January 19, 2021
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff members continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future. Contact them using their email or cell phone.
Reminder about
remote annual meetings
Many congregation leaders are asking how they can take advantage of technology to continue to hold necessary meetings to conduct the business of the congregation. Below is an FAQ of the questions being asked most often. Even in the current pandemic crisis, the rules have not all gone out the window, and state law, as well as your constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions, must still be respected.

Minnesota statutes, Chapter 317A.431 deals with the annual meetings of members of a nonprofit organization and states:

Subd. 3.Time; place.   An annual meeting of members must be held at the time and place stated in or fixed in accordance with the articles or bylaws. If a place is not stated or if a demand for a meeting is made under subdivision 2, the meeting must be held in the county where the corporation's registered office is located. To the extent authorized in articles or bylaws, the board of directors may determine that an annual meeting of the members shall be held solely by means of remote communication in accordance with section 317A.450, subdivision 2.
Deep longing
for a savior
“Many have been labeled saviors over the years, especially when it comes to politicians. In recent years, some have looked at President Barack Obama and others have looked at President Donald Trump as a savior for our times. (And some people even looked to each of them.) As President-Elect Joe Biden is inaugurated this week, some people hope that he will save us from the coronavirus and the unemployment crisis that is crushing people. As much as we might hope that a politician, tech innovator, or scientist will free us from pain and suffering, none of them are going to live up to the task or title of savior. For us, as Christians, we reserve that honor for only one.”
Synod Tool Kit scheduled for Saturday, March 13
Hop on a video call with your church council, leaders from around the synod, and Bishop Ann Svennungsen to gain valuable tools to help your church in times like these. There will be workshops on preventing burnout, young adult ministry, racial justice, budgets, and more.

Saturday, March 13
9:00 a.m. – Time with Bishop Ann
10:00 a.m. – Workshops I
11:00 a.m. – Workshops II

Spotlight of two of the workshops:

Smooth Sailing: Becoming a Resilient Leader in Turbulent Times
Resilience is not perfection, but the ability to move forward in imperfect realities. Whether it's leading the church, dealing with difficult situations, or navigating the inevitable bumps and setbacks of life, it is possible to not just survive, but thrive. Discover how to cultivate your God-given strengths and develop healthy practices that will give you the stamina, confidence, and inner peace you need to be a resilient leader.

Faith practices and Neighboring Practices: Renewing Congregational Imagination
Would you like your congregation to thrive? How could a two year journey — learning, living, and teaching “faith practices” and “neighboring practices” — benefit your people and community? Fifteen congregations will be invited to join cohort groups in September 2021 thanks to a generous grant to the Minneapolis Area Synod from the Lilly Endowment. What might you learn? How might your ministry change — both inside and out? Can you imagine thriving? Come and learn more, ... and find out how your congregation can apply!
Health is on the way
If the holidays or the pandemic have you tipping the scales a little more these days, ELCA-Primary health plan members can utilize Omada, a free innovative digital program designed to help create modest changes that promote weight loss and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Omada’s specialized care programs offer eligible members individualized support to stay on track and maintain healthy habits.
Addiction and Advocacy:
The Role of the Church
The U.S. criminal justice system mostly treats those struggling with addiction as criminals. People of faith can raise questions about whether treating people struggling with substance abuse issues as criminals is morally wrong. Or, would it be more consistent to respond with compassion and understanding, as well as to pursue avenues of treatment rather than punishment.

This webinar will show how churches can "break their silence" on drug use and addiction and the moral imperative to do so.

Thursday, January 21
11:00 a.m.-Noon; Central Time

This is a one-hour free webinar on Zoom.
Identity fraud alert from ELCA human resources
Apparently, there has been an uptick in identity theft recently. The ELCA Information Team sent out this message:

"If you are the unfortunate victim of Unemployment Insurance Fraud or other forms of Identify Theft, please contact your local law enforcement to file a police report and receive guidance. If your incident involves ELCA data and devices, please immediately contact ELCA IT Help Desk or Human Resources to report the security incident."
Conference Assemblies are preparation for Synod Assembly
In preparation for an online Synod Assembly April 23-24, 2021, each of the 12 synod conferences will meet in assembly between February 8-19. Synod Assembly voting members should are encouraged to attend conference assemblies to worship, discuss business, and vote on representatives for the 2022 Churchwide Assembly. If you are a Synod Assembly voting member, ask your pastor for the time and Zoom link for your conference assembly.
Freedom
In her January/ February column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the past year and looks toward 2021. The pandemic has taught us a lot about our church and about ourselves. We are connected. We are generous. We are freed to serve. 
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Eric Nelson and installing him (now Pastor Eric Nelson) at St. Philip's Lutheran, Fridley, on Saturday, January 23.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Kathryn Ostlie and installing her (now Pastor Kathryn Ostlie) at Gloria Dei Lutheran, St. Paul, on Saturday, January 23.
  • Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Heather Roth Johnson at Bethlehem Lutheran--Twin Cities, Minneapolis, on Sunday, January 24.
  • Pastor Craig Pederson will be offering a virtual farewell to Pastor Julie Ebbesen at St. Peder's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, January 31. Pastor Julie is retiring.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be offering a virtual farewell greeting to Pastor Mark Vinge at House of Hope Lutheran, New Hope, on Sunday, January 31. Pastor Mark is retiring.
  • Pastor Craig Pederson will be offering a farewell greeting to Pastor Deb Bergstrand at St. John's Lutheran, Mound, on Sunday, February 7.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be offering a farewell to Pastor Sarah Anderson at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Sunday, February 14.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org