July 14, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
The synod office will continue to remain closed, with limited staff presence, through July 31. Staff have prepared a plan for slow re-entry to the office by September 30. Staff continue to work remotely and can still be reached by email or phone.
God's Work Our Hands Sunday
on September 13
In 2020, “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is September 13. This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. The ELCA has prepared resources  to guide a congregation’s planning, promotion, and more.
Taking Sunday morning to the street 
“ Since the beginning of the pandemic and death of George Floyd, the world seems to have shifted. The ways we gather and seek to walk in close relationship with God and neighborhood have changed radically.

I miss how we were able to gather on Sunday mornings in the company of one another. I miss the opportunity to greet and be greeted by people who were familiar to me. I also miss the opportunity to greet people I had never seen before. ” 
Synod Staff Features
Join us over the next few months as we highlight different members of our staff. The Minneapolis Area Synod staff is comprised of 16 people who live in the city, suburbs, and rural areas. We are fairly racially and age diverse for an ELCA office. We hope you get to know us better through these fun interviews! This week's featured staff member is Lynda Nordholm, assistant to mission.
Lynda Nordholm

What has been the best or most surprising part about the staying at home?
  • It feels like very fluid days. I am a social introvert, so it's not hard to be home.
  • I get to do a daily walk with my husband.
  • I really like beign home and I'm grateful to have a home.
  • The most surprising thing is getting to know the neighborhood more intricately. I thought I knew it before.
Do you have any pets or wish you did?
  • I do not have any pets, though I wish I had a dog. But I don't want to take care of one.
What book are you currently reading or show are you binge-watching?
  • I'm reading What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty.
  • I'm watching Baptiste (a Channel 2 Scandinavian mystery).
What is your favorite restaurant to order take-out from?
  • Sober Fish in Seward
  • Fat Lorenzo's
  • Peppers & Fries
What summer activity are you most looking forward to?
  • I'd love to drive to the North Shore. Walking around the lakes, being outside more, and chatting more with neighbors and friends are my favorite summer activities.
What is giving you hope right now?
  • My grandkids and the pastors I work with are giving me hope. I'm also encouraged by nature and the laughter of children in the neighborhood.
Being church
in times of crisis
How have we been church, with individuals and with communities? How are we being church? H ow are we called to be  church with all people, with creation, and in an ever-changing world?

This ELCA Coaching online gathering is designed to provide encouragement and support for leaders across the church. Join the Rev. Lawrence Clark, a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Columbus, Ohio) and the Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta). He serves as the Senior Pastor of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago. He is one of three chaplains with the Chicago Fire Department and an active ELCA Coach. 

Wednesday, July 15; 1 p.m. Central
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
Addiction ministry training
The pandemic and social unrest has heightened the need for addiction and recovery ministry. Liquor sales have sky rocketed. Isolation, anxiety, and increased symptoms of depression and other mental health illnesses are prevalent for many.
 
Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Bloomington and the Center of Addiction & Faith are offering a two-part Zoom meeting training for congregational leaders to develop a congregational addiction team ministry. The trainings will provide an overview of this effective model and the opportunity to gain tools and strategies to build congregational support for lay ministry teams of two to four leaders, including staff, pastor, and laypersons.

Wednesday, July 29; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
and
Wednesday, August 5; 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The Leadership Training fee is $125 per congregation. For more information or to register, contact Drew Brooks at drewbrooks@faith-partners.org .
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Rev. Craig Pederson will be offering a farewell message for Pastor Jeff Heiderscheit at St. John's Lutheran, Mound, on Sunday, July 19.
  • Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be leading an adult forum titled "Answering the Call: Leading with Love -- Toward Local Energy Justice" via Zoom on Thursday, July 23.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Sherri Lawrence at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Edina, on Thursday, August 20.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org