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August 1, 2023
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Are you feeling called to rostered ministry? | |
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If you are feeling called into public leadership in the church, you might be interested in checking out the Candidacy web page on the Minneapolis Area Synod website. Find out more about the process of becoming a pastor or a deacon. Hear the stories of people who are on the path to becoming public leaders in the church.
If you are experiencing a sense of call, you might first talk to a rostered leader at your congregation. You can also contact Peg Ihinger, assistant to candidacy and peer groups, at (612) 230-3308 or at p.ihinger@mpls-synod.org.
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Documentary on the importance of groups | |
Holy Cross will host a screening of a new documentary film about the importance of joining community groups — for the health of individuals and our society.
Join or Die is based on the work of sociologist Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, and his recommendations for overcoming the widespread loneliness in our country and for strengthening our democracy. It includes reflections by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, David Brooks, Eddie Glaude Jr., Shyly Romney Garrett, Pete Buttigieg, Hillary Clinton, Priya Parker, and more.
Tuesday, August 22; 7:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
1720 East Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis
All are welcome to come and receive valuable insights into the power of coming together and fostering genuine relationships. After the film, you may stay if you wish for informal conversation.
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Offering welcome to people seeking asylum | |
Tapestry, a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC) of the Minneapolis Area Synod, has recently been working to sponsor Venezuelans seeking asylum through USCIS Parole for Venzuelans. Members of Tapestry have applied for 22 people and are still awaiting a response for them.
The leaders of Tapestry have asked other congregations to consider aiding in this effort; six additional individuals (including a family) are waiting for assistance to apply. Pastor Melissa Melnick Gonzalez from Tapestry has offered to walk intererested congregations through the process.
Pastor Melissa is also willing to share stories of immigrant families and asylum seekers with other congregations, using "Room at the Inn," a Bible Study presented in Living Lutheran.
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Upcoming stewardship webinar | |
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The economy has been unpredictable as we slowly emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment remains low, yet interest rates have jumped considerably; and with three very public bank failures this year, people are being more cautious with their resources. How can we talk about stewardship and money in a way that is honest and honors uncertain economic times?
On August 21, the ELCA, in partnership with the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, will host a webinar geared toward helping leaders talk openly, honestly, and inspirationally about stewardship and generosity, even in uncertain times. The webinar, titled "Stewardship When Economics are Uncertain," will be led by the
Rev. Meredith McNabb and the Rev. Tim Brown.
Monday, August 21; 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Central Time
Zoom
Meeting ID: 835 7971 8246 Password: 000320
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Plan to attend the Celebration for Changing Lives Gala |  | |
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is one of the primary service organizations in the state. One in every 65 Minnesotans is touched by its services each year. The Celebration of Changing Lives is a primary means of financial support and publicity for its programming.
Saturday, September 16
5:30 p.m. Social Hour
6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program
The Depot
225 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis
You can celebrate how LSS is Powering Potential for communities, families, and individuals across Minnesota through compassionate services, creative partnerships, and its commitment to pursuing the limitless possibilities ahead of all of us.
Tickets for the 2023 Celebration for Changing Lives are available for purchase until Wednesday, September 6.
Those unable to attend this year’s event can still support the work of LSS by making a gift. Your generosity helps inspire hope, change lives, and build community for more than 90,000 neighbors each year.
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Find out more about the archeology and spirituality of the ancient Holy Land | |
Lutherhostels are events held in retreat-like settings that include a study topic, music and worship, along with recreational and fellowship activities. Sponsored by Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA), this Lutherhostel near Rochester features a study of "The Stones Cry Out: Archaeology and Spirituality in the Holy Land," led by Drs. Mark and Rhoda Schuler.
October 2-6
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch
Stewartville
Worship will explore God's transforming grace rescuing people through stories, song, and prayer. The cost is $660 per person (double occupancy) with other pricing options.
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Training on legal documentation for parish nurses | |
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The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association will offer a training titled "Documentation and Legal Aspects of Faith Community Nurse Practice" on August 17. The workshop will provide information about important issues related to guidelines around documentation and legal issues.
Thursday, August 17; 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Central Time
Online
Cost: $20 for LFCNA members; $30 for non-members
Denise Viker, RN BSN, will lead the training. She has experience in client education, nursing education, program management, and community collaboration. She is currently Field Coordinator for Dignity Health at the Center for Faith/Health Partnerships in Gilbert, Arizona.
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Refer a student to
Lutheran Campus Ministry
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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 Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM)?
If you know such a student attending the University of Minnesota, 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 LCM's 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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"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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Two Minnesota authors of books on community repair to speak | |
Minnesota Council of Churches Co-CEO Curtiss DeYoung and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison have both released books about their leadership in two sectors of Minnesota -- faith and law -- in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. Under the theme "Broke and Woke," you are invited to join the authors for a brown-bag lunch and public conversation about their recently published books. (NOTE: The site has been changed since originally announced.)
Wednesday, August 16; 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Plymouth Congregational Church
1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis
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Please bring your own lunch and questions for the authors. Every person who donates $40 or more will receive a copy of each book as a thank-you gift. Your donation of at least $40 will help to cover the cost of the books and other refreshments.
To register
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Certificate program cohort
on moral injury announced
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The Shay Center for Moral Injury at Volunteers of America is now accepting registrations for its Moral Injury Certificate Program (MICP). MICP is a 10-week, online learning opportunity in which participants will learn what moral injury is and consider holistic approaches to healing moral injury. Lecturers include Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock and Dr. Zachary Moon, who are at the forefront of moral injury research.
Course duration: October 2 - December 20
Cost: $600-$800 (sliding fee)
The course culminates with a capstone project in which learners will integrate what they’ve learned about moral injury and approaches to care for individuals harmed by systems and structures that cause moral injury.
Continuing Education credits are available.
Register by September 20
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Congregations and a sustainable future | |
The Religion News Service recently published an article detailing new ways congregations can engage in ensuring a sustainable environmental future for all. The article details new credits and grants available to nonprofits, including congregations, that want to commit to cleaner energy alternatives.
Several synod congregations have already incorporated some energy-saving plans into their property. New legislation will increase the opportunity for congregations that have not yet been able to make these changes.
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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 pre-game 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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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? | |
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Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Elk River Lutheran, Elk River, on Sunday, August 13.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Christine Belfrey-Johnson at Redeemer Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Saturday, August 19.
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Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Springhouse Ministry Center, Minneapolis, on Sunday, August 20.
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Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
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Weekly Community Cookout, Wednesdays
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Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters, August 1, 8, 15
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RibFest in New Prague, August 4
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Redeemer Block Party, August 12
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Documentation and Legal Aspects of Faith Community Nurse Practice, August 17
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Hearts * Hands * Voices, August 19
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"Join or Die" film screeing, August 22
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Reclaim Gathering, September 14-17
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Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26
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Faith and Addiction Conference, October 5-7
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Fall Joint Ministerium, October 26
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Boundaries Training, November 2
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Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2-4, 2024
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