Workshop Opportunity
Singing Plains, Calling Mountains
An Original Liturgy from the MT Synod Changing Climate Task Force
Dearest Colleagues, are you tired of teaching all about bread? Remember, this is Year B and we who follow the RCI have 6 weeks on bread toward the end of August. What if the Climate Change Task Force gave you a fully built liturgy, sermons (or sermon guidance), videos, new songs, and new prayers all geared toward Creation Care that you could sub – in during that 6-week cycle? During this workshop, the Task Force will provide an introduction to the new liturgy, have a text study on the chosen scriptures, and provide an update on what the Task Force is currently doing.
Date: April 29
Time: 5-8pm MST. (5-6pm is a run through of the liturgy, 6-8pm is the workshop)
3 Continuing Ed Hours
Cost: $25 (includes access to the liturgy after the class)
Workshop Presenters:
Pr. Julie Seymour
Pr. Eric Huseth
Pr. Marlow Carrels
Jacob Kvale
Patrick Miller
Click Here to Register
Singing Plains, Calling Mountains
An Original Liturgy from the MT Synod Changing Climate Task Force
Dearest Colleagues, are you tired of teaching all about bread? Remember, this is Year B and we who follow the RCI have 6 weeks on bread toward the end of August. What if the Climate Change Task Force gave you a fully built liturgy, sermons (or sermon guidance), videos, new songs, and new prayers all geared toward Creation Care that you could sub – in during that 6-week cycle? During this workshop, the Task Force will provide an introduction to the new liturgy, have a text study on the chosen scriptures, and provide an update on what the Task Force is currently doing.
Date: April 29
Time: 5-8pm MST. (5-6pm is a run through of the liturgy, 6-8pm is the workshop)
3 Continuing Ed Hours
Cost: $25 (includes access to the liturgy after the class)
Workshop Presenters:
Pr. Julie Seymour
Pr. Eric Huseth
Pr. Marlow Carrels
Jacob Kvale
Patrick Miller
Click Here to Register
Region 1 Boundaries Training
May 18 & 20, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Presented online via Zoom
Rostered leaders serving in the synods of Region 1 are invited to participate in boundaries training, led by Pastor Grant Barnett Christenson and Pastor Lynne Ogren of the Montana Synod. The topics covered use FaithTrust Institute’s 201 course materials.
Day One sets the foundation of good boundaries with three sessions:
The Joy of Boundaries
Power and Vulnerability
Living with Healthy Boundaries: Self-Care
Day two will look more specifically at concerns related to:
Living with Healthy Boundaries: Internet Technology
Living with Healthy Boundaries: Social Media
Register for one or both days:
Day 1: $30 Day 2: $30 Both days: $50
3 Contact hours of continuing education per day. (6 hours for both days)
For questions on registration, contact Jenny Kunka, Director of NRIT: j.kunka@nrit.org
For questions on course content, contact Lynne Ogren: lynneogren@gmail.com or Grant Barnett Christenson: grant@ctkbozeman.org
Click Here to Register
May 18 & 20, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Presented online via Zoom
Rostered leaders serving in the synods of Region 1 are invited to participate in boundaries training, led by Pastor Grant Barnett Christenson and Pastor Lynne Ogren of the Montana Synod. The topics covered use FaithTrust Institute’s 201 course materials.
Day One sets the foundation of good boundaries with three sessions:
The Joy of Boundaries
Power and Vulnerability
Living with Healthy Boundaries: Self-Care
Day two will look more specifically at concerns related to:
Living with Healthy Boundaries: Internet Technology
Living with Healthy Boundaries: Social Media
Register for one or both days:
Day 1: $30 Day 2: $30 Both days: $50
3 Contact hours of continuing education per day. (6 hours for both days)
For questions on registration, contact Jenny Kunka, Director of NRIT: j.kunka@nrit.org
For questions on course content, contact Lynne Ogren: lynneogren@gmail.com or Grant Barnett Christenson: grant@ctkbozeman.org
Click Here to Register
Free Online Learning Opportunity Through Braver Angels - BraverAngels.org
- Red Leaning Workshop: Skills for Bridging the Political Divide There’s a lot of stress these days among family members and friends who are divided politically, and the current polarized public conversation doesn’t help.
This workshop is for red-leaning folks (i.e, people who lean conservative philosophically or tend to vote for Republicans) who are interested in having better conversations with people on the other side of the political aisle. You will learn and practice skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship.
May 1 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT (Starts at Noon Mountain Time)
https://braverangels.org/event/red-leaning-workshop-skills-for-bridging-the-political-divide/
- Blue Leaning Workshop: Skills for Bridging the Political Divide There’s a lot of stress these days among family members and friends who are divided politically, and the current polarized public conversation doesn’t help.
This workshop is for blue-leaning folks (i.e, people who lean liberal or progressive philosophically or tend to vote for Democrats) who are interested in having better conversations with people on the other side of the political aisle. You will learn and practice skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship.
May 1 @ 2:00 pkm - 4:pm EDT (Starts at noon mountain time)
https://braverangels.org/event/blue-leaning-workshop-national-skills-for-bridging-the-divide/
NRIT Digital Courses
Introduction to the Old Testament:
The Old Testament is challenging literature for Christian leaders. This course will persuade students that the Old Testament is not only a helpful companion in ministry, but that it is also invaluable. All lectures are given with preaching, teaching, and pastoral care in view. These lectures will provide crucial information on Israel's history and narratives, prophetic literature, wisdom literature, and why Scripture matters in the first place.
Class is divided into the following sections that can be watched at your convenience:
1. Course Introduction
2. Creation, Exile and Return
3. Prophetic Imagination
4. Wisdom Literature
5. Why Scripture Matters
Your instructor is Dr. Michael Chan, Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. Dr. Chan did his Ph.D. work at Emory University and the University of Helsinki. The author of several books. Dr. Chan's research focuses on developing resources for Christian leaders, apocalyptic literature, and the prophets.
Developed to be used both as training for LPAs and as a resource for study in your congregation. (Digital Download)
Cost: $70
5 Contact hours of continuing education.
Click Here to Register
The Old Testament is challenging literature for Christian leaders. This course will persuade students that the Old Testament is not only a helpful companion in ministry, but that it is also invaluable. All lectures are given with preaching, teaching, and pastoral care in view. These lectures will provide crucial information on Israel's history and narratives, prophetic literature, wisdom literature, and why Scripture matters in the first place.
Class is divided into the following sections that can be watched at your convenience:
1. Course Introduction
2. Creation, Exile and Return
3. Prophetic Imagination
4. Wisdom Literature
5. Why Scripture Matters
Your instructor is Dr. Michael Chan, Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. Dr. Chan did his Ph.D. work at Emory University and the University of Helsinki. The author of several books. Dr. Chan's research focuses on developing resources for Christian leaders, apocalyptic literature, and the prophets.
Developed to be used both as training for LPAs and as a resource for study in your congregation. (Digital Download)
Cost: $70
5 Contact hours of continuing education.
Click Here to Register
An NRIT Digital Offering: download onto your computer or stream online
In Memory of Her: Voices of Biblical Women
With Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker
This class explores anew the books of Ruth, Esther, and Song of Songs. These small Old Testament books are often overlooked in Christian preaching and teaching, yet they contain hidden treasures: great stories, beautiful poetry, humor, and strong women's voices. Come explore these gems of the biblical narrative and re-acquaint yourself with the themes found in them: love, loyalty, beauty, courage, and faith.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$70 to purchase class
4.5 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
In Memory of Her: Voices of Biblical Women
With Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker
This class explores anew the books of Ruth, Esther, and Song of Songs. These small Old Testament books are often overlooked in Christian preaching and teaching, yet they contain hidden treasures: great stories, beautiful poetry, humor, and strong women's voices. Come explore these gems of the biblical narrative and re-acquaint yourself with the themes found in them: love, loyalty, beauty, courage, and faith.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$70 to purchase class
4.5 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
NRIT Digital Offering: download onto your computer or stream online
An Introduction to the New Testament
with Dr. James Aageson
The New Testament documents are central to the Christian faith and to historic Christianity. By ecumenical consensus among all Christian traditions, the New Testament is central to the faith, life, and worship of the church. It is the word of God and it conveys the word of God. Even as the New Testament is central to all Christian traditions, interpretations of these texts often vary widely. This makes for a rich and fascinating tapestry of readings in the history of New Testament interpretation. This course is an introduction to the New Testament designed for a general audience and for lay people who may be preparing themselves for congregational leadership.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$75 to purchase class
6.5 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
An Introduction to the New Testament
with Dr. James Aageson
The New Testament documents are central to the Christian faith and to historic Christianity. By ecumenical consensus among all Christian traditions, the New Testament is central to the faith, life, and worship of the church. It is the word of God and it conveys the word of God. Even as the New Testament is central to all Christian traditions, interpretations of these texts often vary widely. This makes for a rich and fascinating tapestry of readings in the history of New Testament interpretation. This course is an introduction to the New Testament designed for a general audience and for lay people who may be preparing themselves for congregational leadership.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$75 to purchase class
6.5 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
An NRIT Digital Offering: download onto your computer or stream online
St. Paul:
From Saul of Tarsus to the Apostle of the Lutheran Reformation
with Dr. James Aageson
Apart from Jesus, Paul is arguably the most important figure in the history of Christianity. Paul and his legacy have continually shaped, fed, and challenged the church from the first century to the twenty first. Paul’s letters form the theological heart of much of the New Testament, and along with the memory of his ministry, they have continued to be read, preached, theologically interpreted, and applied to contemporary ethical issues.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience anytime in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$65 to purchase class
4 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
St. Paul:
From Saul of Tarsus to the Apostle of the Lutheran Reformation
with Dr. James Aageson
Apart from Jesus, Paul is arguably the most important figure in the history of Christianity. Paul and his legacy have continually shaped, fed, and challenged the church from the first century to the twenty first. Paul’s letters form the theological heart of much of the New Testament, and along with the memory of his ministry, they have continued to be read, preached, theologically interpreted, and applied to contemporary ethical issues.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience anytime in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$65 to purchase class
4 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
FREE RESOURCE FROM THE MONTANA SYNOD
SERVING ON THE CONGREGATION'S COUNCIL
Church councils provide positive leadership within a congregation. As a support to your council, we have prepared five short videos, ranging from five to ten minutes, that are intended as an introduction to the work of councils and their role within the church.
Click Here to Register
On the next page, you will need to provide contact information, including an email. Then click on the "submit" button and you will be taken directly to the five videos, plus an introduction.
We hope you find the videos helpful in leading to deeper conversation about what it means to be church together.
Free Resource from NRIT
SYRIA IN THE BIBLE AND IN THE EARLY CHURCH: A HERITAGE AT RISK
This class was recorded a few years ago and is being re-released as a free resource
For years, the Republic of Syria has been ravaged by a civil war with severe humanitarian consequences. The displacement of millions of people, the dislocation of families to refugee camps, and the plight of those trying to reach Europe to escape the horrors of war are known to us all. We also are aware of the tragic loss of Syria’s rich cultural heritage at the hands of ISIS and by those who profit from the looting and sale of antiquities.
The loss of antiquities and the humanitarian tragedy are not unrelated. As Dr. Amr al-Azm, a former official in the Syrian Ministry of Antiquities who now teaches Middle Eastern History and Archaeology at Shawnee State University in Ohio, reminds us: “A people without a history is a lost people . . . and history without people is meaningless.” Not only the Syrians, but we too are deeply invested in Syria’s history as evidenced by the bible and in the history of the early church. The loss of Syria’s cultural heritage, then, is not only a tragedy for the Syrian people, but a tragedy for us as well.
In this NRIT digital presentation we will explore the importance of ancient Syria for the bible and the church and will attempt to convey some sense of the threat posed by the Syrian civil war to our common cultural heritage.
Thomas R. Lee served for many years as Lutheran campus pastor at the University of Montana, Missoula, where he also—as a faculty affiliate—taught biblical Hebrew and Aramaic in UM’s Religious Studies Department. He has served parishes in Livingston, MT, and also in Lynden, WA, and prior to his retirement, was an associate to the bishop for the Montana Synod. During the 1980s and into the 1990s he served on the staff of two archaeological projects in the Kingdom of Jordan and one in the Republic of Syria. He has a PhD in Near Eastern Religions and Languages from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Graduate Theological Union.
Click Here for the Video: https://vimeo.com/162538939/c62acb4bb9
Available DVDs at the Synod House
(Click Here)
NRIT Digital Education Store
(Click Here)
Northern Rockies Institute of Theology is a continuing theological education ministry of the Montana Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
NRIT exists to provide and promote lifelong learning for the people of the Montana Synod (and their neighbors) , for the purpose of equipping them in their lives of ministry.
For more information about NRIT click here.
NRIT exists to provide and promote lifelong learning for the people of the Montana Synod (and their neighbors) , for the purpose of equipping them in their lives of ministry.
For more information about NRIT click here.