August 25, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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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 Emilie Bouvier, the director of organizing and the congregational organizer for environmental justice. |
Emilie Bouvier
What has been the best or most surprising part about the staying at home?
- I now have my very own desk-treadmill set up and it's so fantastic. It's a fun fact that our synod staff call our synod office desk-treadmill the "walking machine."
Do you have any pets or wish you did?
- I do not have any pets, but I very much enjoy caring for my little sunny shelf of house plants!
What book are you currently reading or show are you binge-watching?
- My recent Netflix binge-watching includes Dear White People and Alone.
What is your favorite restaurant to order take-out from?
- Urban Growler, which has (in my humble opinion) the best French fries in the Twin Cities
What summer activity are you most looking forward to?
- Enjoying some local brews on the back patio
What is giving you hope right now?
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That people are awaking to the depth of racial injustice in new and profound ways. I'm also finding hope in the ways leaders around the synod are showing up for each other. We're digging deep, we're challenging one another, and we're extending grace and care -- all beautiful and hopeful things.
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The Director of Evangelical Mission position for the Minneapolis Area Synod is open once again |
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The Director of Evangelical Mission position represents the Domestic Mission (DM) unit in the territory of the Minneapolis Area Synod, and is responsible for engaging synodical leaders, structures, and strategies in the formation and development of congregational vitality: “Communities of Jesus that nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another, and the world,” and reflects the purposes, principles, and commitments of the synod, DM, and the ELCA as a whole.
This position will coordinate and staff the education of all evangelical mission, mission support, and stewardship ministries in the synod through the formation and coordination of three synodical initiatives: mission support and/or stewardship, congregational vitality, and alignment with "Future Directions 2025."
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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. |
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Offerings from Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center |
As many communities of faith and nonprofits are adjusting their outreach in different ways due to the pandemic, the Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center is also thinking creatively about how to continue to foster and encourage individuals and groups to retreat. In addition to welcoming pastors and small church and nonprofit groups once again for in-person retreats, the center is also offering online workshops, classes, and retreats.
The Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center is hosting virtual offerings on a number of topics in the near future. In addition, congregations may be interested in the complimentary retreat offerings for pastors or faith communities that are engaging in racial equity and justice work.
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A Safe Way to Support Youth Experiencing Homelessness |
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In times of crisis and instability youth need support more than ever. Year round Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is committed to supporting youth to gain stability through early intervention and prevention services, supportive shelters and housing options, and services to restore and strengthen families.
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, LSS’s Metro Homeless Youth program has created an online registry that allows backers to view the current needs of our youth and support with things like groceries, hygiene products, clothes, and other needed items. Use the links below to view specific items these youth programs are asking for. If supporters don’t want to buy from the seller that is linked to the item, they can make purchases from another store and send them along to the address provided.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? |
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Ian Coen-Frei at Faith Lutheran, Isanti, on Saturday, August 29.
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Ms. Brenda Blackhawk will be preaching at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, August 30.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Laura Gorton at Grace Lutheran Church, St. Paul, on Sunday, August 30.
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Pastor Craig Pederson will be offering a farewell at the retirement of Pastor Brian Fragodt at Trinity Lutheran, Long Lake, on Sunday, August 30.
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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.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Ben Cherland at Christ Church Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Saturday, September 19.
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Ms. Meghan Olsen Biebighauser will be preaching at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Sunday, September 20.
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Synod candidates to be ordained elsewhere |
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