How we live out our faith matters to all our neighbors in this time of fractured, broken, and distrustful relationships within and beyond our congregations. Again, this year, we passed a resolution at the synod assembly, urging all congregations to engage in conversations and to take steps to reduce gun violence. The resolution also urged members of ELCA congregations to find ways as citizens to advocate for gun violence prevention policies and to promote responsible gun ownership. There are hundreds of ways to take action. The only bad option is to ignore this critical need for change.…

As we approach that [Emanuel Nine] anniversary this week, I ask all of us to step back and look at our lives. Where we have actively belittled or harmed communities of color, we must change our actions and our attitudes. Where we have allowed racism to go unchallenged, we need to step forward and take responsibility to address such injustice. Where we have fallen short – and we all have – we need to repent and hold ourselves responsible for doing better as individuals and as institutions.

Last week, the synod held its 2022 Honorees Luncheon to recognize ministers and congregations with milestone anniversaries and to lift up those who retired over the past year. Thank you to our host, Como Park Lutheran Church, for the delicious meal and hospitality. View the luncheon photo album here.

During the luncheon, those celebrating 50 or more years in ministry were invited to say a few words. Some were poignant, some were funny; others simply expressed gratitude for their life experiences. One of those reflections was from the Rev. Glenn Taibl, who continues to strive to be an "agent of hope" in a challenging world. He gave us permission to share the video clip here.

The full list of 2022 honorees can be found at https://spas-elca.org/2022-observances/.

After a near-unanimous vote to approve a synod resolution regarding the "Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival" at our recent synod assembly, we invite you—and your congregations—to join us for a virtual rally in Washington, D.C.! People are coming from across the nation or joining online. Please see this link to bear witness to a national, faith-rooted movement, addressing interlocking injustices of racism, poverty, the war economy, environmental devastation, and the rising influence of religious nationalism. For more information about how to get involved locally and nationally, visit poorpeoplescampaign.org or email Pastor Daniel Tallon Ruen at daniel@saplc.org to get involved in forming a synod work group.

Last month we announced the news that Dr. Anna Marsh has accepted a position at Luther Seminary as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Old Testament. She has been serving as the executive assistant to the bishop and program director for the synod's Lilly Grant. Her last day with the synod will be June 24.

We invite you to join us in sending Anna off with our gratitude for her years of service to the synod and our well wishes for her new endeavors. A reception will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Christ on Capitol Hill, 105 University Ave. W., St. Paul. No registration is required.

The Saint Paul Area Synod is seeking applicants for a front office administrator & event planner. This full-time employee will maintain synod records; schedule repairs and maintenance for the office; oversee logistics for a variety of events; and assist other staff with mobility, candidacy, vitality and leadership development tasks. View the full job description. To apply, send a cover letter and resume, along with three references including emails and phone numbers to anna.marsh@spas-elca.org. Review of applications has begun and will continue until the position is filled.

Eight Things You Didn't Know Remember About Children and God

"How can children humanize adults? How can children face us not only with God's grace but with God's command as well?" asked Dr. Amy Marga during our recent synod assembly. "What would that mean for the Church to organize itself around not only the needs of children but the capacities of children? The survival skills of children? And the laughter and humor and constant exploration that children bring to all of us?"

Dr. Marga, professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary, was the first of three featured speakers who challenged the assembly in thinking about children, specifically those in the East Metro. Her presentation was called "Eight Things You Didn't Know Remember About Children and God." Click below for her message, which provides a biblical and historical view of children.

Lutheran Campus Ministry-Twin Cities (LCM) and campus ministries across the country are preparing to welcome new high school graduates this fall and to walk alongside them as they grow in faith through college. But they need help to do this work in getting them connected!

There are a couple of ways you can refer your students to their local campus ministries:

LCM is so grateful for the ways you've cared for and nurtured these students thus far, and they are excited to partner with you in that work as they move through this next season of life. If you have any questions, reach out to the Program + Outreach Coordinator at dana@umnlutheran.org.

In 2022, Cherish All Children educated hundreds of youth, families and community members using their new Safe & Healthy Relationships Youth Guide. Through this resource, youth learn how to keep themselves safe from exploitation and adults learn how they can best support them in their growth into healthy relationships. YOU can help keep this work going!

For this Virtual 5K, you can head out solo or with friends and family to run or walk at a location you choose, enlisting others to sponsor your 5K. Learn more and sign up for this free event at cherishallchildren.org/race. Participants receive a Cherish All Children 5K race t-shirt as an important member of the fundraising team. If you’re unable to participate and would like to make a gift to support this work, visit donate.lssmn.org/Cherish5K. Questions? Email joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren.org.

Join women from around our synod for a day of worship, bible study and workshops. The featured speaker is The Rev. Babette Chatman, who serves as a campus pastor at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Other speakers include Bishop Patricia Lull, Pastor Lois Pallmeyer of Gloria Dei, St. Paul; and Laura Krueger, churchwide representative.

The convention also includes the business meeting of our synod's Women's Organization...electing officers and board members, approving the budget and setting direction for the future. This year, it's an opportunity to gather in person to renew friendships and make new ones. We'll be inspired and renewed, leaving revitalized in our faith. Voting member registrations are due June 18; visitor registrations are due July 1. Click here to register.

Start getting your group of 20 or more together for Lutheran Night at the Twins...congregations, youth groups, Bible study groups, etc. You'll receive group discounted tickets seated together, a welcome message on the scoreboard and the opportunity to participate in the national anthem choir. Ticket prices range from $17 to $37 in a variety of seating areas including the Deck, Field Box and Home Run Porch View. To reserve group tickets, contact Ryan Thomson at 612-659-3582 or ryanthomson@twinsbaseball.com. Payment isn't due until three weeks before the game. Learn more.

In conjunction with Lutheran Night at the Twins, one Sunday School teacher will be selected to throw out the first pitch at this game. A drawing will be held on July 20 with a blindfolded Sunday schooler drawing the winning name. Send in the name and contact information (phone or email) of your favorite Sunday School teacher by email to raijaw@aol.com or text to 651-332-9113.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, congregations of the ELCA will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our dedicated day of service. As you explore opportunities to participate, visit elca.org/dayofservice for planning resources including a tool kit, worship material, videos, posters, social media graphics and a special hymn for the day. As we continue our tradition of service to our neighbor, we remember the words of Martin Luther: “Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing.”

ELCA Coaching offers a weekly online gathering for ministry leaders. Each week features a new topic and presenters. Recent topics included leading in a multi-systems world (and staying healthy), human skills we need in an unpredictable world, and the big four ministries (Sunday School, camp, The Gathering and campus ministry). 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.

A panel of ministry leaders share their expertise on engaging older adults in ministry to each other, their families, their church and in their community. Sue Lennartson, director of adult ministry at St. Andrew’s, Mahtomedi, will lead the discussion. She’ll be joined by Pastor Roland Martinson, professor emeritus at Luther Seminary and author of Elder Rising; Pastor Chris Olson Bingea, senior pastor of First, St. Paul; and Pastor Kelly Chatman, a national teacher for the church in multicultural leadership, community engagement and congregational revitalization. They will share their experiences and explore the potential that older adults bring to the congregation as life long learners. This free webinar is offered through Adult Lutherans Organized for Action. Register here.

BeLoved Teen Group (BLTG) is a newly formed, metro-wide youth group, hosted by Grace Lutheran Church of Northeast Minneapolis and Queer Grace Community. It is created to be an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth to talk about God, where they can know that they are fully seen, known, and loved by God and by others. Teens (and their families) are invited to experience Pride with the group. You can meet at Grace Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. and ride with us or you can meet the group at the Queer Grace

Community booth at Pride at 11 a.m. We will return to Grace Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Sign-ups are requested at http://queergracecommunity.com/beloved-teen-group/. Follow the group on Facebook or Instagram @bltg.mpls, or email us at belovedteengroup@gmail.com.

We live in a world of noise and constant movement, but nearly all the world's religions and wisdom traditions teach about the value and importance of silence. Join Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz, authors of Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise, as they invite us to rethink our definition of silence…not just the absence of noise, but as a presence that can bring us energy, clarity and deeper connection. You'll learn more about the science of why silence is essential for our bodies and minds, and practical approaches to cultivating silence in your life. We will discuss how silence can be key to promoting and sustaining recovery in all its forms. Register here.

www.spas-elca.org | 651-224-4313