conference
March 1-3 in Dubuque, Iowa.  Held annually, the conference
examines issues and themes relevant to the well-being of rural
communities and the ministries of rural churches.

"By shared ministries I mean any and all of the possible
ways that congregations and ministry leaders can better serve the
mission of the gospel by doing together what cannot be done
alone," said the Rev. Paul Baglyos.  He said shared ministries
include multi-point parishes, yoked parishes, staff ministry
leadership teams and "other models that represent creative
responses to the challenges of mission in local communities."

Baglyos is director of the Center for Theology and Land,
Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque.  Wartburg is one of eight
seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
The center has hosted the rural ministry conference annually in
Dubuque.

The conference includes worship, keynote presentations,
workshops and Bible study.  Participants have the opportunity to
engage with others who are concerned about rural ministry.

The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, executive director, ELCA
Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission, will deliver a
presentation and lead a workshop on "top 10 things" people can do
in evangelism "without buying a program."

The Rev. Cathi Braasch, Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Smithfield, Neb., will lead a workshop on sustainable rural
ministries.  The Rev. Brian "Pete" Hagglund, an interim pastor
serving congregations in the ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod,
Clinton, Iowa, will lead a workshop on "dealing with the dreaded
survivor mentality."

The Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, former bishop of the Episcopal
Diocese of Texas, will talk about leadership.  Diana Stephen,
elder and former associate for network support of rural and small
church ministries, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will speak on
spiritual vitality.  The Rev. James L. Bailey, professor emeritus
of New Testament at Wartburg, will lead Bible study.

Established in 1987, the Center for Theology and Land works
to strengthen rural churches and their communities by training
pastors for ministry in small, rural churches; provides
continuing education opportunities for clergy and laity in rural
settings; and helps empower rural churches for mission in their
communities.
- - -

Information about the Center for Theology and Land is at
http://www.ruralministry.com on the Wartburg Web site.

For information contact:

John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog