April 7, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Following the instructions of Governor Walz and public health officials, the Minneapolis Area Synod office is closed until further notice, with staff working remotely. Staff members can still be reached by email or phone .  
Congregations and the
CARES Act (stimulus)
More than 200 rostered and lay leaders participated in a call about how churches can relate to and be impacted by the CARES Act (stimulus package). Synod Treasurer Ty Inglis and Portico VP (and Synod Council Secretary) Ross Eichelberger provided important information about the opportunities and responsibilities of participating congregations. A video recording of that call is available for use by congregational leaders.
Catacombs 2020
“Today it seems much of the world is living with fear and uncertainty. Though we aren’t forced to hide in the catacombs, the orders to stay at home feel like forced seclusion, isolated from those we love, afraid of what the future holds. So, how do we speak God’s word in a time such as this? We say, ‘ Christos ane’sti . ’ ”
Stimulus and Church workers
The ELCA website has up-to-the-minute information regarding recent developments in relief resources from the federal government's stimulus act (Cares Act). To view, go to https://www.elca.org/publichealth  and search under the “What is the ELCA Doing?” tab. Other resources include:
 


COVID requirement
The Department of Labor has issued a Notice of Employee Rights. Employers with fewer than 500 employees are required to distribute this notice to all current employees as of April 1. Employers may satisfy this requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees, or posting this notice on an employee information internal or external website.   

LSS selects new CEO
The Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) has named Patrick Thueson CEO of the statewide human services organization. Thueson has been with LSS for 13 years, and became interim CEO in September 2019 when former CEO, Jodi Harpstead, was appointed commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Prior to becoming interim CEO, Thueson served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer for LSS, overseeing Program Services Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Marketing & Communications, and Information Technology. Since joining LSS in 2007 as senior director of Finance, LSS’ services have doubled in size through a focus on innovation and person-centered service.
MIF and ELCA
Federal Credit Union offer special assistance
The ELCA's Mission Investment Fund (MIF) has resources that can provide much-needed help for customers that may be experiencing financial hardship at this time — the congregations and ministries that have MIF loans as well as individual and congregation investors. The ELCA Federal Credit Union, too, is able to provide similar assistance to its members — ELCA pastors, members, congregations and ministries.
ELCA World Hunger announces new grant program
Responding to the recent drastic shift in focus within the U.S. and around the world, ELCA World Hunger has launched the Daily Bread Matching Grant program. As part of the ELCA's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ELCA World Hunger has developed this method of supporting congregational feeding ministries using an online fundraising platform.

These $500 matching grants will be available for ELCA congregations on a first-come, first-served basis. Currently, there are 100 such grants available, though more grants may be made available in the near future.  
National Lutheran Choir shares Holy Week resources
The National Lutheran Choir (NLC) is granting permission for use of its library of videos and recorded audio tracks for any aspect of your congregation's ministry life. Artistic Director David Cherwien has curated two specific playlists of National Lutheran Choir music – one for Holy Week and another for Easter . In the coming weeks, NLC plans to bring its "Hymns We Love to Sing" series to life with videos, regular emails of shareable content, and plenty of opportunities to keep sacred music vital and vibrant at your church. Find more at  NLCA.com . 
Bret Hesla makes music available
Lutheran singer-songwriter Bret Hesla has offered a free download of his tune "This Remains" from now until April 15. The song, written in 2008, addresses the value of things that don't change in times of uncertainty and distress. Bret encourages church members to sing through the turmoil.
The global church in a time such as this
In the midst of a global pandemic, Lutherans around the world are reminded of the interconnectedness of the Body of Christ. The Global Missions Unit of the ELCA is encouraging all expressions of the U.S. church to remember siblings in companion churches around the world. As congregational leaders plan Holy Week worship services, all are invited to be very specific in praying for the mission personnel who had to make difficult decisions abaout staying in-country or return home, separated from the communities they serve.
Reaction sought to draft social message on civic engagement
At the 2019 Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee, voting members determined that the ELCA should write a social message on government and civic engagement for people of faith. It was also determined that the immediacy of the need to offer congregations a way to engage this topic in a time of polarization meant that a social message would also be drafted by the ELCA Church Council. A first draft of a social message is available. The authors of the message are seeking feedback .

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a "Virtual Ministry Site Profile" at Our Saviour's Lutheran, East Bethel, on Tuesday, April 14.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org