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ELCA Youth Leadership Summit Applications
There will be a Youth Leadership Summit Nov. 3-6 at Carol Joy Holling Camp near Omaha, Neb. As a synod, we are invited to send two high schoolers and one adult to participate. All expenses for travel, lodging, meals and program are paid by the ELCA and the synod. Interested?
Pairs of high schoolers (grades 9-12) with an adult leader are invited to apply by Sept. 30 to represent the Saint Paul Area Synod. Applications need to include a 60-word essay on “Why We Are The Best Team to Send” along with the three names, email contact, and congregation’s name to Bishop Lull at patricia.lull@spas-elca.org. This year’s theme is “Beloved – No Matter What,” based on Colossians 3:12. The event will include training in peer ministry.
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Bishop's Theological Conference
Oct. 16-18 | Cragun's Resort, Brainerd
For all rostered ministers in our synod.
Please register by this Friday, Sept. 16! Registration (especially at the current rate) cannot be guaranteed after the 16th. Over the past two and a half years, we have learned how important it is to share time with others, especially the value that comes from being together in person. At this year’s Theological Conference, our guest presenter, Dr. Martha (Marty) Stortz, will help us understand why hope is rooted in community and relationships. A Lutheran scholar, teacher and writer, Marty will draw on the experience of her husband’s death, her own journey into grief, and her continuing work to understand resurrection, as a resilient human being. She likes to say, “Hope is a plural thing – a we.”
Check-in begins on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. and the conference concludes before lunch on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The cost is $375 per person, which includes a private room, meals, programming and materials. Register here.
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Green Blades Rising
Green Blades Rising is a monthly EcoTheology publication produced by the EcoFaith Network NE-MN Synod with the Saint Paul Area Synod's Care of Creation work group. It contains an EcoFaith preaching roundtable, highlights of congregational creation care initiatives, creation advocacy opportunities, and more. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox.
The September edition contains articles about a victory in creation advocacy, an update on the NEMN Synod's pollinator pilot project and a feature on Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd, which cleaned up an acre of undeveloped church property overrun with buckthorn, thanks to a herd of goats. Read the September edition.
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A Deeper Dive: Leadership Conversations for Congregation Presidents & VPs
Thursday, Sept. 29 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Online
For presidents and vice presidents of congregations in our synod.
Are you curious about best practices around how a church council can function effectively? Do you have questions about the particular roles and responsibilities of a president or vice president of a congregation? Are you looking for knowledge and wisdom from others who have been in this role recently or are currently in this role?
Join Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer (assistant to the bishop for lay leadership) and Dr. Dave Webb (retired school superintendent and council president at Shepherd of the Hills) for a series of discussions about these and other questions. We're registering now for the first session on Sept. 29; additional sessions will be Oct. 27, Dec. 1, Jan. 26, March 30 and Feb. 25 as part of the synod's Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders. Register here!
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Tools For The Church
Vitality 101: Where Is God Calling You Now?
Saturday, Oct. 1 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul
Why is no one coming to church? We really do good things here, why doesn’t anyone want to be part of it? I am not sure where we are going… Our neighborhood has changed, how do we engage our neighbors? What is God up to here?
If your congregation has asked these or similar questions, the synod's Vitality Team has an opportunity for your team to wrestle together with other congregational leaders about what it means to be vital today. This interactive day features inspiring speakers, worship, activities and an opportunity to create your plan for implementing what you've learned into your own congregational setting. Based on the foundation of "vitality" and an urgent need to rediscover your "why," the mission/vision/values exercises included in the day will inspire you to get to work. In addition to some basic teaching around vitality, you will be invited to learn about having one-on-one conversations in your community and lining up what you hear with the mission you are called to live out. Join us...it will be fun! The cost is $10 per person and includes lunch. Register here.
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DON'T FORGET!
A variety of congregational resources are available
for The Planting Hope Campaign: three videos of varying lengths, bulletin inserts, text for newsletters and bulletins, flyers, PowerPoint slides
and more! Download them at:
https://spas-elca.org/planting-hope-collateral/
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ENGAGE: Election 2022 and Gun Violence Prevention
Thursday, Sept. 29 - 7 p.m. | Online
In 2021, 571 Minnesotans died of gun violence: 176 by homicide and 391 by suicide. ENGAGE is inviting politicians and persons connected with various GVP organizations to talk gun safety legislation that makes a life-saving difference. We will urge support of candidates of all parties who will commit to passing gun safety laws. Register here for the Zoom link and join the synod's ENGAGE Gun Violence Prevention work group in conversation!
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Guatemala Gala
Sunday, Oct. 2 - 4 p.m. | Southview Country Club, West St. Paul
The Guatemala Committee of the Saint Paul Area Synod invites you to its 2022 Guatemala Gala to support the education ministries of our companion synod, the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (Lutheran Church of Guatemala). We are delighted that Pastor Karen Castillo and Diego Gil from the ILAG will be with us to share how your gala gifts will bring hope!
- 4:00 p.m. - Social Hour with cash bar, music, Guatemalan goods for sale, raffle (check or cash only).
- 5:15 p.m. - Buffet Dinner with an authentic Guatemalan menu planned by Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard
- 6:00 p.m. - Program featuring presentations by Pastor Karen Castillo and Diego Gil, fund-a-need, live auction and more!
Individual tickets are $50 per person and "Super Supporter" table sponsorships for 10 guests are $1,000. Learn more and register.
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Courageous Leadership Series
Wednesdays - 1 p.m. | Online
ELCA Coaching offers a weekly online gathering for ministry leaders. Each week features a new topic and presenters. On Sept. 14, the presenter is ELCA Coach Melissa Schroeder on how active listening might frame how we lead and even encourage others to lead. The sessions often include time for small group break-out rooms so that leaders across the church can learn from one another and leave each gathering with at least one action step. Recordings are posted by the next day. Learn more.
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Webinar Series: Belonging: Welcome Well-Being
Tuesdays, Sept. 13-Nov. 8 - 2-3:30 p.m. | Online
Experiences of division, isolation, and despair are overwhelming. BELONGING offers connection, encouragement, and hope. The Ministry Lab invites clergy, faith formation, worship, and other congregational leaders to join its seven-part webinar series, "Belonging: Welcome Well-being." Grow with coaches toward greater personal wellness; learn from therapists tools to foster intergenerational mutuality; rest with a contemplative in belonging to God; and be inspired by artists to deepen and broaden communal belonging - all leading toward greater well-being for
individuals and communities. Each week has a different focus related to belonging to, in and among self, family, elders, God, relationship, etc. Learn more.
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Eco-Savvy Stewards Community Events
Sept. 15 & Sept. 24 | Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley, & Lebanon Hills, Eagan
Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley, invites you to two community events around "Helping the Land":
- Sept. 15 - An educational program about the environment and how we can restore the land around us to its pre-settlement condition. This free program is on Sept. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley.
- Sept. 24 - Native prairies grass and wildflower planting to further restoration efforts in the park. Volunteers are welcome at this public event on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-12 noon, at Lebanon Hills.
Register here for either or both activities.
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Support in the Aging Process Series
Sept. 15, Oct. 24, Nov. 17 | Shepherd of the Hills, Shoreview
- Sept. 15 | 10 a.m. - The Senior LinkAge Line (SLL) will provide information about is services and resources to help seniors stay independent in their homes as long as possible. The presentation will include information about Medicare and health insurance options to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages.
- Oct. 24 | 10 a.m. - Attorney Melissa Bayne (Larkin Hoffman) will discuss legal options for safeguarding assets, longterm care planning, powers of attorney and other legal matters.
- Nov. 17 | 10 a.m. - Annual Medicare Update! Learn about recent changes and how they affect you, including reviewing Medicare Part D coverage during the open enrollment period, making health insurance comparisons and more.
All sessions are free but registration is required.
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Leadership Center for Social Justice Launch
Thursday, Sept. 22 - 6 p.m. | United Theological Seminary, St. Paul
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is launching its Leadership Center for Social Justice. Supporters will gather to celebrate the launch and to connect with each other over appetizers and drinks. You may hear reflections from teaching fellows and meeting the members of the inaugural cohort for the Leadership Center for Social Justice program. Learn more.
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Healthy Leaders: Bowen Family Systems Group
Monthly, Sept. 29-May 25 | St. Stephen, Bloomington, or Online
Pastors and interns with an interest with Bowen Systems theory are invited to join the 2022-23 systems series. Meetings are 1-3 p.m. on the fourth Thursdays of the month (third for November and December) starting Sept. 29. The monthly agenda is one hour of teaching and one hour of a shared case study using theory and each of the core concepts. Dates include Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 23, April 27, May 25.
Presenters are the Rev. Wendy Vie Trittin, who is rostered in the ELCA and has a private coaching and counseling practice, and the Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson, a parish pastor, coach and adjunct faculty member at Luther Seminary. Jules will be on sabbatical the first months of the fall and will step in upon her return. Along with the Rev. Tom Olson from St. Stephen, the three have each spent more than 25 years studying and applying Systems Theory and the work of Dr. Brene Brown to life and ministry. The cost is $30 per session or $250 for all nine sessions. More registration information will be provided at the first session on Sept. 29. If you prefer to join virtually, email tolson@ststephen.net for the link. Learn more about Bowen Theory.
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Discerning Whiteness: The Unacknowledged Barrier
Thursdays, Oct. 13 & Oct. 27 - 9 a.m.-Noon | Online
Are you a clergy member looking for a way to fulfill requirements for six hours of continuing education in anti-racism? The Leadership Center for Social Justice invites you to participate in "Discerning Whiteness: The Unacknowledged Barrier." These two clergy-specific workshops will be led by the Anti-Racism Study Dialogue Circles (ASDIC). The cost is $90 per person. Learn more.
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Lutheran Campus Ministry Fall Gathering & Fundraiser
Thursday, Oct. 13 - 5-8 p.m. | Campus Club, Minneapolis
Join us for a fun in-person gathering at the beautiful Campus Club Terrace overlooking the city. We’ll gather around hearty appetizers, a cash bar, good music, inspirational stories from students and alumni, and a chance to raise some money for the transformational work happening at Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities! Tickets are $25 per person. Learn more.
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ConNext Summit
Sunday, Oct. 16-Tuesday, Oct. 18 | Christ the King Retreat Center, Buffalo
Early bird registration closes on Wednesday! This conference creates a space to inspire Progressive Christian faith formation leaders as they reflect together, form networks, and cultivate innovative and sustainable ministries with children, youth, families and adults. Both newer and more seasoned leaders create a community in which to connect and grow! Under the theme, "In the Ways of Jesus: Gracious Idleness, Scrappy Transformation, Radical Belonging," participants will process the last few years with comedy improv troupe Danger Boat Productions; strengthen collegial community led by musician Sara Thomsen; rest and renew in the beautiful retreat center; and get inspired by ministry innovations created by neighboring communities. Learn more.
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SYNOD STAFF IN CONGREGATIONS | |
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Bishop Patricia Lull
- Sept. 18 - Christ, Marine on St. Croix - 150th Anniversary (preaching)
Deacon Krista Lind
- Sept. 18 - St. James, Burnsville (preaching)
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The Saint Paul Area Synod, which includes 110 congregations and new mission starts,
is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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