We are so pleased to tell you that our final report of the Food Shelf Challenge shows gifts of $170,115, which includes the self-reporting figures from our congregations as well as Synod Assembly offerings. Congregational donations have been sent to a variety of food shelves throughout the area...through some already established partnerships as well as some new ventures. We've been highlighting many of these donations during the past weeks here in News & Events. Financial donations received at the synod office (including assembly offering) are being sent to Second Harvest Heartland, the food bank serving our area. Thank you for helping put food on the table for our neighbors! Together, we make a difference!

The observances video above as well as all of the videos shown at the 2020 Synod Assembly can be viewed on the synod website at www.spas-elca.org/synod-assembly. Congregations are invited to share them in meetings, worship and on social media; they are available for download from Vimeo. Questions? Contact Director of Communications Mary Smith at communications@spas-elca.org.

The synod's Advocates for Racial Equity (ARE) work group invites you to an evening of conversation about faith and politics in the spirit of Martin Luther's Table Talks. This free event includes two options — register for one or both! As a pre-requisite, please read Living Lutheran's article, "Discipleship in a Democracy: How should Lutherans be involved in politics?"

Session 1 (6:30-7 p.m.)

It is a political season. As Christians, we are drawn to aspects of politics; we are repulsed by aspects of politics. The Living Lutheran article asks, “How should Lutherans be involved in politics?” One statistic from that article: The percentage of U.S. citizens who trust the federal government to do what is right fell steadily from 77% in 1964 to 17% in 2019. 

Maybe you remember some time in your life when people of different views, who loved each other, had challenging conversations together. That is the “table” we’d like to create this evening, a conversation about politics. What are the questions that you wish you could bring to the table for deeper discussion? 

In the article, Michael Cooper-White writes one question that dominates all others as we consider our politics: “Is the neighbor being served?” Who is the neighbor you are most committed to serving in this season? What do you need to be able to bring your thoughts to speech and your political values to the table? 

Session 2 (7:15-7:45 p.m.)

The ARE group seeks to learn more about what we can do together to dismantle racist policy. First, we need to be in conversations and forming relationships that help us all uncover racist policies, then we work together to elect anti-racist leaders and to make new policy. In this session we hope to deepen our conversation and commitments that create an anti-racist world, knowing that this won’t be the last time we come to the table.

 

What are the policies that are most important to dismantle in this season (before and after the election)? What is the work that is most important in your mind? What are you most fearful and hopeful about in this season? What are the small steps that you and your congregation are taking to deepen your anti-racist education and action?

The Minneapolis Area Synod has planned this year's Fall Ministerium. Please join your colleagues to celebrate the Jubilee Anniversary of our church's decision to ordain women. A panel of pastors will reflect on their experiences and hopes: Pastors Babette Chatman (Augsburg University), Liz Eide (Lutheran Church of Peace), Marlene Helgemo (All Nations Church), Jen Nagel (University Lutheran Church of Hope) and Megan Torgerson (Easter Lutheran Church). The registration link was sent to all rostered ministers in our synod last Wednesday.

In this year of pandemic, "Companions in Christ, Together & Apart" is an appropriate theme for an online Bega Kwa Bega Fall Festival. Mark your calendar and plan to attend this gathering over Zoom, which includes large group and break-out learning sessions, video greetings from Tanzania and more. Watch for more information!

In her October column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the liberation we receive in Christ through faith. She reminds us that Martin Luther, in The Freedom of a Christian, made the case that liberation in Christ is both freedom from and a freedom for.

I believe that Luther turned the argument that freedom is the problem and that our free will is what got us expelled from the garden and into this world of hurt on its head. The argument goes that we have been given free will, we misuse or abuse that gift, and in this freedom we make poor choices. Our only hope is that we give up or renounce this freedom and submit ourselves to the rule of God. Only when we are captive to God’s will, will we find redemption.…The problem isn’t too much freedom, it’s that we are not free. When we confess that “we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 95), it should be with a sense of relief!

Read the full column in English or Spanish.

Were you as delighted as I was to learn that the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the World Food Program? It was wonderful to know that people recognize the importance of food, especially in this time of pandemic as well as continuing violent conflict in the world. The World Food Program is a United Nations agency which was established in 1961 and has helped people who have found themselves in many humanitarian disasters including famine, war, and natural disasters. The WFP assisted about 100 million people in 88 countries during 2019.

The Nobel Committee commended its work to combat a surge in global hunger amid COVID-19 and continuing unrest in many parts of the world. The World Food Program has estimated that the number of people living without adequate food or suffering food insecurity could more than double this year. That would bring the number of those who live with hunger to 265 million.

The Nobel Committee is quoted in a Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial dated Oct. 10, 2020, as saying: “The link between hunger and armed conflict is a vicious cycle: war and conflict can cause food insecurity and hunger, just as hunger and food insecurity can cause latent conflicts to flare up and trigger the use of violence. We will never achieve the goal of zero hunger unless we also put an end to war and armed conflict.”

The World Food Program often depends on voluntary funding and has not always received the monetary support requested through the U.N. The Nobel Peace Prize, coming with a cash award of $1.3 million will certainly help, but highlighting the need may well help even more. Spread the word about the recipient of the Peace Prize and celebrate that ending hunger is seen as important worldwide while working right here to help those who live with hunger.

Vernita writes the "Addressing Hunger" blog for the synod each month. She is a member of Incarnation, Shoreview.

The updated salary and compensation guidelines for 2021 are now available. The document provides a point of reference for congregations to determine compensation for pastors, deacons and other staff in our synod. Click here for the document or find it on the synod website at www.spas-elca.org/resources/forms-reports/.

The Christian Education Network of the ELCA (CENetwork) is dedicated to supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation. Now more than ever, church leaders need to network and share their experience, resources and insights as we all navigate this new world created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of the importance of sharing resources, the CENetwork is providing access to all of the online resources it has created and curated over the last three years through its "The Christian Education Network Presents" initiatives. This past year, the focus was on "Learning Strategies for Intergenerational Ministry through the Seasons." However, the organization pivoted to also provide resources for families to use at home and for dealing with the pandemic.

For 2021, the "Christian Education Networks Presents" will be in support of the Life of Faith initiative (https://lifeoffaith.info). This ELCA grassroots effort seeks to equip all God's people for ministry in their daily lives. People see how they serve God and their neighbor through their roles in their job, as spouse/parent/caregiver/friend rather than just in their service at church. In the face of a pandemic which keeps us apart as a gathered community in so many ways, this initiative could not be timelier. CENetwork realizes money is tight, but a donation to support its ministry is always appreciated. Visit the website.

ELCA World Hunger offers a variety of downloadable resources for the upcoming season of Advent, which is a great time to raise awareness for issues surrounding hunger and poverty. These resources include Advent calendars and weekly study guides, resources for newsletters and bulletins, and action guides for congregations. Unlike years past, ELCA World Hunger will not be sending a full sample packet of Advent resources this year. Instead, you may check them out online at https://elca.org/hunger/resources.

The synod office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A limited number of staff are on-site each day. You may continue to reach all staff members by phone (651-224-4313) or by email.

Rostered and lay leaders alike are invited to a weekly gathering of topical presentations designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders. On Oct. 21, the topic is "Growing Young: Be the Best Neighbor" with presenter Rachel Alley and others. This is an opportunity to be in small group discussions with an ELCA group coach facilitating the conversation. Recordings of past sessions with supporting documents are available at www.elcacoaching.org/podcasts/media. You may find upcoming topics and presenters at www.elcacoaching.org/.

or by phone: +1 312 626 6799

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Paul invites you to attend its free two-part anti-racism workshop:

Facilitator Donte Curtis is the CEO of Catch Your Dream Consulting where he keynotes, consults, and trains individuals, teams, and organizations nationwide on leadership development and racial equity, and supports them to create practical change. Donte currently serves on the board of directors at Social Enterprise Alliance Twin Cities and Youthprise, where he is a co-chair of the program investment committee. With over 12 years of facilitation and speaking experience, Donte is adept at fostering the collective wisdom in the room and engaging audiences in multiple ways. Register for one or both sessions. (Participants who attend both sessions will have their names put in a raffle to win a $100 Cub Foods Gift Card!) Questions? Contact Deacon Jennifer at schneider1650@gmail.com.

The Center of Addiction & Faith is offering a free one-hour webinar with Rev. Rich Latterner, a Lutheran pastor and proud member of the White Earth Nation, who will share his experience working with American Indian people to overcome addiction. Currently American Indians suffer from addiction issues at a far higher rate than any other ethnic group. In Minnesota, for example, Native Americans are currently dying from opioid overdose at a rate seven times higher than Caucasians. If you are working to lead your congregation or community through issues of racial justice, this webinar will be a valuable resource. Register.

The National Lutheran Choir is offering a free concert with music of remembrance, perseverance and hope for all who have experienced loss in this difficult year. With the very breath of so many being silenced by illness and injustice, NLC commissioned artist in residence Paul Rudoi to compose a new setting of the hymn text “Breathe on me, Breath of God.” This work—and the undying yearning to be comforted and changed by the breath of God—forms a through-line for the program. Also featured are powerful African American spirituals by composer Moses Hogan and arrangers Marques Garrett and William Dawson. These works have much to teach us about God’s love through hardship and loss. Music by John Tavener and Heinrich Schütz round out this newly curated, virtual program that will feature new performances by NLC singers in physically-distanced settings. Watch the concert at www.nlca.com.

Centering Prayers is a receptive, deep method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of the experience of God's presence within us. Presenters Rev. John Keller and Rev. Luna Gebbengreen invite you to learn how Centering Prayer emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him. Each session includes a 20-minute Centering Prayer session. Participants are encouraged to read Thomas Keating's book, Open Mind, Open Heart, between sessions. Learn more.

Get inspired to work to overcome racism where you live, work and play! This year's theme is “Taking Back 'We the People'" What does it mean to be “We the People” through an antiracist lens, in these times? How do we address the rise of right wing populism worldwide? The keynote speaker is Dr. Eddie S. Glaude, noted Scholar on African American Culture & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor. Other speakers and presenters include: Chanda Smith Baker, Senior Vice President, The Minneapolis Foundation with May Lee-Yang of FAWK; Michael McDowell of Black Lives Matter, Minneapolis; Jim Bear Jacobs of the Minnesota Council of Churches and Judith Marquz Duran of COPAL-MN. The conference is presented by the Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative (FREC); the Saint Paul Area Synod is one of the sponsors. The cost is $125 to attend both days or $65 per day; student tickets and limited scholarships are available. Learn more and register.

In a time of global pandemic, unprecedented civic unrest, and political polarization, where can we find spiritual ground? The answer, of course, is the most simple: Jesus Christ. Celebrating Christmas 2020 and the birth of Jesus will be full of all sorts of grief. We are grieving lost routines and lost traditions. We are grieving the loss of loved ones and the loss of civil discourse. Jesus was born in such a time as this and is born for such a time as this. Featuring provocative, imaginative, engaging and short talks from both world-renowned speakers and emerging voices, Church Anew's online event, "Christ | Christmas | Covid," will provide space to grieve and lament, while reclaiming the prophetic hope of this season. This event is free for ministry leaders and faithful people - invite your whole congregation and friends! (Optional on-demand access is available for $30 - individuals and $149 - groups.) Learn more.

At Shobi’s Table we believe in sharing from scratch, delicious and nutritious meals with anyone who comes and everybody who needs it. We’ve been doing this through our pay-as-you-can mobile café throughout almost all of the craziness of 2020 has thrown at us, going from serving twice a month to serving twice a week. We want to keep up the good work, and plan to expand. To do that we need your help!

Your support can provide the ingredients for this From Scratch effort to continue into the future. Come join us for our online fundraiser. We’ll be broadcasting live with Emcee Paul Damico-Carper and special guests Rhoda Habedank, Nate Houge and Beth Dooley! There will be music, cooking demonstrations and ways for you to support the ministry of Shobi’s Table into the future. Watch for more details soon. Together we can gather the ingredients to continue making From Scratch meals available to everyone!

Luther Seminary has announced that its Festival of Homiletics will be held in a virtual format for 2021. With the theme, "Preaching for the Future Church," the event invites conversation around how the promise of the Gospel might shape hope and ministry for the future church. For those who moved their registration to the Denver 2021 festival during this year's switch to a virtual festival, a full refund will be granted. Registration opens Nov. 1. Learn more.

www.spas-elca.org | 651.224.4313