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Guests From Tanzania
Since Nov. 17, our synod has been enjoying the in-person presence of two siblings in Christ from Tanzania. The Rev. Askali Mgeyekwa is the dean/assistant to the bishop of the Iringa Diocese. The Rev. Jiskaka Lwila is a district pastor and former coordinator of our synod's Bega Kwa Bega (BKB) partnership with the Iringa Diocese.
During their time here, they participated in the BKB Fall Festival on Nov. 19 and had visits in 10 congregations. BKB Director Kirsten Levorson also made sure that they had some cultural experiences, including the F. Melius Christiansen 151st anniversary choral concert at Orchestra Hall, a tour of the State Capitol and a Thanksgiving feast at a family farm. Today they visit Luther Seminary and have lunch with the synod staff. We pray for safe travel as they head back to East Africa tomorrow.
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Quilters from St. Mark, Circle Pines, present Pastors Lwila and Mgeyekwa with a gift to take to their partner congregation in Tanzania, the Wimbe Parish. More photos are available on the BKB Facebook page. | |
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Word and Watercolor
Great things happen when we combine the Word of God, art and fellowship! Pastor Elizabeth Wilder (Gethsemane) and Pastor Tammy Wilkinson (Beaver Lake) just wanted to try something new and share their passions for Scripture and art. But their idea turned into so much more for their congregations. Since June, the churches — both located in Maplewood — have been coming together monthly to not only share in fellowship, but explore Scripture and learn how to create art.
The hour-long sessions open with Pastor Tammy leading prayers and readings. A few devotional style questions are presented for reflection and participants are encouraged to share their answers with the larger group of 20-30 participants. Then Pastor Elizabeth provides instruction in a few painting techniques with time to practice the new skills.
Read this full story of the synod.
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Internship Program Coordinator
The Saint Paul Area Synod is hiring a coordinator for a new program of summer internships to take place for four years beginning in 2023. The program coordinator will work to recruit placement sites, design and implement an application process, and oversee the placement process for up to 10 summer internships each year. The proposed start date is Jan. 1, 2023, to prepare for internships beginning in June 2023. The position and the internship program are largely funded by the synod’s Planting Hope capital campaign.
The primary aim of the program is to raise up a new generation of leaders in the church by providing opportunities for vocational exploration. The project will include a learning component for the cohort of interns, for which the program coordinator will provide organizational support. Flexible hours and remote work make it an easy complement to existing employment. This contract position works closely with a senior member of the synod staff and reports to the Bishop. Download the job description.
Interested persons may send a cover letter and resume to rachel.holsten@spas-elca.org. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Please share this opportunity with anyone you feel might be qualified and interested!
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A Deeper Dive: Leadership Conversations for Congregation Presidents & VPs
Thursday, Dec. 1 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Online
For congregation presidents and vice presidents
Congregation presidents and vice presidents are invited to take part is a series of monthly discussions. In the next session, the main content will focus on the role of the lay leader during times of pastoral and/or staff transitions. Each month also includes devotions, introductions and Q&A. The Zoom gatherings are hosted by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer (assistant to the bishop for lay leadership) and Dr. Dave Webb (retired school superintendent and council president at Shepherd of the Hills). Additional sessions are scheduled for Jan. 26, March 30 and on Feb. 25 as part of the synod's Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders. Register here for Dec. 1!
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Vine: Find Your Way Winter/Spring Catalog
Vine is a ministry partnership of Prince of Peace in Burnsville, Shepherd of the Lake in Prior Lake, Shepherd of the Valley in Apple Valley, and Easter in Eagan. The Vine catalog has more than 100 ministry opportunities including Bible studies, classes, community groups, mission events, devotional resources, retreats and more. All are welcome! Click here to view the new winter/spring catalog.
To stay up to date with Vine, follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@vinefindyourway) or email vinefindyourway@gmail.com. The Vine collaboration was profiled in a recent "story of the synod" article. Read about it here!
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ELCA Fund for Leaders
ELCA Fund for Leaders is now accepting scholarship applications! Every year, ELCA Fund for Leaders awards about 40 full-tuition scholarships to students pursuing rostered ministry at ELCA seminaries. Applications are accepted until Feb. 25 for applicants who plan to enroll at an ELCA seminary as a first-year student next fall and who have begun the ELCA candidacy process to become a rostered minister.
Do you know an emerging leader of our future church? Encourage them to apply today at ELCA.org/FundforLeaders.
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Last Call for Input!
The public feedback window for the ELCA's draft social message on climate care is closing soon. Read the message and submit your feedback by Dec. 2 at www.elca.org/climatecare.
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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. Recordings of these conversations are posted by the next day. Learn more.
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Christmas/Epiphany Video
The Ministry Lab is creating a video reflection based on Psalm 148 that will be free for member congregations to enjoy as a sermon, contemplative practice, or celebratory opening or closing throughout the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany. And they'd like to include your photos, images, or drawings! Share your favorite images - inspired by Psalm 148 (NRSV or The Message) - by Sunday, December 4, here! The Psalm 148 Reflection Video will be available by Christmas Day. Learn more. To receive the link as soon as it is ready, register here.
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National Lutheran Choir’s Christmas Festival
Friday, Dec. 9 - 4:30 & 8 p.m. | Saturday, Dec. 10 - 8 p.m. | The Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis
Join the National Lutheran for the 37th annual Christmas Festival, "Jesus Christ Yesterday, Today, Forever"! A free-to-all livestream of the performance will be broadcast at NLCA.com on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. and will be available as a recording throughout the holiday season. Learn more.
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Message Community Young Adult Worship Night & Appetizer Social
Wednesday, Dec. 28 - 7 p.m. | Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burnsville
Gather with young adults from across the synod for an evening of worship, prayer and fellowship. This night of worship will encourage us to reflect on the Christmas reality of God with us. We’ll work that theme into our identity, our community and our purpose. We’ll end the night with fellowship around all-you-can-eat tater tots. Learn more and sign up. Find more information about Message Community on Facebook and Instagram (@msgcomm) or email popmessagecommunity@gmail.com.
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SYNOD STAFF IN CONGREGATIONS | |
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Rev. Justin Grimm
- Dec. 4 - Minnesota Faith Chinese (preaching and commissioning of Pastor Thomas Tsen)
- Dec. 11 - Immanuel, Almelund (preaching and installing Pastor Justin Fenger)
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
- Dec. 11 - Chisago Lake, Center City (installing Pastor Brian King)
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The Saint Paul Area Synod, which includes 107 congregations and new mission starts,
is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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