Every culture pays special attention to the children in its care. Injury and harm done to the young impacts all generations. In recent months, we have heard news about the American Indian children who were sent away to boarding schools and died there without being returned to their families. This is a horrendous part of our nation’s history, as are other atrocities against the tribal nations within the borders of what is now the United States and Canada.

The American Indian Alaskan Native Lutheran Association (AIANLA) within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has issued a letter on behalf of the Indigenous people throughout North America. I invite you to read this letter with care. Our response as people of Christian faith matters well beyond the boundaries of the Saint Paul Area Synod. Read the letter here.

With this letter, fellow members of the ELCA invite you and your congregation to a time of repentance and learning in solidarity with the First Nations and Native children who never made it home from the residential schools.

As a synod, we will dedicate the 225 days from October 1, 2021, to the end of the Synod Assembly on May 14, 2022, as a period of remembrance, repentance, and resolve to live in equitable partnership with neighbors of Native identity. The letter explains the poignancy of hanging an orange banner in your worship space, as well as the significance of the number 225.

Each month from October until May there will be resources to include in worship life, learning opportunities to better understand the impact of the boarding school movement, and synod-wide events to remember the children — these children. You are welcome to submit a photo of such an orange banner, hanging in your sanctuary, to the synod office (communications@spas-elca.org). They will be shared on the synod’s website.

As communities of faith that care deeply about children, I invite you to join me in practices and prayer to make these 225 days a time of transformation for the sake of remembering these children.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Bishop Patricia Lull

The Minnesota Council of Churches is offering a public truth-telling event about racism in Minnesota. Friday's keynote speaker, Christine Diindiisi McCleave, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, will share about new outreach to open dialogues with Christian churches involved in operating boarding schools. Saturday's keynote is Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas and author of "Rethinking the Black Freedom Movement." The conference will be live at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis and also livestreamed. Learn more and register.

As we've been commemorating the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2021, these recent days, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton invites us to remember, reflect and pray. In a short video message, she encourages us to hold fast to the promise that God has given us a future of hope.

Boundaries education is required for all rostered ministers in the synod at least once every five years. Participants study The Integrity of the Body of Christ: Boundary Keeping as Shared Responsibility by Arden Mahlberg and Craig Nessen. Pre-reading and attendance at two meetings are necessary to meet the requirement. Learn more and register.

Rostered ministers may also attend online boundaries training offered by other organizations. This option includes a mandatory Zoom meeting with Bishop Patricia Lull on Dec. 6. Online training must be completed by the meeting. Learn more.

Studies indicate that between 3-5% of all firearm homicides are the result of mental illness. In Minnesota, 79% of gun deaths are suicide by gun. A typical mass murderer is described as isolated, lacking in social support, bears a grudge, is angry and externalizes blame. Yet the vast majority of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders do not commit violent acts. How are we to understand the relationship between mental health and gun violence that can help us create a more gun safe environment?

This Zoom conversation is offered by ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention, a public witness work group of the Saint Paul Area Synod, in partnership with Protect Minnesota. Our event hosts are Pastors Rolf Olson and Ron Letnes. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Active rostered ministers are invited to attend our 2021 Bishop's Theological Conference, currently planned as an in-person event with a multitude of safe practices. Our keynote speaker is Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of The United Methodist Church, who will help us set our sights on the future for clergy vitality and resilience. An invitation was emailed to those on our active roster list. Learn more.

We love sharing stories of the synod! Send a brief description and any photos to communications@spas-elca.org!

The National Lutheran Choir's 2021-2022 Season will include four in-person concerts, two virtual programs, regular virtual content and more:

Tickets go on sale Sept. 14 and can be purchased online at https://nlca.com/.

EVICTED—Poverty and Profit in the American City Book Discussion

NOTE: This event will now be online and the start time has moved back 30 minutes. "Without a home, everything else falls apart." Our Redeemer is partnering with the Eastside Freedom Library, Arlington Hills Lutheran and other organizations for a discussion of the book Evicted—Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matt Desmond. This discussion and planning for future collaborative work will be held on Sept. 16, 23 and 30. A limited number of books are available for purchase ($10) from Deacon Jennifer (jennifer@orlcmn.org) or available as an audiobook or ebook on Amazon or The Libby App by Overdrive. The Zoom link will be sent to participants after they register.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) has always believed that we are stronger together than we could ever be on our own. Its 2021 Celebration for Changing Lives will be held online with a virtual reception beginning at 7 p.m. and the gala will be livestreamed at 7:30 p.m. Click here to register for the event or make a donation.

The Coalition on Spirituality and Aging, an affiliate of the New Theological Seminary of the West, has developed an online, master's level course on the interplay between spirituality and the experience of aging. Its mission is to engage community organizations and faith communities in creating vibrant ministries that support and celebrate older adults by empowering leaders with knowledge about aging in the context of spirituality. Learn more.

www.spas-elca.org | 651-224-4313