September 5, 2022

The synod office is closed for Labor Day today and reopens tomorrow at 9 a.m.

Should It Stay or Should It Go?

Many congregations struggle to know what to save and what to toss related to congregational records, legal documents, photos and other files. On Aug. 22, congregation communicators, office administrators and others interested in historical records received some valuable advice on Aug. 22 during a synod workshop called "Should It Stay or Should It Go?" The presentations by Paul Daniels and Ben McDonald Coltvet were recorded and are now available for your viewing at the links below. Thank you to Paul and Ben for their presentations and to Augustana, West St. Paul, for hosting our group!

A Field Trip to Second Harvest Heartland

by Vernita Kennen

After not being able to be out and about because of COVID-19, the Hunger Awareness and Advocacy group at Incarnation, Shoreview, visited Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank in Brooklyn Park. 

Second Harvest Heartland is one of six food banks in Minnesota and serves 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It is a member of Feeding America, a network of 2,000 food banks across the United States. Food banks are like “wholesalers” for donated and rescued food, which is then distributed through food shelves, shelters, meal programs, afterschool programs and the like. Second Harvest Heartland (2HH) serves 1,000 of these food shelves and programs and shared over 113 million pounds of food in 2021....Arranging group tours and volunteer opportunities are both easy and welcomed. You will be impressed, inspired, and eager to learn how you and your congregation can be further involved.

Read Vernita's full "Addressing Hunger" post.

Bishop's Theological Conference

Oct. 16-18 | Cragun's Resort, Brainerd

For all rostered ministers in our synod. 

Please register by Sept. 15! 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. 

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. 

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!

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!

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.

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. 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.

Festival for Change

Sept. 9-10 | Roseville Lutheran, Roseville

Roseville-based faith groups and Twin Cities BIPOC leaders are partnering to create a two-day festival to celebrate cultural wealth and togetherness. The vision of this initiative is to bring members from all backgrounds together to break down the barriers that exist between our communities. To see change, we must come together to uplift those who are marginalized and ostracized. The greater community is invited to attend! The event features poets and speakers, artists, dancers, gospel singers and more. Information about racial justice will be available. Learn more. 

Bell Dedication & Presentation

Sunday, Sept. 11-Monday, Sept. 12 | Westminister Presbyterian, Minneapolis

Attention, bell lovers!  Westminster Presbyterian is dedicating its Paccard bells on Sunday, Sept. 11, following its 10:30 a.m. service. The following day at 10 a.m., Philippe Paccard (from France) will be speaking about the Westminster bells and the Paccard Company in Westminster Hall at the church. Philippe is part of the seventh generation running the Fonderie Paccard in Annecy, France. Founded in 1796, the foundry has cast more than 120,000 bell located throughout the world. There are a number of Paccard bell installations in the Twin Cities. Please join the City of Bells board in welcoming Philippe to Minnesota! There is free parking in WPC ramp.  NOTE: The next date for community bell ringing is Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Other Event Reminders:

• National Lutheran Choir Ticket Sales Begin | Sept. 7 | Online
• Virtual Discernment Event - Sept. 10 | Online
• ALOA Ironwood Springs Lutherhostel - Oct. 3-7 | Ironwood Springs Ranch, Stewartville
• Addiction & Faith Conference- Oct. 6-8 | Airport Hilton, Bloomington & Online
• 2023 Synod Assembly - May 12-13 | St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi

Bishop Patricia Lull

• Sept. 18 - Christ, Marine on St. Croix - 150th Anniversary (preaching)

Deacon Krista Lind

• Sept. 18 - St. James, Burnsville (preaching)