July 26, 2021
Visiting the Synod Office
Many things changed and evolved during the pandemic. We are grateful to say that the Synod Office is now open again. Summer hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. One thing that has changed is access to the synod office. When you arrive at the parking lot you will now see an intercom system to the right of the entrance. Please press the button for the Synod and introduce yourself when a voice calls to you. Staff will then “click” open the entrance door for you to come into the building. Come on up one flight of stairs to the Synod Office suite. These added security measures are in place to limit foot traffic in and out of the building. We look forward to seeing you!

For a lighthearted look at our new procedures and current mask policy, watch this short video starring our office manager, Alicia Rodriguez, as a synod office visitor:
Lutherans at the Fair
Do you know someone in our synod who will have a role at the Minnesota State Fair this summer? We're looking to do a "Lutherans at the Fair" feature on social media in the coming weeks and are seeking names!

They could be a pastor, deacon or lay person (but they must be a member of a SPAS congregation) and their role could be a booth worker, food vendor, guest relations representative, public safety officer, ticket taker, creative activities competitor, entertainer, 4-Her, judge, ride attendant, groundskeeper, etc. (We're NOT looking for people who "just" attend!)

If you've got a name to share (yourself or someone else), let us know at: http://ow.ly/XUVl50FBO3W. The synod will review all submissions and directly contact people with a list of questions to be answered. NOTE: we will not be able to contact every person whose name is submitted. We will select individuals from a variety of positions and congregations to be featured. Thank you for helping us highlight Lutherans from our synod at the Fair!
Application Deadline: Aug. 1
Last Call for Second Act Cohort Applications
Rostered ministers in our synod with four to 10 years of public ministry experience are invited to apply for the Second Act Cohort (Round Two). Applications are accepted until Aug. 1. Those who have been participating in Round One of the cohort have spent time in text study, projects, personal reflection with the help of spiritual direction and connection with others in the cohort. Download the application form.

In 2019, our synod was awarded a grant through the Thriving in Ministry Initiative of the Lilly Endowment. You can read more about our Lilly grant, including the Executive Summary of our grant proposal here. Questions? Contact Program Director Anna Marsh at anna.marsh@spas-elca.org.
Building a Culture of Generosity
In this year of great uncertainty, our synod is partnering with GSB consultants to offer a stewardship program for congregations seeking to financially stabilize ministry as they look to the future. Ending 2021 with a strong annual appeal will allow congregations to move forward in hope, positively impacting their ministry decisions for the coming year. In the midst of a pandemic, strong congregations are needed more than ever as they proclaim words of hope, community, service and resurrection.

"Building a Culture of Generosity" will provide a roadmap for congregations to follow, with a consultant meeting regularly with the cohort to clarify the process and ensure the greatest impact. The cost for this is $450 (we think Thrivent funds can be used for part of this). We are actively recruiting now with the
hope to begin in mid- August. We need at least eight congregations to say “yes” to make it happen. Questions? Contact Assistant to the Bishop Justin Grimm at 651-224-4313 or justin.grimm@elca.org. Click here for the flyer and/or view the video below:
Application Deadline: Aug. 15
ELCA Youth Leadership Summit
Our synod is able to send two high schoolers and an adult advisor to the ELCA's Youth Leadership Summit, which is coming to the Marriott in downtown Minneapolis Nov. 4‐7. Youth will be challenged to take home what they learn and inspire others to action and teach others what they learned in their own synods and youth groups. All expenses are paid. So far we've had no applicants! The deadline to apply is Aug. 15 and all it takes is submitting names of the three-person team to Bishop Lull with a 40-word essay of why your team should represent our synod. Learn more.
Youth Gathering Updates
The ELCA Youth Gathering Kickoff Celebration streamed live yesterday afternoon. If you missed it, you can watch the recording whenever your group meets next. You'll see images from past gatherings, learn about the in-kind donation project and interactive learning experiences, the MYLE event to be held at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, the tABLE event in Bloomington and more. Watch it here.

Financial Assistance - The Gathering has set aside funds for individuals with financial need to help offset the cost of their registration for the 2022 Gathering. Primary adult leaders and congregational leadership may apply for financial assistance on behalf of a specific young person. To get an idea of what questions will be asked on the application, download the Financial Assistance Worksheet.

Registration Webinar - A new online registration system will be used for the 2022 Gathering. A registration webinar is planned for Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. Learn more.

Questions? Contact SPAS Gathering Coordinator Tashina Good at sistertashina@shepherdshoreview.org.
Sexuality, Gender Identity and Hunger
Thursday, Aug. 12 - 6 p.m. | Online
Hunger is about more than food. Understanding hunger – and working to end it – means seeing the many ways hunger and poverty intersect with so many other issues, including climate change, food production, access to housing, racial justice, gender justice and more. A new webinar series from ELCA World Hunger, “Hunger at the Crossroads,” will explore these intersections and the ways we can be part of God’s promise of a just world where all are fed.

The first session is "Sexuality, Gender Identity and Hunger," led by the Rev. Heidi Neumark from Trinity Lutheran Church in New York and the Rev. Joe Larson from Fargo, N.D. Learn more and register.
Is there something going on in your congregation that's unique and worthy of sharing?
We love sharing stories of the synod! Send a brief description and any photos to communications@spas-elca.org!
EVENTS OF INTEREST
Hybrid Church Webinar Series
Mondays, July 26-Aug. 23 – 7 p.m. | Online
Due to popular demand, this offering has exceeded capacity and registration is closed. However, organizers tell us it will be streamed on the Southwestern Texas Synod's Facebook page and posted to its website.

Forced to scramble to go online in just a few weeks during the COVID pandemic, the church has discovered the online world is far more than a replacement for the yellow pages. It is a place where genuine community and real ministry happens. This free, five-week series will provide an overview of several areas of congregational ministry and reflect on how to begin to move every aspect of church life to a dual platform – on the ground and online. This “hybrid” kind of ministry will be the new norm for the next season in many congregations' work. Becoming a hybrid church is one path forward to both strengthen the church and reach new people with the gospel in bold, creative new ways. This series is sponsored by the Southwestern Texas Synod, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod and Nebraska Synod. Click here for the flyer.
Invitation to Change & Addiction
Thursday, July 29 - 11 a.m. | Online
The Invitation to Change (ITC) approach is a ground-breaking approach to address substance misuse. It is grounded in compassion, connection and the belief that a person can do something to help their loved one. This is a free, hour-long presentation with a 30-minute discussion to follow. The featured guest is the Rev. Jan Brown, an addictions educator and speaker on topics of the role of the church in addiction and recovery, faith responders, and recovery allies. The webinar is hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, Tim McMahan King and Pastor Ed Treat. Register here.
Courageous Leadership Series with ELCA Coaching
Aug. 4, Aug. 18 - 1 p.m. | Online
ELCA leaders are invited to explore the topic of courageous leadership. Bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play as you discern how and where the Spirit might be calling you forward as a leader in your life, work, ministry, community and the world. The gatherings will include time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other. Learn more.
Enfleshing Witness
Thursday, Aug. 26 - 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Online
Church Anew is offering a free virtual event that was born from wondering what a theological conversation might look like that centers the voices and experiences of people of color. Four thought leaders - Rev. Mihee Kim-Kort, Rev. Winnie Varghese, Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto and musician Julian Reid - have joined together to create this space. Together, they invite you to encounter the God who is made known in the diverse expression of witness the world over. Preachers, storytellers, activists, and community leaders of color are invited to perhaps hear some of their own stories in the pieces shared. White leaders are welcome but expected to participate with a posture of overhearing the witness rather than expecting it is for you. Learn more.
Other Event Reminders:
SYNOD STAFF PREACHING SCHEDULE
The Rev. Justin Grimm
  • Aug. 1 – Faith, Forest Lake

Deacon Krista Lind
  • Aug. 8 – St. Mark’s, North St. Paul

Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
  • Aug. 1 – St. Mark, St. Paul
The Saint Paul Area Synod, which includes 110 congregations and new mission starts,
is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
www.spas-elca.org | 651-224-4313