May 31, 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.
Lutheran Night at the Twins
Start getting your group of 20 or more together for Lutheran Night at the Twins on Tuesday, August 2. 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.
Funeral feelings
“I personally don’t spend a lot of time on social media, but from the glimpses I’ve caught and what I’ve gathered from others, I know it’s been getting pretty ugly pretty quickly. Don’t get me wrong, there is so much to be rightly angry about and so much to lament, that is most certain. But how it all comes out reminds me a lot of what it’s like to be at a family funeral.”
Refer your graduating seniors to Lutheran Campus Ministries!
As you prepare to send your graduates this spring, Lutheran Campus Ministry-Twin Cities and campus ministries across the country, are preparing to welcome them well this fall, to walk alongside them as they grow in faith throughout their college careers. But we need your help to connect with them! 

There are a couple of ways you can refer your students going off to colleges/universities:
  • Visit the 'refer a student' button below to individually refer students. At the link, you'll select which college/university your student is attending, and then enter details that will help campus ministers reach out to your students and get them involved. 
  • Email us (dana@umnlutheran.org) a spreadsheet with your graduates' names/best contact info/which college they're attending, and our staff can pass along names and get them connected to the campus ministry at their school.
We are so grateful for the ways you've cared for and nurtured these students thus far, and we 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 Dana, our Program and Outreach Coordinator, at dana@umnlutheran.org!
We Have a Choice: A Message from Presiding Bishop Eaton
In her May column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that we can “remain isolated and reactive, or we can live as the new creation in Christ and be a witness to the world of the reconciliation we have received from God.”
 
After two years of pandemic precautions, the effects of isolation, chronic anxiety, loss, and grief have taken their toll. Research shows that we are angrier, more depressed, and less patient. Frayed relationships take effort and time to mend. There is no quick fix. Care must be taken now so that actions and decisions aren’t born solely or mostly out of reactivity. How we deal with real and critical issues now will have consequences in the future.
Walking the Labyrinth --
A Retreat for Healing
On June 2, join Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley and Dr. Jennifer Kilps for a day-long retreat for time and space to renew and restore using the beautiful, classic Labyrinth at Bethel Lutheran Church. Participants will spend the day interacting with the labyrinth for meditation, prayer, reflection, learning creative expression, and renewal. All are welcome to share this time together in their own faith, spiritual tradition, or practice. We simply ask that you bring an open heart and mind, and respect for the differences of others.

Registration is $40 and includes a boxed lunch.

Young Adult Community Resource Grant
Young adults long for in-person connection, particularly after years of isolation. We are launching a grant that will help connect young adults by creating gatherings whose mission serves to connect young adults (18-35) from a defined region for in-person gatherings centered on community, justice, and love

Eligibility:
  • Partner with at least one other ministry organization that currently serves young adults
  • Attend the ELCA Young Adult Ministry Partner Network gatherings
  • Attend the ELCA Young Adult Community Resources gatherings twice a year to process experiences
  • Leadership of the group must be at least 50% young adults (18-35)
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Funding amount: $1,000 - $5,000
Max number of awards: 25
Max applications accepted: 75
Grant opens: June 2, 2022
Grant closes: July 31, 2022
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at All Saints Lutheran, Norwood Young America, on Sunday, June 5.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be conducting a Ministry Site Profile at Our Saviour's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, June 5.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Salem English Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, June 5. 
  • Ms. Brenda Blackhawk will be speaking at an evening worship service at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Monday, June 6.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be conducting a Ministry Site Profile at Zion Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, June 12.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Holy Cross Lutheran, Minneapolis on Sunday, June 12.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching and meeting with the Faith Practices & Neighboring Practices Team at First Lutheran, Crystal, on Sunday, June 12. 
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Cross of Peace Lutheran, Shakopee, on Sunday, June 26.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org