July 12, 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.
Communicators Re·Gathering
It's been a long time since the communicators and administrators of our synod churches have been together and we can't wait to see you and meet our new colleagues!
 
This Thursday, July 14, join the synod office communicators to discuss different sources for newsletter content, connect or re-connect with others in similar positions as you, and look ahead to the future of these gatherings!

Treats and coffee will be provided.
Have you walked that road?
“To recap, the Samaritan, unlike the hierarchs who had already walked by, not only stopped to help the victim of robbery and assault, he transported the injured person to an inn and offered to pay for his care. Now, remember, it was the Samaritans who were often seen as the ‘almost-but-not-quite-like-us’ group of the scriptures. They were quite normally treated poorly by the powers and principalities, the systems and structures of their day. In all likelihood, the traveler who was leaving Jerusalem for Jericho would have held some bias against the Samaritans he saw hanging out at the street corner.”
Celebrating getting a second chance
The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition, a partner organization with the synod's racial justice work, is hosting a community celebration and you are invited!

July 28,2022; 4:00-7:00 p.m.
The Northside Healing Space
2100 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis

Join in to connect with Minnesota Second Chance Coalition members and supporters, hear testimony from people with lived experience with incarceration, talk about actions by the 2022 legislature, plan for the 2023 session, enjoy a kid-friendly activities, and celebrate the community.

The future of ministry may be bi-vocational
Whether you’re experiencing burnout, approaching retirement, or wondering how to pursue that business idea you’ve been thinking about, you may be asking yourself one very important question — Now what?

No matter where you’re coming from, figuring out the next step is critical – for you and your congregation. Do you need an exit strategy? How much time will this side project take? And what about the Business 101 you probably didn’t cover in seminary? They’re all good questions, and you deserve good answers. 

Those answers – and so much more – are exactly what our new course is all about. It’s called Bi-Vocational Ministry: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Gigs, and Side Hustles. If you’re ready to explore how God’s calling includes all of your gifts, skills, and interests, you’re not going to want to miss this.
Word of Peace completes LUN fundraiser at VBS!
Huge shoutout to Word of Peace in Rogers for continuing to fundraise for the Lutheran University Nigeria, culminating with collecting donations at Vacation Bible School June 20-24. The VBS families raise nearly $6,000 toward the University, bringing the congregation's total contribution to $15,546! Thank you, Word of Peace!
Are you job hunting?
Or looking for candidates to hire?
There are several active job postings on the synod's website right now, under four different categories:


Make sure to check them out or send them to someone who is looking!

If you're looking to hire for an ELCA-related position, you can send a job opening through our website and we'll get it up in a few business days.
Indian Boarding Schools:
Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling in the ELCA
The ELCA is beginning a coordinated effort to research Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding and day schools dating back to the 1820s. We are seeking both clergy and lay people who want to be part of this initiative. All are welcome, with a particular need for people with skills in research, data collection, organizing, and education. The goal is for our church members to know the history of church-sponsored Indian boarding schools and their devastating impacts on Native communities, and to participate in an ongoing truth and healing process.
Help synod staff shape childcare policies for synod events
The synod is increasingly aware that care for children can exclude parents from participation in synod events. We want to lower all barriers to participation. 

But, it is also sometimes hard to know just what might be most helpful to parents of young children. Does onsite childcare meet needs? What other accommodations might be even more conducive to supporting family life? 

Join our virtual focus group to help think how we might best support rostered leaders with children on Thursday, July 27, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Young Adult Book Project: The Threshold
The Riverside Innovation Hub is endeavoring on a book project that seeks to amplify the voices of young adults!

From November 4-6, 2022, a diverse community of approximately fifty young adults between the ages of 23 – 35 who are committed to helping God’s people find ways to express the fullness of God’s love and mercy will gather at Augsburg University in Minneapolis.

The group will begin to identify concerns, hopes, and dreams for God’s church and distill them down into key themes we want the church to know as it moves from the present moment, into the future.

Participants’ lodging and food expenses will be covered. Travel expenses, including airfare or mileage, will be reimbursed to the participant after the gathering in the form of a check.
Resources for the ELCA World Hunger — Global Farm Challenge
Join ELCA World Hunger this summer in the Global Farm Challenge, a youth-focused, whole-church campaign to accompany our neighbors who are facing threats of hunger and poverty around the world. Find prayers, podcasts, guides, and games, to be used at home, at church, or even in the car as you travel this summer linked below.

Also consider donating to the Global Farm Challenge. All donations are being matched dollar for dollar up to $525,000. This means that gifts will go twice as far in the work to alleviate and end world hunger.
Fall ALOA Lutherhostel event
to be held in Stewartville
ALOA’s annual Fall Lutherhostel is a time for older adults to gather and experience inspiring spiritual study, music, devotions, and outdoor activities. 

Ironwood Springs Lutherhostel
October 3-7, 2022
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Stewartville, Minnesota

Pastor David Buegler will lead a spiritual study. Pastor Frank and Deaconess Jan Janzow will lead devotions on The Lost Parables of Luke.

In additional to these sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and outdoor activities. Registration cost includes programming, meals, and lodging.
  • Stay in newly remodeled, accessible motel-style Lodge sleeping rooms: $600-$690 per person
  • Camping accommodations available: $550 per person
  • Commuter attendees (no lodging or breakfast): $375 per person
Bells will ring out throughout the Twin Cities on July 16
As part of the Minnesota Orchestra’s Day of Music in the Twin Cities, bells from a variety of institutions and congregations will be ringing out on Saturday, July 16. If you have a bell in your congregation and you intend to be part of this activity, let Rebecca Jorgenson Sundquist know so she can publicize it.

There will be activities throughout July 16, including bell tower tours, hand bell ringing, and many other events community musical events.

The culmination of the day will be an outdoor concert by the Minnesota Orchestra performed on Peavey Plaza, Minneapolis, starting at 8:30 p.m. The concert will conclude with the performance of the Great Gate of Kiev. This piece will feature bells ringing together from all over the city at approximately 9:15 p.m.  
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be attending Partner Thank You Sunday at San Pablo/St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 17.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Christ Memorial Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, July 17.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be conducting a Ministry Site Profile at Mt. Carmel Lutheran, NE Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 17.
  • Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at St. John's Lutheran, Mound, on Sunday, July 24.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and presiding at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, July 24.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran, Robbinsdale, on Sunday, July 24.
  • Ms. Meghan Olsen Biebighauser will be speaking at the Worship on Wednesday(WoW) at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Wednesday, July 27.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be installing Deacon Justin Rimbo at Spirit Garage, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 31.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be participating in VBS on the Farm with Cristo Obrero, Chaska, from Monday, August 1, through Friday, August 5.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org