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Join us this Saturday!
Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders & Conference Assemblies
Saturday, Feb. 25 - Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley
We hope to see lay leaders, ministry volunteers and church staff from all of the congregations in the synod this Saturday for learning and networking! Tool Kit features 10 workshops related to faith and congregational ministry on topics like bystander training, implicit bias, hybrid ministry, creating a culture of calling, worship with children and more. The registration fee is $20 per person. Tool Kit is held in conjunction with conference assemblies, when the synod's six conferences meet separately for pre-synod assembly business which may include elections, proposed resolutions or other matters. Learn more.
It's not too late to register! Advanced registration closes on Wednesday at 5 p.m. so we can order accurate lunch counts, prepare materials and print name badges. Please make every effort to register in advance, but at-the-door registrations will be available on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.
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TOOL KIT WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHTS:
Graceful & Effective Advocacy
Faith-based advocacy on issues around poverty, hunger, care of creation, and other concerns should be a reflection of our faith values. Yet in a society in which individuals increasingly identify first by political party, how do we express these values in our advocacy without being partisan ourselves? How do we avoid triggers and keep disagreements from becoming hostile engagements, rather than grace-filled exchanges? This session will offer tools to examine interaction styles, messaging, and effective ways to connect with legislators.
Tammy Walhof has served as director of Lutheran Advocacy-Minnesota since 2014. Previously, she served as Regional Organizer (Upper Midwest and Plains) and Senior Organizer at Bread for the World. Her passion for justice has led her to volunteer with low-income families in the U.S., work for six years in development in Latin America, travel to various African countries, and work in advocacy for more than 20 years.
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Peer Ministry Skills
LOVE: we preach it, teach it, sing it… seldom do we give the actual SKILLS to live it. Peer ministry is about livable, doable, repeatable relational skills. We are most known for our work with high school youth but, we also have relational skill training for middle school, young adults, upper elementary and yes, even adults! We’ll explore the whats, whys and hows of peer ministry leadership through some interactive experiences. Come consider starting a program or weaving the skills throughout existing programs.
Lyle Griner is a peer ministry leadership director. He is a writer, trainer, speaker and a connoisseur of “Aha” moments as soulfully curious participants wrestle with the nuances of faith and life. Lyle works across the country to help congregations of all denominations develop people as peer ministers, living their faith every day, everywhere, in every relationship.
Don't forget there are also workshops specifically for presidents/vice presidents and treasurers!
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Leaders of Color
Twelve self-identified leaders of color from our synod recently attended a retreat at a resort in Sedona, Ariz. The experience was supported by funds from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., a private philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis. The retreat was a capstone event for this cohort of leaders and part of Lilly’s Thriving in Ministry Program. The retreat included time for prayer, reflection, conversation, and companionship.
Participants pictured from left include: Facilitator Aqueelah Ligonde, Gilo Agwa (mission developer), Jill Rode (parish ministry), Ana Becerra (mission developer), Sharon Kelly (parish ministry), Alexandra George (specialized ministry), Lue Moua (parish ministry), Bea Vue-Benson (specialized ministry), Joan Conroy (interim pastor), Thomas Tsen (mission redeveloper), William Siong (mission developer), Jenn Luong (parish ministry), Jacqueline Belzer (parish ministry). Some members of the synod staff were also present. Facilitator Aqueelah Ligonde is the director of coaching for Ministry Architects. View more photos.
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2023 Synod Assembly
As the seasons begin to turn from winter to spring, we rejoice that God calls us to the fullness of life in every season of the year. The theme for the 2023 Synod Assembly is "Living in Hope." This is the message God speaks to us and to the whole creation through Jesus Christ.
Voting members, rostered ministers and guests will connect for a one-day business session on Saturday, May 13, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi. The night before, on May 12, assembly participants and all others in the synod are invited to a mission fair from 5-7 p.m. followed by a synod-wide worship service at 7 p.m. Watch for more assembly details soon!
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Talks at the Desk
African Descent Ministries of the ELCA celebrates Black History Month with Talks at the Desk, a four-part video series that explores diverse expressions of the church. In Episode 3 which aired last week, we were again in the U.S. Virgin Islands meeting courageous people of faith. They reminded us of the sacred struggles of the past and the presence of God and ancestors today in the work that remains to be done. Watch Episode 3, Three Little Birds, here. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 7:30 p.m. Learn more at elca.org/ADM.
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ENGAGE: Save our Veterans
Wednesday, Feb. 22 - 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Online
Each year more than 6,000 veterans die by suicide in the United States at a rate 1.5 times that of the general public. The lethal means most commonly used is a firearm. There is no single cause of suicide and it is often the result of a complex interaction of risk and protective factors at the individual, interpersonal, community and societal levels.
ENGAGE, the synod's gun violence prevention work group, is committed to addressing and lessening suicide by firearm for veterans. Andrea Perry of the Minneapolis VA Suicide Prevention Team will lead a conversation on S.A.V.E. (Signs, Ask, Validate and Encourage/Expedite) and share some general knowledge and data about suicide in the U.S. and specifically in the veteran population. This conversation will give you tools to identify someone who is thinking of suicide and show you what you can do to keep them safe and get immediate help. Register.
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The Confluence
June 25-30 | Augsburg University, Minneapolis
Youth who complete grades 9th-12th this spring are invited to a weeklong on-campus experience. Participants will learn how to practice vocational discernment through a variety of experiences including intentional community building with small groups, daily spiritual practices, spiritual gifts and strengths inventories, reading books and articles as a way of understanding theology and vocation, and community based learning in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood and greater Twin Cities. The cost is $350 and faith communities are encouraged to cover part of the cost.
Augsburg has been offering this experience since 2005 as The Youth Theology Institute. This year, the name has changed to The Confluence. It remains an experience that empowers young people to be curious about how their personal story, the world's story and God's story flow together. Applications are due April 1; applicants will be notified of acceptance on April 15. Registration and payment is due May 1. Learn more.
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Courageous Leadership Series
Wednesdays - 1 p.m. | Online
ELCA Coaching offers a weekly online gathering for ministry leaders. Each week this series features a new topic and presenters. Learn more.
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Cherish All Children Winter Walk
Through March 31 | Your Own Winter Activities
Beginning Super Bowl Sunday, let’s kick-off our commitment to protect children and youth from exploitation. Get out for a walk or your own favorite winter activity anytime February – March while sporting a new Cherish All Children beanie or baseball cap. Donate now so we can send your beanie(s) or cap(s) today!
Caritas Vocal Ensemble Concert - Mark your calendar for Sunday, March 12 - 3 p.m. as Caritas performs songs to highlight our care for each other and our world. The concert, We Rise Together, will be held at Valley of Peace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. A freewill offering will benefit Cherish All Children. Contact joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren.org with any questions.
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City of Bells Zoom
Thursday, March 2 - 10 a.m. | Online
City of Bells, which promotes and celebrates the bronze bells in the Twin Cities, is hosting a 30-minute program about the organization and its planned Day of Music with the Minnesota Orchestra on July 15. Learn about upcoming bell ringing events and meet other bell lovers. Join the Zoom. If your congregation has a bell, please note that the next public bell ringing is scheduled for Memorial Day, May 29. Learn more about City of Bells.
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Influence of Feminist Theology Over 60 Years at United
Monday, March 6 - 7:30-9 p.m. | United Theological Seminary & Online
As United celebrates its 60th year, we are taking time to reflect on how feminist theology has influenced United’s development as a seminary. President Molly T. Marshall will moderate a discussion with retired and current faculty members, including former Professor Mary Potter, as well as Professors Emeritae Dr. Mary Farrell Bednarowski, Rev. Dr. Barbara Anne Keely, and Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler. Current faculty members Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman and Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape will also participate. Join us for a lively and informative conversation as we explore what it was about United that drew in so many gifted feminist theologians, how they impacted our students’ educational experience, and how the field continues to evolve today. Learn more.
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Teen Mental Health & Church Culture
Tuesday, March 14 - 2-3:30 p.m. | Online
The last couple of years have been tough for church workers, kids, and families. When our resources are low, it can be hard to support others. The Ministry Lab invites youth ministry leaders, clergy and mentors who work with tweens, teens and their families to a conversation with Melissa Weinhandl, LMFT, MATh. Participants will process current struggles, reflect on and ask questions about supporting youth and families' mental health, and gain information and resources for mental health support for themselves and those they serve. Learn more.
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Spring Moonlight Madness
Friday, April 21 | Multiple Locations
Congregations around the Twin Cities are invited to sign up their youth groups for this all night lock-in for grades 6-9. Activities include a youth rally led by Rachel Kurtz with singing, dancing, faith sharing and humor; swimming, gym and ice skating at the Chaska Community Center; movies; bowling, laser tag and arcade at Bowler and more. The cost is $43 per person including adult leaders (covers all fees except extra snacks). Sign up your youth group by contacting Pastor Dave Wrightsman at revw2@msn.com or 612-599-6911.
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SYNOD STAFF IN CONGREGATIONS | |
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Pastor Justin Grimm
- March 5 - Christ on Capitol Hill, St. Paul
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The Saint Paul Area Synod, which includes 107 congregations and new mission starts,
is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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