Just over a week ago we gathered for the synod assembly. We were inspired as we heard about the lives of children and youth in our communities. Many of you shared how motivated you are to invest in real and concrete ways to change the lives of children.

Tonight we are stunned and saddened by the unconscionable shooting death of 18 children, several adults, and the wounding and traumatizing of many, many others. Like the grocery store shooting in Buffalo and gun assaults in our own cities, this recent violent outburst in Ulvalde, Texas, reveals our human vulnerability and fear. May it also rally us together to a new strength to stand up to violence.

What can we do? Tonight and tomorrow let’s embrace the children and youth in our lives. What a gift each one is. Let us pray for those who have died and pray with the earnest plea for God to show us the way of compassion and healing. And let us act - advocate for policies that lessen gun violence, intervene where mental health resources are needed, speak up for those at risk, invest in community-based responses to violence, and find that one next step you can take. There is always a next step. Do it for love.

Bishop Patricia Lull

For rostered ministers in Region 3. Changes in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) have created a time-limited opportunity until Oct. 31, 2022. Previously ineligible borrowers may now be eligible under the limited PSLF waiver!

This workshop is offered through LSS Financial Counseling to help you:

No registration is necessary; click here to join the Zoom call.

Meeting ID: 867 3296 1945

Passcode: 958521

If you cannot attend the presentation, call 800-528-2926 to schedule a free appointment with a student loan counselor or visit the LSS Sense & Centsibility Blog for additional information. Certified student loan counselors understand what people are going through and can help you explore if PSLF is right for you.

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.

The ELCA Youth Gathering is planned almost exclusively by volunteers. As planning for the 2024 Gathering in New Orleans gets ramped up, applications are now accepted for one of the 10 planning teams. Consider applying to serve the young people of our church! Applications will be accepted until June 24. Learn more.

The 2024 Gathering is also looking to hire a Coordinator for Event Logistics & Administration for its small but mighty staff. This person will be responsible for working with hotel and venue staff, coordinating registration and more. Read the job description.

The stress and anxiety of the past two years have taken a toll. Grief and isolation because of COVID, dismay related to the murder of George Floyd, and other life realities have affected us in untold ways. Many are in need of healing. This day-long retreat will provide time and space to renew and restore. Led by Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley and Dr. Jennifer Kilps, using the beautiful classic Labyrinth at Bethel Lutheran Church, participants will spend the day using 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. Click here to download a PDF poster. Registration is $40 and includes a boxed lunch. Register here.

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 Binga, 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.

This two-day retreat is for anyone personally experiencing trauma or caring for others with traumatic experiences (or both). Leader Carla Dahl, professor emerita of congregational and community care at Luther Seminary, will discuss physiological and spiritual aspects of trauma, the importance of self-compassion and practices and rituals that help re-establish connection with ourselves and others. A variety of overnight accommodations are available in addition to an option for commuters. Learn more.

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.”

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