March 10, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Event Spotlight: Spring Ministerium
Each spring the rostered ministers of the synod are called together for a Ministerium. The 2020 Ministerium will celebrate strides made in expanding "the welcome table" to a more diverse leadership. Learn more  
Blessed are the Peacemakers
We live in a time of increasing division and expression of hate. How do we respond? How do we "love our enemies"? This free community event is sponsored by the Addison family in memory of the Rev. Dr. Duane Addison and features founders of Serve 2 Unite, Pardeep Singh Kaleka and Arno Michaelis. They are authors of "The Gift of Our Wounds." Come and hear the way their stories inter-connect.

Friday, March 20-Saturday, March 21
3312 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony, Minnesota

CORRECTION: Last week's enews mistakenly stated that there was a cost to this event. There is not. It is free and open to the public.
When Spring Break 'Broke' and Other Unexpected Gifts
“ It’s Monday afternoon, and the last thing I thought I’d be doing right now is writing a blog entry. I expected to be packing and preparing for my family’s Spring Break vacation that was to start tomorrow. Our destination: Los Angeles and San Francisco for 10 days of fun in the sun. Yay! You can probably see where this is going. After much consternation and conversation, we decided to cancel our vacation because of concerns about the coronavirus. So I'm back in the office today and have a relatively open schedule. ”
ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants
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 — by addressing the root causes of hunger.

Proposals that are transformative, holistic, and integrated are especially encouraged.  

Registrations open March 18. Applications will be received April 1-May 22. Awards will be announced in November.
Synod Assembly 2020:
The Earth Shook and the Doors Were Opened
When the earth moves, God is up to something – awakening Elijah to the still small voice, surrounding the resurrection and the witness of women, opening the doors and breaking the chains for Paul and Silas. This year, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Spirit’s work to shake a church and open doors for the ordination of women. Join us!
Friday: Opening Worship
The festival worship is open to all. You need not be a voting member from your congregation to attend this worship celebration. A reception in Central's Great Hall will follow the service. 

Friday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.

Preacher: Rev. April Larson, the first woman elected bishop in the ELCA
Celebrant: Bishop Ann Svennungsen 

Saturday: Assembly Business
Business on Saturday will include a lunch, Bible Study, the Bishop's Report, Elections, and Resolutions in addition to the scheduled plenaries.

Saturday, April 25, 9:00 a.m.

Bible study leader: Dr. Eric Baretto, Weyerhaeuser Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Seminary
ELCA Churchwide representative: Bill Horne, Vice President of the ELCA
Rekindle the Gift Within You
Registration is now open for the ELCA's Rostered Ministers Gathering this summer. This event includes more than 100 workshops, an exhibit center, beer and hymns, a banquet celebrating women's ordination, and more. Featured speakers include the Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church; Krish Vignarajah, CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; and the Rev. Karoline Lewis, chair in biblical preaching at Luther Seminary.

Monday, July 20-Thursday, July 23
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, Arizona

Early registration (before May 20) is $245.
Take and Eat
This Lent, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on Paul’s stormy journey to Rome and the Lord’s Supper. In her March column, she reminds us that our Lord’s holy meal is an act of faith, trust, love, strength for the journey, forgiveness and resistance—it’s an intimate communion with God and each other. 
“Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity” Racial Justice Liaison Gathering
The March Racial Justice Liaison Gathering will include a presentation and discussion on the ELCA’s "Recommendation: Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity" led by Dr. Cheryl Chatman. Also, hear from a panel of folks who started Racial Justice teams in their congregations to learn more about how it can be done.

3045 Chicago Avenue South
Monday, March 16
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile conversation at Christ Church Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, March 15.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Sherri Lawrence at St. James Lutheran, Burnsville, on Sunday, March 15. Sherri has been called to Shepherd of the Hills, Edina.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile conversation at Faith Lutheran, Isanti, on Sunday, March 22.
  • Ms. Brenda Blackhawk will be offering an adult forum at Prairie Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, March 22.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at the Spring Ministerium at Advent Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Thursday, March 26.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at St. Timothy Lutheran, Columbia Heights, on Sunday, March 29.
  • Pr. John Hulden will be installing soon-to-be-Pastor Sherri Lawrence at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Edina, on Sunday, March 29.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org