February 18, 2020 Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Event Spotlight: Racial Justice Liaison The Racial Justice Liaison Gathering discussion on March 16 at Mount Olive Lutheran will be led by Dr. Cheryl Chatman regarding the ELCA's "Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity" document. Learn more   Tool Kit: February 22, 2020 Workshop descriptions one by one The Minneapolis Area Synod offers an annual Tool Kit for congregational leaders. It's a great opportunity for teams of church leaders to come together and expand skills and knowledge about congregational leadership. Each week we are introducing one of the workshops to pique your interest. This week: Title:   What Churches Can and Can't Do Regarding the Election Presenters:  Pastor Paul Slack and Erin Sutton Brief Description:  With the 2020 election fast approaching, we're hearing a lot of questions about a congregation's role at this time. How can pastors preach clearly about Christian values from the pulpit while remaining nonpartisan? Can social justice teams host a voter registration drive? How about a candidate forum? What's okay to have on display in the halls when the church is a polling place? During this workshop, experts will answer these questions and more. Come prepared to learn a lot and leave ready to engage thoughtfully in the political process as a community of faith. Full list of workshops Reciprocity in all things “I just returned from Bogotá, Colombia, where I attended the first Inter-American Lutheran Encounter: AYNI . The word ‘ Ayni ’ comes from the Indigenous communities of Bolivia and its meaning is multi-layered. Ayni is a reciprocal understanding of the world and a specific way of living. It means that you have reciprocal relationship with other people and the world around you. It means that when your neighbor needs help with the harvest, you help with no questions asked.” Brenda's blog

Allies and Friends

How can people of faith work together to bring about the will of God on earth? How can we help ourselves and others break through misunderstanding and mistrust and find common holy ground? The Allies and Friends workshop creates a sacred space for Christians and Muslims to come together to hear stories, have conversations, ask God’s blessing and link arms as we walk together toward peace. Muslims and Christians Together Saturday, February 29 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church 8600 Fremont Avenue South, Bloomington Cost: $17 for adults, $10 for students; scholarships available upon request. The day will include breakout sessions tailored for rookies and for those with previous experience. Christian and Muslim speakers will share about the challenging and rewarding work of building understanding and relationships. Meet and network with others on this journey. A lunch will be catered by Soma Grill & Deli, and interfaith bingo will keep the day lively.

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Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders and Conference Assemblies This Saturday, February 22!

Join us for a morning of learning and connection! Choose two out of more than a dozen workshop offerings to get practical tips to bring back to your congregation. Saturday, February 22 8:30 a.m., registration and check in 9:00 a.m.-Noon, workshops St. Andrew Lutheran Church 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie This event is especially helpful for new church council members and other congregational leaders! Register for Tool Kit The 12 conferences of our synod will meet to nominate and elect people for synod positions. Resolutions and memorials for Synod Assembly are also discussed at these Conference Assembly gatherings.  Saturday, February 22 12:15 p.m.-conclusion St. Andrew Lutheran Church 13600 Technology Drive Eden Prairie Synod Assembly voting members are especially encouraged to attend, but all are invited!

The Art and Craft of Personal Storytelling

At this all-day training, learn how to excavate, craft, and share stories from your own life. Veteran storyteller Mark Yaconelli will walk participants through presentation, contemplative exercises, and a variety of narrative practices so they will learn the power of personal storytelling for speaking, teaching, community-building, preaching, and personal growth. Mark Yaconelli Saturday, February 22 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Trading Floor at Fueled Collective, 400 South 4th Street, Suite 401 Minneapolis This is a great introduction in the art of storytelling for nonprofit leaders, business professionals, students, pastors, community-builders, and anyone who wants to improve their skills in crafting and sharing stories.

More information

ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job readiness, human rights, policy change, leadership development, and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger — for good — by addressing the root causes of hunger. Proposals that are transformative, holistic, and integrated are especially encouraged.   Registrations open March 18. Applications will be received April 1-May 22. Awards will be announced in November. More information ELCA World Hunger's 40 Days of Giving ELCA World Hunger provides congregational leaders with hunger-related resources for the Lenten Season. Gifts to ELCA World Hunger are transformative offerings of love used around the world, offering a ministry of hope, liberation, and restoration. Here are some of the World Hunger resources the ELCA offers: A new video for use in worship A subscription form to sign up for weekly devotional emails A devotional calendar with ideas for worship, prayer, study, reflection, and more A weekly study about how gifts to ELCA World Hunger are at work in the world A new Action Guide for Congregations offers inspirational stories Coin jar wrappers invite members into the practice of giving in a creative way

Adult Camp from The Naming Project The Naming Project, a leading LGBTQ youth and faith-based organization, has announced its first-ever summer camp for adults taking place June 12-15 at Bay Lake Camp in Deerwood, Minnesota. After 15 successful summers providing a place for LGBTQ youth to explore their identities and religion, The Naming Project will expand to serve adults over 21.  More information

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be presenting at the synod's Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders and Conference Assemblies at Saint Andrew Lutheran, Eden Prairie, on Saturday, February 22. Ms. Grace Corbin and Ms. Mariah Norell will be leading an adult forum on creation care at Prairie Lutheran, Eden Prairie, on February 23. Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at Redeemer Lutheran , Minneapolis, on Sunday, February 23. Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be participating in a Ministry Site Profile at Vista Lutheran, St. Louis Park, on Sunday, March 1.

Upcoming Events

The Challenge of Leadership: Ministering in an election year, February 20 Tool Kit and Conference Assemblies, February 22 Allies and Friends, February 29 Promoting Congregational Singing Workshop, February 29 Older Adult Ministry Forum: Compassionate Caregiving, March 5 Racial Justice Liaison Gathering: "Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity," March 16 Spring Ministerium, March 26 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, April 24-25 Church Anew: A Master Class in Communication, May 11-12 Bishop's Theological Conference, September 27-29 Joint Fall Ministerium, October 29

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

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