Last week, many of our rostered ministers took time out from a busy Holy Week to gather for the synod's Spring Ministerium at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Roseville. Click on the image above to be taken to the photo gallery; below you'll find Bishop Patricia Lull's message of the day. |
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The Worried Christ
At the Spring Ministerium, Bishop Patricia Lull's sermon was based on a sculpture from Poland, dubbed "The Worried Christ."
Of all the pictures and small statues of Christ that I have in my home, one of my favorites is this – the worried Christ. I purchased this in Poland, not far from where the Lull family once lived. The worried or pensive, thoughtful Christ is common in the folk art of that region along the Baltic Sea. It shows Jesus, seated and resting, the crown of thorns on his head. He holds his face with one hand....
I wonder if what Jesus might have worried about on those final steps toward the cross is our own inclination to place his burden on our shoulders. You know what I mean. To second-guess whether we have done enough. Responded well enough. Behaved non-anxiously enough. Believed earnestly enough. Loved others with a Christlike love sufficiently enough for all the promise of Easter to be true.
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Synod Assembly Display Tables
Our synod is blessed to work with many vibrant partners in ministry, both within our organization and in the greater community. At this year's assembly, about 20 organizations/ministries will have display tables with resources and information for assembly registrants. They will be located in the Gathering Space near the check-in table. Be sure to take some time to visit with the representatives. These partners are eager to share information and stories about their good work:
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- Advocates for Racial Equity (SPAS Work Group)
- Augsburg University Campus Ministry
- Bega Kwa Bega/Iringa Committee
- Behind the Pulpit
- Camp Onomia
- Care of Creation (SPAS Work Group)
- Cherish All Children (SPAS Work Group)
- Children, Youth & Family Team of the Saint Paul & Minneapolis Area Synods
- Center of Addiction & Faith
- ELCA Foundation
- ENGAGE - Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention Work Group
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- Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association
- Friends of Huruma
- Guatemala Committee
- Lutheran Campus Ministry Twin Cities
- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
- Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
- The Ministry Lab
- Mission Investment Fund
- Portico Benefit Services
- Vanco
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Other Synod Assembly Reminders:
The Synod Assembly will be held Friday, May 13 (9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Saturday, May 14 (9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) at St. Andrew's in Mahtomedi. Pre-registration is open through April 29. During this time, the registration fee is $65 per person. If you miss this window, you may register on-site at a cost of $75 per person.
The 2022 Pre-Assembly Report is available for viewing. This document includes the proposed agenda, rules of procedure and budget; the report of the Nominating Committee and information about the nominees; proposed changes to the constitution; as well as general information about our 2022 Synod Assembly.
Two Zoom discussions have been scheduled in advance of Synod Assembly for voting members who are interested in more detail about the proposed 2023 budget or about proposed resolutions, memorials and changes to the constitution. These optional gatherings will be:
- Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. on Resolutions, Memorials & Constitution
- Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. on the Budget
The links to both of these Zoom meetings will be emailed on Monday, May 2, to those who register for assembly by the April 29 pre-registration deadline with their email address.
Questions? Contact the synod office at 651-224-4313.
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KEY DATES FOR SYNOD ASSEMBLY:
April 29 - Pre-Registration Ends
May 2 - Email to registrants with Zoom links for Pre-Assembly Zoom discussions
May 3 - Zoom on Proposed Resolutions, Memorials & Constitution Changes
May 5 - Zoom on the Proposed Budget
May 10 - Email to registrants with final instructions
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Helping Negotiate Our Strange Land
Eric Gustafson, a pastoral intern at St. Mark's in North St. Paul, crafted his intern project around the congregation sponsoring a refugee family through Lutheran Social Service's (LSS) Circle of Welcome program. He writes about the experience as a "Story of the Synod":
On the Friday before Christmas, our team was asked by LSS if we thought we could have a household set up within 48 hours. Mentally, if not materially prepared for this moment, we said, “Yes!” and quickly gathered what we thought we would need to make a comfortable space for a family of seven we had yet to meet. A team of about 15 of us worked quickly and cohesively to prepare a household in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul.
In early January, three members of our mentor team had our first meeting with the family, along with a translator and Elizabeth Kulus, volunteer coordinator from LSS. What we quickly learned is that our idea of what a family needs is a little different than the common household in Kabul. We discovered we needn’t have bothered carrying a dining room set and recliners up the narrow stairwell. Our family prefers to sleep and sit on the floor, even when eating. (They quickly realized that we prefer to sit on chairs and make sure they are out when we come to visit!)
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A Message From the Presiding Bishop:
The Way Back to Our Center
In her April column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton looks to a post-pandemic world and reminds us that we will need the the word of the Lord to call us back to our center.
We have been in this pandemic for two years. We have been longing for the “Before Times” that in our imagination seem as magical as my grandparents’ house. The return to a post-pandemic world, like the return of circulation, is initially painful. We will need to rebuild those structures necessary for a healthy society—compassion, respect, sacrifice for the greater good, the celebration of diversity, justice. And we will need the word of the Lord—the Word that calls us back to our center, which is the steadfast love of God, law and gospel, judgment and promise.
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Gun Violence Prevention: The U.S. Constitution & the 2nd Amendment
Tuesday, May 17 - 7 p.m. | Online
Justification for the purchase and use of guns places the Second Amendment of our Constitution in its core. The Constitution is not anti-gun. The Constitution is about “insuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare.” [Preamble]
How can we balance gun rights with the call to live safely with each other? Dr. Matthew Filner, Professor of Constitutional Law at Metro State, will guide our ENGAGE-FOCUS conversation as we engage this faith-life-value question. Hosted by ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention, a work group of the Saint Paul Area Synod. Click here to register to receive the Zoom link. Questions? Contact the Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes at letnesron@gmail.com.
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2022 Honorees Luncheon
Each year, our synod recognizes rostered ministers and congregations with milestone anniversaries of ministry as well as pastors and deacons who have retired within the past year. If you fall into one of these categories in 2022, watch for an invitation coming your way soon for the Honorees Luncheon on Monday, June 6!
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Boundless (Still)
July 24-27 | Central Lutheran, Minneapolis
This alternative to the cancelled ELCA Youth gathering is hosted by Humble Walk Lutheran Church in St. Paul and Pastor Jodi Houge. This program for young people in grades 8-12 includes worship, group activities, service projects, art, music, a field trip to Valleyfair and more. Special guests include Rachel Kurtz, Joe Davis, Austen Hartke, Osheta Moore and Jenny Sung. Registrants are asked to stay on-site at the host hotel, the Holiday Inn Express. The estimated cost is $200, not including lodging. Learn more.
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Applications Now Accepted!
ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants
Registration for ELCA World Hunger's 2023 Domestic Hunger Grants is now open! Organizations applying for a grant for the first time must register by creating an account in ELCA GrantMaker to access the application once the window opens on April 18. If your organization is already registered in ELCA Grantmaker, now would be a great time to log back in and confirm that your contact information is still accurate. Learn more.
Informational Webinar - ELCA World Hunger hosted a Zoom webinar on April 6 that covered granting priorities and the basics of applying. A recording is accessible via the Domestic Hunger Grant FAQ page.
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Application Timeline
- Registration open: March 18–May 6, 2022.
- NOTE: Applicants must be registered in ELCA GrantMaker to access the application. Allow up to three days for registration approval. If you have not registered by May 6, you will not be able to start a new application. If you have already registered in ELCA GrantMaker, you do not need to register again.
- Application open: April 18–May 20, 2022.
- Application review: June 2022–October 2022.
- Awards recommendations shared with applicants and synods: November 2022.
- Final awards approved and announced: February 2023.
ELCA Daily Bread Matching Grants
Congregations with feeding ministries should also watch for the next round of Daily Bread Matching Grants in the coming months! ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread Matching Grants support congregations and their partners as they work toward a just world where all are fed. All ELCA congregations with feeding ministries are eligible to participate. These grants provide daily bread for neighbors experiencing hunger while also serving as a tool for ministry fundraising and capacity building. Registration and applications for the 2023 Daily Bread Matching Grant will open April 25, 2022. Learn more.
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Augsburg Youth Theology Institute
June 26-July 26 | Augsburg University, Minneapolis
The Augsburg Youth Theology Institute (AYTI) is an annual summer program for high school students (9th-12th grades) focused on theological reflection and vocational discernment connected to an annual theme. It is a collaborative effort sponsored by Augsburg University’s Christensen Center for Vocation and supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc.
With year's theme of"God's People [re]connect!," participants will ground themselves in biblical stories of connection and disconnection, and stories of theologians throughout time who can teach us about connection. Students will develop a theological understanding of connection and disconnection and seek ways to share these gifts with the world.
Students who attend AYTI take their questions and curiosity to the public square to learn, listen, pray, and play on the Augsburg campus, in the neighborhood, and in the city. Participants engage in daily reflection with a theologian, community based learning, small group relationship building, and worship. This commitment to wonder about how God is calling us to the common good for the sake of the world, is the reason why high school students leave AYTI inspired to be God’s hands and feet in the world. Registrations are due by May 1. Learn more.
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Stand With Ukraine MN Fundraiser
Sunday, April 24 -6 p.m. | Christ on Capitol Hill, St. Paul
Join vocalist and pianist Natalia Peterson and pianist Jayson Engquist for a laid-back evening of jazz music in a fundraising concert for Stand With Ukraine MN. Natalia (Makowesky) Peterson is a local award-winning singer, song-writer and pianist as well as a first-generation Ukrainian-American. Attendees can view the work of Ukrainian artisans, donate to Stand With Ukraine MN, and purchase Ukrainian craft items. Natalia will also be selling her book, I'm Not the Pastor's Wife (I'm just married to him), as well as her CD of spiritual music, The Spirit's Fire. Proceeds of these sales will also go to Stand With Ukraine MN. In honoring the protocol of Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church and all its building partners, we encourage all attendees to wear masks. Learn more.
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Addiction & Relapse
Thursday, April 28 - 11 a.m. | Online
With fentanyl showing up in every kind of street drug, relapse following treatment is becoming increasingly dangerous. Relapse is widely accepted as the norm following treatment, but does it need to be? There are evidence-based practices that work very well to prevent relapse but those practices are not regularly applied in the field. Bill Messinger, retired attorney and recovery coach, will discuss current relapse-prevention practices and what we can do to improve outcomes. He will explain how faith communities can play a supportive role helping people on their journey back to wholeness. Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for this free webinar and follow-up discussion on this life and death issue. Learn more.
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National Lutheran Choir: The Earth Sings Beauty
Sunday, May 1 - 4 p.m. | St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi + Online + Classical MPR
The National Lutheran Choir's spring concert features the world premiere of Lament of the Earth by composer Steve Heitzeg and celebrated poet Susan Palo Cherwien. Special guests include mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski and the Minnesota Boychoir. In-person admission is $35 for adults (free for 18 and under), but it will also be livestreamed at www.nlca.com and broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio. Learn more.
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LSS 2022 Benefit for Youth
Wednesday, May 18 - 12 p.m. | Online
The upward climb of the past year has presented many challenges for young people. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) has come together to help youth build resilience and perseverance to reach the summit of their aspirations. This benefit is available via livestream. Registered guests will receive an email with instructions for joining the virtual gathering. Learn more.
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ALOA Ironwood Springs Lutherhostel
Oct. 3-7 | Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, Stewartville
Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA) offers older adults a time of learning, reflecting and connecting with spiritual study, music, devotions and outdoor activities. Presenters include the Rev. David Buegler as well as Pastor Frank and Deaconess Jan Janzow. Pricing varies by type of accommodation. Learn more.
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SYNOD STAFF IN CONGREGATIONS |
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Bishop Patricia Lull
- April 23-24 - St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi (preaching)
- April 24 - St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi (installation of John Swanson)
- May 1 - All Saints, Cottage Grove (preaching)
The Rev. Justin Grimm
- April 24 - House of Prayer, Oakdale
Deacon Krista Lind
- April 24 - Arlington Hills, St. Paul
- May 1 - Christ the Servant, Vadnais Heights (installation of Pastor Jon Yurk/preaching)
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
- April 23-24 - Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley (installation of Pastor Peter Harrits)
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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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