Enews: Bishop Ann on Jesus' request for us to stay awake; another staff bio; and more

June 23, 2020

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Synod office update

The synod office will continue to remain closed, with limited staff presence at the office, through July 31. The staff has prepared a plan for the slow re-entry of staff to the office by September 30. Staff continue to work remotely and can still be reached by email or phone.

Addiction and pastoral care

in the age of pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is making the addiction crisis worse. Overdoses are spiking even higher. Is your church ready to meet this growing urgent need? A webinar for understanding the sharp increase in addiction issues is being offered by the Center for Addiction and Faith.

11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 25

Webinar

Learn practical information for how how pastors and ministry leaders can effectively address addiction in their congregations and communities.

Stay awake, be woke

“At the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asks the disciples to keep watch with him; to stay awake. In describing the life of discipleship, Jesus says, ‘ Be alert. Many will try to lead you astray. Do not be distracted. Keep awake. ’

Today, after the murder of George Floyd, we think nothing could distract us from our call to dismantle the sin of systemic racism.

How could we be distracted — especially after the events of last week?”

Bishop Ann's blog

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 17 people who live in the city, suburbs, and rural areas. We are fairly racially and age diverse for a Lutheran office. We hope you get to know us better through these fun interviews! This week's featured staff member is Eric Howard, executive assistant to bishop.

Eric Howard

What has been the best or most surprising part about the staying at home?

Realizing how long you have to wait to get a haircut; and I love that instead of my morning commute or lunch break, I get to walk my dog.

Do you have any pets or wish you did?

Yes, my dog Foxy is learning how to be a good work-from-home assistant by sleeping most of the day and keeping out of my Zoom calls.

What book are you currently reading or show are you binge-watching?

Netflix? I'm on Hulu. I'm currently binge-watching "Mrs. America." It's really interesting to hear the story about women's rights in the 1970s.

What is your favorite restaurant to order take-out from?

Keys at the Foshay Tower or Hola Arepa

What summer activity are you most looking forward to?

Picnics

What is giving you hope right now?

The creativity I'm seeing from our church leaders is inspiring me.

Synod Council decides on assembly resolutions

In between Synod Assemblies, the Synod Council is the highest governing body of the synod. When the Synod Assembly is cancelled, as it was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the business of the synod must still be carried out. At its June 18 meeting, the Minneapolis Area Synod Council considered the resolutions that would have appeared at assembly. The Council approved three, referred one, and deferred two until its September meeting.

Read more about the Synod Council's actions

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor Craig Pederson will be offering farewell for Pastors Sally and Dan Ankerfelt at Minnehaha Communion Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, June 28.
Rev. Kelly Chatman will be preaching for the pre-recorded synodical worship service for the weekend of July 5. (The recording of the service will be available a week before the services for that weekend.)

Upcoming Events

Pastoral Care of Addiction in an Age of Pandemic, June 25
Cherish All Children 5K, June 26-28
Church Anew: Master Class in Communication, August 17-19
An Evening with Rob Bell and Peter Rollins, August 17
Bishop's Theological Conference, September 27-29
Joint Fall Ministerium, October 29

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org