November 9, 2021
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Support our companion synod's dream to start a university |
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As Bishop Ann announced in her recent blog titled "In the legacy of Luther," the Minneapolis Area Synod is taking an audacious step by raising half-a-million dollars to bring to fruition the dream of a Lutheran University in Nigeria. This institution has been a dream of the leadership of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (with 2.5-million members). The Minneapolis Area Synod (MAS) is the LCCN's only companion synod.
MAS staff has produced resources for congregations and individuals to use as they prayerfully consider this synod-wide effort to raise $500,000 by December 31. (The Nigerian government wisely requires that sum to be in a bank account before granting approval of a new university, simply to prove viability over the long haul.)
You can help in a variety of ways:
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Read the case statement for a Lutheran university and the commitment of the LCCN to bring it into being.
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Check the synod's web page for resources, including a video about the effort by our synod to raise $500,000 with and for our companion synod (more information below).
- Consider your capacity to make a special thank offering for Archbishop Musa Filibus and the leadership of the LCCN and the university.
- Give in these ways:
- Text "LUN" to 44-321
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Visit the website for online donation options
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Contribute on Give to the Max Day
- Send a check to the synod office:
- 122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55404
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- Pray for the fundraising effort and for the leadership of the Lutheran University Nigeria, including Archbishop Musa Filibus, who is also the President of Lutheran World Federation.
Thank you for any and all support you are able to offer in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the building of a university in our companion synod.
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Learn more by watching a five minute video |
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Archbishop Musa Filibus, Bishop Ann Svennungsen, Dr. Paul Pribbenow, and Rev. Mark Hanson came together to express their excitement for the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria's plan for a Lutheran University in North East Nigeria.
Take 5 minutes to listen to them talk about their dreams and visions for this audacious endeavor. You just might be inspired enough to support the effort.
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Veterans Day bell ringing |
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The final City of Bells community bell-ringing event of the year will be Thursday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m., in honor of Veterans Day. Church buildings with a bell are invited to toll it 11 times starting at 11:00 a.m. If your congregation plans to participate, let organizer Rebecca Sundquist know at rebecca@jorgensonsundquist.com or (952) 221-3400 so you can be included in the press release.
The City of Bells website will be updated soon with an interactive map; those churches with bells should complete this survey in order to be included.
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Lutheran World Relief has created free, easy-to-use resources based on the RCL Advent texts from the Gospel of Luke, all available at lwr.org/advent:
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4 weeks of new sermon illustrations (with photos and video)
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4 powerful videos to highlight your congregation’s love in action around the world
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4-week small group Bible study guide
- Candle lighting litany
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New resource now available
on youth and safe, healthy relationships
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LSS of Minnesota and Cherish All Children are offering a new resource for church middle school and high school youth. Four interactive sessions guide youth in understanding how they can engage in healthy friendships and dating relationships, and stay clear of exploitative situations.
Sessions include:
- Healthy Relationships
- Online Safety
- Understanding and Preventing Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking
- Making a Safety Plan and Resources
Throughout the sessions, leaders are given the opportunity to reinforce the youth’s value as children of God and to identify safe, supportive adults and friends. Having these conversations in the safe space of Confirmation class or Youth Group, while encouraging open dialogue at home, provides youth with a supportive network and skill-building for situations they may encounter in their lives.
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Rev. Aaron Fuller, pastor of Our Father's Lutheran Church in Rockford, is also a federal chaplain in the Navy Reserve. He also serves as this synod's contact person for the Centurion Connection Project.
Pastor Aaron wrote an article for the ELCA website one year ago in preparation for Veterans Day, November 11. He shares his thoughts about military service, recognizing that it can be a challenging position in many congregations. As you prepare for remembrance during Veterans Day, consider Pastor Aaron's words.
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Are you a "hidden evangelist"? |
Do you come home from a trip with a new best friend? Have you ever prayed with someone in line at the grocery store? Do you know the life stories of all of your Lyft drivers? Do you talk to your neighbors about Jesus?
If these scenarios ring true for you, you might be a hidden evangelist! ELCA Churchwide invites you for a virtual gathering and a lively conversation with people who have a similar passion for sharing Christ’s love. Join Rev. Phil Hirsch, ELCA Executive Director for Christian Community and Leadership, and Louise Johnson, ELCA Executive for Administration, for this Zoom gathering.
Tuesday, November 9
7:00 p.m., Online
As the ELCA seeks to engage new people, discern how you can share your gifts of interpersonal connection to help activate your community.
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Applications open for Young Adults in Global Ministry |
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Applications to become a Young Adult in Global Mission for the coming service year are now open!
Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) is a one-year, international service-learning and faith-formation opportunity in churches and social service ministries for young adults, who are ages 21-29.
Young adults serve alongside Lutheran companion church bodies and organizations in one of ten country programs around the world, being shaped by the witness of our global neighbors in a cross-cultural journey of faith. For the 2022-2023 service year, country programs are projected to be Argentina/Uruguay, Cambodia, Central Europe, Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Rwanda, Senegal, and the United Kingdom. (Due to the continued uncertainties presented by COVID-19, country programs for the 2022-2023 service year are subject to change.)
Areas of service include, but are not limited to, health and human rights, congregational ministry, education, environmental justice, and professional support and communications. All site placements provide opportunities for young adults to confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, gender privilege, economic disparity, and globalization, all through the lens of faith.
There is a priority deadline on January 15, 2022, with a final deadline on February 1, 2022. No further applications will be received after this day.
All applicants will receive a response by the end of February 2022. Specific country assignments are made at the mandatory Discernment-Interview-Placement (DIP) event, which will take place digitally March 24-27, 2022.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? |
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- Meghan Olsen Biebighauser and Kayla Zopfi will be leading a workshop at the Bemidji Overcoming Racism Conference on Friday, November 12.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Pastor Justin Lind-Ayers and Pastor Amber Ingalsbe at Grace University Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, November 14.
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, November 14.
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Emilie Bouvier will be leading an adult forum at Crown of Glory Lutheran, Chaska, on Sunday, November 14.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will ordaining Mr. Jonathan Holtmeyer at Mount Olive Lutheran on November 18.
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Brenda Blackhawk will be leading an adult form at Immanuel Lutheran, Eden Prairie, on Thursday, November 18.
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Brenda Blackhawk will be leading an adult form at Alleluia Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, November 21.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be attending the farewell celebration for Pastor Eric Aune at All Saints Lutheran, Norwood Young America, on Sunday, November 21.
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Lao Evangelical, Robbinsdale on December 5.
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