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Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Do you know the largest faith-based national nonprofit dedicated to immigration and refugee resettlement in the U.S.? It's Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)! Our synod staff recently enjoyed a visit from three LIRS representatives (pictured from right): Andrew Steele, VP of development and mobilization; Beth Nelson Chase, director of major and planned gifts; and Karla Leitzman, philanthropic advisor (and candidate for ministry in our synod!). The three stopped by the synod office recently to tell our staff more about their organization and thank us for our past support.
LIRS was founded in 1939 to serve displaced persons fleeing Nazi Germany. It is one of nine refugee resettlement agencies in the U.S. and one of only two organizations the U.S. government entrusts with serving unaccompanied refugee minors. They told us of extraordinary efforts last year in resettling 14,000 Afghans. Learn more about the work of LIRS at https://www.lirs.org/ or by downloading these PDFs:
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Vitality Questions
Leaders from five congregations and the Synod Vitality Team gathered at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church on the East Side of St. Paul on Oct. 1 for Vitality 101. This particular event focused on foundations of vitality, mission/vision/values, and spiritual listening (listening to God, self, others/community).
Many stories were shared throughout the day. The time also included a wonderful morning worship led by musician and worship planner and leader Nate Crary and Pastor Kirsten Fryer, as well as a time for centering prayer.
One person said at the end of the day, “We are so glad to know we are not alone.” Another person wrote, “I was grateful for these hours with church leaders, focusing on the ‘why’ questions, and the roadmap to vitality, which is always really a round-a-bout.”
The Synod Vitality Team takes on adaptive questions with a collaborative approach. There are certainly some technical pieces tended to on any given day but far more time is spent on deep questions with no easy answers. Questions such as:
- Why does your church exist?
- What is your why?
- Where do you encounter the movement of the Spirit?
- Where have you felt the Holy or Sacred recently?
- Where is God calling you?
- How do we adapt to the ever-changing realities?
There are no easy answers to any of this, but we are called to engage in these and many other profound questions together. Having a solid mission and vision and then really understanding and operating out of our values can benefit us greatly. Listening to God and each other is foundational to any authentic congregational vitality and renewal.
The Synod Vitality Team is leading three workshops each year. The next one will be held on Jan. 21 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Gustavus Adolphus. It will focus on experimentation, design thinking, and innovation. Watch for more information and registration in the coming weeks and plan tojoin us!
by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
Assistant to the Bishop for Lay Leadership and Equity Initiatives
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Last Chance to Register!
Fall Joint Ministerium
Thursday, Oct. 27 - 9 a.m.-12 noon | Luther Seminary, St. Paul
For rostered ministers in the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods
Registration deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m.
Despite the frayed bonds of today's society, we are tied together economically, politically, socially and spiritually. Our current public discourse often neglects that reality. What can pastors and deacons do as mediating leaders within communities to counter a narrative of fear and suspicion? How can we begin to heal the breach?
At our Joint Ministerium we welcome key regional leaders to discuss how we can work together to foster just and healthy neighborhoods throughout our entire region. Panelists include: Lori Sturdevant, Star Tribune columnist (moderator); Irene Fernando, Hennepin County Commissioner, District 2; Jim McDonough, Ramsey County Commissioner, District 6 (retiring);
Laurie Halvorson, Dakota County Commissioner, District 3; and Reva Chamblis, Metropolitan Council, District 2. Click here to register.
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A Deeper Dive: Leadership Conversations for Presidents & VPs
Thursday, Oct. 27 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Online
For congregation presidents and vice presidents
Congregation presidents and vice presidents are invited to take part in a series of monthly discussions. In October, the main content will focus on creating your best governing board (council) agenda and team meeting facilitation. Each month also includes devotions, introductions and Q&A. The Zoom gatherings are hosted by 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). Additional sessions are scheduled for Dec. 1, Jan. 26, March 30 and on Feb. 25 as part of the synod's Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders. Register here for October!
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2023 Compensation Guidelines
The newly released 2023 Salary and Compensation Guidelines for our synod were sent via email last week to congregations, presidents and rostered ministers. This document provides guidance related to compensation for pastors, deacons, lay program and lay support staff. If you have questions, please contact the synod's Financial Administrator, David Roinas, at 651-224-4313 or david.roinas@spas-elca.org.
The guidelines were also posted in the Saint Paul Area Synod's Treasurers and Financial Administrators Facebook group. If you have an oversight role in your congregation's finances but are not a member of the group, click here to request to join.
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From Scratch - A Shobi's Table Fundraiser
Sunday, Nov. 6 - 7 p.m. | Online
Shobi's Table, the synod's pay-as-you-can food truck ministry, invites you to its third annual From Scratch Fundraiser. This is an evening to celebrate what we can do as a community for our community. We’ll share what your support has accomplished this past year and what new goals we have for the coming year. You’ll also take a peek in the Shobi’s Table kitchen and have some fun with staff and volunteers!
You’ll find all the information you’ll need to watch the online event via Facebook or YouTube on our website: shobistable.org/from-scratch-2022. This page has links to donate and you can sign up for updates and have the viewing link sent right to you! Join us and ensure that each person in our community has access to from-scratch, delicious and dignified meals. When we eat together, we are Christ’s Table alive in the world! Shobi's serves delicious, nutritious lunch three times a week in St. Paul neighborhoods.
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Bega Kwa Bega Fall Festival
Saturday, Nov. 19 - 8 a.m.-12 Noon | King of Kings, Woodbury + Online
Bega Kwa Bega invites you to its 2022 Fall Festival where we will celebrate our "shoulder to shoulder" synod companionship with the Iringa Diocese of Tanzania. Special guests include the Rev. Askali Mgeyekwa, dean/assistant to the bishop of the Iringa Diocese, and the Rev. Jiskaka Lwila, district pastor and former BKB DIRA coordinator. The morning includes affiliate presentations, a keynote, breakout sessions and worship. Learn more and register. Can't attend in person? It will be live streamed on Facebook too!
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Can Talking Politics Be Healthy?
Tuesday, Oct. 25 - 12 p.m. or 7 p.m. | Online
Anxiety and passions that run high in election season don’t stop when we enter our church doors. Yet we can shift the tone, facing the heightened rhetoric with tools and faith-centered convictions that break through heightened rhetoric. We can and do foster civil relationships and dialogue that invites trust amid our differences and lead healthy community conversations on the common good. This session is offered in conjunction with the ELCAvotes initiative.
Register here.
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World Hunger Advent Resources
We are called to share in God’s work in the world. Through ELCA World Hunger, our church creatively and courageously works toward a just world where all are fed. Together, we act, pray and hope for truly sufficient, sustainable livelihoods for all. As we look ahead to Advent and Christmas, take note of the following resources available through ELCA World Hunger:
- Advent Calendar - find daily inspiration from prayers, Scripture, hymns and information about ELCA Good Gifts.
- Advent Study Guide - find impactful, motivational stories and information about how your gifts to ELCA World Hunger are at work in the world.
- Action Guide for Congregations - discover ideas and resources to help activate your congregation in the work to end hunger and poverty.
These resources are available to order and to download for immediate access. Learn more at https://elca.org/hungeradvent.
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Social Message on Climate Care
Last year, the ELCA Church Council authorized development of an ELCA social message on climate care. A draft message is now available for public feedback! Click here to review the social message draft, then complete the survey to share your feedback. Your input will help inform revision of the draft that is sent for review by the Conference of Bishops and the ELCA Church Council in March. ELCA social messages are teaching documents that address a focused social topic.
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ELCA Young Adult Gathering
The ELCA Youth Gathering and Young Adult Ministries are excited to announce the first-ever Young Adult Gathering, taking place in New Orleans during the 2024 Gathering from July 16 to 20. With the cancellation of the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble, many young people were not able to participate in these life-changing faith-formation events, which prompted the Gathering to think creatively about how these now-young-adults can be involved. The theme for the 2024 Gathering, MYLE, the tAble and the new Young Adult Gathering will be announced today. Find event details at ELCA.org/gathering.
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Save the Date: Rostered Ministers Gathering
July 17-20 | Phoenix, Ariz.
All ELCA deacons, pastors, and bishops (under call, on leave or disability, retired, or an approved candidate for call) are invited to come to the desert — a place where God has a habit of renewing weary leaders, for the 2023 ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering. Each day of the gathering will begin in worship as we center ourselves around our theme, "Rekindle the Gift Within You." The days will begin with Bible studies and keynote speakers. The afternoon hours will offer a variety of individual options from activity in the Interaction Center to workshops and caucus times. Follow the Rostered Ministers Gathering on Facebook for updates!
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Courageous Leadership Series
Wednesdays - 1 p.m. | Online
ELCA Coaching offers a weekly online gathering for ministry leaders. This week's topic is minimalism, which focuses on the aspects of life that matter most and intentionally removing everything else. The Rev. Becca Ehrlich will help us explore the connection between minimalism and the Christian life. It's clear from reading the Gospels that the abundant life Jesus calls us to live is not about accumulating possessions, money or accolades; Christian minimalism aims to connect the minimalist lifestyle with our calling from Jesus to live a simpler life. Each week this series features a new topic and presenters. 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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Sundays and Seasons Webinar
Wednesday, Oct. 26 - 11 a.m. | Online
Are you new to Sundays and Seasons? Are you familiar with the platform, but would like some inspiration for Advent and Christmas 2022? Perhaps a refresher on the vast sets of content and useful functions of Sundays and Seasons would be useful in helping you get the most out of your free trial or subscription this year. Whatever the need, this live webinar will help you experience firsthand why Sundays and Seasons is such an invaluable tool for seasonal worship preparation. Learn more.
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Formula Missae
Sunday, Oct. 30 - 5 p.m. | St. Paul-Reformation, St. Paul
St. Paul-Reformation will commemorate Reformation Day with a special celebration of Luther's revision of the medieval mass. The Formula Missae was revised for the City Church (St. Mary's) in Wittenberg in 1523. A mix of Latin and the vernacular, the Formula has much to teach us about worship in our own day. Bishop Patricia Lull will preach. A reception with beer and German treats follows!
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The National Lutheran Choir's All Saints Concerts
Friday, Nov. 4 - St. Philip the Deacon, Plymouth | Sunday, Nov. 6 - St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi
Join us to honor those who have passed while recognizing our past, present and future journeys. This program will feature John Rutter’s Requiem along with hymns, candles, and the reading of names of our new saints. Visit NLCA.com to purchase tickets or learn about a virtual program option. Adult tickets are $33, youth and students are free.
Virtual subscriptions are also available! Enjoy periodic content delivered directly to your inbox all season long, including performance sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes glimpses, interviews with musical experts and more. A virtual subscription also includes three documentary style exclusives. Learn more.
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St. Paul Partners Dinner & Fundraiser
Saturday, Nov. 5 - 4:30-8 p.m. | Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul
Learn about St. Paul Partners' progress in providing clean water to villages and schools in Iringa, Tanzania, as we raise funds to drill a well as the Diocese offices. This project will provide water for the Million Tree project and the Diocese offices. The previous well went dry and city water is expensive! Our guest speakers via videos from Tanzania will be Dean Mgeyekwa (Assistant to the Bishop) and Pastor Lwila (formerly BKB DIRA coordinator). Tickets are $25 per person when registered by Oct. 29 and $28 at the door. Register here.
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Water is Life Featuring Winona LaDuke and Dr. Diane Jacobson
Friday, Nov. 11-Saturday, Nov. 12 | Holy Trinity, Minneapolis
The Johnson Symposium on Faith and Society is an annual event in which a leading theologian, scholar, and/or practitioner leads conversations over a two-day period on important issues facing the church and society today. This year's presenters are courageous leaders in the creation care movement. Learn more.
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SYNOD STAFF IN CONGREGATIONS | |
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Bishop Patricia Lull
- Oct. 27 - Fall Joint Ministerium, Luther Seminary (preaching)
- Oct. 30 - St. Paul-Reformation, St. Paul - 5 p.m. (preaching)
Deacon Krista Lind
- Oct. 30 - Christ the King, New Brighton (preaching)
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
- Oct. 30 - Lutheran Church of Peace, Maplewood (preaching + installation of Pastor Terri Elton)
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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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