March 22, 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. 
Sign up for Synod Assembly Child Care
Registration for Synod Assembly child care is now open.

With questions, contact Jeni Huff.
Listen Like Mary
“Often when congregations or individuals reach out to develop relationships with new start and strategic ministries, they approach the relationship like Martha approached hospitality, tending to tasks: cleaning, cooking, or serving in some other physically active way. This kind of help is important; showing up with hands and hearts ready to serve is a faithful approach to building relationships.” 
Mindful Mondays Zoom for First Third Leaders
Throughout Lent, First Third leaders are invited to take 15 minutes to 'be still and know' (Psalm 46:10). We will utilize different spiritual practices (poems, Lectio Divina, prayer, etc.).

Those who would like to stay on for an additional time of checking in are welcome to.
Fundraiser for Ukraine, Featuring Former Ambassador Eric Rubin and the Isles Ensemble
The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis is hosting a fundraiser for Ukraine on Sunday, March 27, at 2:00 p.m. Ambassador Eric Rubin, President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), former U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, and former Deputy Political Counselor to Kyiv, Ukraine, will be the guest speaker. The Isles Ensemble will perform chamber music by Dvorak and Tchaikovsky, as well as several works by Ukrainian composers.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged, and 100% of contributions will be designated for Ukraine relief efforts through Eastern Europe Crisis Response or Lutheran Disaster Response. Checks, made out to either of these organizations, are preferred.
ELCA Worship in Response to the Eastern Europe Crisis
In collaboration with the Service and Justice home area, ELCA Worship has published a set of resources to assist worshiping communities as they respond to the crisis in Eastern Europe. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.

ELCA Worship is commissioning additional prayer content that will become available in the coming weeks. This will be added to the existing locations, so check back in the future for access to those.
Sacred Sites Tour
As part of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods' efforts to create understanding, learning and dialogue between Native and non-Native peoples, we gather to immerse ourselves in Minnesota History from a Native perspective as we experience Dakota history, culture and sacred sites through storytelling and are present to one another through silence/meditation/reflection and sharing. Our time together aims to create greater awareness and understanding of the Dakota people, the original people of this area, who too often are invisible in their homeland. Come with Rev. Jim Bear and others from the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods on a tour of sacred sites that are right here in the Twin Cities metro area.

There are three dates for the tours, pick the one that works best for you:
  • Thursday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
  • Friday, May 6, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
  • Sunday June 12, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Abide Registration Now Open
If you are interested in connecting with other young adults from around the country about growing in faith, then check out Abide. Abide serves as a ministry of ELCA Young Adult Ministries. ELCA YA is a program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Churchwide office and cooperates with several ministries such as Young Adults in Global Mission, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Dream Chasers United, Campus Ministry and more.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org