May 6, 2020 Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Synod office update The synod office will continue to remain closed, as per Governor Walz's request, through the end of May. Staff are working remotely and can still be reached by email or phone. Dr. Michael Osterholm discusses in-person worship with synod leaders Dr. Michael Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, spent time with Bishop Ann Svennungsen on a Zoom and Facebook Live event on Tuesday, May 5. A member at Edina Community Lutheran Church, Dr. Osterholm offered a deep understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what it means to the "when" and "how" of re-engaging in-person public worship. Dr. Osterholm is the author of the 2017 book,  Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs , in which he not only details the most pressing infectious disease threats of our day but lays out a nine-point strategy on how to address them, with preventing a global flu pandemic at the top of the list. His presentation is sobering. But it offers significant guidance for congregational conversation about the factors that should go into decisions about gathering again as worshipping communities. To view the Osterholm presentation, go to the synod's home page and scroll down to the featured resource. View Dr. Osterholm's presentation Just essentials “ Two of the hardest jobs I’ve had were working at the Wee Care Day Care Center and waiting tables at the Toole County Fair. I was exhausted after trying for eight hours to anticipate another activity to engage a two-year-old. And, after an evening shift at the food tent, I was so overtired I had endless nightmares about forgetting someone’s food order. The coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on those whose hard work we’ve come to call ‘essential.’ ” Bishop Ann's blog

ELCA Federal Credit Union is a PPP resource With newly enacted legislation providing additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) has the opportunity to cooperate with its financial partner, the ELCA Federal Credit Union, in offering loans.    The ELCA Federal Credit Union is now a Small Business Administration-certified lender that can offer loans to congregations and ministries through the Paycheck Protection Program. These loans can keep your congregation or ministry afloat by covering staff members’ pay and other operating expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.    MIF and the Credit Union have been working closely to provide special assistance to customers and members during this global health crisis. For application information and access to details about the program and the latest updates, visit the special  Paycheck Protection Program pag e on the Credit Union’s website.

Report on ELCA Daily Bread Matching Grants Ninety-six percent of ELCA congregations participate in some form of feeding ministry, from community meals to food pantries — truly providing daily bread. With COVID-19 bringing so much of daily life to a grinding halt and contributing to hunger in our communities, these ministries are more vital than ever. ELCA World Hunger says, "Thank you for your continued work toward a just world where all are fed as we navigate these times together." ELCA World Hunger's Daily Bread Matching Grants support congregations and their partners as they work toward a just world where all are fed. In response to COVID-19, 200 congregations invited their members, networks, and friends to support their feeding ministries by raising funds online to match a $500 grant from ELCA World Hunger. Together, they raised more than $200,000 in less than three weeks! If you’d like to be informed of future Daily Bread Matching Grant opportunities, email  Hunger@elca.org . Learn more

Upcoming Events

An Evening with Rob Bell & Peter Rollins, Rescheduled, May 11 Church Anew: A Master Class in Communication, Rescheduled, May 11-12 Safeguarding God's Children, May 14 Faith Partners Lay Addiction Ministry Training, Postponed, May 16 Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts, July 27-30 Church Anew: Master Class in Communication, August 17-19 An Evening with Rob Bell and Peter Rollins, August 17 Bishop's Theological Conference, September 27-29 Joint Fall Ministerium, October 29

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌