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November 22, 2022
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Congregational communicators invited to retreat | |
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Those who do church communications (staff or volunteer) are invited to join other communicators at the synod’s first ever Communicators Retreat! We are looking forward to gathering for the day on Thursday, January 12, at Mt. Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington. Our agenda will include a presentation about website and social media analytics and time for socializing, resting, and sharing ideas. The cost of the retreat is $43, but discounts are available for those who register early! Register now, find more details, or contact Jeni Huff with questions.
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ELCA World Hunger is once again offering its Good Gifts catalog ... because people demand it! Congregational members are finding that replacing oppulent Christmas spending with more meaningful gifts that save lives is becoming ever more popular.
Whether you organize a special informational event or simply promote the program with members, ELCA World Hunger provides all needed materials and digital tools. Can ELCA World Hunger count on your participation?
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Rekindle the gift within you | |
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, be recognized, and feel 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 notify LSS of your participation by November 20 by visiting Youth Holiday Gifts and completing the sign-up form. Gift drop-off dates will be December 9 and 10.
Questions: MetroHomelessYouth@lssmn.org.
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A resource for Advent action for climate justice | |
This Advent, many Minneapolis congregations of several denominations are coming together to put hope into action. Members will take on the spiritual discipline of making weekly phone calls to our city council members to urge them to support the People’s Climate & Equity Plan, a plan that sets bold goals for a just transition to a renewable energy future and that creates a robust fund to address the climate and racial equity crises simultaneously.
A booklet for this spiritual practice has been co-created by faith leaders, including many pastors in this synod. Those who don't live in Minneapolis are encouraged to use the devotions in tandem with calling your own local elected leaders and sharing your vision for a sustainable future.
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Time to offer feedback to the ELCA Social Message on the climate crisis | |
The ELCA Church Council authorized the development of an ELCA social message on climate care. (Social messages are ELCA teaching documents that address a focused social topic.) Read “Draft of a Social Message on Earth’s Climate Crisis” and then use this survey to share your input by Friday, December 2, 2022. Your input helps inform revision of the draft that is sent for review by the Conference of Bishops and the ELCA Church Council in March. Longer responses can be sent as email to draftsocialmessage@elca.org.
If you are planning to submit a comment or are interested but have questions, reach out to Environmental Justice Organizer Jack Hurbanis. He’d love to hear your thoughts and help make the process easier in any way he can.
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Young Adults in Global Mission to accept apps again | |
The ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program is ready for new volunteers! This year, for the first time since early 2020, YAGM participants will walk alongside international neighbors.
Young adults aged 21 to 29 are encouraged to apply. Do you know one of them? Applications are now open, and you can invite young adults on this journey abroad for the 2023 - 2024 program year.
The deadline for applications is February 1, 2023, with priority given to those received by January 15.
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ELCA launches new branding | |
Church together, ... and together, .... and together | |
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All organizations identify themselves through their branding, and our church is no exception. Branding consistency supports a unified voice among all expressions of the church and increases the visibility of the ELCA throughout the world.
From time to time, brands are updated, and the ELCA has developed a new brand. Many synods co-brand with the ELCA, so the communications unit of the ELCA is providing a brandmark reference guide to aid in the transition.
The Minneapolis Area Synod has its own branding style guide, and so our logo and design will not be affected.
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“Just a few blocks away from Lake Nokomis sits a newly renovated church on 31st Ave in South Minneapolis. Previously home to only Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church ELCA, the building now additionally houses Living Table UCC and Spirit of Saint Stephen’s Catholic Community. All three worshiping bodies have joined in an ecumenical partnership which is aptly named: New Branches.
When Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church called Pastor Sara Spohr as their senior pastor in the fall of 2020, New Branches was already blooming. Murmurings of joining multiple churches under one roof were already circulating when Pastor Sara first arrived, she recalls. She has since helped guide the congregation through its new partnership.”
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Anti-racism training through ASDIC and United Seminary | |
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.
January 19 and February 2, 2023
9:00 a.m. -- Noon
Zoom
The cost for the two sessions is $90.
Contact Stella Pearce if you have questions.
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Advent devotional offered by Luther Seminary | |
In this Advent season, join the community of Luther Seminary in opening hearts to the newborn King, our Savior.
Follow the lyrics of a beautifully written hymn of adoration and welcome, focusing your thoughts on God’s great love for us. This compilation of insightful devotions is based on the inspiring hymn “Fling Wide the Door.”
Spanning from the beginning of Advent on November 27 through Christmas Day, this devotional e-book will turn your attention to the reason we celebrate the season, and give you food for thought to meditate on throughout each day. Each devotion includes:
- A scripture passage or hymn verse to read and consider.
- A brief but compelling meditation to focus your thoughts.
- A prayer of thanksgiving, supplication, or praise.
“Fling Wide the Door” is yours for free.
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2023 National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival | |
In the 2,000 years since Jesus’ birth, humans in every era have considered what this birth meant for them. Even now, this meaning continues to evolve in our lives. This year’s Christmas Festival will draw literature and poetry from the past 20 years of David Cherwien’s Christmas programming and its musical embodiment of the Incarnation. Numerous carols, choir music of the season, and a thundering organ will present some of our most beloved selections. As we evolve, one thing has remained the same and will go on forever: Jesus Christ was born and God is with us. Always and forever.
Friday, December 9
4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 10
8:00 p.m.
The Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? | |
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Our Saviour's Lutheran, East Bethel, on Sunday, December 4.
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Pastor John Hulden will be leading a Ministry Site Profile conversation at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Edina, on Sunday, December 11.
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and leading an adult forum at St. John's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, December 11.
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Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Nikoli Falenschek at Redeemer Lutheran, Henderson, on Sunday, December 11.
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Pastor John Hulden will be installing Senior Pastor Sarah Moat at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
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Pastor John Hulden will be installing Senior Pastor Eric Luedtke at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
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Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
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Youth Ministry Gathering, December 13
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Youth Ministry Gathering, January 10
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Communicators Retreat, January 12
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Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders, February 11
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Youth Ministry Gathering, February 14
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Youth Ministry Gathering, March 14
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2023 Synod Assembly, April 28-29, 2023
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Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20, 2023
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