No synod enews next week

In her September column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes: “In Christ we are individually members one of another. Sometimes we might feel like we are stuck with each other. This is the great mystery and beauty of the wounded body of Christ—we are woven together.”

Read Bishop Eaton's column in its entirety in either Spanish or English using a button below. 

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.

Live Concerts: Life Changed, not Taken Away

In the fall, nature around us enters its annual cycle of dormancy. While this may seem like death, it is merely a preparation for new birth. People of God understand death not as the end but as a transition. Through our annual All Saints Program, we will honor those who have passed while recognizing our past, present, and future journeys. This program will feature John Rutter’s iconic work, Requiem, along with hymns, candles, and the reading of names of our new saints.

Friday, November 4: 7:30 p.m.

St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Plymouth

Sunday, November 6; 4:00 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi

Adults and seniors: $33 | Students (with valid ID): Pay what you can | 18 and Under: Free

For group discounts (parties of 10 or more), contact the NLC office at (612) 722-2301. Visit NLCA.com to purchase tickets or learn more.

Virtual Program: The Journey Home

This program will feature selections from NLC’s 1995 recording “soul” with soloist Tom Tipton, including Edward Bairstow’s "I Sat Down Under His Shadow," David Mennicke’s arrangement of "Down in the River to Pray," Charles Stanford’s "Beati Quorum Via," and others – highlighting the spiritual connection between Heaven and Earth, and the hope this connection brings all of humanity. Available to all beginning Saturday, November 5. Watch at NLCA.com.

With the coming election cycle predicted to be more volatile, momentum is building for churches to start now to intentionally build peace in their communities. Learn about upcoming Christian Peacebuilder trainings. The upcoming sessions are:

• September 20, 12:00 p.m.: Orientation and Minnesota's Hot Spots, featuring Princeton University's Bridging Divides Initiative
• October 6 and 13, 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Adopting a Posture of Peace, featuring Resetting the Table
• November (TBD): Peace and Toxic Disinformation; featuring the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy

All Children, Youth, and Family staff new(er) to the Minneapolis Area or Saint Paul Area synods are invited to attend to make some new connections.

Thursday, October 6

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

Pilgrim Lutheran, Saint Paul

The CYF network wants to welcome you! Enjoy light snacks and fellowship and discover information/networks where you can find support. There's no cost to attend, but register in advance to aid in planning.

Join colleagues in person to talk about what your ministry will look like for Advent/Christmas. Bring your thoughts and examples to share for take-home kits, during-worship ideas, separate pageants, gatherings, and more!  Contact Rachelle Gill or Julie Vagle with questions.

Monday, October 10

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

St. Stephen Lutheran, Bloomington

These gatherings are sponsored jointly by the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area synods for staff and key volunteers who work in children's ministry. Notes from previous gatherings may be accessed in the files area of the Twin Cities CYF Facebook group.