August 4, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Correction
Last week's synod blog, "We are God's people," inadvertently left off Our Redeemer Oromo Lutheran Church from the list of congregations that are involved in, among other things, ethnic-specific ministry. This congregation is offering remarkable ministry within the Oromo Community of Minnesota and beyond.
LSS's 2020 Servant of Christ
recipient named
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) recently named House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Richfield as recipient of its 2020 Servant of Christ Award.

LSS normally announced this honor at each of the six synod assemblies in Minnesota. As part of the award this year, LSS released a video honoring House of Prayer and its leaders for the ministry of caring offered in the Richfield community.
A prophetic nonprofit 
“Bread for the World is not often in the national news spotlight. But it should be. They do amazing work fighting hunger and hunger-related causes. Bread has been my favorite nonprofit advocacy organization since I was a teenager.

People dying all over the world from hunger and hunger-related causes bothered me as a kid. (FYI, it still does.) The answer, of course, is to send money and food to starving people in the ‘third world.’ Right?” 
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 15 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 Pastor Dick Magnus, interim director of evanglical ministry, a position shared between Churchwide and the synod.
Pastor Dick Magnus

What has been the best or most surprising part about the staying at home?
  • I love my commute.
  • It's been good to have stronger social media connections with familyl and friends.
  • It's been good to be connected with the synod staff during these crazy days.
Do you have any pets or wish you did?
  • We have no pets, however we have three grandsgoats, four granddogs, and three grandcats.
What book are you currently reading or show are you binge-watching?
  • I love to read mysteries -- David Baldachi, Jonathan Sandford, and Kent Krueger are my favorite authors.
  • I'm watching Living Undocumented on Netflix with a group from Edina Community Lutheran Church.
What is your favorite restaurant to order take-out from?
  • Lion's Tap and Famous Dave's
What summer activity are you most looking forward to?
  • Spending time on our deck and patio, enjoying our flowers, and reading and eating meals outside
What is giving you hope right now?
  • We're coming to a tipping point with all the inequity and violence that is being shown so clearly. I think it's becoming clear that we must change and it seems that more people are seeing that. We need to make it different like we haven't done in decades.

# In the photo, Pastor Dick is the one on the right.
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.
The Life of Faith Initiative
Do you wonder how congregations can experience vitality and renewal? How can individuals feel affirmed and engaged in their faith and discipleship every day? Where and when do we see God at work in the world around us? How can communities of Jesus truly nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another, and the world?
 
Join an orientation to the goals of the Life of Faith initiative for a preview of an upcoming projects for synods and congregations interested in exploring these – and many other – questions. In this first, one-hour meeting, members of the leadership team will share stories, research, and resources about the Life of Faith Initiative.
Wednesday, August 12
10:00-11:00 a.m. Central

When you've registered using the button below, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting via Zoom.
Turn in your college students!
Lutheran Campus Ministries is asking for help in identifying students heading to campus this fall. There is always considerable challenge in connecting with students new to campus, and that will only be amplified this semester – just as students' need for connection could be greater. Refer students using this link or email a spreadsheet of graduates with their colleges to Lutheran Campus Ministry--Twin Cities.
Welcoming the stranger
The Church of St. Francis Cabrini in Minneapolis is hosting an online discussion between Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Ann Svennungsen on the top of "Will We Welcome the Stranger?," based on their joint statement in the Star Tribune in December 2019. This conversation is a Tegeder Talk, honoring the legacy of former Cabrini pastor, Fr. Mike Tegeder.

Monday, August 31
7:00-8:30 p..m.

Registration is required for this free event.
God's beautiful dark works
“Perhaps one of the best-known verses in the New Testament is John 3:16: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.’ It comes toward the end of a deep conversation between Nicodemus, a leader of his people, and Jesus. Much has been made about the detail that Nicodemus sought out Jesus at night. Was he afraid to be seen? Was this a stealthy move under the cover of darkness? The mention of night casts a shadow on this holy meeting. Darkness and blackness and night are too often contrasted with lightness and whiteness and day, and found deficient. But I want to consider the beautiful dark works of God.”
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Sherri Lawrence at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Edina, on Thursday, August 20.
  • Bishop ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Maria Markman at Luther Seminary on Saturday, August 22.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will address the topic of "Welcoming Refugees and Immigrants" with Archbishop Bernard Hebda in a Tegeder Talk sponsored by St. Francis Cabrini, Minneapolis, on August 31.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org