March 8, 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.  Remember the Children: One Minnesota Town’s Indian Boarding School Join the Saint Paul Area Synod's Advocates for Racial Equity (ARE) group on Thursday, March 24, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., for discussions about the Saint Paul Industrial School, which operated at one time as an Indian Boarding School in Clontarf, Minnesota. This will be a chance to get a closer look into what led this small town to build and operate such a program. We'll examine the ongoing impact of Indian Boarding Schools and discuss the ways in which suppression keeps us from rumbling with our past. Register Now Lent (Minus the Plastic) “Growing up, this practice of ‘giving up’ seemed much more like a punishment to me – when sweets were sent away and screens turned off, I would beg my dad to allow me to give up doing my homework instead. Unfortunately, my pleas went unheard. As I got older, I moved away from the practice of giving something up for Lent and the season became mostly associated with heading to church on Wednesdays for soup dinner.”  Read Jack's blog

Domestic Hunger Grant Registration Opening Soon

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 open April 11, 2022.

Learn more

Save the date for “God’s work. Our hands." Sunday

Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 11, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our annual day of service. Over the past two years, we have been inspired by the ways congregations continued their participation in “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday with physically distanced, at-home, and outdoor service projects. We have witnessed the outpouring of love and concern that God’s people show for one another by maintaining feeding ministries, serving communities that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 infection, and assisting people who are financially burdened by the economic downturn. Thank you for supporting your communities! We are a church energized by lively engagement in faith and life. As we continue our tradition of service to our neighbor, we remember the words of Martin Luther: “Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing.” With our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name. Be sure to save the date and visit ELCA.org/DayofService for updates to resources. We look forward to working together on “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.

Fosdick Lecture: Preaching in a Time of Crisis Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located just off of Lake Street in the 3rd Precinct, found itself at the heart of the explosive response to the brutal killing of George Floyd and the centuries of trauma that preceded his death. During the months that followed the uprising, the church responded by distributing donated food, diapers, toiletries, plywood for boarding up broken windows, cleaning supplies, and tools to the community. This remained a primary part of Holy Trinity’s work throughout the summer and fall of 2020. On Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 10 a.m., Pastors Ingrid Rasmussen and Angela Khabeb will share their insights on preaching during this time of crisis and reflect on how these experiences continue to shape their understanding of theology and ministry. Register here "Tree of Healing" VBS Curriculum is Here! Come learn about health at the “Tree of Healing,” ELCA World Hunger’s new Vacation Bible School program for 2022! Through skits, stories, and activities, participants will learn what it means to be healthy in body, mind and spirit. This program includes sessions on grief, mental wellness, environmental health, and more. The leader’s guide will offer suggestions for in-person and online activities for children of all ages, including new videos for 2022! We hope to see you at the “Tree of Healing” this year. Order or download the curriculum

Has Your Congregation Been Redistricted?

Minnesota legislative districts have been updated. Check to see if you or your church has moved districts. Check here

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Word of Peace Lutheran Church, Rogers, on Sunday, March 13, and Monday, March 14. Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching at Nativity Lutheran Church, St. Anthony Village, on Saturday, March 19, and Sunday, March 20. Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at the farewell service for Pastor Arthur Murray at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, Bloomington, on Sunday, March 20. Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and attending an adult forum at Valley of Peace Lutheran, Golden Valley, on Sunday, March 27. Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be conducting a Ministry Site Profile visit at Christ Lutheran Church, Blaine, on Sunday, March 27. Pastor John Hulden will be attending the worship and farewell service for Pastor Barbara Johnson, University Lutheran Church of Hope, Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 3. Brenda Blackhawk will be speaking with the Beloved Community Scholars group at Luther Seminary on Wednesday, April 6.

Upcoming Events

Desmond Tutu for our Time, Wednesdays in Lent She + Coaching Webinars for Women in Ministry, Thursdays in Lent Tool Kit: Workshops for Congregational Leaders, Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 8 - 24 Webinar: "Finding Hope in Exhaustion," March 10 O Blessed Spirit, March 13-16 Children's Ministry Zoom, March 14 Mediation Skills Training Institute, March 14 Virtual Workshop with Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen, March 15 Joint Religious Legislative Coalition Day on the Hill, March 15 Stewardship for All Seasons, March 16 Fosdick Lecture: Preaching in a Time of Crisis, March 22 Remember the Children: One Minnesota Town’s Indian Boarding School, March 24 Synod Assembly, April 30

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

‌ ‌ ‌