Enews: Climate crisis conversations; ELCA Churchwide council updates; and more

November 29, 2022

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Churchwide Church Council meets, welcomes, and acts

The Church Council of the ELCA met at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, November 10 - 13. The council welcomed ELCA Vice President Imran Siddiqui and 18 new members, elected by the 2022 Churchwide Assembly. Read more about the actions of the ELCA Church Council.

Synod office update

Most synod staff members continue to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Starting December 2022, the synod office will be closed to the public on Fridays. Full-time staff work on Fridays, but the office is closed to the public, so the front desk phone and info email address will not be answered, meeting space will not be available, and general inquiries should not be expected to have a response until the following week. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we will adhere to the Minnesota Church Center building protocols and messaging on the sixth floor: “Masks are not required. However, masking is strongly recommended for those with symptoms or exposure. Masks available upon request.”

Being right is

not enough

“I am someone who cares a lot about being right. Fun fact: Before arriving to the synod staff, I worked as digital producer for WUWM 89.7 – Milwaukee’s NPR affiliate – where a large part of my job was to write stories that were 100% correct.

I achieved that goal about 95% of the time. So, hearing that simply being right isn’t enough to make positive change in my community stung a little.”

Read Jack's blog

Congregational communicators invited to retreat

Those who do church communications (staff or volunteer) are invited to join other communicators at the synod’s first ever Communicators Retreat! We are looking forward to gathering for the day on Thursday, January 12, at Mt. Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington. Our agenda will include a presentation about website and social media analytics and time for socializing, resting, and sharing ideas. The cost of the retreat is $43, but discounts are available for those who register early! Register now, find more details, or contact Jeni Huff with questions.

ELCA Social Message on the climate crisis

The ELCA Church Council authorized the development of an ELCA social message on climate care. (Social messages are ELCA teaching documents that address a focused social topic.) Read “Draft of a Social Message on Earth’s Climate Crisis” and then use this survey to share your input by Friday, December 2, 2022. Your input helps inform revision of the draft that is sent for review by the Conference of Bishops and the ELCA Church Council in March. Longer responses can be sent as email to draftsocialmessage@elca.org.

If you are planning to submit a comment or are interested but have questions, reach out to Environmental Justice Organizer Jack Hurbanis. He’d love to hear your thoughts and help make the process easier in any way he can.

Rekindle the gift within you

LSS Metro Homeless Youth Services invites you to assist in brightening the lives of youth and children by participating in its annual Youth Holiday Gifts.

Gifts received during the holidays allow youth to celebrate, be recognized, and feel loved at a time when they may be disconnected from their families. It means the world to know there are folks in the community who want to support them in their journey.

You may participate as an individual, a family, or as a church group in purchasing gifts. Please notify LSS of your participation by November 20 by visiting Youth Holiday Gifts and completing the sign-up form. Gift drop-off dates will be December 9 and 10.

Questions: MetroHomelessYouth@lssmn.org.

ELCA launches new branding

All organizations identify themselves through their branding, and our church is no exception. Branding consistency supports a unified voice among all expressions of the church and increases the visibility of the ELCA throughout the world.

From time to time, brands are updated, and the ELCA has developed a new brand. Many synods co-brand with the ELCA, so the communications unit of the ELCA is providing a brandmark reference guide to aid in the transition.

The Minneapolis Area Synod has its own branding style guide, and so our logo and design will not be affected.

New ELCA branding materials

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Our Saviour's Lutheran, East Bethel, on Sunday, December 4.
Pastor John Hulden will be leading a Ministry Site Profile conversation at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Edina, on Sunday, December 11.
Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and leading an adult forum at St. John's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, December 11.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching and installing Pastor Nikoli Falenschek at Redeemer Lutheran, Henderson, on Sunday, December 11.
Pastor John Hulden will be installing Senior Pastor Sarah Moat at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Pastor John Hulden will be installing Senior Pastor Eric Luedtke at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars , Wednesdays
Youth Ministry Gathering, December 13
Youth Ministry Gathering, January 10
Communicators Retreat, January 12
Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders, February 11
Youth Ministry Gathering, February 14
Youth Ministry Gathering, March 14
2023 Synod Assembly, April 28-29, 2023
Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20, 2023

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