September 14, 2021
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff are celebrating the fact that Minnesota is officially at a 70% vaccination rate. Although the staff is now splitting time between in-office and remote work, the office will remain closed to public meetings. This protocol will be evaluated periodically to reflect the CDC guidelines for vaccinated persons. 
ELCA provides more COVID-19 resources for congregations
The Churchwide staff of the ELCA are continuing to prepare and produce resources for congregations that address the ever-changing circumstances around the pandemic. Resources are available on such topics as returning to in-person worship, prayers in times of public health emergencies, employee retention, electronic meetings, the CARES Act provisions, and more.

As congregations make differing decisions, and as there is often disagreement within congregations about the various decisions needing to be made, these resources can provide suggestions and clarity in a chaotic time.
Storytelling
that's sticky
“As a preacher, I depend on stories. I want, no, I need a good story. If you have ever taught Sunday School, mentored confirmation students, were a part of a small group of any kind in your worshipping community — a good story can make your time together not only memorable, but meaningful. A good story is sticky; it sticks with you. You might find you are re-telling a good story to someone — anyone — within hours or even minutes of hearing it.” 
The Minnesota Council of Churches reparations discussion
to hold first truth-telling event in September
Last year, the leadership of the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) announed a ten-year effort of truth-telling, education, and reparations in order to take extraordinary steps toward repairing harms to African-American and Native American communities in Minnesota.

In response to these steps, the MCC is launching our first truth-telling event, "Minnesota’s Racial Legacy: Finally Telling the Truth," on September 24-25, 2021, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis. This event will be hybrid with both in-person and online streaming. Friday’s event begins with registration from 6:30-7:00 p.m., and programming running 7:00-9:00 p.m. On Saturday, registration is from 8:30-9:00 a.m., and programming running from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The keynote speaker for Friday is Christine Diindiisi McCleave, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and the Saturday keynote speaker is Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. Saturday’s event will culminate with a panel discussion with distinguished Native American and African American community members, followed by an announcement of next steps in our work.

As members of the MCC Board, we have reserved 2 tickets for you and your guests. Registration is open soon, so please have your guests identify their invitation from you so that they will be recognized in the confirmation process. The link to register is http://mnchurches.org/what-we-do/minnesotas-racial-legacy.
ENGAGE to host a seminar on
gun violence and mental health
Faith leaders share bipartisan polling
results on payday lending
Studies indicate that 3-5% of firearm homicides are the result of mental illness. In Minnesota, 79% of gun deaths are suicide by gun. A typical mass murderer is described as isolated, lacking in social support, bears a grudge, is angry and externalizes blame. Yet the vast majority of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders do not commit violent acts. How are we to understand the relationship between mental health and gun violence that can help us create a more gun-safe environment?

Thursday, October 7
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Zoom
 
Presenters:
  • Thomas E. Kottke, MD, MSPH, is the Medical Director for Well-Being at Health Partners of Medicine at the University of Minnesota
  • Caleb Schultz, MD, M.P.H. practices anesthesiology at Hennepin County Medical Center.

This event is sponsored by ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention.
“After reviewing polling data from Emerson College, Eric Howard, executive assistant to the Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop states, ‘The vast majority of Minnesotans -- across all political parties -- feel strongly that payday lending should be capped at 36%. And most who didn’t support that cap said it was because 36% was too high.’

The Emerson College polling demonstrated that DFLers supported a cap at almost 83%, independents at almost 78%, and Republicans at more than 77%.” 
An online gala
for changing lives
National Lutheran Choir launches 2021-2022 season
The 2021 Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Gala will once more be a virtual fundraiser due to the pandemic. By giving generously, serving faithfully, loving boldly, you can help LSS provide opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors. For 156 years, LSS has served the most vulnerable people in the state, and the results have been undeniably positive.

Join with your neighbors by giving a gift to support services that inspire hope, change lives, and build community throughout the state of Minnesota.
The National Lutheran Choir's 2021-2022 Season will include four in-person concerts, two virtual programs, regular virtual content, and more:

  • Passes are for live concerts can be purchased as a Pick-4, Pick-3, or Pick-2 bundle for any combination of concerts.
  • Subscriptions for virtual content throughout the season allow viewers to enjoy access to two virtual programs, as well as other content exclusive to virtual subscribers. Virtual subscriptions can be purchased as a stand-alone option or added to a Season Pass package.
  • Single Tickets will also be available for individual purchase to each concert.
 
Tickets go on sale September 14 and can be purchased online at https://nlca.com/.
Lutheran Disaster Response responds to global challenges
Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to the many natural and climate disasters across the globe right now.

  • Wildfires in the West
  • Hurricane recovery in the Gulf Coast
  • Earthquake recovery in Haiti
  • Flooding on the East Coast

Lutheran Disaster Response brings hope, healing, and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters near and far. Yet as attention shifts to other headlines, LDR stays to provide ongoing assistance, recognizing that every response needs to be rooted in the community. It partners with companion churches and other Lutheran or ecumenical relief agencies to make sure local needs are addressed and met. Now is an especially important time to support this highly regarded Lutheran ministry that ministers in many and varied ways with those people suffering through disasters.




Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at Family of God Lutheran, Brooklyn Park, for its 50th anniversary celebration on Sunday, September 19.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Siloa Lutheran and Salem Lutheran, Dalbo, for the 130th anniversary on Sunday, September 19.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be overseeing a Ministry Site Profile at Mount Olivet Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, September 26.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be installing Pastor Gunnar Kristiansen at Mindekirken, Minneapolis, on Sunday, September 26.
  • Pastor Craig Pederson will be attending the farewell service for Deacon Sue Arens at Minnehaha Communion Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, September 26.
  • Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be leading an adult forum at Hope Lutheran, Jordan, on Sunday, October 17.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org