Time is running out to submit a name or two for the synod's "Lutherans at the Fair" feature on social media! If you have a name of someone who's involved in this year's State Fair (yourself or someone else), let us know at http://ow.ly/XUVl50FBO3W.

The synod will review all submissions and directly contact people with a list of questions to be answered. NOTE: we will not be able to contact every person whose name is submitted. We will select individuals from a variety of positions and congregations to be featured. Thank you for helping us highlight Lutherans from our synod at the Fair!

We were saddened this past week to learn of the death of the Rev. David Preus, who served as the president/presiding bishop of the American Lutheran Church in the decades leading to the formation of the ELCA. He died on July 23. A celebration of his life will be held this Thursday at 2 p.m. at Central Lutheran in Minneapolis.

In the newest post for our "Addressing Hunger" blog, 4-H alumna Vernita Kennen lauds today's 4-H youth for their efforts to end food insecurity.

In this year of great uncertainty, our synod is partnering with GSB consultants to offer a stewardship program for congregations seeking to financially stabilize ministry as they look to the future. Ending 2021 with a strong annual appeal will allow congregations to move forward in hope, positively impacting their ministry decisions for the coming year. In the midst of a pandemic, strong congregations are needed more than ever as they proclaim words of hope, community, service and resurrection.

"Building a Culture of Generosity" will provide a roadmap for congregations to follow, with a consultant meeting regularly with the cohort to clarify the process and ensure the greatest impact. The cost for this is $450 (we think Thrivent funds can be used for part of this). We are actively recruiting now with the

hope to begin in mid-August. We need at least eight congregations to say “yes” to make it happen. Questions? Contact Assistant to the Bishop Justin Grimm at 651-224-4313 or justin.grimm@elca.org. Click here for the flyer and/or view the video.

As of today, 298 confirmands in the synod have received a letter from Bishop Lull to mark this important day in one’s life of faith. If your congregation is celebrating confirmations this fall and you would like to present your confirmands with a personalized letter from the Bishop, submit your request to anna.marsh@spas-elca.org. You will need to provide a list of names and the date of your confirmation day.

Our synod is able to send two high schoolers and an adult advisor to the ELCA's Youth Leadership Summit, which is coming to the Marriott in downtown Minneapolis Nov. 4‐7. Youth will be challenged to take home what they learn and inspire others to action and teach others what they learned in their own synods and youth groups. All expenses are paid. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15 and all it takes is submitting names of the three-person team to Bishop Lull with a 40-word essay of why your team should represent our synod. Learn more.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota invites congregations in our synod to participate in its Circle of Welcome program, which connects community groups directly with refugee families. This is an opportunity to walk with a refugee family as friends, supporters and advocates to help them become established more quickly. There are three models for participation, all including a six-month volunteer commitment and a financial contribution. Activities might include setting up an apartment, assisting with job seeking, practicing English and running errands or simply providing financial support for basic needs. Training and support is provided by LSS. View the information sheet or reach out to LSS Program Supervisor Cate Duin at 612-428-0058 or cate.duin@lssmn.org.

The first session is "Sexuality, Gender Identity and Hunger," led by the Rev. Heidi Neumark from Trinity Lutheran Church in New York and the Rev. Joe Larson from Fargo, N.D. Learn more and register.

 “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is Sept. 12! This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Congregations all across the ELCA are invited to create service project opportunities that support their community, from food drives to letter writing, neighborhood clean-ups to inspirational lawn signs. Learn more at https://www.elca.org/dayofservice and find links to project and promotional resources. Check out this video that shows projects in action last year!

We love sharing stories of the synod! Send a brief description and any photos to communications@spas-elca.org!

Due to popular demand, this offering has exceeded capacity and registration is closed. However, organizers tell us it will be streamed on the Southwestern Texas Synod's Facebook page and posted to its website.

Forced to scramble to go online in just a few weeks during the COVID pandemic, the church has discovered the online world is far more than a replacement for the yellow pages. It is a place where genuine community and real ministry happens. This free, five-week series will provide an overview of several areas of congregational ministry and reflect on how to begin to move every aspect of church life to a dual platform – on the ground and online. This “hybrid” kind of ministry will be the new norm for the next season in many congregations' work. Becoming a hybrid church is one path forward to both strengthen the church and reach new people with the gospel in bold, creative new ways. This series is sponsored by the Southwestern Texas Synod, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod and Nebraska Synod. Click here for the flyer.

ELCA leaders are invited to explore the topic of courageous leadership. Bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play as you discern how and where the Spirit might be calling you forward as a leader in your life, work, ministry, community and the world. The gatherings will include time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other. Learn more.

Church Anew is offering a free virtual event that was born from wondering what a theological conversation might look like that centers the voices and experiences of people of color. Four thought leaders - Rev. Mihee Kim-Kort, Rev. Winnie Varghese, Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto and musician Julian Reid - have joined together to create this space. Together, they invite you to encounter the God who is made known in the diverse expression of witness the world over. Preachers, storytellers, activists, and community leaders of color are invited to perhaps hear some of their own stories in the pieces shared. White leaders are welcome but expected to participate with a posture of overhearing the witness rather than expecting it is for you. Learn more.

You are invited to commemorate 20 years since the 9/11 attacks on the United States with a special liturgy of evening prayer. Bishop Patricia Lull will lead us as we commemorate that day with remembrance, lament and a renewed call to be peacemakers in our own day. Learn more.

www.spas-elca.org | 651-224-4313