News & Events: Epiphany Service with Presiding Bishop Eaton

January 2, 2023

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The synod office is closed today in observance of New Year's Day.

Epiphany Service with Presiding Bishop Eaton

Friday, Jan. 6 - 7 p.m. | Gloria Dei,

St. Paul

The ELCA Conference of Bishops is meeting in the Twin Cities this week. You are invited to join members of the conference and others for a Celebration of the Epiphany this Friday at 7 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will preach at this special service of candlelight and Holy Communion. The service will be live streamed at www.gloriadeistpaul.org; click on “Join Online Worship." A reception will follow the service.

Innovative Practice, Design Thinking & Experimentation

Saturday, January 21 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul

Have you ever felt stuck in your ministry? Does it feel that you are running into roadblocks as you try to proclaim the Gospel to your community? Do you have the pressure of the past haunting you as you live into this present reality as church? Are you ready to try something new?

The synod’s Vitality Team is offering its next Tools for the Church event to address these questions and more. We will explore design thinking and spend time together dreaming and thinking of the innovative places God is calling your congregation specifically in this time. After some conversation and work together around risk taking and failure, you and your team will be given tools to plan some experiments for your setting. The cost is $10 per person and includes lunch and snacks. Register here. Watch a video invitation from Pastor Justin Grimm here:

Registration Opens Tomorrow!

Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders & Conference Assemblies

Saturday, Feb. 25 - Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley

This annual event brings together lay leaders, ministry volunteers and church staff from all of the congregations in the synod for learning and networking! It's a wonderful opportunity to hear from experts in a variety of areas related to congregational life and to hear experiences and perspectives from people in other congregations.

This year's Tool Kit features 10 workshops that cover a variety of areas related to congregational life: bystander training, understanding implicit bias, children in worship, hybrid ministry, faith-based advocacy, peer ministry skills and creating a culture of calling. There are even special sessions for congregational presidents/vice presidents and treasurers. The registration fee is $20 per person. Registration opens tomorrow! Tool Kit will be held in conjunction with conference assemblies, when the synod's six conferences meet separately for pre-synod assembly business which may include elections, proposed resolutions or other matters. Learn more.

WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT:

Governance, Management and Decision Making for Presidents & Vice-Presidents

In congregational leadership, the roles of the council president and vice-president have unique opportunities and challenges. Council presidents and VPs, from the newly elected to the most seasoned, are encouraged to attend this forum to receive template materials and discuss in both small and large groups critical topics of common interest and concern. These range from the basics of running an effective meeting and delegating to more complex themes such as pastoral support, conflict resolution, and setting up a process for evaluation. Additional topic suggestions are welcomed! This workshop is a two-part offering; participants should plan to attend both sessions (before and after lunch).

Presenter Dave Webb is a former superintendent for South St. Paul Public Schools and the current president of the council at Shepherd of the Hills in Shoreview. Dave is the author of Homerun Leadership: Your Guide to Better, Faster Team Decisions. He loves helping other leaders thrive in their callings.

BKB Program Coordinator Applications

The Saint Paul Area Synod is accepting applications for a two-year volunteer position based in Iringa, Tanzania, to support our Bega Kwa Bega partnership. This position provides support in four key areas: administration, relationship building, hospitality and project monitoring. This is an entry-level volunteer position for a globally aware, mission-minded individual (or couple) interested in a hands-on, immersive experience in a cross-cultural setting. A living allowance and in-kind support are provided. Click here for the full job description. Applicants may send a cover letter and resume to BKB Director Kirsten Levorson at kirsten.levorson@spas-elca.org. Please pass this opportunity on to anyone you know who might be interested!

Minnesota Gun Safe Now

Tuesday, Jan. 17 - 7-8:30 p.m. | Online

Minnesotans are at a pivotal moment for advancing public safety, especially regarding gun violence. Towards this goal, leaders in gun violence prevention organizations will unite for an online Zoom conversation to strategize about engaging Minnesota legislators in passing laws that respect responsible gun ownership while strengthening safety and accountability. Participating organizations include groups such as Brady, Moms Demand Action, Protect Minnesota, Minnesota Gun Owners for Safety (Giffords), and ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

A Deeper Dive: Leadership Conversations for Congregation Presidents & VPs

Thursday, Jan. 26 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Online

For congregation presidents and vice presidents

After a holiday break, we are back to our monthly series of leadership conversations for congregation presidents and vice presidents! The Zoom gatherings are hosted by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer (assistant to the bishop for lay leadership) and Dr. Dave Webb (retired school superintendent and council president at Shepherd of the Hills). Additional sessions are scheduled for March 30 and on Feb. 25 as part of the synod's Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders. Register here for Jan. 26!

ELCA Disability Ministry Grants

Applications are being accepting for grants through ELCA's Disability Ministry for congregations, synods or other ELCA organizations that are committed to inclusion and accessibility. Eligible projects and proposals must reflect at least two of the three commitments of ELCA Disability Ministry:

Preparing leaders for serving people with disabilities, raising up people with disabilities for leadership positions, and encouraging the participation of those with disabilities in the wider church.
Equipping our synods, congregations and members with relevant and practical information that enables them to welcome and support individuals with disabilities so that they might participate fully in the life of the congregation and that, together, all might experience being the body of Christ.
Gathering and connecting those with disabilities and various groups within the church so that they might help us become an inclusive, supportive and whole community of faith.

The first 30 grant applications received through the GrantMaker application process will be considered. Of those 30 received, the review team will approve up to five grants of up to $10,000. Learn more.

Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association

The Evangelical Parish Nurse Association is in the process of changing its name to the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA). This organization began right here in the Twin Cities in the mid-2000s.Here are some resources for learning more about faith community nursing:

More information is also available at https://elpna.org/. (This will soon navigate to lutheranfcna.org.) One benefit for member faith community/parish nurses is access to member’s only resources such as a program library, bulletin inserts, and evidenced based programs to support congregational health.

2023 Mileage Rate

The 2023 mileage reimbursement rate by the IRS for 2023 is 62.5 cents per mile. This allowance is already reflected in the synod's 2023 Compensation Guidelines document found on the synod website.

EVENTS OF INTEREST

Courageous Leadership Series

Wednesdays - 1 p.m. | Online

ELCA Coaching offers a weekly online gathering for ministry leaders. Each week this series features a new topic and presenters. On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the majority of the hour will be spent in breakout rooms with conversations facilitated by ELCA coaches focused on grief and loss, rural ministry, urban ministry, hybrid church, race relations and more. Recordings of these conversations are posted by the next day. Learn more.

Supporting Youth Safety & Healthy Choices in the Virtual Playground

Saturday, January 21 - 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Lutheran Social Service, St. Paul & Online

Cherish All Children invites you to its sixth annual community education event. Faith leaders, parents, grandparents, youth leaders, mentors – this event is for you! Cyberbullying, texting, screen time, toxic images – learn how you can support youth in developing a healthy sense of self and staying clear of online exploitation. Speakers include Alison Feigh, Director of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, a program of the Zero Abuse Project; and Joy McElroy, Director of Cherish All Children. Learn more and register. Questions? Email info@cherishallchildren.org or contact Joy McElroy at 651-207-3357.

Other Event Reminders:

Become a Time Boss - Jan. 10 | Online
Discerning Whiteness: The Unacknowledged Barrier - Jan. 19 & Feb. 2 | Online
Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders & Conference Assemblies - Feb. 25 | Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley
2023 Synod Assembly - May 12-13 | St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi
Festival of Homiletics - May 15-19 | Central Lutheran & Westminster Presbyterian, Minneapolis