Enews: Paying bail; engaging the public square; job opening at the synod office; and more

March 19, 2024

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Minneapolis Area Synod seeks accountant

The Minneapolis Area Synod is seeking an accountant to begin by July 31. The primary functions of this position include preparation of monthly financial statements and other reports, maintenance of accounts and payroll, and preparation of the annual audit.

To apply, submit a letter of application, résumé, and the names of three references electronically to Jessie Goeke or to her attention using the synod address.

Full job description

Synod staff this week

Pastor Craig Pederson is on vacation this week. Normal office hours are in place.

'Got no money for to go their bail'

“Cash bail is a system wherein a defendant is required to pay a set amount of money to secure release from jail pending trial. The amount is determined by a judge and is intended to guarantee the defendant's appearance at future court dates. However, the ability to pay this amount is not evenly distributed across society, creating a chasm between those who can afford to buy their temporary freedom and those who cannot. … It is a is a mechanism that punishes people for being poor.”

Read Manny's blog

"God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday" set for September 8

Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 8, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for the ELCA's annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” Participating in service projects is one way to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

This year the ELCA also celebrates 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts, or food drives until World Food Day on October 16.

If your congregation cannot participate on September 8, you are encouraged to pick another date that fits your schedule. ELCA congregations participate in acts of service every day. This day of service is an extension of the work you already do to make your community a better place. Be sure to save the date and check ELCA.org/DayOfService for updated resources soon.

Exploring personal and communal boundaries

The Saint Paul Area Synod is offering continuing education that includes boundary training workshops. Pastors and deacons are required to participate in boundary training at least once every five years. This in-person workshop will cover foundational understandings of boundaries and power along with conversation about harassment, mandated reporting and self-care, as well as a deep dive into implicit bias.

Thursday, April 25 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

St. Michael's Lutheran Church

1660 West County Road B, Roseville

Presenters include Deacon Krista Lind and Bishop Patricia Lull from the Saint Paul Area Synod and Anna Stamborski from Faith and Prejudice. This workshop is open to rostered ministers from any ELCA synod. The cost is $40, which includes lunch. Registration is required.

Local pilgrimage joins national effort to create conditions for ceasefire in the Holy Land

Local leaders are planning a "Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage" in conjunction with national efforts to draw attention to events in Israel/Palestine. The idea is for Christian lineage people to express support for Palestine through a prayerful pilgrimage. Participants will walk the length of Gaza -- but here in the Twin Cities.

Saturday, March 23

6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

A sunrise prayer service will kick off the pilgrimage at 6:30 a.m. The end of the route is tentatively Savage Nature Center, near Bdote, where there will be culminating activities around 6:30 p.m.

For more information

NLC choir plans gala

Join the National Lutheran Choir's (NLC) Board of Directors, singers, and staff for its 2024 Gala. Under the theme "New Dreams," all will celebrate and show support for the mission of the National Lutheran Choir.

Sunday, April 7; 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Quincy Hall

1325 Quincy Street NE, Minneapolis

Come to hear about NLC's dreams and plans for next season from Artistic Director Jennaya Robison, enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres, hear a performance by the choir, and more! This is a "pay-as-you-will" event, with the approximate value of $75 per person.

To register

Science week for high schoolers at Gustavus

Do you know a high school student eager to be a change-maker in their world? Perhaps someone who is captivated by the wonders of science and curious about the potential synergy between faith and STEM disciplines? The Gustavus Academy includes talks from experienced scientists and in-person labs around this year's theme of "How and Why We Sleep: Revelations in Rest."

June 15-21

Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter

Students who have completed 9th - 12th grades by June 2024 are invited to register.

Learn more

The Confluence for high schoolers at Augsburg

Youth who have completed 9th - 12th grades are invited to participate in this year’s Confluence, formerly known as The Augsburg Youth Theology Institute. Participants will experience a week of discovering who they are and how God is calling them to make our world more just and sustainable for all.

June 23 - 28

Augsburg University, Minneapolis

Together in community, they will engage in vocational discernment through a variety of experiences including daily spiritual practices, small groups led by college mentors, tasty and meaningful meals together, thoughtful conversations with peers and mentors, and experiential learning around the Twin Cities.

Learn more

Lutheran Campus Ministry hosts early welcome event

On Wednesday, April 10, local high school youth are invited to join in Lutheran Campus Ministry's first "LCM Youth Night @ the U." Student leaders will welcome youth to a worship service, as well as connect with high school students over dinner before worship, and treats and fellowship afterward.

Wednesday, April 10; 6:30 p.m. U of M Campus Ministry

(Grace University Lutheran, Minneapolis)

The goal for this event is to offer high school students a glimpse of college life, an idea about what living out your faith in college could look like, and ways to find Christian community beyond graduation (even if they don't head to U of M!). This idea was 100% initiated by student leaders who are excited to connect with local youth.

Whether you wish to attend as a youth group, as a family, or as a group of friends, know you are welcome. Just RSVP to the Program and Outreach Coordinator by April 1.

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor Wondimu Sonessa will be preaching at Bread of Life Deaf Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, March 24.
Mr. Manny Lewis will be preaching and leading an adult forum at Advent Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Sunday, April 7.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Alexis Mattson at Advent Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Saturday, April 13.
Mr. Nick Tangen will be co-leading an adult forum with Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy at University Lutheran Church of Hope, Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 14.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at St. John's Lutheran, Shakopee, on Sunday, April 14.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Mark Abelsen at Mount Calvary Lutheran, Excelsior, on Sunday, April 21.
Pastor John Hulden will be attending the farewell service for Pastor Jacqui Thone at Alleluia! Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, April 21.
Mr. Nick Tangen will be preaching at All Saints Lutheran, Minnetonka, on Sunday, April 21.
Pastor John Hulden will be attending the farewell service for Pastor Christine Chiles at Maple Grove Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Sunday, April 28.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
Easter Egg Hunt, March 23
Addiction and Mastering Recovery, March 27
All Saints Easter Eggstravaganza, March 30
Bishop Nominee Forum, April 7
Bishop Nominee Forum, April 10
LCM Youth Night, April 10
Church Musicians Retreat, April 11-13
Bishop Nominee Forum, April 13
Bishop Nominee Forum, April 16
Minneapolis Area Synod Budget Hearing, April 25
Hans Nielsen Hauge Lecture, April 27
Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2 - 4, 2024
United Days, May 9
Ascension Day Breakfast, May 16
Synod Boundaries Workshop, November 21

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