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May 03, 2022
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff members are splitting time between in-office and remote work; the office remains closed to public meetings. This protocol will be evaluated periodically to reflect the CDC guidelines for vaccinated persons. 
Thanks for Coming!
We were grateful to be together again last Saturday for our first in-person Synod Assembly since 2019! Thanks to everyone who attended in person or via livestream.
What mentors have meant
“My talk that day with Chuck Lutz was one of the most important discussions of my life. Although at the time I still planned to go to sem (Wartburg being my choice), I no longer felt responsibility to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament. And, before I could attend, I ended up in Washington, D.C., deeply engaged in the life of the Sojourners Community and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. I was ‘living my best life’ as a lay person engaged in the ministry of the church.”
Join ELCA World Hunger's Global Farm Challenge
The Youth Gathering may be canceled, but the work of the church is more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic and violent conflicts around the world have led to a rise in hunger unlike any we have seen in recent history. 

As you plan for new activities and events this summer for youth, we invite you to join us in ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge, a youth-focused, whole-church campaign to accompany our neighbors who are facing threats of hunger and poverty around the world. Global Farm Challenge resources include a brochure, Youth Action Guide, a podcast mini-series, a Global Farm Challenge To-Go game, and more!

Visit ELCA.org/globalfarmchallenge for more information, to order resources when they become available, and to begin planning your youth group’s participation and fundraising.
Free Download: Fun Gratitude Song and Participatory Ritual
Through April, get a free download of a song of gratitude and participatory ritual written by Bret Hesla on commission for Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.

Use it after sharing communion, as an offertory song, or in other creative ways!
Church musicians tune up
for Worship Band Gathering
Tune in for a virtual TUNE UP gathering on May 6-7. The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians will gather on Zoom for training, collaboration, and networking. This gathering is for everyone: instrumentalists, vocalists, worship leaders, pastors, and audio/video techs. The event will be held virtually over three two-hour sessions on Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon. The cost is $25 per person.
Augsburg Youth Theology Institute
Registrations are due by May 1 for the 2022 Augsburg Youth Theology Institute (AYTI), a summer program for high school students (grades 9 - 12) 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.
2022 Lutheran Social Services Benefit for Youth
While the past year has presented challenges for all of us in various ways, it has been particularly hard for young people, especially youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Please join us to reflect on and engage in ways we can all Rise Together, and support youth and young adults in our community.

On Wednesday, May 18, at 12 p.m. you are invited to join the Lutheran Social Services statewide virtual gathering in support of LSS Youth & Family Services. Your generosity will give thousands of young Minnesotans and the adults who care for them access to safety, stability, housing, resources and much more throughout the coming year. Register or give today.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org