March 29, 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. 
Sign up for Synod Assembly Child Care
Registration for Synod Assembly child care is open. We are partnering with College Nannies and Sitters for child care and they will provide activities for your kiddos to do during the Assembly.

With questions, contact Jeni Huff.
Muscle Memory
“We’ve been talking a lot these days about resiliency. And as unexpected as it’s been, this challenging workout class came to be a saving grace for me during a season that would have otherwise broken me, I’m sure. It’s become a balm amid a particularly hard day or hard week.” 
Using Video to Tell Stories that Create Impact and Build Relationships
On Thursday, Apr. 7 from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., join Shayna Jurrens of Storyhaus to learn how to use video to tell stories that create impact and build relationships. Does your nonprofit share its story effectively using visual media? Video offers a unique opportunity to connect with your stakeholders and donors, build empathy, and help audiences connect to your nonprofit's mission. From iPhone videos to professional scripting/shooting/and editing, there are multiple options...depending upon your goals. See examples of other nonprofit videos and learn pro tips from a pro! This webinar is put on by TechSoup.
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftars
Ramadan is the month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is performed to learn compassion, self-restraint, and generosity. In 2022, Ramadan falls between the dates of Apr. 2 — May 2. Taking Heart guests are invited to arrive at a participating mosque or Islamic center about one hour before sunset. They will hear a presentation about Islam/Ramadan and the reason for fasting, participate in the breaking of the fast, have the opportunity to observe prayer, and then join at the table for wonderful food and conversation. Register for a Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar near you using the link below. 

This program is a partnership between the Minnesota Council of Churches and the Muslim American Society of Minnesota.
ELCA Worship in Response to the Eastern Europe Crisis
In collaboration with the Service and Justice home area, ELCA Worship has published a set of resources to assist worshiping communities as they respond to the crisis in Eastern Europe. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.

ELCA Worship is commissioning additional prayer content that will become available in the coming weeks. This will be added to the existing locations, so check back in the future for access to those.
Let's Talk Gender Inequality and Climate Displacement
Gender and climate are profoundly intertwined, and women bear the brunt of the impacts of both sudden and slow-onset climate disasters. Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC), Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), and the Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary are coming together to discuss the reasons why climate change-related disasters disproportionately harm women and girls. 

Join this webinar to hear more about the relationship between women’s equality and the climate crisis, and the critical need for women and girls to be at the center of solutions for addressing climate change-related disasters.
Camp Onamia Welcomes You
Looking for things to do this summer? You are invited to a special event as an alternative to the cancelled 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering. God's Boundless Love @CAMP will take place Jul. 17 — 21 at Camp Onamia, in Onamia, MN. This event will have all the fun of camp, plus service projects, and EVENING SPLASH featuring David Scherer, Joe Davis, Jonathan Rundmand Family Band
and Rachel Kurtz! Churches must email the camp office to reserve minimum spaces to hold ASAP or by April 17.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org