Join your fellow Lutherans in cheering on the Minnesota Twins against the Detroit Tigers! Lutheran Night at Target Field is great for congregations and youth groups! A variety of seating options are available with tickets ranging from $17 to $37. Click here to order individual tickets; for group reservations of 20 or more, contact Brian Bessler at 612-659-4083 or brianbessler@twinsbaseball.com. Groups receive discounted tickets, a welcome message on the scoreboard and the opportunity to participate in the Lutheran Night National Anthem choir.

This is a great way to gather information, ask questions in real time, and learn about all things related to the ELCA Youth Gathering, which will be held July 24-28 right here in the Twin Cities. This training session is also a great way meet other youth ministry leaders in your area and hear their questions and excitements around the Gathering. Register to receive the Zoom link and so planners know to expect you! Questions? Contact SPAS Gathering Coordinator Tashina Good at sistertashina@shepherdshoreview.org.

Summer is upon us and COVID is easing. We want to get out and enjoy life. Freely! Safely! Yet, we are most vulnerable to gun violence during these summer-fall times. As of mid-June there have been 272 mass shootings in the U.S. when four or more people have been wounded or killed. How can we do to be safe? When and where are we most vulnerable and safe? The ENGAGE work group of the synod will present data and recommendations for gun safety. Register here to receive the Zoom link. Questions? Contact: Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes at letnesron@gmail.com or call 763-291-4003.

The annual ELCA Youth Leadership Summit is coming to Minneapolis Nov. 4‐7. The synod is able to send two high schoolers and an adult advisor to this event for which all expenses are paid. Applications from a three person team from your congregation (two youth and one adult) can be submitted to Bishop Lull via email at patricia.lull@spas-elca.org by Aug. 15. To apply, provide the names of three participants, the contact information for the adult advisor, and a 40-word essay expressing why your team should be the one to represent the Saint Paul Area Synod. Learn more.

In 2019, our synod was awarded a grant through the Thriving in Ministry Initiative of the Lilly Endowment. Applications for the Second Act Cohort (Round Two) will be accepted until Aug. 1! If you are a rostered minister in this synod with between 4-10 years of public ministry experience, you are eligible to apply! You can read more about our Lilly grant, including the Executive Summary of our grant proposal here. With questions, contact Program Director Anna Marsh at anna.marsh@spas-elca.org.

Volunteer applications are now being accepted for the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis! There are three categories of volunteers:

For a detailed list of responsibilities and requirements or to apply, visit https://elca.org/Gathering/Volunteer. Applications close when they’ve hit capacity—so don’t wait!

How well does your congregation discuss difficult issues? Conversation about tough topics can be stressful, divisive and counterproductive. This free webinar will offer an authentic framework for entering into (and staying in) difficult conversations; fresh perspectives; a deeper way of thinking about your church's role in navigating discussions; and new ways of showing hospitality. Presenters are authors Elizabeth Hagen (Brave Church: Tackling Tough Topics Together) and Rosalind C. Hughes (Whom Shall I Fear?). Admission is free! The session is offered through Faith+Lead at Luther Seminary. Register here.

The Chaplain Recruiting Station of the U.S. Army is hosting a webinar with CH(COL) Tony Petros, senior command chaplain for Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Div. CH Petros will share about his life in ministry and God's call on his life to serve God and Country in the U.S. Army. Register here.

Those interested in the Army chaplaincy are invited to experience a day in the life of an active duty chaplain. The Army Chaplain Experience will be held Sept. 2 at Fort Campbell, Ky. Participants will hear from active duty chaplains, spouses will hear from Chaplain spouses, and participants will have the opportunity rappel down the 101st Air Assault tower. Learn more.

St. Olaf College in Northfield annually hosts a Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts (CWTA), but postponed its 2020 gathering until 2022. However, CWTA is offering a virtual mini-conference to preview next year's event. This mini-conference invites participants to explore the ways we have been scattered in body, mind and spirit by COVID-19 and structural racism and how we might be brought back together as people of God for the good of the world. There will be ideas and practices to readily incorporate into worship and it's a great opportunity for rostered leaders at all stages of ministry to continue their learning.

Presentations include:

The event concludes with a social hour at 8:30 p.m. Registration is free and open to all. Learn more.

ELCA leaders are invited to explore the topic of courageous leadership. Bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play as you discern how and where the Spirit might be calling you forward as a leader in your life, work, ministry, community and the world. The gatherings will include time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other. Learn more.

The Community Video Hymn Sing has been a virtual ministry offered by Elizabeth and Paul Damico-Carper since the start of the pandemic. Many of us have been comforted, encouraged and entertained by Elizabeth and Paul and their occasional guest musicians and we thank them for their online ministry over these many months. The daily livestream on Facebook helped people sing together when the COVID-19 pandemic kept us from physically singing together. To celebrate our society's collective emergence from the depths of the crisis and the return of some measure of communal singing, they are gathering outside to sing hymns and songs together on Raspberry Island in St. Paul.

Bring a blanket and a lawn chair, a hat, and some sunscreen. They'll provide a hymn-sing booklet, a dessert made by Shobi's Table and an afternoon of vibrant singing, prayer, and sharing. Donations can be made through the Eventbrite site or in person at the event (recommended donation of $10/person). Once administrative costs are met, all proceeds will benefit the ongoing food ministry of Shobi's Table. Register and/or make your donation. 

This retreat for women clergy and women working on staff in churches around the theme, "Women's Leadership in the Church: Ongoing Challenges and Unspoken Joys." Based on her books, SHE: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Ministry and EMBODY: Five Keys to Leading With Integrity, the Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis will guide participants in discussing the opportunities and obstacles faced by women church leaders. How can we navigate lingering sexism and patriarchy as we return to a new normal? How can we be replenished and empowered for ministry? This retreat will focus on theological issues and practical strategies to embolden authentic and embodied leadership in the church today.

Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis is the Marbury E. Anderson chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary and an ELCA pastor. An accomplished author and widely-sought-after preacher and teacher, she also is the host of Working Preacher. Single occupancy cost: $500, double occupancy cost: $450, dorm room cost: $375. Fee includes two overnight stays, six meals, programming and activities, complimentary book, EMBODY: Five Keys to Leading with Integrity, use of amenities, and tax. Register here.

Church Anew is offering a free virtual event that was born from wondering what a theological conversation might look like that centers the voices and experiences of people of color. Four thought leaders - Rev. Mihee Kim-Kort, Rev. Winnie Varghese, Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto and musician Julian Reid - have joined together to create this space. Together, they invite you to encounter the God who is made known in the diverse expression of witness the world over. Preachers, storytellers, activists, and community leaders of color are invited to perhaps hear some of their own stories in the pieces shared. White leaders are welcome but expected to participate with a posture of overhearing the witness rather than expecting it is for you. Learn more.

Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA) exists to help congregations strengthen their ministry with and for older adults; and to encourage older adults to affirm their gifts and use those gifts in service to family, church, community and the world.

This retreat is a time for reflection, refreshment and connect with others. Enjoy dynamic presenters, inspiring music and devotions surrounded by the beautiful nature of southern Minnesota. Ben & Jennifer Freudenburg will discuss how to better pass on our faith to future generations with their study of Life in the Later Years. Pastor Frank and Deaconess Jan Janzow will lead music and devotions on the topic of "Kingdom Living: A Fresh Look at the Lord’s Prayer." Participants will also enjoy presentations on topics of local interest, evening entertainment and outdoor activities that include a zip line, cornhole tournament, hiking and more. The cost is $575 per person (double occupancy) or $635 per person (single occupancy, limited availability). Campground and commuter accommodations are also available. Learn more.

www.spas-elca.org | 651-224-4313