February 15, 2022
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff members are splitting time between in-office and remote work; the office remains closed to public meetings. This protocol will be evaluated periodically to reflect the CDC guidelines for vaccinated persons. 
Synod Assembly Registration Now Open
Synod Assembly 2022 will be held on Saturday, April 30, at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Early bird registration is now open. Need childcare? Register for that, too, at no additional cost!

With questions, reach out to Jeni Huff.
Re-reading a book again, for the first time
“I got to thinking, since my seminary days in the 80’s, I have read much, much, more about Bonhoeffer, and what folks think about Bonhoeffer, than I have spent time actually reading Bonhoeffer. So, I found my copy of ‘Life Together,’ copyright 1954, and cracked it open. Yes, it made a cracking noise. For real. The glue on the paperback spine isn’t what it used to be.” 
Two Weeks to Register for Tool Kit!
We are looking forward to offering 11 virtual Tool Kit workshops on several Tuesday and Thursday evenings in March. The schedule, list of all workshops, and registration can be found on the synod website linked below. Reminder that there are only two weeks until registration closes! For the past several weeks we've been highlighting the workshops that will be available. The final workshop is below, but to review the list, check out the Tool Kit web page.

Maximizing Values of Real Estate led by John McKenna
This workshop will focus on general real estate topics (buying, leasing, selling) with an emphasize on being a good steward of existing real estate and how churches are able to maximize the value. Value can be described in a variety of ways (i.e. partnerships, charitable contributions, profit, cash flow, etc.) so it is valuable to have a wide perspective on this topic.  
 
Additionally, we would like to have a general Q&A Session where attendees can ask questions that may be general or specific to their individual situation. 
Stewardship for All Seasons: Expanding Ministries
Just think of the lives your congregation could impact if your members grew their giving by 10%-15% next year! This is exactly the goal of Stewardship for All Seasons(SAS), a two-year, comprehensive process. SAS congregations embrace an impactful annual appeal and move into other vital realms of a culture of generosity: Communications and Story-Telling, Strategic Planning, Endowments, Special Appeals, Volunteer Recruitment, and Donor Cultivation

The Saint Paul Area Synod invites you to an informational session to meet Pete Reuss, the SAS facilitator, and learn more about the process on Wednesday, March 16 at 1:00 pm at Gustavus Lutheran Church, St. Paul. Contact Rev. Norma Malfatti to confirm your attendance or with any questions.

Congregations will sign up by the end of April with the first cohort session to be held beginning in May.
SAVE THE DATE: Domestic Hunger Grants
ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job readiness, human rights, policy change, leadership development, and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger — for good.

Registration for 2023 Domestic Hunger Grants will open on March 18, 2022, and applications will be open April 11, 2022.

Learn more by visiting the link below.
Youth & Young Leaders Virtual Summit on Addressing Religious Discrimination in Classrooms & Communities
Shoulder to Shoulder, Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), and Seeds of Peace are coming together to host a Youth & Young Adult Virtual Summit on addressing religious discrimination in our classrooms and communities. 

This interactive convening will be a chance for youth and young leaders to connect and learn. Participants will share experiences, explore resources, and identify strengths, challenges, and hopes. We'll also hear from special guest Yasmin Elhady.

While this event is led in consultation with and for youth and young adults, people who work in schools (or with youth and young adults) are also welcome to attend.
Actively & Musically Support Cherish All Children This Winter!
Cherish All Children Winter Walk 
Beginning Super Bowl Sunday, let’s kick off our commitment to protect children and youth. Get out for a walk or your own favorite winter activity any time February – March while sporting a new Cherish All Children beanie. Donate now so we can send your beanie(s) today! 

Caritas Vocal Ensemble Concert 
Join us for the return to live musical performances by Caritas! This year’s theme is Inspiring Harmony. When we sing, we build community. When you join us, you strengthen community.
  • Sunday March 6 at 3:00pm 
  • Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr, Golden Valley 
  • Free-will offering benefitting Cherish All Children
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org