July 20, 2021
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff are celebrating the fact that Minnesota is officially at a 70% vaccination rate. Although the staff is now splitting time between in-office and remote work, the office will remain closed to public meetings. This re-entry plan will be evaluated in the next weeks. 
Growing Stewardship
and Generosity
Is your congregation looking for a way to give your financial stewardship ministry a boost? Has it been a while since you’ve led an intentional ask for a financial commitment to God’s ministry happening in your congregation? Beginning a Culture of Generosity may be the place for you and your congregation to start. This four-month, six-session online series helps congregations build a foundation for a generous future, is grounded in Biblical stewardship principles, and not only helps stabilize but grow financial giving. (Most congregations experience a growth of 3-5% in giving.)

The cost for Beginning a Culture of Generosity is $450 and congregations across the ELCA have used Thrivent Action Grants ($250) to help pay for that cost. If you have questions, contact Pastor Norma Malfatti.
What gets you up in the morning?
“Our senses undergird and enhance our interpretation of life in this incarnational, 3D world. As we move toward a post-pandemic existence, I so much appreciate the return of sensory experiences and the decreasing reliance on 2D screen interactions in our professional and personal lives. This shift has many church leaders asking what it means to return to in-person worship in buildings that have been mostly empty for over a year. The pandemic forced us to learn about the flexibility and inclusiveness made possible by moving our communities online. Screens and connectivity became lifelines for people of faith to stay in touch with their churches that nurtured, challenged, and encouraged them. And while church folks have long talked about the church not being dependent upon a building, we encountered the actual reality of being separated from our facilities for an extended period of time.”
Pastor Kate Reuer Welton received distinguished service award
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) recently announced that Pastor Kate Reuer Welton has received The James R. Carr Distinguished Service Award, which honors campus ministry professionals who demonstrate excellence in ministry, foster engagement with others (especially campus ministry colleagues from around the globe), and exude a passion for integrating a wider worldview into their local ministries. 
 
“Kate is a prophetic preacher and theologian, yet her keen listening ear best defines her ministry. She has a tremendous ability to develop student leaders through retreats, meetings, and one-on-one’s – and channels their passion to shape the focus for the year," explained Pastor Rebecca Boardman, University of Arizona, and Pastor Ray Rankin, University of Maryland, in the nomination letter. "This dynamic, engaging vision allows new and seasoned voices to step into leadership. Kate’s listening and walking with students in this process sets the tone as the ministry shifts in its activities, as it continues to be rooted in Christ’s love, grace, and call for justice.” 
 
“We are grateful to LCM friends and supporters for continued faith in the work we do to transform lives by cultivating Christian community and providing sacred space for faith and vocational exploration during the formative years of college,” wrote Pastor Peter Carlson Schauttauer, chair of the board of LCM-Twin Cities, and rostered minister at Advent Lutheran Church, Maple Grove.
Are you a courageous leader?
ELCA Coaching encourages congregational leaders to learn some possibly surprising, and some definitely humorous, things about "Courageous Leadership," a series it is offering in July and AUgust. A special guest will present on two of these dates, . All are encouraged to bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play to discerning how and where Spirit might be calling them forward as a leader in their life, work, ministry, community, and world.

Small groups in breakout rooms will offer leaders across the church to learn from each other and to leave each gathering with at least one action step.

Courageous Leadership Series
1:00 PM Central Time
Wednesday, July 21
Wednesday, August 4
Wednesday, August 18

Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Passcode: 648160
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Ms. Madeline Troyer will be leading a Vacation Bible School forum at Diamond Lake Lutheran, on Thursday, July 22.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be offering a congregational forum at Holy Cross Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 25, and Thursday, July 29.
  • Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching at Christ Memorial Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, July 25.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Redeemer Lutheran, Henderson, on Sunday, August 1.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, August 8.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Zion Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, August 29.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Minnesota Swahili Congregation, Minneapolis, on Sunday, September 5.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org