June 21, 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. Ukraine Church addes to LWF On June 14, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Council welcomed the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine's (GELCU) as an individual member church during its governing body’s meeting in Geneva. This brings the total number of churches in the LWF to 149 in 99 countries. Until its application, GELCU has been an LWF member church through the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (ELC), a regional body comprising churches in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Central Asia. "The Council receives with joy the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine into membership in The Lutheran World Federation,” the governing body unanimously voted. Read more about the new LWF member Honoring a holiday “So, I’m probably not the best person to write this blog. After all, in the early 1980s I wrote editorials against having the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a federal holiday. Wait, you might be thinking: You were against MLK Day? Well, sort of. ” Read Bob's blog

Leadership for Social Justice Cohort '22-'23

Thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Leadership Center for Social Justice at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is welcoming applications a tuition-free, nine-month continuing education program in Leadership for Social Justice for congregational pastors in Minnesota and surrounding states. The program equips pastors with the skills to effectively address a broad range of social issues — including struggles for economic, racial, gender, sexual, and ecological justice — in ways that are reflective, practical, relational, and faithful. The program supports pastors in developing and/or deepening contextually-sensitive, sustainable, and community-based ministries in social justice responsive to what God is doing in the world, in congregations, and in communities. A cohort of 16 will meet twice a month from September 2022 to May 2023. In addition to earning a Certificate in Leadership for Social Justice, successful completion of the program fulfills the requirements for up to eight credits toward United’s Doctor of Ministry degree.

More information

Apply by July 1

Unique VBS opportunity Cristo Obrero, one of the synod's Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities, is hosting a Vacation Bible School on the farm with Prairie Oaks Institute August 1-5. Ten area churches and more than 200 kids will participate. Cristo Obrero and its partners are looking for additional volunteers to help with this week-long VBS program. August 1-5 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; 1st-5th grade 9:00 a.m.-Noon (Pre-K and K) Prairie Oaks Institute 1200 West South Street Belle Plaine More information Register a child Do you qualify for loan forgiveness? Changes to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program have created a unique opportunity for rostered leaders and other nonprofit employees. Have you been told in the past that you were previously ineligible for PSLF? You may now be eligible! PSLF has expanded qualified employment to include religious instruction and worship.  Lutheran Social Service offered a webinar on the qualifications for loan forgiveness for church workers. A recording of that webinar is available for your viewing. View the webinar recording

Rethinking Silence: A Tool for the Body, the Mind, and Sustaining Recovery

The Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a one-hour free webinar titled “Rethinking Silence: A Tool for the Body, the Mind, and Sustaining Recovery" on Thursday, June 30 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. with a 30-minute discussion after. 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 encourage a rethinking of our definition of silence – not just the absence of noise, but as a presence that can bring us energy, clarity, and deeper connection. Participants will learn more about the science of why silence is essential for bodies and minds, as well as practical approaches to cultivating silence in your life. Participants will discuss how silence can be key to promoting and sustaining recovery in all its forms.

Register today

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Cross of Peace Lutheran, Shakopee, on Sunday, June 26. Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Rev. Adam White at Faith Lutheran, Waconia, on Sunday, June 26. Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Revs. Derek Tronsgaard and Loren Davis at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wayzata, on Sunday, July 10. Pastor Norma Malfatti will be attending Partner Thank You Sunday at San Pablo/St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 17. Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Christ Memorial Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, July 17. Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and presiding at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, July 24. Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran, Robbinsdale, on Sunday, June 24. Pastor Norma Malfatti will be participating in VBS on the Farm with Cristo Obrero, Chaska from Monday, August 1, through Friday, August 5.

Upcoming Events

Engaging Older Adults in Ministry Webinar, June 23 Cherish All Children Virtual 5k, June 24-26 Beloved Teen Group at Pride, June 25 Rethinking Silence: A Tool for the Body, the Mind, and Sustaining Recovery, June 30 Preaching for Action, July 7 Outdoor Concert with Jack Spirov, July 15 Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts, July 25-28 Lutheran Night at the Twins, August 2 Tending to Trauma: Yours, Mine and Ours, August 8-9 Book Release and Signing | In the Margins: A Transgender Man's Journey with Scripture, August 17 Effective Church Council Workshop Series, August 22 Bishop's Theological Conference, September 25-27 ALOA: Ironwood Springs Lutherhostel, October 3-7 Joint Fall Ministerium, October 27

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org

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