July 7, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Join us over the next few months as we highlight different members of our staff. The Minneapolis Area Synod staff is comprised of 17 people who live in the city, suburbs, and rural areas. We are fairly racially and age diverse for a Lutheran office. We hope you get to know us better through these fun interviews! This week's featured staff member is a former staff member -- Mariah Norell, associate congregational organizer for environmental justice. Mariah's last day was Monday, July 6.
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Mariah Norell
What has been the best or most surprising part about the staying at home?
- Staying in my pajamas all day
Do you have any pets or wish you did?
- I don't have a pet indoors, but there is an alley cat outside named Ginger who I frequently snuggle with.
What book are you currently reading or show are you binge-watching?
- I'm finishing Braiding Sweetgrass, and then I'm on to Where the Crawdads Sing.
- I'm binge-watching Dead to Me.
What is your favorite restaurant to order take-out from?
- India Palace or any place with good sushi
What summer activity are you most looking forward to?
- Going on hikes and spending time outside near water
What is giving you hope right now?
- The fact that we've been doing great work at the synod. We're really ramping up our efforsts and it's tangible. The connections we've been able to make with our churches and campaignes, it' sbeen really meaningful.
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Being church in times of crisis
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How have we
been
church, with individuals and with communities?
How are we
being
church? H
ow are we
called
to
be
church with all people, with creation, and in an ever-changing world?
This ELCA-sponsored online gathering is designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders across the church. Join Vance Blackfox, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and director of Other+Wise (a multi-site cultural immersion program for youth) in this discussion. A graduate of Texas Lutheran University and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Vance will offer a perspective on being church in times of crisis.
Wednesday, July 8; 1 p.m. Central
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
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Addiction Ministry Training
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The pandemic and social unrest has heightened the need for addiction and recovery ministry. Liquor sales have sky rocketed. Isolation, anxiety, and increased symptoms of depression and other mental health illnesses are prevalent for many.
Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Bloomington and the Center of Addiction & Faith are offering a two-part Zoom meeting training for congregational leaders to develop a congregational addiction team ministry. The trainings will provide an overview of this effective model and the opportunity to gain tools and strategies to build congregational support for lay ministry teams of two to four leaders, including staff, pastor, and laypersons.
Wednesday, July 29; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
and
Wednesday, August 5; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
The Leadership Training fee is $125 per congregation. For more information or to register, contact Drew Brooks at
drewbrooks@faith-partners.org
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Advocacy Tools for Loving Your Neighbor
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The ELCA and The Episcopal Church will co-host an online training titled "Advocacy Tools for Loving Your Neighbor" on Thursday, July 9. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, with support from the advocacy offices of each denomination, will lead the effort.
Thursday, July 9; 11:30 a.m-2:00 p.m. (Central)
Explore the nature of faith-based advocacy, the issues on which to speak, and the ways to make one's voice heard. This free webinar is open to rostered and lay leaders in the church who want faith to make a difference in the world.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
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- Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be offering a farewell message for Pastor Wayne Peterson at St. Barnabas Lutheran, Plymouth, on July 12.
- Rev. Craig Pederson will be offering a farewell message for Pastor Jeff Heiderscheit at St. John's Lutheran, Mound, on Sunday, July 19.
- Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be leading an adult forum titled "Answering the Call: Leading with Love -- Toward Local Energy Justice" via Zoom on Thursday, July 23.
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- Answering the Call: Leading with Love toward Local Energy Justice, July 23
- Addiction Ministry Training, July 29
- Addication Ministry Training, August 5
- Begin Church Today, August 17
- Church Anew: Master Class in Communication, POSTPONED, August 17-19
- An Evening with Rob Bell and Peter Rollins, POSTPONED, August 17
- Bishop's Theological Conference, ADJUSTED, September 27-29
- Joint Fall Ministerium, October 29
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