June 7, 2022
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff members are splitting time between in-office and remote work; the office remains closed to public meetings. This protocol will be evaluated periodically to reflect the CDC guidelines for vaccinated persons. The synod office will be closed on Monday, June 19, in commemoration of Juneteenth.
Might you qualify
for debt forgiveness?
Changes to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program have created a unique opportunity for rostered leaders and other nonprofit employees. Have you been told in the past that you were previously ineligible for PSLF? You may now be eligible! PSLF has expanded qualified employment to include religious instruction and worship. 

Lutheran Social Service offered a webinar on the qualifications for loan forgiveness for church workers. A recording of that webinar is available for your viewing.
'Do I stay'
“I distinctly remember a job interview when I served as pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead. When I asked the applicant why she wanted to work in a church, she replied, ‘I think it will really help my faith.’ Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about her remarks. Sunday was Pentecost – the birthday of the church and the day the Spirit miraculously transformed fearful disciples into a loving community boldly sent to share the good news of Christ, … even to the ends of the earth.”
Refer your graduating seniors to Lutheran Campus Ministries!
As you prepare to send your graduates this spring, Lutheran Campus Ministry-Twin Cities and campus ministries across the country, are preparing to welcome them well this fall, to walk alongside them as they grow in faith throughout their college careers. But we need your help to connect with them! 

There are a couple of ways you can refer your students going off to colleges/universities:
  • Visit the 'refer a student' button below to individually refer students. At the link, you'll select which college/university your student is attending, and then enter details that will help campus ministers reach out to your students and get them involved. 
  • Email us (dana@umnlutheran.org) a spreadsheet with your graduates' names/best contact info/which college they're attending, and our staff can pass along names and get them connected to the campus ministry at their school.
We are so grateful for the ways you've cared for and nurtured these students thus far, and we are excited to partner with you in that work as they move through this next season of life. If you have any questions, reach out to Dana, our Program and Outreach Coordinator, at dana@umnlutheran.org!
Cherish All Children Virtual 5k
Join Cherish All Children for their Virtual 5K! Head out solo or with friends and family to run, walk, or bike at a location you choose. The goal for each participant is $300. Enlisting others to help sponsor you is a helpful way to accomplish this goal. For example, consider asking 10 friends to sponsor you for $30 each. If you’re unable to participate, you may also sponsor a racer or make a general gift and support this work of keeping children safe from sexual exploitation.
ELCA Coaching Webinar Series
ELCA Coaching is mixing things up in 2022 to continue to experiment and learn. You are invited to join their webinars, weekly on Wednesdays, at 1:00 p.m., CST, to hear from various leaders across the Church. The theme will be Courageous Leadership. 

The gatherings will be hosted by various ministries through the year, so each week will be different. There will usually be time for small groups in breakout rooms so attendees can continue to learn from each other and leave each gathering with at least one action step.

Find more information, and recordings of prior sessions, at the ELCA Coaching website linked below.
Young Adult Community Resource Grant
Young adults long for in-person connection, particularly after years of isolation. We are launching a grant that will help connect young adults by creating gatherings whose mission serves to connect young adults (18-35) from a defined region for in-person gatherings centered on community, justice, and love

Eligibility:
  • Partner with at least one other ministry organization that currently serves young adults
  • Attend the ELCA Young Adult Ministry Partner Network gatherings
  • Attend the ELCA Young Adult Community Resources gatherings twice a year to process experiences
  • Leadership of the group must be at least 50% young adults (18-35)
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Funding amount: $1,000 - $5,000
Max number of awards: 25
Max applications accepted: 75
Grant opens: June 2, 2022
Grant closes: July 31, 2022
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Ms. Brenda Blackhawk will be speaking at an evening worship service at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Wednesday, June 8.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Holy Cross Lutheran, Minneapolis on Sunday, June 12.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching and meeting with the Faith Practices & Neighboring Practices Team at First Lutheran, Crystal, on Sunday, June 12. 
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be conducting at Ministry Site Profile at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Wednesday, June 15.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Cross of Peace Lutheran, Shakopee, on Sunday, June 26.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Adam White at Faith Lutheran Church, Waconia, on Sunday, June 26.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Christ Memorial Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, July 17.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org