May 19, 2020
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
The synod office will continue to remain closed, as per the social distancing guidelines request, through the end of May. Staff are working remotely and can still be reached by email or phone.
ELCA and Church Together during COVID-19 Pandemic
As ELCA congregations face difficult decisions regarding when and how they will be able to gather again for worship, a resource prepared to aid discussions and decisions has been developed. It offers general guidance. It is not meant to be a comprehensive, one-size-fits-all resource; it will need to be interpreted for and adapted to local contexts.

In many, if not most contexts, it will not be safe or advisable to gather for in-person worship for some time. Local guidance by elected officials and healthcare providers should be taken seriously.

Checking with insurance providers about legal responsibilities for individuals who could become sick would also be prudent.
Delaying the Future
“ The decision to do a year of service was not so easy. I saw Lutheran Volunteer Corps as an opportunity to get well accustomed to Minneapolis, get good job experience, and meet new people. However, it could also be viewed as an opportunity to be unpreparedly thrown into the work force, live with strangers, and not make any money. I think both of these perspectives are valid. Doing a year of service does presents both a lot of challenges and, through these challenges, invaluable rewards. ”
Organizing Learning/Action Opportunity
Join the synod's organizing team this summer for a series of learning and action opportunities – to gather while distant and stand up for justice. The first installment will be a conversation about predatory lending and what we can do to protect ourselves and our neighbors from these harmful practices, especially now as families are facing financial devastation due to the pandemic.

Just as we often show up to congregations or provide tools, we hope this can be used as a resource for community engagement and faith formation in your own contexts. 

Answering the Call: Leading with Love toward Fair Lending Practices
Tuesday, May 26, 6:30-7:00 p.m., via Zoom
Opt-in to our MAS organizing eblasts for more on this event, as well as future learning opportunities and calls to action.
Summer Youth Program grantees announced
For 38 years, the Minneapolis Area Synod has supported Summer Youth Programs at congregations with plenty of children in the neighborhood, but limited funding. Again in 2020, the synod is supporting congregations "that create activities based on Christ’s love, partner with local organizations to feed kids, and provide leadership opportunities for teenagers," according to Kris Bjorke, assistant for FirstThird Ministries for the synod.

This year, due to social distancing guidelines issued by the state of Minnesota, all applicants of the Summer Youth Program Grant needed to provide an appropriate plan for how they will provide ministry to young people while upholding the social distancing guidelines. Congregations receiving financial support are Cristo Obrero, Cross of Peace Lutheran Church, Minnesota Swahili, St. Olaf Lutheran, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran, Redeemer Lutheran, Bethel Lutheran (in collaboration with 10 other congregations), and Messiah Lutheran.
LSS names Servant of Christ Award recipient
House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Richfield, has recently been named by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) as recipient of the Servant of Christ Award for its partnership with the Personal Support Services home in its Richfield neighborhood. The Servant of Christ Award is given annually to a congregation deeply engaging in its community.

“Your partnership and friendship with these neighbors serves as a witness to your faith and spreads the love and generosity of Christ far and wide,” explained Pr. Julie Wright, director of church partnerships and volunteerism for LSS. “For this, we want to thank you.”
 
Normally, this award is presented at the Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly. Because the 2020 assembly was cancelled, will prepare a short video clip for use by House of Prayer. One congregation in each Minnesota synod receives this recognition each year. 
Becoming the Body of Christ Where All Bodies are Valued
A conversation around the ELCA's resolution to condemn White Supremacy
The Southeastern Synod, ELCA, is hosting a webinar concerning the ELCA resolution condemning white supremacy.

Thursday, May 21
6:00-7:30 pm CDT

Southeastern Synod Bishop Kevin L. Strickland will be joined by  Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for the webinar. Other speakers include Pr.  Tiffany Chaney , Pr.  Ronald Bonner , Ms.  Roxann Thompson , Ms.  Judith Roberts , and Pr.  Matt Steinhauer .

Registration is required. Registration closes Wednesday, May 20, at 11:59 p.m., EDT.

Volunteer application process for Youth Gathering on hold
Due to the impact of COVID-19, applications for the Gathering Volunteer Corps and Local Volunteers will not open May 21 as previously scheduled. Gathering staff and leadership continue to monitor COVID-19 recommendations and trends from the CDC, state governments, our host city, and venues and meeting planner organizations. 

"We know this crisis will impact the ministry of the Gathering, but we are unsure exactly how at this time," explained Kris Bjorke, the synod's assistant for FIrstThird Ministries. "We are currently working through a variety of scenarios. Please stay tuned to Gathering social media and the website for updates."

Thanks to all of you who continue to care for young people during this pandemic. Know that you, your congregation and especially the youth of this church are in our daily thoughts and prayers.    
Synod congregations send Lutheran theology books to Nigeria
A group of Minneapolis Area Synod churches recently purchased 335 copies of "Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions -- A Reader's Edition of the Book of Concord" for Bronnum Seminary in Yola, Nigeria. Bronnum is the seminary of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, a companion synod of the Minneapolis Area Synod.

Upon the books' arrival, the Rev. Dr. Ibrahim Bitrus, who worked with many synod congregations while a doctoral student at Luther Seminary, said the books were received with"complete joy."

Shipped from the Twin Cities on February 22, an Alexandria, Minnesota, congregation helped to expedite delivery. As Global Companion Table member Pastor David Grant said, "Mission completed."
Ministry Imagination Grants for COVID-19 Related Purposes
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the synod is offering another means of supporting congregations. The Ministry Imagination Grant program has been adapted to allow a timely source of funding to address the challenges and opportunities that remote worship and other ministry efforts are presenting for congregations. 
 
Funds are still available for projects directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant requests are being accepted through a  simplified application process  for amounts up to $2,000. Applications for these specific grants will be considered until June 15 or until the designated funds are distributed. Priority will be given to congregations with limited resources available at this time, as well as proposals that are designed to engage communities of color impacted by the crisis.  
 
(If a proposal involves technology, and if assistance is needed to implement the proposal, please describe that need in the application. If the proposal will be implemented by a knowledgeable individual or a partner congregation, please describe qualifications of the individual and/or background of the partnership.)
 
To date, grants have been made for worship technology start-ups and upgrades; startup technology for an inner city after school program; outreach to Latino children and families in a mobile home park; and culturally specific resources for trauma and mental health.
 
The Resurrection Fund Advisory Committee (RFAC) will review each request as it is received and will respond to the request as soon as possible.
 
If you have questions, please contact Pastor Craig Pederson, Assistant to the Bishop, at  c.pederson@mpls-synod.org  or (612) 703-1586.  
 
NOTE: The next scheduled deadlines for regular Ministry Imagination Grant proposals are June 15, 2020, and October 15, 2020. Prayers for the journey ahead.
LWF joins call for
worldwide cease fire
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) call on all parties to lay down arms, institute an immediate ceasefire, and ensure humanitarian access in order to protect people from COVID-19. Continued violent and armed conflict severely constraints the efforts of local, national, and international organizations to protect refugees, displaced people, women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups from the spread of the virus. 
 
LWF and IRW call on the international community to redouble efforts towards a complete ceasefire to enable safe and efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance during these times. The two agencies call on people of all faiths and of goodwill worldwide to advocate for peace and justice, and in solidarity, support the most vulnerable who are facing significant threats to their lives and livelihoods from COVID-19.
Minnesota Episcopal Church invites Lutherans to attend the consecration of its new bishop
The Ordination and Consecration of the Very Rev. Craig Loya as the tenth Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota (ECMN) will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m.
 
The Ordination and Consecration will be livestreamed so observers can join virtually in the celebration of this new chapter in the life of ECMN.
 
The livestream for the service can be found by using the button below or by joining on the  ECMN Facebook page  on June 6.

ELCA Federal Credit Union is a PPP resource
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. 
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be hosting an online gathering for Retired Clergy on Tuesday, May 26.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org