The Saint Paul Area Synod is delighted to announce that Kirsten Levorson will serve as the next Director of Bega Kwa Bega, beginning on Sept. 1. She has been serving as Acting Director since April of this year.

A long-time leader in the synod’s work with Bega Kwa Bega (our synod companionship with Tanzania), Kirsten chaired the Iringa Committee for more than six years. She has made 20 trips to the Iringa Diocese and she has served on the scholarship interview committee, the board of The Lutheran Center and she co-led the first joint choir tour in 2019.

A member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Kirsten has been involved in the congregation’s Tanzania companionship for 20 years. She has led travel groups and coordinated water projects and construction of a primary school as well as a dispensary expansion. She has formed deep relationships with village leaders and many scholarship students. Please join us in welcoming Kirsten officially as the BKB Director!

This week, 22 voting members from our synod are in Columbus, Ohio, for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, where they will hear reports, consider proposals and establish policy, elect leaders, worship together and adopt a budget. The assembly gathers every three years to conduct business related to the ELCA churchwide organization. Documents such as reports, proposed amendments and other resources are available at https://elca.org/churchwideassembly. If you wish to follow the proceedings, a live stream is also available at that link and you may follow the ELCA's social media for updates.

You are also invited to follow our synod's social media for fun updates and insights from our contingency. In fact, voting member Mark Lichtenberger will be taking over the synod's Instagram account to provide a young adult perspective on the week. Mark is a graduate of Prior Lake High School and now studies architecture at Rice University in Houston. While in high school, he served as a youth representative on the synod council. Thank you to Mark for giving us a glimpse of what churchwide assembly is all about this week!

"Just keep sowing the seeds," says Pastor Jodi Houge of Humble Walk, St. Paul. She shares her thoughts about what Planting Hope means for the Saint Paul Area Synod. Thanks for your message, Jodi!

The Saint Paul Area Synod is pleased to announce its new and improved online giving page, which makes it easier than ever to make one-time gifts or set up recurring donations. The look of the page has changed, but you can still adjust existing donations, set up new gifts and update your personal information at www.spas-elca.org/give. If you previously had a Vanco account, you can log in with the same user name and password. Please note that you still do not need to create an account, unless you wish to set up recurring automatic payments or use ACH funds.

We now have a mobile app for synod donations, too! Download the "Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement" free app at the App Store or Google Play, then search for "Saint Paul Area Synod." You'll be able to select the fund (mission support, Planting Hope, BKB, etc.) and donation frequency. You have the option of covering the donation processing fees to help your gift go further in the synod. It's easy and quick - check it out! Questions? Contact the synod office at 651-224-4313.

Children's ministry staff and key volunteers are invited to talk about "The New Look of Kids' Ministry!" Join Rachelle Gill (Easter, Eagan) and Julie Vagle (Trinity, Long Lake) to discuss the changes in children's ministry that have worked and the new ideas you are trying this fall. Bring your marketing ideas and graphics so we can share screens and spark some great conversations! Questions? Contact Rachelle at rgill@easter.org.

Children's ministry gatherings are offered regularly as a partnership of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods. Notes from previous gatherings may be found in the “files” section of the Twin Cities CYF ELCA Facebook group.

This gathering is for those who work in communications (newsletters, websites, social media, etc.) in the synod's congregations.

Do you find yourself running out of storage space for physical and/or digital files? Is chaos overtaking your filing systems? Photos, video clips, printed pieces and other types of files get saved to our computers and then sit...taking up valuable storage space. Ben McDonald Coltvet will discuss the technology side of file storage and share his experience with it as associate director of digital content at Luther Seminary. Previously, he served as digital media manager for the ELCA churchwide organization and as director of communications at the Greater Milwaukee Synod. Ben joins Paul Daniels, ELCA Region 3 Archivist, who will share some great hints on what's important to save and what's not! He'll also share about services that the Region 3 Archives offers for congregations. Come ready to share your own helpful hints and to ask questions! Register here. Questions? Contact Mary Smith at 651-224-4313 or communications@spas-elca.org.

With the support of the Saint Paul Area Synod, LCM is also exploring what ministry might look like at Century College in White Bear Lake. If you know any students, faculty or staff at that community college, LCM would welcome a connection with them. School starts soon....please share your names ASAP!

Do you know a young adult Lutheran (ages 18-30) who might be interested in a unique global opportunity at the 2023 Lutheran World Federation Assembly in Krakow, Poland in September of 2023! Applications are now being accepted for the Stewards Program, which provides a space for sharing ideas, leadership development and increased understanding of the LWF and the role of its highest decision-making body, the Assembly. Stewards are young leaders who commit time, energy, skills and knowledge to help ensure the success of the Assembly. Applications are due Sept. 30. Learn more.

ELCA Coaching offers a weekly online gathering for ministry leaders. For the rest of August, sessions will focus on the basics of one of a number of coaching skills. This time will be followed by small breakout rooms to practice this skill with each other on real and relevant topics that you bring with the goal of leaving the time together feeling empowered, valued and prepared for your next most faithful step. On Aug. 10, the focus is on "Embody the Word," the theme for Churchwide Assembly and one of the centering scriptures for ELCA's coaching ministry from Luke 24. The group will also record a blessing for churchwide assembly participants. Learn more.

Zion Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove invites you to its Summer Church Festival. There will be food, games, a bouncy house, silent auction, raffle, bake sale and more. Learn more.

Congregational ministry is often designed as ministry to older adults. The new demographic of early old age is hungering for an experience of ministry with….where there is a challenge to participate in rather than the singular option of chaplaincy care to receive. Rev. Carl Greene will share practical approaches that congregations can undertake to engage early old age adults (those 65-80), leading to congregational flourishing and missional living. Congregations truly have great ministry opportunities with early old age adults...if we are intentional. This free webinar is offered through Adult Lutherans Organized for Action. Register here. ALOA has more than 20 webinars on spirituality, aging, health and wellness or ideas for congregational ministry. Click here to access them any time.

Experiences of division, isolation, and despair are overwhelming. BELONGING offers connection, encouragement, and hope. The Ministry Lab invites clergy, faith formation, worship, and other congregational leaders to join its seven-part webinar series, "Belonging: Welcome Well-being." Grow with coaches toward greater personal wellness; learn from therapists tools to foster intergenerational mutuality; rest with a contemplative in belonging to God; and be inspired by artists to deepen and broaden communal belonging - all leading toward greater well-being for

individuals and communities. Each week has a different focus related to belonging to, in and among self, family, elders, God, relationship, etc. Learn more.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota's gala brings together neighbors helping neighbors to celebrate its mission of inspiring hope, changing lives and building community. Gifts and sponsorships support life-changing services that impact one in every 65 Minnesotans. Learn more.

This conference is open to all who have been touched by addiction, with a special focus on leaders who provide spiritual care. Presenters are experts in the fields of mental health, addiction, faith, science, justice, trauma and more. Early bird pricing of $325 per person ends Aug. 31. Regular pricing is $375 per person. Group and seminary discounts are available, as well as partial scholarships. Learn more.

A pre-conference retreat for clergy will be held Oct. 4-6 at the Airport Hilton and the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge. This gathering will include time in 12-Step meetings reflecting on Steps 1, 10 and 11. Space will be given for quiet reflection, spiritual direction and fellowship. A freewill offering will be accepted (suggested at $50) and the retreat is free for seminarians. Learn more.

This conference creates a space to inspire Progressive Christian faith formation leaders as they reflect together, form networks, and cultivate innovative and sustainable ministries with children, youth, families and adults. Both newer and more seasoned leaders create a community in which to connect and grow! Under the theme, "In the Ways of Jesus: Gracious Idleness, Scrappy Transformation, Radical Belonging," participants will process the last few years with comedy improv troupe Danger Boat Productions; strengthen collegial community led by musician Sara Thomsen; rest and renew in the beautiful retreat center; and get inspired by ministry innovations created by neighboring communities. Early bird registration is available through August! Learn more.

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