December 23, 2019
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Event Spotlight: EcoFaith Power-Up
Ruth Ivory Moore, the ELCA's director of environment and corporate social responsibility, will be a featured leader at the EcoFaith Network's Power-Up event at St. Luke's Lutheran in Bloomington on February 8. Green teams and individuals invited! Learn more  
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:   How to Kill a Meeting
Presenters:  Pr. John Hulden
Brief Description:  Is it against the Fifth Commandment to kill a meeting? Have you been to a meeting that died a slow death by neglect or lack of planning or discussions that go off the rail? What makes for a good meeting? How about a terrible meeting? Are your meetings worth the time (number of people times length of meeting equals hours of precious volunteer time)? Come hear some antidotes to bad meetings, and bring some of your own to share.
Jump in
" How did Joseph do it? Where did he find the courage? We focus a lot on the courage of Mary, but what about Joseph? Engaged, but not living with Mary, he discovers that she’s pregnant. And the child isn’t his. ... An angel intervened. ... Joseph trusted the angel from God. In his shoes, I would've hope for some reassuring sign from God. "
Celebrating the ongoing legacy of closed congregations
through Ministry Imagination Grants
Sports journalists, disc jockeys, and movie bloggers are releasing their "year in review" lists over the next fewdays. Below you will find a review of some imaginative and creative initiatives sponsored by congregations from the Minneapolis Area Synod.
 
In recent years several congregations faithfully decided to bring an end to their ministries in their locations. But the members' desire to leave a legacy for future ministry offered the synod an opportunity to create "Ministry Imagination Grants" for new ministry projects -- dreams of congregations that require a seed grant to initiate.

Throughout 2019 stories of these imaginative projects have appeared on the website and in this enews. Our "year in review list" puts all these stories in one place for your enjoyment and inspiration.

Below are stories -- both written and video -- about imaginative congregational programs that were given life through these seed grants made available by the members of the Lutheran Church of the Reformation (St. Louis Park), Bethany Lutheran on 36th Street (Minneapolis), and Luther Memorial (Minneapolis).
Talking with Your Mouth Full
Pastor and chef Jose Flores chopped vegetables while talking to the small class gathered at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Rockford. The crowd watched as he prepared what the audience would soon eat for lunch. He keeps chopping as he utters, “The most amazing conversations happen in the kitchen.” Where there is food, there is conversation. Some of the most memorable stories in the gospels have Jesus talking to someone during a dinner or when food is being prepared. Food brings people together. Read the story
Sensory Friendly Worship
at Cross of Peace
Going to church is challenging for families with a child on the autism spectrum. Because of this, about one third of people on the autism spectrum have never been to church before. Cross of Peace Lutheran Church in Shakopee, Minnesota hopes to decrease this number by creating a sensory friendly worship experience that is comfortable for all families, especially those with a family member on the spectrum. Through the Ministry Imagination Grant program of the Minneapolis Area Synod, Cross of Peace is able to turn this vision into a reality. Watch the video
A Gathering of Young Adults
Young adults who have experience living in community and service often seek each other out for shared spiritual expression. Gather is an occasional worship service for young people who have served in Young Adults in Global Ministry or Lutheran Volunteer Corps, or have lived at Holden Village, or who have had some other similar activity.
Come for the Food,
Stay for the Community
Every Wednesday at  Zion Lutheran Church  in South Minneapolis, a group of congregants and neighbors gather to serve and share a meal and build community around the table. These Lyndale Community Dinners have been a staple of this neighborhood’s life for nearly 20 years, and the “little church with a big heart” continues to find ways to expand and deepen the relationships that have begun in the small church basement. Read the story
Sit at the (Longer)
Welcome Table
The economic diversity in the neighborhood around Mount Olive Lutheran Church is tangible in the many people who don’t have access to financial institutions such as banks when they are in need of loans. Because loans are often not easily available, these individuals often rely on payday lending businesses which tend to have exorbitant fees – an expense that puts further stress on low-income populations. And three payday lending businesses operate between Lyndale and Hiawatha Avenues along Lake Street, according to Anna Scott, a member and former staff person at the church. Longer Table Lending was created by the members of Mount Olive to help people obtain loans at a low cost.  Read the story
A Prodigal Welcome
“We say we’re bondage to sin and can’t free ourselves,” says Ed Treat, the pastor of Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Bloomington. “Addiction is anything that you do that is hurtful, you know, and you keep doing it.” Treat understands what it means to be in bondage. A recovering alcoholic, he is also the head of the   Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy   (FRLC), a pan-Lutheran support network of clergy recovering from addiction to alcohol and other substances. Ed believes the network is needed because the church is not very accepting of clergy struggling with addiction. “The church shoots its wounded,” says Treat. Read the story
Breaking Barriers to Grace
Safe spaces where people can be who they are, including at worship, are critical. That’s why there’s a need for  Queer Grace , a ministry of  Grace Lutheran Church  in Northeast Minneapolis, started in 2017 by Pastor Emmy Kegler. Pastor Kegler saw a need that wasn’t being filled by other faith communities. R ead the story
Love God and Love Neighbor
The saints of First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights strive to embody new and innovative ways to engage the neighborhood that surrounds the congregation. The members and leaders seek to be actively involved for the sake the world. Watch the video
Nativity Lutheran Seeks to Expand Cultural Awareness
The church holds great potential for making positive change in communities. However, intercultural incompetence can have extremely negative effects on community outreach by churches, even when members act with the best intentions. In the last year, Nativity Lutheran Church in Saint Anthony has made a concerted effort to develop a new approach to their congregation’s community outreach. As a part of this process, the church staff, council members, and anti-racism team are undergoing an intensive intercultural competency training using the   Intercultural Development Inventory . Read the story
Leading by Organizing:
A video about videos
Congregational organizers in the Minneapolis Area Synod received a Ministry Imagination Grant to broaden their reach for training basic skills for community engagement. Organizers from Holy Trinity Lutheran , University Lutheran Church of Hope , Mount Olive Lutheran , and House of Prayer Lutheran , as well as their rostered colleagues, discuss the value of having resources that aid congregations in outreach efforts; to be the church in the neighborhood. "Leading by Organizing" tells the story of why and how they are making these training videos . Watch the video
Alter Guild:
The Power of a Podcast
Alter Guild is the podcast produced by four pastors within the Minneapolis Area Synod ELCA (Lutheran church). The hosts discuss existential questions and invite people both inside and outside the church to engage these serious and significant questions. And, they also bring pastoral care and humor to the topics they discuss. The Ministry Imagination Grants of the synod gave the producers an opportunity to expand this ministry through new equipment and marketing budgeting. Watch the video
And more to come ...
More articles and videos will be produced in 2020, thanks to the generosity of those congregations that, when concluding their official ministry and closing their doors, decided to provide funding for imaginative ministry and storytelling. Proceeds from the property sales provides the ongoing Ministry Imagination Grant process.

In addition to these already shared videos and articles, please note today's story "Confirmation, Context, and Community," by Nick Tangen about the joint youth education work of Augustana Lutheran and Messian Lutheran below.

Special thanks to storytellers Courtney Olsen, Nick Tangen, Dennis Sanders, Brenda Blackhawk, Grace Corbin, Jeni Huff, and Bob Hulteen.

The deadlines for Ministry Imagination Grant applications in 2020 are March 30, June 15, and October 15. More information
Hostel for Seeking Souls: The Minneapolis Area Synod’s Newest Mission Exploration
In the ELCA, new ministries often start from a small group before they grow into congregations. Hostel for Seeking Souls is a new mission exploration in our synod with a vision of sharing God’s radical hospitality among global neighbors. Arising from the collective heartache experienced for those who suffer at the hands of a broken immigration system, this exploration is built around three combined expressions: a short-term housing ministry for asylum seekers, a Christian community of faith, and a mission-driven business.

Ask the Archivist
ELCA Region 3 Archivist Paul Daniels addresses topics most of us never think about. This week Paul considers basic documention retention and records sampling. As an archivist, he wants congregations to save the very important historical data of church life. He has some thoughts!
Confirmation, context, and community
“ The creative partnership between Augustana Lutheran and Messiah Lutheran envisions confirmation and faith formation taking place within the context of community, centering relationships and service as the vehicles for ongoing learning and discernment. Furthermore, the building of relationships across the two communities has added a powerful dimension to the learning and service opportunities. ”  
Spirit of Christ celebrates 10 years of St. Louis Park ministry
As a synod, we are whole when we celebrate together. So as we approach the end of the year, we celebrate with churches that had milestone anniversaries in 2019!

Formed through the combining of First Lutheran and Ascension Lutheran in 2009, Spirit of Christ Community Lutheran Church prides itself in being a small church. Pastor Durk Thompson believes that “while we may be considered a small congregation, our dedication to serving is huge and our love for our community is unmistakable.” The church’s social action committee exemplifies Spirit of Christ’s dedication to serving. It connects the church with local organizations like TreeHouse, St. Louis Park Emergency Program, and Our Saviour’s Housing. Spirit of Christ also takes pride in its music program. Under the direction of Steve Stucki, their choir performs for worship services throughout the year in addition to two yearly concerts.

Although Spirit of Christ’s anniversary celebration has taken many forms throughout the year, its biggest anniversary accomplishment was the raising of $10,000 for its four mission partners. Additionally, the church voted in September and officially become a part of the Reconciling in Christ Program. Doug remarks, “Spirit of Christ feels blessed to serve here in St. Louis Park and looks forward to the next 10 years of proclaiming the gospel.”

Thank you for celebrating with our synod this year. Last week we recognized Bethlehem Twin Cities for its 125th anniversary; the week before, Central Lutheran for its 100th anniversary; the previous week, Our Saviour's for its 150th anniversary; the week before, Tapestry for its fifth anniversary; and before that, Westwood Lutheran for its 75th anniversary. There are so many reasons to celebrate the accomplishments of the past, but there is even more to be excited about the ongoing ministry of these congregations into the future for the sake of the gospel and the world.
Congregational
Green Teams
of the Synod Unite!
Saturday, February 8
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
1701 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington

Join the EcoFaith Network as leaders gather for a few powerful hours to discuss and dream about how the Minneapolis Area Synod can impact wider systems change for environmental sustainability and justice as we care for God's creation.
Excellence in Preaching Symposium
Saturday, January 4; 12:30-3:30 p.m.
900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi

Pastors, priests, preachers, and anyone interested in delivering great sermons are invited to attend the Excellence in Preaching Symposium hosted by St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi. The symposium will be led by “freelance theologian” from Two Harbors, the Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen. 
ELCA Good Gifts Catalog
There’s still time to share the love with ELCA Good Gifts. ELCA Good Gifts support the life-changing ministries of this church and share God’s love in Christ with our neighbors in need all around the world.

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday 2020
January 20 9:00-11:30 a.m.
3312, Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony

Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., as a family! This event is for families, with kids' activities particularly geared for those in elementary school and middle school.

There will be music, crafts, speakers, and service projects around the theme "Focus on Freedom." There's no cost to attend and no registration is required; just show up!

This event is hosted by Nativity Lutheran Church with support from the synod's Advocates for Racial Equity work group and area congregations.
Telling the (old) New Story
Monday, January 27-Tuesday, January 28
13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie

Story is at the center of our world, from the relational stories told on social media to the carefully crafted advertisement narratives and immersive stories on television, streaming services, and on the big screen. The church has a rich story to tell, but we don’t always do the best job sharing this story in media that are constantly changing. For two days you will be immersed in story work, with keynotes that will inspire you to develop your own story and learn the stories of others, workshops that will help you build skills for storytelling in a digital age, and time to connect with other storytellers to hone your craft.
 
Keynote Speakers:
  • Marlon Hall – visual anthropologist, filmmaker, artist
  • David Hansen – digital pastor, ministry coach, church redeveloper
  • Nora McInerny – author, TED speaker, host of "Terrible Thanks for Asking"
  • Natalia Terfa – pastor, author of "Daily Uplift," cohost of Cafeteria Christian
 
Early bird registration is $129 by December 31 and$199 after that date. Group rates for three or more are also available.

Communicators Gathering:
Telling Your Story with Video
Monday, January 6; 10:00 am-12:00 noon

If you're not using video in your church setting, you're missing out on a valuable way to reach your members and the larger community! Hear how two congregations are using video to inform, entertain, and engage. Presenters include:

  • Joyce Getchell -- Business Administrator at Faith Lutheran (Forest Lake)
  • Omar Reyes -- Production Manager of Audio/Video Technology at Shepherd of the Valley (Apple Valley)

They will show examples of videos they've created; describe the equipment, software and posting platforms that they use; and share some best practices related to sound, lighting, and content.

There's no fee to attend, but please register.

Year-long service opportunities to be "healers of the breach"
The Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) is a community of faith uniting people to work for peace with justice. LVC's values are:
  • Living simply and sustainably 
  • Living in intentional community 
  • Exploring spirituality in community
  • Confronting racism and oppression through intentional and often uncomfortable personal and institutional transformation
  • Working for social justice and a peaceful world where basic human rights are met

Spend a year or semester living or exploring intentional community, serving at a social justice nonprofit, and practicing simple and sustainable living.

Applications are now open with priority application by January 15, 2020.
Through Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), young adults learn what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment as they walk alongside global church companions.

Participants will become immersed in a new community and form deep relationships. And they will confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, gender privilege, economic disparity, and globalization, all through the lens of faith.

Applications for the ELCA’s 2020-2021 YAGM program are now open. If you know young adults age 21 to 29, encourage them to apply by the priority deadline of January 15, 2020 .
Minneapolis Area Synod holiday office hours
The Minnesota Church Center will be closed full days on December 24, December 25, and January 1. It will be open until noon on December 31. The synod's office hours will be the same. Synod staff will be available at other times during the next few weeks. Continued Advent blessings; and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be speaking at Holy Trinity Lutheran, New Prague, on Sunday, January 5.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be attending the farewell of Pastor Dave Folkerts at First Lutheran Church, Crystal, on Sunday, January 5.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org