May 12, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Building a church during a pandemic -- Alleluia
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A congregation building its first physical home isn't too common these days. But, Alleluia Lutheran Church in St. Michael broke ground about nine days ago on a project members have dreamed about for more than a decade.
Author John Mai writes, "After 22 years, Alleluia Lutheran Church in St. Michael will finally have a building its members can call their own. They have worshipped in the vacated Historic Church of St. Michael since their beginning in 1998, but they have had their sights set on breaking ground for quite a while. Alleluia bought property for their own building back in 2002. They had a capital campaign soon afterwards, but their plans were brought to a halt by the economic crisis in 2008. Now, 12 years later, they find themselves at a similar crossroads."
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Volunteers needed for
2021 Youth Gathering
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The ELCA Youth Gathering is almost a year away, and the gathering is looking for volunteers. Whether or not you live in the Minneapolis area, the gathering has a need that you can fill. These needs include ushering, directing foot traffic, moving equipment, helping with activities, and more. Volunteers can serve with the Gathering Volunteer Corps, Servant Companions, or as a local volunteer. Take time to discern if God is calling you to serve. To help with your discernment, the gathering will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Applications will be accepted beginning May 21. Applicants must be at least 19 years old.
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LWF joins call to global Interfaith Prayer on May 14
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Lutheran World Federation President Archbishop Panti Filibus Musa and General Secretary Rev. Dr. Martin Junge have joined Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in a call for a worldwide prayer of believers of all religions on 14 May.
"Our world is facing a great danger that threatens the lives of millions of people around the world due to the growing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic," states the letter of invitation from the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity which is extended to all religious leaders and peoples around the world.
President Musa and General Secretary Junge welcomed the call to prayer, which "brings people of different faiths together, for the good of humanity."
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ELCA Federal Credit Union is a PPP resource
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With newly enacted legislation providing additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) has the opportunity to cooperate with its financial partner, the ELCA Federal Credit Union, in offering loans.
The ELCA Federal Credit Union is now a Small Business Administration-certified lender that can offer loans to congregations and ministries through the Paycheck Protection Program. These loans can keep your congregation or ministry afloat by covering staff members’ pay and other operating expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MIF and the Credit Union have been working closely to provide special assistance to customers and members during this global health crisis. For application information and access to details about the program and the latest updates, visit the special
Paycheck Protection Program pag
e
on the Credit Union’s website.
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Sign up for synod organizing eblasts
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Want to hear more from our Minneapolis Area Synod organizing team? Sign up *here to stay in the loop.
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Invitation to an immigration-related webinar
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"Perspectives on the Border" webinar series on immigration is sponsored by the Gulf Coast, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana, Sierra Pacific, and Southwestern Texas synods of the ELCA. Two sessions are offered at a cost of $50 for both.
Wednesday, May 13
3:00 p.m.
(Central)
"Theological Perspectives on Immigration from the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands"
Thursday, May 14
3:00-4:00 p.m.
(Central)
"Living in Third Spaces: Where the church meets asylum seekers"
The first webinar will address recent refugee and migrant crisis along the border provides a window into the complex social, political, and cultural worldview of two neighbor nations, calling for a theological response to how we treat 'the other.' The second webinar will explore liminal space as a third space of faithful living.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
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- Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be hosting an online gathering for Retired Clergy on Tuesday, May 26.
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- Faith Partners Lay Addiction Ministry Training, Postponed, May 16
- Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts, Postponed to 2022, July 27-30
- Church Anew: Master Class in Communication, August 17-19
- An Evening with Rob Bell and Peter Rollins, August 17
- Bishop's Theological Conference, September 27-29
- Joint Fall Ministerium, October 29
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