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For Christ's Sake
Bishop Lull's message from the 2022 Fall Joint Ministerium on Oct. 27.
I never saw my father in his workplace, but I have probably driven by that Whirlpool factory in Clyde, Ohio, hundreds of times as an adult, wondering what he was like to work with for those who knew him in that place. He was machinist, the one you called when things broke down on the assembly line where the washing machines were made.
"I learned from one of his contemporaries that my dad was also the one you called when a heated argument broke out in the lunchroom or on the loading dock. He had a way of talking to people that could settle them down, get them to see beyond their disagreements. When the fists were ready to fly and he said, “Knock it off for Christ’s sake,” I think he meant something more like “Stop it. God did not come in Christ to reconcile the whole world so you could tear each other apart.”
Read the full message.
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Mental Health Grants
There are funds remaining in a grant the synod received from the ELCA to promote mental health learning events in the synod. See below for a quick overview of the simple application process. Click here for full grant details. We know that youth and their families are struggling with many concerns. How could your congregation use a small grant to share tools for navigating life in these unsettled times? I hope to hear from you.
Bishop Lull
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How to Apply:
Applications for grant funds must be submitted under the name of a rostered minister on the synod's active roster. A successful application for grant funds will include:
- name and contact information for the primary contact (rostered minister)
- amount requested (up to $500)
- a description of the proposed content
- the cost of the training/workshop
- any costs associated with sharing the learning with the congregation
- comments on how you plan to achieve each of the learning goals (details here):
- rostered and lay leaders learning together
- learning to teach
- connections between congregations
Note: Grant plans may be subject to further conversation with synod staff.
SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO:
Bishop Patricia Lull at patricia.lull@spas-elca.org
Questions? Call 651-224-4313
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Green Blades Rising
Green Blades Rising is a monthly EcoTheology publication produced by the EcoFaith Network NE-MN Synod with the Saint Paul Area Synod's Care of Creation work group. It contains an EcoFaith preaching roundtable, highlights of congregational creation care initiatives, creation advocacy opportunities, and more. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox.
The November edition contains an invitation to a conversation on the ELCA's draft social message on climate, as well as articles on becoming an ecofaith congregation, being neighborly and protecting water, the ecofaith book of the month, green tips to share and much more. Read the November edition.
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Children's Ministry Gathering
Monday, Nov. 14 - 1 p.m. | Online
Children's ministry staff and key volunteers are invited to hop on Zoom for a discussion about family worship and activities. Bring your experiences, ideas and wonderings! Our hosts are Rachelle Gill (Easter, Eagan) and Julie Vagle (Trinity, Long Lake). Click here for the Zoom link. Questions? Contact Rachelle at rgill@easter.org.
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Lutheran Social Service:
Youth Holiday Gifts
LSS Metro Homeless Youth Services invites you to assist in brightening the lives of youth and children by participating in its annual Youth Holiday Gifts.
Gifts received during the holidays allow youth to celebrate, feel recognized and loved at a time when they may be disconnected from their families. It means the world to know there are folks in the community who want to support them in their journey.
You may participate as an individual, a family, or as a church group in purchasing gifts. Please indicate your participation by Nov. 20 by visiting Youth Holiday Gifts and completing the sign-up form. Gift drop-off dates will be Dec. 9-10. Questions? Contact metrohomelessyouth@lssmn.org. Thank you for your generosity!
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Suicide: Guns, Grief and Grace
Thursday, Nov. 17 - 7-8:30 p.m. | Online
Nearly 70% of gun deaths in Minnesota are suicides, mostly in rural areas. Nationally, about 60% of gun deaths are suicides. Guns are the preferred suicide instrument. ENGAGE, the gun violence prevention work group of our synod, is hosting an online conversation to create awareness of the relationship between guns and suicide, and to propose aids for prevention. Data will keep us honest, guests will share their stories, scripture will be our guide, and all of us our support. Register to receive the Zoom link.
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Bega Kwa Bega Fall Festival
Saturday, Nov. 19 - 8 a.m.-12 Noon | King of Kings, Woodbury + Online
Bega Kwa Bega invites you to its 2022 Fall Festival where we will celebrate our "shoulder to shoulder" synod companionship with the Iringa Diocese of Tanzania. Special guests include the Rev. Askali Mgeyekwa, dean/assistant to the bishop of the Iringa Diocese, and the Rev. Jiskaka Lwila, district pastor and former BKB DIRA coordinator. The morning includes affiliate presentations, a keynote, breakout sessions and worship. Learn more and register. Can't attend in person? It will be live streamed on Facebook too!
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Young Adults in Global Mission
After a two-year pause, the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program is sending volunteers out into the world again. The program invites young adults aged 21-29 into a transformative, yearlong journey in international service. Applications are accepted through Feb. 1, 2023, with priority given to those who apply before Jan. 15, 2023. Learn more.
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Courageous Leadership Series
Wednesdays - 1 p.m. | Online
ELCA Coaching offers a weekly online gathering for ministry leaders. Each week this series features a new topic and presenters. On Nov. 9, the presenter is the Rev. Adam Stockton, who will share his experience with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recommendations for companionship and how it has changed the way he leads and teaches. The sessions often include time for small group break-out rooms so that leaders across the church can learn from one another and leave each gathering with at least one action step. Recordings are posted by the next day. Learn more.
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Prince of Peace Tanzanian Dinner & Auction
Sunday, Nov. 13 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Prince of Peace, Roseville
Prince of Peace invites you to attend its annual Tanzanian dinner to celebrate the relationship between the congregation and its companions, Bomalang’ombe Lutheran Church and Vikongwa Lutheran Church in Tanzania. You can feast on Tanzanian-inspired foods, hear more about the partnership, and bid on some great auction items from Tanzania! A freewill donation will be taken to provide scholarships and other needs in Bomalang’ombe, Vikongwa, and the Iringa Diocese in Tanzania. Click here to learn more or contact Caryn Josephson at czjosephson@gmail.com.
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Discerning Whiteness:
The Unacknowledged Barrier
Thursdays, Jan. 19 & Feb. 2 - 9 a.m.-12 noon | Online
Join Antiracism Study Dialogue Circles (ASDIC) and The Leadership Center for Social Justice for two clergy specific trainings on "Discerning Whiteness: The Unacknowledged Barrier."
Each three-hour session will take place over Zoom so participants can engage from anywhere. The sessions count towards six continuing education hours for clergy members. The cost is $90. Learn more and register.
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SYNOD STAFF IN CONGREGATIONS | |
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Deacon Krista Lind
- Nov. 20 - Grace, Apple Valley (installation of Pastor Sarah Rohde)
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
- Nov. 13 - Our Savior's, Circle Pines (installation of Pastor Susie Modrow)
- Nov. 19-20 - Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley (installation of Pastor Julie Wright)
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The Saint Paul Area Synod, which includes 110 congregations and new mission starts,
is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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