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May 10, 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. 
A day filled with celebration
“’Life Together’ was the theme of the Minneapolis Area Synod’s 2022 Synod Assembly on Saturday, April 30, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. More than 450 people, including 353 voting members from congregations, gathered to worship, listen to inspiring speakers, elect leadership on synodical bodies, and vote on resolutions addressing issues in the public square.”
What's your money moment?
“I’m one of the founders of Exodus Lending, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of predatory payday loan debt. In forming the organization, we were committed to create a culture where people could have candid conversations about money and how it has impacted their lives, as well as be supported without judgment. During my time as a board, we would open each meeting by sharing ‘money moment’ stories.”
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.
LWF Webinar: Gathering Around the Tree of Life
The urgency of renewing Jewish-Christian relations today will be the subject of this Lutheran World Federation-hosted webinar. Lutheran and Jewish participants will offer a variety of perspectives on how to do this and what lessons we can learn during these times of social hostility and polarization. 
Lunch & Learn: Safe & Healthy Relationships for Youth
Join Cherish All Children to learn about their Safe & Healthy Relationships Youth Guide, and how YOU can make a difference in keeping children and youth safe. 

Co-authors Deacon Erica Larson, Director of Faith Formation at Lake Nokomis Lutheran and Joy McElroy, Executive Director of Cherish All Children will walk through the 4-session guide, engaging you in activities that help youth understand healthy relationships, signs of unhealthy or unsafe relationships, and how to keep themselves safe in online spaces.
They’re Still Taking Our Children:
The Evolution of Boarding Schools
Join us on May 23, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. for an event focused on how the legacy of Indian Boarding Schools evolved into our current child welfare system in Minnesota and how the Indian Child Welfare Act works to protect our Native families. Leaning on lived experience working in Indian Child Welfare, our speakers will walk us through the evolution of boarding schools and how we can work to counteract this harmful legacy.  Please register using the link below, and use the provided zoom link.
Annual Ascension Day breakfast for CYF staff
Children, youth, and family leaders of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods have been active in offering God's care and courage to the people they serve the last two years. The MAS/SPAS CYF Leadership Team is offering a time to come together to rest and enjoy at the Ascension Day Breakfast.

Thursday, May 26; 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Come eat, connect, be supported, and worship. Both synod bishops will be there, Rev. Jenny Sung will preach, and worship music will be led by Christian Ankrum from The Table. There will also be a raffle for free registration to the 2023 ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza! The cost is $10 per person. 
Boundless (still) offers alternative youth opportunity
This alternative to the cancelled ELCA Youth gathering is hosted by Humble Walk Lutheran Church in St. Paul and Pastor Jodi Houge. This program for young people in grades 8-12 includes worship, group activities, service projects, art, music, a field trip to Valleyfair, and more.

July 24-27

Special guests include Rachel Kurtz, Joe Davis, Austen Hartke, Osheta Moore, and Jenny Sung. Registrants are asked to stay on- ite at the host hotel, the Holiday Inn Express. The estimated cost is $200, not including lodging. 
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.

You are invited to join the Lutheran Social Services statewide virtual gathering in support of LSS Youth and Family Services on Wednesday, May 18, at 12:00 p.m. 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