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October 29, 2024

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
 

Two position openings for rostered leaders at synod office

The Minneapolis Area Synod is searching for candidates for two ordained positions -- the Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Vitality and the Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM). Both positions would work primarily out of the synod office.


If you know a rostered leader or are a rostered leader who would be interested in either or both of the positions, please apply for each separately as the DEM hiring process is coordinated by ELCA Churchwide (instructions are included in the job description) and the synod office oversees the process for the Assistant to the Bishop position. If you are have questions, contact Jessie Goeke, executive assistant to the Bishop.
Job description for Assistant to the Bishop
Job description for DEM

Synod staff this week

The synod staff will be in the office during their normal working hours.

I'm picking up good ... ideas

“I started out as a half-time solo pastor at church on the lower Eastside of Saint Paul. Fresh out of seminary, I kept asking, “What are the advantages to our small size? There must be some!” I tried many things. (God bless those wonderful Eastsiders who put up with me and my ideas.) And, every once in a while, something took hold.”
Read Pastor John's blog

WELCA plans to make a "World of Difference"

All women in the synod are invited to a day of connection, learning, and worshiping together at the annual WELCA Gathering under the theme of "Women's Gathering: World of Difference." Come to:


  • visit Explore Stations related to social justice and spiritual growth
  • enjoy coffee, breakfast, and lunch, as well as complimentary massage therapy
  • shop at the fair trade global market
  • hear music from Rachel Kurtz
  • choose from interactive sessions to inspire faithful living
  • be inspired by keynote speaker Dr. Jacqueline Bussie, author of Love Without Limits


Saturday, November 2; 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Diamond Lake Lutheran Church

5760 Portland Avenue, Minneapolis
For more information

Update youth ministry and youth gathering

Deacon Jess Liles, Director of Youth Ministry and the ELCA Youth Gathering at the ELCA, will be the speaker for SYMBOL (Synodical Youth Ministry Band of Leaders), a network of youth ministry leadership from each synod, for its next monthly forum. She will be leading a presentation on "Hopes for Youth Ministry and the Future of the Gathering."


Tuesday, November 5

11:00 a.m. Central

Online


This conversation is open to all those serving in youth ministry! Advance registration is requested.

For more information

Prayers for the protection of poll workers

Aware of how rancorous this election season has been, the Colorado Council of Churches has created a template for a “Blessing of Election Workers” service. The Colorado Council is asking churches to consider using this service on Sunday, November 3, but it can be used at any time.


Churches may do the whole service or the appropriate portions of it. The idea is to provide a template that can be tailored as one sees fit. Please include language like “Courtesy of (or Adapted from) the Colorado Council of Churches," so that the Council can track the reach of this service.

Blessing poll workers service

2024 Synod EcoFaith Summit upcoming

The EcoFaith Network of the Minneapolis Area Synod invites you to join its "2024 EcoFaith Summit: A Spirit of Power, Together." (2 Timothy 1:7) 


Join together with others for a day of worship, community, and action at University Lutheran Church of Hope. Workshops and the keynote include opportunities to learn how to improve energy efficiency at your church or home, bring faith practices into your life that center creation and climate justice, and take action using your own powerful stories to inspire change.


Saturday, November 16, 2024 

University Lutheran Church of Hope

601 13th Avenue SE, Minneapolis


Registration is $25 and helps to cover food and other event costs. If registration cost is a barrier for you, a scholarship will be provided.
To register

Consider giving "good gifts" this holiday season

You can give gifts this holiday season that have meaning for you and for the recipients -- life-changing gifts.


Give the gifts that mean the most to you, or choose gifts to give in honor of someone special in your life. Then mail, print, or email a card to share the news of your gift with friends and loved ones. Your gifts support the ministries of the ELCA in nearly 80 countries around the world.


Goats, chickens, bees, piglets, or cookstoves -- imagine the joy for everyone who is part of the generous exchange of gifts.


Let your faith shape your shopping.
For more information

Westwood Lutheran invites a PAUSE before election

Westwood Lutheran invites the public to join with congregants for PAUSE: Prayer Around the U.S. Elections, a candlelit service designed to welcome people from all spiritual traditions and political backgrounds. It offers a peaceful space to step back from the noise in order to sing, listen, and draw strength from being in community with others during this significant time.


Wednesday, November 13

6:30 - 7:15 p.m., service

5:00 - 6:30 p.m., meal

Westwood Lutheran Church

9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park

No RSVP required; donations are welcome but not required.

Documentary viewing on "religion, racism, and reconciliation"

“Religion, Racism, and Reconciliation” is a ground-breaking documentary movie that explores the ways in which racism is intertwined with American religion. It follows the stories throughout the nation of individuals and communities of faith who are engaged in addressing the issues of systemic racism, such as voting rights, income inequality, and mass incarceration.


The film includes Calvary Lutheran Church congregants and clergy, who play a key role within the community, as well as leaders from the Minnesota Council of Churches.


Saturday, November 9; 7:00 p.m.

Calvary Lutheran Church

3901 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis


Minneapolis was an important inspiration to the film not only because of its response to the murder of George Floyd, but also as its role as a wake up call that shook the United States to refocus on the crisis of racism in this country. RSVP is required.

To register

Advent resource from Global Health Ministries

Dr. Walter Brueggemann and Global Health Ministries have partnered together to offer Advent resources for clergy and congregations as a gift free of charge. Prepare your Advent sermons and Bible studies with powerful reflections from Dr. Brueggemann. His rich insights and theological reflections weave together the story of Elisha, the witness of Jesus, and our call as the church to be good neighbors.


Contact Pastor Mary Brown with questions.
Download Advent resource

Advent and Lent resources

ELCA World Hunger has new resources to enrich the life of your congregation in the upcoming Advent and Lent seasons with the theme, "Humming With the World." Hear where God is active in the stories of others and consider where your own stories intersect with God's story.


  • Action guide for congregations to engage members in the work of ending hunger
  • Weekly Advent study that can be used in groups or individually
  • Advent calendar
  • ELCA Good Gifts poster, gifts-grams, and catalog
  • Devotional Lent calendar
  • Five-session Lent study


Click here to order or download these resources.

Gun violence and the cost of being a disciple

ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention, a work group of the Saint Paul Area Synod, is sponsoring an online conversation to stir awareness and action, including a deep dive into the witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer who provides a theological foundation.


Under the theme of "A Challenging Trifecta: Guns-Christian Nationalism-Dietrich Bonhoeffer," the event presenters will look how Christian Nationalism welcomes unfettered gun rights and Second Amendment support, stirring violent rhetoric and opening the door to physical violence. In addition, they will look toward what we can learn from Dietrich Bonhoeffer to guide our church and nation towards faithful discipleship.


Tuesday, November 12; 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Online


The session will be led by the Rev. Rolf Olson, the Rev. John Matthews, and the Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes.
To register for this online event

Support LSS-MN through its holiday giving program

This holiday season Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) invites you to join in supporting your neighbors by taking part in its Holiday Giving Program. LSS is seeking congregations and individuals to sponsor holiday gift wishes for the children, youth, and adults who participate in its Housing Services, Disabilities Services, Adoption and Foster Care Services, and Metro Homeless Youth Services.


The LSS Holiday Giving Program is held November 1 to December 2. Sign up by contacting volunteers@lssmn.org. 
More information

Lutheran nurse association to address dementia care

The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association will host Janice Greeno, senior outreach program manager for Banner Sun Health, to present on "Being a Dementia-Friendly Congregation: A program to transform your faith community."


Wednesday, November 20; 3:30 p.m.

Zoom


Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Learn the critical aspects to better understand dementia, how it affects people, and how we each can make a difference in the lives of families. Attendees become Dementia Friends and are asked to turn their understanding of dementia into action, helping transform our communities.


There is no cost for this event, though registration is required. One contact hour is provided.
To RSVP

National Lutheran Choir's All Saints concerts

The National Lutheran Choir will present its first program of the 2024 - 2025 Season, "Healing: Our Legacy." At the center of this annual All Saints program is Alex Berko’s Sacred Place, a new piece for choir, soloists, violin, cello, and piano. Works by Johannes Brahms, F. Melius Christiansen, Elaine Hagenberg, and Caroline Shaw will connect love and grief through the lens of nature. In this program, the choir will examine how faith and music intersect the legacy we leave for generations to come. 


Saturday, November 2, 7:00 p.m.; Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Shoreview

Sunday, November 3, 4:00 p.m.; Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina


A livestream will also be available on November 3.
Ticket information
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
Upcoming Events
 
 
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