October 4, 2021
Remembering the Children
On Sept. 13, Bishop Patricia Lull announced that the Saint Paul Area Synod would be dedicating 225 days as a period of remembrance, repentance and resolve to live in equitable partnership with neighbors of Native identity. This period from Oct. 1 to the end of our Synod Assembly on May 14, 2022, commemorates the American Indian children who were sent away to boarding schools and died there without being returned to their families.

The synod website now includes more information about this 225-day observance along with worship resources that include prayers, litanies, a prayer service and an indigenous people's celebration. You'll find photos of worship space displays using the symbolic color orange and suggestions for a congregational display. Click here for full details.

We hope your congregation will join us in "Remembering the Children." Please send us a photo of your congregation's display...the photo above comes from Christ the King, New Brighton. Thank you to the following for their leadership with the synod's "Remembering the Children" observance: Pastor JoAnn Conroy, Pastor Jim Erlandson, Pastor Joy McDonald Coltvet, Kelly Sherman-Conroy and Bishop Patricia Lull.
Synod Map of Conferences
& Congregations
Have you ever wondering which congregations are in our synod? How far north does our synod go? How many congregations are in each of our conferences?

While our website has long provided a mapping feature (https://spas-elca.org/our-synod/congregations-conferences/), we now also have a color-coded Google map that displays congregations according to the six conferences that make up our synod. View the map here.
A Conversation on Mental Health
& Gun Violence
Thursday, Oct. 7 - 7-8:30 p.m. | Online
Studies indicate that between 3-5% of all 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?

Presenters:
  • Thomas E. Kottke, MD, MSPH, is the Medical Director for Well-Being at Health Partners of Medicine at the University of Minnesota, and a health researcher at the Health Partners Institute in Minneapolis. Dr. Kottke is also a member of the Protect Minnesota Board of Directors.
  • Caleb Schultz, MD, M.P.H. practices anesthesiology at Hennepin County Medical Center where he frequently takes care of victims of gun violence in the operating room and intensive care units. Dr. Schultz serves on the Protect Minnesota C4/Advocacy Board of Directors.

This Zoom conversation is offered by ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention, a public witness work group of the Saint Paul Area Synod, in partnership with Protect Minnesota. Our event hosts are Pastors Rolf Olson and Ron Letnes.
Children's Ministry Gathering: Sunday Morning Ministry + Christmas Ideas
Monday, Oct. 11 - 2-3 p.m. | Online
Fall is here! Let’s check in with each other – What does children’s ministry look like on a Sunday morning at your church? Then we will jump right into Christmas ideas. Bring your ideas, materials and let’s do ministry TOGETHER! Questions? Contact Rachelle Gill at rgill@easter.org or Julie Vagle at juliev@trinitylonglake.org.
 
Meeting ID: 850 7612 9637
Passcode: 473439
Tools for the Church in an Uncertain Time: Reimagining Community
Saturday, Oct. 16 - 9 a.m.-12 noon | Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul
Through interactive learning, the Saint Paul Area Synod will help your congregation's leadership team:
  • Identify strengths in your congregation and community (asset mapping)
  • Adapt effective tools to devise an active listening plan for your own ministry setting
  • Discover how to lead fruitful spiritual listening conversations

Congregations should send a pastor and a small group of lay leaders from outreach/evangelism committees or church council (max of 6-8 people). Vaccinated, mask-wearing participants are welcome! There’s no cost to attend, but please register so we know who to expect! Click here to download a PDF to share.
Saint Paul Area Synodical Women's Organization:

Cluster Leader Meeting
Saturday, Oct. 9 - 10 a.m. | Online
Cluster leaders of the Saint Paul Area Synodical Women's Organization are encouraged to gather on Zoom to help set the future direction for the Saint Paul Area Synodical Women's Organization. To receive the meeting link, email missystruve@gmail.com.

Soup Luncheon
Saturday, Oct. 23 - 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | St. Mark, Circle Pines
The Saint Paul Area Synodical Women's Organization is gathering for a in-person soup luncheon and panel discussion. Members of the Advocates for Racial Equity (ARE) work group will help facilitate ways for the group and our congregations to engage in the critical task of becoming more anti-racist. Click here to download the flyer. A freewill offering will support the efforts of ARE. Register by emailing tricia.niesche@gmail.com.
Joint Synod Ministerium:
Luther’s Wisdom for Leading Through a Pandemic
Thursday, Oct. 28 - 9-11 a.m. | Incarnation, Shoreview
For rostered ministers in the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods. Near the end of 2020, Martin Luther’s words on how to respond to a pandemic as a person of faith went viral. His “Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague” didn’t feel nearly 500 years old. Just as he spoke to his community during an outbreak of the bubonic plague in Wittenburg in 1527, his writing hits close to home today as we attempt to serve the church faithfully during this COVID-19 pandemic.

While much uncertainty still colors our daily lives and our comings and goings, we are grateful for the gifts of vaccination and public health guidance that provide opportunities for us to come together for a ministerium this fall, to learn more deeply about what our tradition and its founder have to offer us as leaders. We will gather for worship and learning. The Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza, a theologian with a deep knowledge of Martin Luther and Associate Professor of Religion at St. Olaf College, will be our guide.

NOTE: Masks will be required indoors. Physical distancing is encouraged. No food or drink will be served.
Is there something going on in your congregation that's unique and worthy of sharing?
We love sharing stories of the synod! Send a brief description and any photos to communications@spas-elca.org!
EVENTS OF INTEREST
Global Health Ministries' October Symposium
Wednesdays, Oct. 6, 13 & 20 - 12-1 p.m. | Online
Join the conversations about public-private partnerships in global health and the role of faith-based organizations. Hear how the pandemic has opened opportunities for non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations and ministries of health to work together for stronger and more effective health systems. The symposium is free, but you must register to receive the link. Weekly topics and presenters include:

  • Oct. 6 - Public Perspectives: How has government's role changed? Dr. John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa CDC; Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes for Gavi,the Vaccine Alliance; Adam Phillips, Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, USAID and USAID’s Local, Faith and Transformative Partnerships Hub; and Jodi Harpstead, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Human Services
  • Oct. 13 - Private Perspectives: What is the public health role of private industry in low- and middle-income countries today? Trevor Gunn, Vice President, International Relations, Medtronic, Inc., and Elizabeth Simermeyer, Executive Vice President and President of Global Healthcare and Life Sciences Group, Ecolab, Inc.
  • Oct. 20 - Partner Perspectives: How are faith-based health systems in Global Health Ministries' partner countries collaborating to advance health? Health leaders in Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania

Global Health Ministries (GHM) is a Minnesota faith-based NGO that partners in 13 low-resource countries to improve health. Our Lutheran health partners serve all people, regardless of faith. Learn more.
JRLC Housing Webinar Series
First Thursdays of the month, Oct. 7-Feb. 3, 6:30-8 p.m. | Online
Are you concerned about persons impacted by homelessness, the high cost of rent and the scarcity of affordable or supportive housing? Do you want to understand these issues from a variety of perspectives and make a difference? Then attend one or more of the monthly Housing Webinar Series offered by the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC):
  • Oct. 7 - The Big Picture of Minnesota Housing: Stability & Affordability
  • Nov.r 4 - Homelessness: Understanding Impact, Creating Opportunities
  • Dec. 2 - Racial Equity and Housing
  • Jan. 6 - Special Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusion
  • Feb. 3 - Legislative Solutions and Advocacy for 2022 Session

Download the flyer. For more information contact Joan Miltenberger at jmiltenberger@jrlc.org or 612-230-3232. Register here for the program and small group discussion.
World Food Day:
A People of Hope: Until All Are Fed
Thursday, Oct. 14 - 7:30 p.m. | Online
You are invited to observe World Food Day by participating in an ELCA World Hunger benefit featuring Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and guidebook author/travel TV host Rick Steves. Special guests include the Rev. David Beckmann, who is being honored for his lifelong service to end hunger; the Rev. Rebel Hurd; Willie and Anne Langdji; and the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla. There will also be performances by Rachel Kurtz, Peter Mayer and the St. Olaf Choir. As a church, we remain focused on supporting our neighbors near and far as the pandemic continues disrupting and impacting lives. At this event, you will learn about the ways ELCA World Hunger is responding. Register today.
Global Minnesota Virtual Symposium
Friday, Oct. 15 - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Online
Global Minnesota is sponsoring a free World Food Day virtual symposium to look at the future of food and what "building back better" means amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The day will include presentations from leading international, national, and local experts on the impacts of climate change, global conflict, and COVID-19 on the world’s agri-food system and the transformation needed to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food future for the world.” Learn more and register.
Iringa Hope 10 (+1) Year Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, Nov. 7 - 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Eagan Community Center
Iringa Hope, an affiliate of our Bega Kwa Bega partnership with the Iringa Diocese in Tanzania, seeks to improve the local economy and living conditions for families in Tanzania, Africa. We gather to celebrate that its Microfinance Institute has provided training and support for 10+ years to improve the lives of smallholder farmers and business owners! Social time begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:15 and a program at 7:30. The program includes a performance by the Minnesota Swahili Christian Congregation Choir. Tickets are $40 per person or $320 for a table of eight. Registration closes on Oct. 15. Learn more and register.
Online Leader Training for Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience. The Bridge Leader's Training Course (BLTC) fully trains pastors, staff and volunteers to lead Stephen Ministry in their own congregations. The training is delivered on Zoom to cohorts of 20 people, led by two instructors. Each session uses a variety of teaching methods (presentation, small- and whole-group discussions, skill practice, videos, etc.). The course consists of 10 sessions held twice weekly for five weeks or once weekly for 10 weeks.

Since the initial cohort in July of 2020, more than 1,000 individuals have completed the training from the convenience of their home or office and are now serving as Stephen Leaders. Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry used by thousands of congregations in more than 30 countries. Stephen Ministers are matched with hurting people in the congregation and community, providing one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties. Learn more.
Other Event Reminders:
SYNOD STAFF PREACHING SCHEDULE
Bishop Patricia Lull
  • Oct. 10 - Immanuel, St. Paul

The Rev. Justin Grimm
  • Oct. 10 - Good Samaritan, St. Paul

Deacon Krista Lind
  • Oct. 10 - Christ the Servant, Vadnais Heights
  • Oct. 17 - Living Waters, Lino Lakes

Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
  • Oct. 10 - Redeemer, White Bear Lake
The Saint Paul Area Synod, which includes 110 congregations and new mission starts,
is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
www.spas-elca.org | 651-224-4313