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February 15, 2022
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff members are splitting time between in-office and remote work; the office remains closed to public meetings. This protocol will be evaluated periodically to reflect the CDC guidelines for vaccinated persons. 
Synod Assembly Registration Now Open
Synod Assembly 2022 will be held on Saturday, April 30, at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Early bird registration is now open. Need childcare? Register for that, too, at no additional cost!

With questions, reach out to Jeni Huff.
The Trustworthy Pastor
“These words of the psalmist are often proclaimed by a pastor at the graveside, where family and friends prepare to commit their loved one to the earth. In those vulnerable moments, the pastor is entrusted to be the messenger of God’s comfort and hope in the face of grief. But what happens when those who speak of the trustworthiness of God have their own credibility questioned? Are pastors to be trusted?” 
One Week to Register for Tool Kit!
We are looking forward to offering 11 virtual Tool Kit workshops on several Tuesday and Thursday evenings in March. The schedule, list of all workshops, and registration can be found on the synod website linked below. Reminder that there is only one week until registration closes!
Stewardship for All Seasons: Expanding Ministries
Just think of the lives your congregation could impact if your members grew their giving by 10%-15% next year! This is exactly the goal of Stewardship for All Seasons(SAS), a two-year, comprehensive process. SAS congregations embrace an impactful annual appeal and move into other vital realms of a culture of generosity: Communications and Story-Telling, Strategic Planning, Endowments, Special Appeals, Volunteer Recruitment, and Donor Cultivation

The Saint Paul Area Synod invites you to an informational session to meet Pete Reuss, the SAS facilitator, and learn more about the process on Wednesday, March 16 at 1:00 p.m. at Gustavus Lutheran Church, St. Paul. Contact Rev. Norma Malfatti to confirm your attendance or with any questions.

Congregations will sign up by the end of April with the first cohort session to be held beginning in May.
SAVE THE DATE: Domestic Hunger Grants
ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job readiness, human rights, policy change, leadership development, and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger — for good.

Registration for 2023 Domestic Hunger Grants will open on March 18, 2022, and applications will be open April 11, 2022.

Learn more by visiting the link below.
Minnesota Valley Electric Co-op Virtual Candidate Forum
Do you live in the South Metro? Are you a member owner of the Minnesota Valley Electric Co-op? Interested in learning more about what’s going on with your electricity?

The rural electrification of the 1930s was organized using a “co-operative” model. Co-ops are designed to keep electricity under local control and always putting the needs of the community first. YOU have the power to show up and exercise this ownership of utilities alongside other community members.

On March 7, at 4:45 p.m., the Minneapolis Area Synod EcoFaith Network will be hosting a virtual candidate forum to bring Minnesota Valley Electric Co-op Member Owners together with candidates running for MVEC’s Board of Directors. Candidates will be given time to speak about their vision for MVEC moving forward and answer questions directly from attendees.

With questions, reach out to Jack Hurbanis. Those who aren’t MVEC Member Owners but who are still interested are invited to watch on our Facebook page.
Borders and Walls: from the Book of Revelation Through American History
In 2017, while justifying the U.S.-Mexico border wall construction on Fox and Friends, Pastor Robert Jeffress stated: “Even heaven’s gonna have a wall.” He’s not wrong!

The seer of the book of Revelation describes the walls and gates of the New Jerusalem in great detail and emphasizes who must stay outside the city walls. America’s apocalyptic self-identification with the New Jerusalem has, in part, led to a national focus on borders and walls in reaction to immigration and “foreigners.” This talk will explore that connection in U.S. history and the implications of an apocalyptic theology of nationhood.

Join Dr. Yii-Jan Lin as we explore the use of gates and walls in the Book of Revelation and in American responses to immigration. Please join us for this important conversation on March 5, 9:00-10:00 a.m. CT on Zoom.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org