Enews: A secret for resiliency; new round of imagination grants announced; and more

April 11, 2023

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

New round of Ministry Imagination Grants to be launched

After a two-year hiatus, the Synod Council is pleased to announce a new round of funding for Ministry Imagination Grants. Proposals for innovative ministry ideas are invited from individual congregations and from congregations working in partnership with other churches or community organizations. Grant amounts will be in the range of $2,000 - $25,000.

In support of the synod’s increased emphasis on equity in its policies and practices, the current round of grants will give priority to initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in congregations and local communities. Detailed guidelines and a streamlined application process can be found here.

The deadline for the current round of grant proposals is June 1, 2023.

For more information, email Pastor Craig Pederson, or call him at (612) 230-3316.

Help us recruit an Executive Assistant to the Bishop

The position description for the "Executive Assistant to the Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop" is now available. The person who fills this 25-to-28-hour-per-week position will offer logistical assistance to the bishop, oversee human resources, and work with synod governance and financial accountability. For a more in-depth view of the areas of responsibility and the expectations, read the complete job description.

Similar others

“At our Spring Ministerium, keynoter Matt Bloom shared a simple way to check in on your daily wellbeing. At the end of the day, on a paper calendar, quickly reflect on your day. Was it a good day? Put a smiley face on today’s calendar square. Was it a bad day? Put a frowny face. For our well-being, we need more good days than bad days. Scientific studies demonstrate, and Matt has seen and participated in this research, the wellbeing ratio is 3:1. If I have three good days to one bad day, then I’m doing ok.”

Read Pastor John's blog

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, keynote speaker, available to sign books

The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III, has penned the recent book "Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times." That book influenced the selection of the the 2023 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly theme: "Restored to Life Anew." And, Rev. Moss will be keynote speaker at the synod's assembly on Saturday, April 29.

If you are a voting member or visitor at the assembly, and if you already own his book, Rev. Moss will be available for book signing after each of his keynote addresses. Books will not be for sale at the assembly, but they can be purchased in advance from Rev. Moss' preferred online independent bookseller.

Long tradition of Lutherans supporting U.S. Farm Bill

The farm bill reauthorization process is a significant opportunity for shaping federal policy with wide impact. With deep service and commitment among ELCA members and ministries to a just world where all are fed, and Lutherans heavily residing in farm-aware communities, our ELCA faith-based advocacy in the process will be well-served by reaching as many Lutherans as possible for input in listening sessions.

April 18 for Eastern and Central focus

April 21 for Pacific focus

April 25 for Mountain focus

ELCA farm bill listening sessions are virtual gatherings where ministry leaders, members of congregations, and those with valuable lived experiences gather our opinions and experiences informed by faith values on stewardship, justice and serving our neighbor. The farm bill connects food on our tables and cafeterias, the farmers and ranchers who produce it, and the natural resources that make growing food possible, and is in the process of being reauthorized. Please join the conversation shaping our faithful action!

Budget hearing to prepare voting members for assembly votes

In preparation for the 2023 Synod Assembly on April 28 - 29, a Zoom call presentation on the budget resolutions -- adjustment of the 2023 budget and proposal of the 2024 budget -- will be offered for all voting members to the assembly. Treasurer Ty Inglis and Bishop Ann Svennungsen will host the presentation.

Thursday, April 13; 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Zoom

The proposed budget resolutions (and all resolutions to go before the assembly) are available on the synod website's Synod Assembly page. (Scroll down beneath the "featured speakers" section.)

Please register if you are planning to attend. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Children's Ministry leaders to gather to talk summer plans

Auditions open for the

National Lutheran Choir

Children's ministry staff and key volunteers from both Twin Cities synods are invited to gather on Zoom to discuss ideas for fall activities with children. The hosts will be Rachelle Gill (Easter Lutheran, Eagan) and Julie Vagle (Trinity Lutheran, Long Lake). If you questions, contact Julie Vagle.

Monday, April 17; 1:00 p.m.

Online

Meeting ID: 850 7612 9637

Passcode: 473439

To join the Zoom call

Share your voice and help the National Lutheran Choir (NLC) bring sacred choral music to communities both near and far by auditioning for the 2023-2024 season. Join its roster of volunteer singers of various faith backgrounds, occupations, and ages who are passionate about its mission to celebrate, invigorate, and expand sacred choral music.

Auditioning for the NLC is a multi-step process used to select the best singers for its needs and community at the time of auditions. First-round materials, an audition form, and solo recording are due by May 9.

Anyone interested in singing and sharing in NLC's music is invited to audition.

To learn more about the process or submit materials, visit the NLC website: NLCA.com/Auditions2023. Any questions about auditions can be directed to info@nlca.com or (612) 722-2301 (office).

Putting a price on pollution

The pursuit of environmental justice is not only about securing a healthy future for our world, but making whole the people, places, and creatures who have been treated as expendable in the pursuit of greed. Climate policy must have the history of environmental exploitation built in and it must seek to repair.

Our 2022 Synod Assembly passed a resolution supporting Carbon Pricing, an innovative tool which calculates and charges a real cost to polluting greenhouse gases into our atmosphere and uses the funds collected to support communities most affected by our climate crisis.

To learn more about the Lutheran advocacy efforts behind Carbon Pricing, check out these resources:

· ELCA Carbon Pricing Basics Explainer

· What Do We Know About Carbon Pricing and How is it Part of a Just Transition? – Lutherans Restoring Creation

· Why Put A Price On Carbon? - Citizen’s Climate Lobby

If you are interested in working towards achieving carbon pricing policy or other needed climate solutions, reach out to Congregational Organizer for Environmental Justice Jack Hurbanis.

LSTC Manz organ recital series

The Manz Organ Recital Series continues at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago this April with Christopher Urban, associate director of music and organist at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, Illinois. At First Presbyterian, he leads the weekly worship services from the organ and serves as accompanist for the Chancel Choir, Chambers Singers, and Men’s Chorus. Chris is also a featured recitalist in the church’s “Wednesdays @ Noon” concert series and is a frequent recitalist at churches in the Chicagoland area. Register to join us in person or watch the event later on LSTC's Youtube channel.

Celebrate with National Lutheran Choir

Join the National Lutheran Choir (NLC) for the conclusion to its 37th season with a Hymn Festival, the annual Gala, and Spring Concert! This weekend of events will celebrate everything the NLC has accomplished under David Cherwien’s leadership as he completes his tenure with the choir.

Hymn Festival: God Has Called Us

7:30 p.m.; May 5

St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Bloomington

Tickets at NLCA.com/Hymn-Festival-2023.

Annual Gala: From Strength to Strength

2:30 p.m.; May 6

The Westin Galleria in Edina

Registration at NLCA.com/Gala. Registration deadline is April 21. Free-to-all livestream also available!

Spring Concert: Ventures Known and Unknown

4:00 p.m.; May 7

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi

Tickets at NLCA.com/Spring-Concert-2023. Free-to-all livestream also available!

Join the Synod Assembly choir

The 2023 Synod Assembly Festival Worship will include a volunteer choir, led by G. Phililip Shoultz, III. The choir will offer musical support during the opening worship of the Assembly on Friday evening, April 28.

The choir will have two rehearsals before the Assembly, as follows. (Attendance at the first rehearsal is not required.)

Thursday, April 27, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Westwood Lutheran Church

9001 Cedar Lake Rd, St. Louis Park

Friday, April 28, 5:00-6:15 p.m.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

13600 Technology Blvd., Eden Prairie

The opening worship for assembly is open to all, as is participation in the choir. You need not be a voting member at the assembly in order to sing.

For planning purposes, we ask that you register to participate in the choir.

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Deacon Raul Garcia as a Minister of Word and Sacrament (Pastor) at St. John's Lutheran, Mound, on Sunday, April 16.
Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching and leading a forum at Redeemer Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 16.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Braham Lutheran, Braham, on Sunday, April 16.
Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Spirit of Joy, Buffalo, on Sunday, April 16.
Pastor John Hulden will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Advent Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Wednesday, April 19.
Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at Alleluia Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, April 23.
Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be leading a Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices information session at Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer, Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 23.
Pastor John Hulden will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Hope Lutheran, Jordan, on Sunday, April 23.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Good Shepherd Lutheran, Wayzata, on Wednesday, April 26.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Pastor Kari Bahe as senior pastor at Zion Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, April 30.
Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Sunday, April 30.
Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at Lord of Life Lutheran, Ramsey, on Sunday, April 30.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a congregational town hall event at St. John Lutheran, Belle Plaine, on Sunday, April 30.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installling Pastor Margaret Kelly at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist, Minneapolis, on Sunday, May 7. Pastor Margaret is the Executive Director of The Dignity Center, a ministry of Hennepin Avenue UMC.
Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Amazing Grace Hmong Lutheran, Fridley, on Sunday, May 7.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at the First Call Theological Education event at Dunrovin Retreat Center, Marine on St. Croix, on Tuesday, May 9. (The event begins on Monday, May 8.)
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Deacon Stephanie Luedtke to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament (Pastor) at Pilgrim Lutheran, St. Paul, on Saturday, May 13.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars , Wednesdays
Youth Ministry Gathering, April 11
Pre-Assembly Budget Hearing, April 13
Children's Ministry Gathering, April 17
Pre-Assembly Voter Orientation, April 19
Moonlight Madness Grades 6-9 "Lock-Out," April 21-22
Five Simple Steps to Stop Working on Your Day Off, April 25
2023 Synod Assembly, April 28-29
Children's Ministry Gathering, May 8
Communicators Gathering, May 11
What Every Nurse Needs to Know About Spiritual Care, May 11
Festival of Homiletics 2023, May 15-18
Western States Youth Gathering, July 4-6
Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20
The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth, July 23-28
Reclaim Gathering, September 14-17
Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org