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July 4, 2023
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Synod to hire Congregational Organizer for Climate Justice | |
The Congregational Organizer for Climate Justice position of the Minneapolis Areas Synod draws on the method and practice of community organizing, facilitated through the institution of the Lutheran church. It is centered on building a network of relationships among congregational leaders that can be organized for effective and strategic change on issues of systemic environmental justice and climate action.
The Congregational Organizer will be stepping into the role to carry out issue-based organizing that has been developed over the past eight years, with an established network of leaders within the congregations of the synod. The organizer will continue to build and maintain this strong base of leaders to take on structural climate issues that can be addressed through community-based organizing.
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Naloxone Training at The Dignity Center | |
Pastor Margaret Kelly explains that the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church (HAUMC) confirmation class began brainstorming ways that HAUMC could help address the opioid crisis. Students discussed how Naloxone is used to reverse an overdose and save lives, leading to a partnership with the Steve Rummler Hope Network (SRHN), a group that will conduct a training on how to effectively and safely use Naloxone.
Wednesday, July 19; Noon - 2:00 p.m.
The Dignity Center, HAUMC
425 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis
This training event is open to everyone to attend! If you plan to attend, please sign up in order to ensure enough supplies.
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Young Adults in Global Ministry initiates rolling application process | |
Young Adults in Global Mission sends young adults ages 21-35 to work alongside companion Lutheran church bodies and organizations in one of six countries -- Senegal, Mexico, Central Europe, Jerusalem/West Bank, United Kingdom, and Argentina/Uruguay. Areas of service include health and human rights, congregational ministry, education, environmental justice, or professional support.
YAGM applications are open on a rolling basis. A priority deadline is offered on January 15, with a final deadline on February 1. Those who apply before the priority deadline will be given first consideration.
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Lutheran Night at the Twins is important
because "In the Big Inning was the Word"
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The long tradition of Lutheran Night at the Twins will continue in 2023. Congregations, youth groups, and mutual aid chapters are all invited to take advantage of group discounts (for groups of 20 or more) and enjoy a game against the Detroit Tigers.
Tuesday, August 15; 6:40 p.m.
Target Field
Other perks that evening include "Dollar Dog Night" and Family Value Concessions in certain sections.
Groups of 20 or more can reserve tickets by contacting Ryan Thomson at (612) 659-3582 or ryanthomson@twins.com. Groups with fewer than 20 people can make arrangements at FEVO GM - Ticket Sales.
If you need more convincing, watch Pastor Seth Perry explain how this all will work.
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Calling all passionate voices!
Join the harmonious celebration on Lutheran Night with the Minnesota Twins. Members of your church choir have the opportunity of singing the national anthem at Target Field. Invite your choir members to be a part of this multi-congregational event at this outdoor baseball stadium.
Choir members will need to be at the field by 5:30 p.m. for the pregame rehearsal. Singers still need to purchase tickets at the group rate. Contact Walt at (651) 332-9113 or raijaw@aol.com to add your name to the list of choir participants.
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EmployerLink Security Enhancements Coming Soon | Portico’s EmployerLink sign-in process will be changing as part of our ongoing commitment to data security and privacy protection. If you’re a registered EmployerLink user, later this summer we’ll walk you through setting up a new way to access your account that includes two-step phone verification every time you sign in. Remember: it’s important for each EmployerLink user to create their own sign-in credentials to protect your organization from people signing in who should no longer have access — for example, when someone completes their term as treasurer or leaves the organization. | | |
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"God's Work. Our Hands."
on September 10, 2023
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On Sunday, September 10, ELCA congregations will join together for an annual day of service. “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday began in 2013 in connection with the ELCA’s 25th anniversary. It continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
ELCA.org/DayofService has the resources congregational leaders need to plan and promote the day, including a planning tool kit; worship resources; slides for projection screens or online worship; posters, postcards, and social media graphics; Spanish-language resources; promotional banners; videos; and special hymn text, sheet music and recording.
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Assistant to Mission Lynda Nordholm to begin sabbatical | |
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Lynda Nordholm, assistant to mission, will begin a sabbatical July 11, with her return to the synod office on August 8. It is Lynda’s sabbatical plan to learn more about the planting of native grasses, and do the labor of repositioning and adding plants in their perennial garden so that it will be more pollinator-friendly for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The word that she says encapsulates her planned sabbatical time is verdant: abundant and fruitful. She also looks forward to replenishing her energy storehouse by reading, walking, and gardening.
In Lynda’s more than 35 years of serving the ELCA – in a congregation, for Churchwide in Region 3, and for the past 14 years in the synod office – this is Lynda’s first sabbatical.
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Sudan Mission Centennial Celebration in Twin Cities | |
The 100th birthday of two global churches will be held July 8-9 in the Twin Cities. The Sudan Mission that gave birth to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic set foot in Douala in 1923, and a half million Lutherans, there and here, are going to celebrate. You are invited to gather at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, and at Central Lutheran, Minneapolis at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 9.
Saturday, July 8; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Luther Seminary
Sunday, July 9: 10:30 a.m.
Central Lutheran Church
Bishop of Jean Baïguele of Cameroon will be among the speakers on Saturday, and Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the United States will be preaching on Sunday. Registration is closing, but walk-ins are welcome. Come join in this celebration.
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Refer a student to Lutheran Campus Ministry | |
Do you have a college-bound student in your congregation, family, or friend network? Or maybe you have an upperclassman who would like to learn about LCM?
If you know such a student, email Pastor Kate Reuer Welton with their contact information, so someone can reach out and invite them to coffee, and make sure they receive a warm welcome including information about how they can plug in to our community. Referrals are our best chance of meeting and connecting meaningfully with students, and inviting them into this thriving ministry.
Even if your students are not Gophers, LCM-TC staff can still try to connect them to ministries at the school they are attending. Just fill out this form.
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Pastor Craig Pederson to begin sabbatical | |
Pastor Craig Pederson, assistant to the bishop, will be on the first part of a two-part sabbatical from July 10 – August 7. The focus of this time will be family (multiple reunions and college visits with his daughter) and farm. (He has shared ownership of a recreational farm near his hometown of Starbuck, Minnesota.) The second part of Pastor Craig’s sabbatical will be from November 13 – December 25, when he will pursue continuing education, retreat, and travel opportunities.
In nearly 25 years of ordained ministry, this will be Pastor Craig’s first sabbatical. While Pastor Craig is away, contact (612) 870-3610 for assistance with matters you might have normally discussed with him.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? | |
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be bringing a greeting to the South Sudan Mission Centennial Service at Luther Seminary on Sunday, July 9.
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Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be preaching at Christ Memorial Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, July 16.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at the 125th Anniversary Celebration at Lyndale Lutheran, Maple Plain, on Sunday, July 16.
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Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Atonement Lutheran, Bloomington, on Sunday, July 16.
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Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Calvary Lutheran, Edina, on Sunday, July 16.
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Pastor John Hulden will be installing Pastor Maria Anderson-Lippert into a full-time call at University Lutheran Church of Hope, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 30.
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Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Elk River Lutheran, Elk River, on Sunday, August 13.
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Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
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Weekly Community Cookout, Wednesdays
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South Sudan Mission Centennial Celebration, July 8-9
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Spirit of Water: A Celebration of the Mississippi River, July 15
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Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20
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The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth, July 23-28
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Redeemer Block Party, August 12
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Hearts * Hands * Voices, August 19
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Reclaim Gathering, September 14-17
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Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26
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Fall Joint Ministerium, October 26
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Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2-4, 2024
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