July 27, 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 periodically to reflect the CDC guidelines for vaccinated persons. 
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.
A Lesson from Powwow: “Feed Your Enemy” 
“Mr. Boyh Ladd – a Vietnam combat veteran and one of our Winnebago elders – emceed the flag raising on the last day of Winnebago Powwow in Nebraska. He had a lot of great wisdom to share, but one thing in particular stuck out to me: He recapped the story of Chief Little Priest (the person who started the powwow 155 years ago) and reflected on the custom of our people to “respect our enemy.” I hesitated at that a little bit; respecting them even feels like a stretch. But Mr. Ladd went one step further. He said, 'feed your enemies.’” 
Hot summer, hot topic: How do we respond?
Enbridge's construction of the Line 3 pipeline across many waterways in Northern Minnesota is very controversial. It seems to pit those who seek vocational reliability and livelihood against those who have deep concern for God's creation. In many ways encouraging the conflict benefits those entities that have least proximity to the problems being created.

Several Minneapolis Area Synod (MAS) congregations have felt called into into this conflict. This article by Madeline Troyer shares information about these church's involvement, especially following the Hubbard County Sheriff's Department decision to block people bringing food and water to protesters on land owned by the protesters. The article was written in response to their plea for support.

It is important to note that, as we are going to press, a Minnesota DIstrict Court has ordered a temporary restraining order against the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office. The county sheriff can no longer obstruct protesters against Line 3 from driving over private roads owned by them.

Read Madeline's story of MAS congregations involved in this effort.
Madeline Troyer has completed her Lutheran Volunteer Corps term of service as of last Friday, July 23. Madeline brought, in a paraphrase of Coach Taylor's words from Friday Night Lights, "clear eyes and a full heart." The synod staff has deeply appreciated her ability to persevere in the face of a pandemic that meant she didn't meet many of her colleagues in person until half a year into her commitment. And still, she made connections so significant that we are all greiving her taking leave. As her supervisor, Emilie Bouvier, said, “Madeline’s work has been so enriching to our EcoFaith organizing efforts over this past year. From building relationships through 1-1s and leading forums in congregations to fielding emails and putting together new resources, her many skills and deep commitment to environmental justice have shone brightly.”

Madeline is headed back to her native Pennsylvania where she will work with Outward Bound.
ELCA Evangelism
Video and Resources
A free video and discussion guide entitled “Unleashed: Evangelism in the Digital Mission Field” is now available for individual and congregational use. Fill out this form for a link to the materials and opportunity to join a growing evangelism network.

You can find additional resources to equip disciples in their call to invite others to know God’s love in Jesus at the new evangelism website: www.elca.org/evangelism.
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?
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org