Enews: What's the context for that; LSS gala; and more

September 13, 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.

NLC season tickets now available

Season passes, subscriptions, and tickets are available for the National Lutheran Choir's (NLC) 37th season. This year, NLC is celebrating its choir's "Second Generation" with Artistic Director David Cherwien, who will be retiring at the end of the season. Cherwien says, "This season we invite you to join us as we acknowledge that the choir of yesterday and today will carry on for generations to come. As our lives change so does our understanding of God. But one thing is certain: God does not change. Whether you can attend our events live or virtually, we have many experiences in store for you this season."

Enjoy the All Saints or Christimas festivals in 2022, or the Hymn Fest or Spring Concert in 2023. Find out more by clicking below.

See the season's brochure

‘Mairzy Dotes and Dicey Quotes …

“Speaking of good laughs and context, this blog writer is going to share with you some ‘behind the scene’ realities of the synod office – you know, your synod staff working for you as co-workers for the sake of the gospel. (You might question the “working” part when you finish the blog.) Well, on a wall in the office kitchen, we have what we call The Quote Wall (TQW). Maybe you have one, too. Staff members can get a ‘quotation’ added to the wall when they utter a phrase that you wouldn’t expect to hear at a synod office … or anywhere else in polite company probably.”

Read Bob's blog

Resiliency coaching cohort for women in ministry

It’s been more than two years since everything changed. We know that ministry is different today than it was before the pandemic. We have changed. Our congregations have changed. Our communities have changed. This cohort will be a time of resourcing and coaching for women leaders. Tools will be shared for building resiliency muscles, finding ways to move through stress, address issues unique to women in leadership, and more. The facilitator is International Coaching Federation certified coach, the Rev. Mary Frances, who has served in a variety of settings in the ELCA.

Wednesdays from October 5 to December 7

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Cost: $175 for all eight weeks (only $21 a session)

For more details or to register (by September 15), email Director for Evangelical Mission, the Rev. Norma Malfatti.

You can help change lives

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) invites people to join in the Celebration for Changing Lives on Saturday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. This gala brings together neighbors helping neighbors to celebrate LSS’s mission of inspiring hope, changing lives, and building community. Gifts and sponsorships support life-changing services that impact 1 in every 65 Minnesotans.

Saturday, September 17

5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

The Depot

225 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis

This year, LSS is celebrating in person with a social hour, dinner, and program, as well as an invitation to support its vision that all people have the opportunity to live and work in community with full and abundant lives.

Women of the ELCA

to offer fall gathering

The Women of the ELCA offer a day for connecting with other women to refill, energize and rediscover joy in daily life. Inspiring sessions will encourage reflection on your calling, meaningful ways to engage your community, and opportunities to grow in faith.

Saturday, October 8

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Peace Lutheran Church

20 Northdale Blvd., Coon Rapids

The theme for this gathering is "For Such a Time as This ... You are Created." Registration includes a chair message, coffee and breakfast treats, lunch, artistic gifts, and childcare.

For more information

Celebrating Lutheran Campus Ministry at the U in the Twin Cities

Join Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities for a fun in-person gathering at the beautiful Campus Club Terrace overlooking the city. Guests will gather around hearty appetizers, a cash bar, good music, inspirational stories from students and alumni, and a chance to raise some money for the transformational work happening at Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities!

Thursday, October 13

The Campus Club on the U of M campus

5:00 p.m. - Cocktails and Appetizers

6:00 p.m. - Program

7:00 p.m. - Singing around the fire

(bring your instruments)

Tickets: $25

Questions or RSVP

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Deacon Erica Larson at Transfiguration Lutheran, Bloomington, on Sunday, September 18.
Pastor Norma Malfatti will be participating in the 100th anniversary celebration at Elim Lutheran, Robbinsdale, on Sunday, September 18.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Bryan Odeen at Saint Peder's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, September 18.
Ms. Brenda Blackhawk will be meeting with the racial justice team at Valley of Peace Lutheran, Golden Valley, on Thursday, September 22.
Pastor Kelly Chatman will be preaching at the Faith Practices and Neighborhing Practices Fall Retreat at Doubletree, Bloomington, on Sunday, September 25.
Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and presiding at Salem Evangelical Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, September 25.
Mr. Jack Hurbanis is leading an adult forum at Valley of Peace Lutheran, Golden Valley, on Sunday, September 25.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching and installing Pastor Matt Schroeder as Senior Pastor at All Saints Lutheran, Norwood Young America, on Sunday, September 25.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a Ministry Site Profile at Diamond Lake Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 2.
Pastor John Hulden will be installing Pastor Martha Schwehn Bardwell as senior pastor at Our Saviour's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 2.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Pastor Anne Schaefer as associate pastor at Elk River Lutheran, Elk River, on Sunday, October 9.
Mr. Bob Hulteen will be attending the farewell for Pastor Tim Schroeder at Peace Lutheran, Coon Rapids, on Sunday, October 9.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars , Wednesdays
Youth Ministry Gathering, September 13
Celebration for Changing Lives, September 17
Saint Paul Area Synod Boundaries Workshop, September 22
From Nowhere to Now Here: Bernhard M. Christensen Symposium, September 22
Bishop's Theological Conference, September 25-27
ALOA: Ironwood Springs Lutherhostel, October 3-7
Addiction and Faith Pre-Conference, October 4-6
Addiction and Faith Conference, October 6-8
MAS Communicators Gathering, October 6
Youth Ministry Gathering, October 11
A Celebration of Community: Lutheran Campus Ministry, October 13
Joint Fall Ministerium, October 27
Boundaries Training, November 3
Youth Ministry Gathering, November 8
Southwestern Minnesota Synod Boundaries Training, November 9
Southwestern Minnesota Synod Boundaries Training, November 10
Youth Ministry Gathering, December 13
2023 Synod Assembly, April 28-29, 2023

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