Welcome, Kirsten Leverson!
Last Friday, we welcomed Kirsten Levorson on her first day as Acting Director of Bega Kwa Bega! This is a full-time role on the synod staff through September. Kirsten has been involved with Bega Kwa Bega since her first visit to Tanzania in 2002 as a member of Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley. She has served on the Iringa Task Force and the Iringa Committee, and has chaired the committee for the past six years. As Acting Director, Kirsten will oversee the work of Astine and Ryan Bose, our volunteers in Iringa, tend our relationships with the staff of the Diocese of Iringa, support the work of the Iringa Committee, and serve as the synod’s representative when she travels to Tanzania this summer. She may be reached at 651-224-4313 or kirsten.levorson@spas-elca.org.
|
|
Pre-Assembly Discussions
Two Zoom discussions have been scheduled in advance of Synod Assembly for voting members who are interested in more detail about the proposed 2023 budget or about proposed resolutions, memorials and changes to the constitution. These optional gatherings will be:
- Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. on Resolutions, Memorials & Constitution
- Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. on the Budget
The links to both of these Zoom meetings will be emailed on Monday, May 2, to those who register for assembly by the April 29 pre-registration deadline with their email address.
The Synod Assembly will be held Friday, May 13 (9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Saturday, May 14 (9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) at St. Andrew's in Mahtomedi. Pre-registration is open through April 29. During this time, the registration fee is $65 per person. If you miss this window, you may register on-site at a cost of $75 per person. Questions? Contact the synod office at 651-224-4313.
|
|
KEY DATES FOR SYNOD ASSEMBLY:
April 13 - Pre-Assembly Report Available
April 29 - Pre-Registration Ends
|
|
Spring Ministerium
Tuesday, April 12 - 10 a.m.-12 noon | Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Roseville
This event is open to rostered ministers of the Saint Paul Area Synod. All rostered ministers in the synod (active and retired, seminarians, candidates and interns) are invited to attend this gathering as a time of reflection and personal refreshment during a busy Holy Week. The morning will include a service of Holy Communion, during which there will be a blessing of vocation for leaders. There will be an opportunity to renew the vows made at ordination, consecration and baptism. Please register by April 10. Masks are optional, per the current policy of our host congregation. Register here.
|
|
2022 Boundaries Training Options for Rostered Ministers
Boundaries education is required for all rostered ministers in the Saint Paul Area Synod every three years. In 2022, there are three options for training that meet the requirements:
-
Book Group - Two in-person sessions to discuss The Integrity of the Body of Christ. Meets June 16 and Aug. 18 at the synod office. Participants must purchase the book on their own.
-
Workshop - A one-day in-person gathering on Sept. 22. Cost is $25 and includes lunch.
-
Online training available from regional/national organizations plus a Zoom meeting with the Bishop and other learners.
Choose the one that meets your financial and time realities and learning goals. If you are unsure how recently you participated in a workshop, contact Michael Gold in the synod office at michael.gold@spas-elca.org or 651-224-4313. Learn more and register.
|
|
Youth Ministry Gathering
Thursday, April 7 - 10 a.m. | Online
Youth ministry leaders - staff and key volunteers - are invited to join a discussion around caring for the LGBTQIA+ young people in our congregations. This meeting will be held over Zoom. Youth ministry leaders from the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods hold these gatherings monthly to encourage support, collaboration and inspiration.
Join the Zoom meeting:
password: grace
|
|
Alternative Youth Gatherings
With the cancellation of this summer's ELCA Youth Gathering, a number of alternative events have emerged, thanks to the creativity and initiative of folks who don't want youth to miss out! Here are a few alternatives your congregation may wish to consider:
|
|
God's Boundless Love @Camp
July 17-21 | Camp Onomia, Onamia
This camp offers daily worship and Bible studies, recreation and offsite service projects,musicians, speakers and campfires. There will be interaction with the local Native American culture, river canoe trips, swimming and paddle-boarding. Accommodations are "hotel-like." Special guests include David Scherer and Joe Davis, Jonathan Rundman Band, Rachel Kurtz and others. Registration is via youth group only for youth who have completed grade 6 and up. Space is limited; the cost is $400 per person, including four nights lodging and 11 meals. Reserve your expected group size ASAP or before Easter. Individual registrations will open on June 2 if space allows. Download a PDF. Visit the camp website.
|
|
Boundless (Still)
July 24-27 | Central Lutheran, Minneapolis
This gathering is hosted by Humble Walk Lutheran Church in St. Paul and Pastor Jodi Houge. Registration opens April 5 for grades 8-12 for programming that includes worship, group activities, service projects, art, music, a field trip to Valleyfair and more. Special guests include Rachel Kurtz, Joe Davis, Austen Hartke, Osheta Moore and Jenny Sung. Registrants are asked to stay on-site at the host hotel, the Holiday Inn Express. Registration opens tomorrow (April 5)! The estimated cost is $200, not including lodging. Learn more.
|
|
Multicultural Youth Justice Experience
July 21-23 | Online + Local
This event is an alternative to the ELCA's Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), which was to precede the ELCA Youth Gathering. This event is for ELCA members who are Black, Indigenous, +/or People of Color (BIPOC) who will be entering grades 9-12 in the 2022-23 school year and their youth group peers who are of European Descent. European Descent youth in these grades will acquire training in allyship to BIPOC people and experience and celebrate the cultures of our BIPOC youth in unique ways. Learn more.
|
|
Shobi's Table Spring Schedule
Shobi's Table, the synod's pay-as-you-can food truck ministry, announces a return to serving lunch three times per week at locations in St. Paul! Serving will continue on Thursdays at Faith Lutheran (499 Charles). Beginning April 8, the truck will be parked at Allianz Field (Snelling & University) on Fridays. That's just across the street from Bethlehem in the Midway, where the truck was previously located. This change offers greater visibility and access. And finally, starting May 10, Shobi's will be serving again on Tuesdays at Christ on Capitol Hill (105 University Ave. W.). Food is served at all locations from 12 noon until 1 p.m. (or until food is gone). And join us in welcoming Tina Vaughan, who began as the Manager of Ministry Administration for Shobi's Table last Friday!
|
|
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Following the Biden administration's announcement about accepting up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing the Russian invasion, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is planning to help those seeking safety in the U.S. You are invited to join its work of welcome. Visit the Ukraine Crisis Action Hub to learn more about these five ways you can help:
- Join the volunteer list to be informed if/when volunteer opportunities to welcome refugees are available near you.
- Donate to the Neighbors in Need: Ukraine fund to provide support and necessities for newly arrived families, such as medical care, temporary housing and more.
- Advocate for support of Ukrainians here and abroad by urging the Biden administration to rebuild the refugee program, expedite family reunification and more.
- Join in prayer and meditation using the LIRS' prayer and meditation guide.
- Educate yourself about the situation in Ukraine.
|
|
Sacred Sites Tours
May 5, May 6 or June 12 | Multiple Locations
As part of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods' efforts to create understanding, learning and dialogue between Native and non-Native peoples, sacred site tours provide an opportunity to immerse ourselves in Minnesota history from a Native perspective. 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.
Join us as we experience Dakota history, culture and sacred sites through storytelling and are present to one another through silence/meditation/reflection and sharing. The Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs will lead us on extended walks at multiple sites. The tours begin at the Church of St. Peter in St. Paul. Learn more.
|
|
ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants
Registration for ELCA World Hunger's 2023 Domestic Hunger Grants is now open! Organizations applying for a grant for the first time must register by creating an account in ELCA GrantMaker to access the application once the window opens on April 18. If your organization is already registered in ELCA Grantmaker, now would be a great time to log back in and confirm that your contact information is still accurate. Learn more.
|
|
Application Timeline
- Registration open: March 18–May 6, 2022.
- NOTE: Applicants must be registered in ELCA GrantMaker to access the application. Allow up to three days for registration approval. If you have not registered by May 6, you will not be able to start a new application. If you have already registered in ELCA GrantMaker, you do not need to register again.
- Application open: April 18–May 20, 2022.
- Application review: June 2022–October 2022.
- Awards recommendations shared with applicants and synods: November 2022.
- Final awards approved and announced: February 2023.
ELCA Daily Bread Matching Grants
Congregations with feeding ministries should also watch for the next round of Daily Bread Matching Grants in the coming months! ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread Matching Grants support congregations and their partners as they work toward a just world where all are fed. All ELCA congregations with feeding ministries are eligible to participate. These grants provide daily bread for neighbors experiencing hunger while also serving as a tool for ministry fundraising and capacity building. Registration and applications for the 2023 Daily Bread Matching Grant will open April 25, 2022. Learn more.
|
|
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftars
Taking Heart is a long-running program coordinated by the Minnesota Council of Churches (of which this synod is a member) and the Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS-MN). Its goal is to bring Christians and members of other faith communities together with Muslims for food and conversation during Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is performed to learn compassion, self-restraint, and generosity. In 2022, Ramadan falls between April 2- May 2. Taking Heart guests are invited to arrive at a participating mosque or Islamic center about one hour before sunset. They will hear a presentation about Islam/ Ramadan and the reason for fasting, participate in the breaking of the fast, have the opportunity to observe prayer and then join at the table for wonderful food and conversation. Evaluations following last year’s Taking Heart clearly show that personal conversations are the most meaningful part of the program for participants.
|
|
A Peace of My Mind: American Stories
April 3-10 - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 6:30-8:30 p.m. weekends | Easter, Eagan
John Noltner's exhibit features 58 compelling portraits and inspiring personal stories of reconciliation, peace and hope, gathered on a 40,000-mile road trip across the U.S. The multimedia project encourages dialogue around important issues and reflects Noltner's belief that art and storytelling can help individuals, organizations and communities articulate their deepest values and encourage action toward building social capital and community connections. Noltner's work has appeared in National Geographic, Forbes, Midwest Living and New York Daily News. He is a gifted storyteller and photographer who has worked on four continents gathering accounts of human courage, grace and resilience. He will also preach at Easter on April 3. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Discussion guides are available for individuals and groups. Learn more.
|
|
Organ Soup With Jacob Benda
Thursday, April 7 - 12:10 p.m. | St. Paul Reformation, St. Paul
Organist Jacob Benda takes the 1921 Moller organ at St. Paul Reformation for a spin! Dr. Benda received his doctorate from the University of Louisiana studying under Herndon Spillman. He serves as director of sacred music at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Minneapolis. He has been featured on American Public Media's Pipedreams. A simple lunch follows the recital.
|
|
National Lutheran Choir: The Earth Sings Beauty
Sunday, May 1 - 4 p.m. | St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi + Online + Classical MPR
The National Lutheran Choir's spring concert features the world premiere of Lament of the Earth by composer Steve Heitzeg and celebrated poet Susan Palo Cherwien. Special guests include mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski and the Minnesota Boychoir. In-person admission is $35 for adults (free for 18 and under), but it will also be livestreamed at www.nlca.com and broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio. Learn more.
|
|
Augsburg Fortress Summer 2022 Music Clinics
July 14-15 | First Lutheran, Columbia Heights
Read through new seasonal music, attend workshops, participate in a hymn festival and more at the Augsburg Fortress summer music clinics. Featured clinicians include Jan Kraybill (organ) and Tom Trenney (choral) and Amy Maakestad (handbells). Learn more.
|
|
SYNOD STAFF IN CONGREGATIONS |
|
Bishop Patricia Lull
- April 10 - Hope, St. Paul (preaching at 100th anniversary)
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
