August 18, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff members continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future. Contact them using their email or cell phone. Watch this space for information about the reopening of the office.
Welcoming the stranger:
What is holding us back?
The Church of St. Frances Cabrini in Minneapolis is hosting an online discussion between Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Ann Svennungsen on the topic of "Will We Welcome the Stranger?," based on their joint statement in the Star Tribune in December 2019. This conversation is a Tegeder Talk, honoring the legacy of former Cabrini pastor, Fr. Mike Tegeder.

Monday, August 31
7:00-8:30 p..m.

Please invite congregation members and friends who might be interested in this discussion. Registration is required for this free event.
Putting families first ... with grace 
“I don’t know what it’s like at your house, but in my house the kids are running wild. Frances, my seven-year- old, changes out of her PJs maybe every other day, and spends her time alternating between throwing birthday parties for her dolls, interrupting my work Zoom calls to say hi to everyone, and making questionable design choices for our shared Animal Crossing island paradise. Robin, my two-year-old, is at all times running back and forth across the living room carrying an old iPhone and singing along to either Hamilton or Disney’s Descendants songs.  ” 
Synod Staff Features
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 Kris Bjorke, assistant for first-third ministry.
Kris Bjorke

What has been the best or most surprising part about the staying at home?
  • I like the slower pace and having opportunities for intentional time together.
Do you have any pets or wish you did?
  • We have two cats and my daughter has a hedgehog.
What book are you currently reading or show are you binge-watching?
  • Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, by Ruth Haley Barton
  • Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • Unlocking Us, by Brene Brown
What is your favorite restaurant to order take-out from?
  • I'm kind of digging Baja House in Wayzata or Wakame in Uptown.
What summer activity are you most looking forward to?
  • Being at a pool
What is giving you hope right now?
  • Jesus and nature
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.
The Life of Faith Initiative
Do you wonder how congregations can experience vitality and renewal? How can individuals feel affirmed and engaged in their faith and discipleship every day? Where and when do we see God at work in the world around us? How can communities of Jesus truly nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another, and the world?
 
Join an orientation to the goals of the Life of Faith initiative for a preview of an upcoming projects for synods and congregations interested in exploring these – and many other – questions. In this first, one-hour meeting, members of the leadership team will share stories, research, and resources about the Life of Faith Initiative.
Wednesday, August 12
10:00-11:00 a.m. Central

When you've registered using the button below, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting via Zoom.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Sherri Lawrence at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Edina, on Thursday, August 20.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Maria Markman at Luther Seminary on Saturday, August 22. Maria has been called to Grace Lutheran, Andover.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Kyle Hanson on August 22.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Ian Coen-Frei at Faith Lutheran, Isanti, on Saturday, August 29.
  • 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.
Synod candidates to be ordained elsewhere
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org