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October 5, 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 protocol will be evaluated periodically to reflect the CDC guidelines for vaccinated persons. 
Pre-Reformation Day Workshop on telling God's story and our story
​During this workshop, church members will reconnect with each other, meet and relate to peers from other congregations, rediscover the rootedness of their faith, and be reminded of our rich history in the faith through Scripture. And we’ll do all of this right before we celebrate our Lutheran Reformation on the last Sunday of October.

Wednesday, October 27; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Watertown
513 Madison St. SE, Watertown

This workshop will revert to an online format in the event of a no-contact scenario. Either way, the event will be capped at 65 participants. A team of leaders from a congregation is encouraged. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
 
To register, contact Rev. Susan Engh, event trainer and coordinator, at revsue@engh.casa. 
In the legacy of Luther
“Only one major hurdle in the effort to launch Lutheran University Nigeria remains: To ensure commitment, preparedness, and fiscal stability, the National Universities Commission requires that $500,000 be reserved in a university account before they will authorize the launch of the university. This is where we come in. Our Synod Council has authorized a synod-wide campaign to commence immediately. The goal is to raise the needed $500,000 by the end of 2021!” 
Youth ministry staff get ready for Fall ... and Christmas
With Fall weather and colors now "in the air," leaders of the joint CYF leadership group are planning an event for youth ministry leaders to check in together.

First, participants will be asked "What does children’s ministry look like on a Sunday morning at your church?" Then, they will share Christmas ideas. Bring ideas and materials to discuss how to do ministry together.

If you have questions, contact the synod's coordinator, Julie Vagle, at juliev@trinitylonglake.org.

Monday, October 11
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Online

Meeting ID: 850 7612 9637
Passcode: 473439
Walk to end hunger on World Food Day
The 2021 National CROP Hunger Walk will take place on World Food Day, October 16. Join this effort to end hunger in the U.S. and around the world!

Walk on your treadmill, in your neighborhood, in a park with friends – you choose the location and the experience. Walk one day -- 3.7 miles (the average distance a woman walks for water) -- or take the Weekend Challenge and walk 11.1 miles (3.7 miles for 3 days).

Every step you take, every dollar you raise makes the walk shorter for neighbors in need by providing clean water, emergency food as well as livelihoods and access to education. Sign-up and start raising funds today at www.crophungerwalk.org/usa.
ELCA World Hunger
to host online benefit
Join Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and noted travel TV host Rick Steves in a World Food Day celebration on Thursday, October 14. They will highlight people on the ground doing the dynamic work of fighting hunger around the world.

Special guests will include the Rev. David Beckmann, the Rev. Rebel Hurd, Willie and Anne Langdji, and the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla. Special music will be offered by Rachel Kurtz, Peter Mayer, and the St. Olaf Choir.

Thursday, October 14
7:30 p.m., Central Time
Zoom webinar

The ELCA ramins focused on supporting neighbors near and far as the pandemic continues to disrupt and impact lives. Find out how ELCA World Hunger is responding, as the church continues to address both immediate needs and the root causes of hunger.

If you have questions, contact Jennifer Kenyeri, Magaer of Development Events for the ELCA.
Downloadable music available from synod musician
Singer-songwriter Brett Hesla has made a downloadable version of his "Fill Us WIth Peace" song available for free between now and October 15. The short peace refrain is based on a prayer by Pope Francis, from the 2015 encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si. The song focuses on nonviolence and on earth healing. The refrain can stand alone, or be used interspersed with readings or prayers.
ENGAGE to host a seminar on
gun violence and mental health
JRLC to host housing seminars in preparation for legislative session
Studies indicate that 3-5% of firearm homicides are the result of mental illness. In Minnesota, 79% of gun deaths are suicide by gun. A typical mass murderer is described as isolated, lacking in social support, bears a grudge, is angry and externalizes blame. Yet the vast majority of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders do not commit violent acts. How are we to understand the relationship between mental health and gun violence that can help us create a more gun-safe environment?

Thursday, October 7
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Zoom
Presenters:
  • Thomas E. Kottke, MD, MSPH, is the Medical Director for Well-Being at Health Partners of Medicine at the University of Minnesota
  • Caleb Schultz, MD, M.P.H. practices anesthesiology at Hennepin County Medical Center.

This event is sponsored by ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention.
Are you concerned about persons impacted by homelessness, the high cost of rent, or the scarcity of affordable or supportive housing? Do you want to understand these issues from a variety of perspectives – and make a difference? If so, join the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition for one or more of the monthly Housing Webinar Series.

First Thursdays
October 7 – February 3, 2022
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Online

See the topics and flyer here.

For more information or to RSVP by email contact Joan Miltenberger, JRLC organizer.
Opportunity for Stephen Ministry training
Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training caring ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience called the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This event fully trains Stephen Leaders—the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who begin and lead Stephen Ministry in their congregation.
 
The BLTC draws on newly redesigned and updated Stephen Ministry resources to equip participants with the skills and know-how to lead all aspects of their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. This includes training a team of congregation members as lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers), matching them with hurting people in the congregation and community, and offering ongoing guidance and support to Stephen Ministers as they provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties.

To learn more about Stephen Ministry, visit www.stephenministries.org or call (314) 428-2600. Additional information about the Bridge Leader’s Training Course is available at www.stephenministries.org/bridge.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Alleluia Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, October 10.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti is preaching at St. Timothy Lutheran, Columbia Heights, on Sunday, October 10.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile conversation at Redeemer Lutheran, Henderson, on Sunday, October 17.
  • Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be leading an adult forum at Hope Lutheran, Jordan, on Sunday, October 17.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Advent, Maple Grove, on Sunday, October 17. 
  • Pastor John Hulden will be welcoming Interim Pastor Jeff Japinga (Presbyterian Church USA) to House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, October 17.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Pastor Adam Butler at Trinity Lutheran, Long Lake, on Sunday, October 24.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Maple Grove Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Sunday, October 24.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 24.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at the Joint Ministerium of the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods on Thursday, October 28.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Peace Lutheran, Coon Rapids, on Sunday, October 31.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit/Youth Gathering Synod Day rehearsal, Marriott City Center, Minneapolis, on Friday, November 5.
Synod candidates being ordained for calls elsewhere
  • Southwestern Minnesota Synod Bishop Dee Pederson will be ordaining Hans Peterson at Hope Lutheran, Jordan, on Saturday, October 23. Hans has been called to serve at River of Hope Lutheran, Hutchinson.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org