Enews: Creating chaos; it's not ALL about Synod Assembly; Ascension Day CYF breakfast; and more

April 25, 2023

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Has your church participated in anti-racism training?

The synod staff team working on anti-racism training is inviting members of congregations to participate in a survey. Synod staff are trying to determine the level of training congregations in the synod have received, the response to the training, and recommendations about the training. Please considering sharing you reflections about the interest and experience of such training, and what impact the training has had. Thank you for your participation.

Take the synod anti-racism survey

Help us recruit an Executive Assistant to the Bishop

The position description for the "Executive Assistant to the Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop" is still available. The person who fills this 25-to-28-hour-per-week position will offer logistical assistance to the bishop, oversee human resources, and work with synod governance and financial accountability. For a more in-depth view of the areas of responsibility and the expectations, read the complete job description.

Embracing a little creative chaos

“When I was a kid, I often struggled in school. My grades rarely rose above a C average, and the end of every semester was a mad dash to complete dozens of assignments that had been lost to history or the bottom of my backpack. I survived because I was a decent test-taker and a competent writer. But my school experience, and a lot of my experience in workplace settings over the years, left me feeling like a failure – hopelessly disorganized and incompetent.”

Read Nick's blog

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, keynote speaker, available to sign books

The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III, has penned the recent book "Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times." This book influenced the selection of the the 2023 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly theme: "Restored to Life Anew." And, Rev. Moss will be keynote speaker at the synod's assembly on Saturday, April 29.

If you are a voting member or visitor at the assembly, and if you already own his book, Rev. Moss will be available for book signing after each of his keynote addresses. Books will not be for sale at the assembly, but they can be purchased in advance from Rev. Moss' preferred online independent bookseller.

Celebrate the synod's work to build a more just Minnesota

Come join as leaders and friends of the Minneapolis Area Synod’s organizing teams for a gathering to be in community and celebrate together at the close of legislative session. Be a part of the community gathered to celebrate our work on Restore the Vote, 100% Clean Energy, and more, and to continue to build our vision for what’s possible!

Saturday May 20; 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Redeemer Lutheran Church Backyard

1800 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis

We hope you’ll join us for good food, activities for all ages, and a brief program at Noon.

Let us know you are coming

Children, Youth, Family Team

to sponsor annual

Ascension Day breakfast

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to offer Faith and Life lecture at St. Philip the Deacon, Plymouth

Thursday, May 11; 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Bethlehem Lutheran

4100 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis

The MAS/SPAS CYF Leadership Team wants to offer you a time to come together to rest and enjoy at the Ascension Day Breakfast. Come eat, connect, be supported, and worship.

Deacon David Rojas Martinez will preach, and worship music will be led by Cathy Pino. There will also be a raffle for a free registration to the 2024 ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza!

The cost is $10 per person and can be paid in advance or at the door by cash or check.

Any vendors wanting to host a table at the breakfast, it will be $25/table (includes table and breakfast for one person; $10 each additional breakfast).

The Faith and Life Lecture Series of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran, Plymouth, will host The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on May 16. Curry will speak about "Holding onto Hope."

Tuesday, May 16; 7:00 p.m.

St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran, Plymouth

In person and online

Presiding Bishop Curry is Primate of the The Episcopal Church. He was elected to a nine-year term and installed in November 2015. He has written five books and numerous articles. In 2018, Religion News Association named Presiding Bishop Curry religion newsmaker of the year.

More information

ELCA launches Truth and Healing Movement

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has announced the launch of the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement. The focus of the initiative is to increase the church’s understanding of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous people in past generations and in the present.

“We must be in better, right, and healthy relationships with the Indigenous people of Turtle Island,” said Eaton. “As we know, the truth and our knowing and embracing it, is the first step toward healing for all of us.”

Learn more about the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement.

Watch the Truth and Healing Movement video

Celebrate with National Lutheran Choir

Join the National Lutheran Choir (NLC) for the conclusion to its 37th season with a Hymn Festival, the annual Gala, and Spring Concert! This weekend of events will celebrate everything the NLC has accomplished under David Cherwien’s leadership as he completes his tenure with the choir.

Hymn Festival: God Has Called Us

7:30 p.m.; May 5

St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Bloomington

Tickets at NLCA.com/Hymn-Festival-2023.

Annual Gala: From Strength to Strength

2:30 p.m.; May 6

The Westin Galleria in Edina

Registration at NLCA.com/Gala. Registration deadline is April 21. Free-to-all livestream also available!

Spring Concert: Ventures Known and Unknown

4:00 p.m.; May 7

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi

Tickets at NLCA.com/Spring-Concert-2023. Free-to-all livestream also available!

Lutheran church musicians gather to

"make the best of things"

Under the theme "Making the Best of Things," the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians is sponsoring an educational event at Lakeview Lutheran Church, Maplewood, on June 24, as part of its Hearts • Hands • Voices offerings. In particular, this event would be interesting to church musicians, directors of Christian ed, pastors, and all who are interested in exploring the intersection of the arts and faith formation.

Saturday, June 24

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Lakeview Lutheran, Maplewood

Cost: $45; $20 for students

Questions: Adam Lefever Hughes, education coordinator, Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

To register

ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants applications launch in May

The ELCA World Hunger program recently announced the application process for 2024 Domestic Hunger Grants. While more information will follow (so watch this space next week), it was announced that a webinar explaining changes in the process will be offered Wednesday, May 3, at 2:00 p.m., Central time.

ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants are awarded to ELCA congregations or organizations, or to other nonprofits with significant connections to ELCA congrgations. These are three-year grants up to $10,000 per year. In 2023, 53 groups across the 65 synods were awarded Domestic Hunger Grants. No applicants for the Minneapolis Area Synod received grants for the 2023 award year.

If your congregation is interested in applying for, or supporting an application for, a Domestic Hunger Grant, it would be good to attend the May 3 webinar. If you have further questions, contact Bob Hulteen after May 3, and include "Domestic Hunger Grant" in the subject line.

To sign up for the May 3 webinar

ALOA Lutherhostel planned

for Minnesota in the fall

Auditions open for the

National Lutheran Choir

Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA) has scheduled its next Lutherhostel retreat at the Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in Ironwood, Minnesota.

Dr. Mark and Rhoda Schuler will lead a study of "The Stones Cry Out: Archaeology and Spirituality in the Holy Land," and Pastor Frank and Deaconess Jan Janzow will lead worship with "Sacred Stories of Deliverance -- Then and Now."

Lutherhostel

October 2 - 6

Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch

Rochester, Minnesota

The cost ranges from $660 to $710 per person.

For more information

Share your voice and help the National Lutheran Choir (NLC) bring sacred choral music to communities both near and far by auditioning for the 2023 - 2024 season. Join its roster of volunteer singers of various faith backgrounds, occupations, and ages who are passionate about its mission to celebrate, invigorate, and expand sacred choral music.

Auditioning for the NLC is a multi-step process used to select the best singers for its needs and community at the time of auditions. First-round materials, an audition form, and solo recording are due by May 9.

Anyone interested in singing and sharing in NLC's music is invited to audition.

To learn more about the process or submit materials, visit the NLC website: NLCA.com/Auditions2023. Any questions about auditions can be directed to info@nlca.com or (612) 722-2301 (office).

Updates to Reclaim pricing and deadlines

Reclaim is a curated gathering for Lutheran people of African Descent of all ages and gender identities. The African Descent community thrives most when gathered, and it will gather in Minneapolis September 14-17 at Central Lutheran and Redeemer Lutheran churches.

There has been an update to the earlier-listed event registration prices. (Note the new Early Bird rate.)

Early bird registration (ends on April 30): $250.00

Standard registration (ends on June 30): $300.00

Young Adult registration (ends on June 30): $200.00

Late registration (ends on August 15): $400.00

Grounded in scripture, this gathering seeks to help participants feel embodied, emboldened, and liberated in their identities. Over the four-day gathering, participants will engage in workshops, shared meals, and praise and worship designed to build and strengthen community, teach new skills, share resources, and rejuvenate weary souls.

The cost for the event covers the cost of the gathering, meals, and Saturday night gala dinner.

The preferred lodging is the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Minneapolis. The event will take place at Central Lutheran Church and Redeemer Lutheran Church throughout the weekend.

To register

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Good Shepherd Lutheran, Wayzata, on Wednesday, April 26.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at the 2023 Synod Assembly opening worship at St. Andrew Lutheran, Eden Prairie, on Friday, April 28.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Pastor Kari Bahe as senior pastor at Zion Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, April 30.
Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Sunday, April 30.
Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at Lord of Life Lutheran, Ramsey, on Sunday, April 30.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a congregational town hall event at St. John Lutheran, Belle Plaine, on Sunday, April 30.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching and installling Pastor Margaret Kelly at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist, Minneapolis, on Sunday, May 7. Pastor Margaret is the Executive Director of The Dignity Center, a ministry of Hennepin Avenue UMC.
Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Amazing Grace Hmong Lutheran, Fridley, on Sunday, May 7.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at the First Call Theological Education event at Dunrovin Retreat Center, Marine on St. Croix, on Tuesday, May 9. (The event begins on Monday, May 8.)
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Deacon Stephanie Luedtke to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament (Pastor) at Pilgrim Lutheran, St. Paul, on Saturday, May 13.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Pastor Andrea Roske-Metcalfe as Senior Pastor of Diamond Lake Lutheran, Minneapolis, on May 14.
Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Bloomington, on Sunday, May 14.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars , Wednesdays
Five Simple Steps to Stop Working on Your Day Off, April 25
Addiction and Developing Nations, April 27
2023 Synod Assembly, April 28-29
Children's Ministry Gathering, May 8
Communicators Gathering, May 11
What Every Nurse Needs to Know About Spiritual Care, May 11
Festival of Homiletics 2023, May 15-18
Holding onto Hope, May 16
Synod Organizing Celebration Event, May 20
Western States Youth Gathering, July 4-6
Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20
The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth, July 23-28
Reclaim Gathering, September 14-17
Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26

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