May 24, 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.

The Synod office will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day. 
Lutheran Night at the Twins
Start getting your group of 20 or more together for Lutheran Night at the Twins on Tuesday, August 2. You'll receive group discounted tickets seated together, a welcome message on the scoreboard, and the opportunity to participate in the national anthem choir. Ticket prices range from $17 to $37 in a variety of seating areas including the Deck, Field Box, and Home Run Porch View.
A pandemic for the birds
“My wife is the farmer. She cares for five dozen laying hens and almost 100 baby chicks that are ‘meat birds.’ She had arranged with our neighbors to butcher those fast-growing chicks in early June. First one laying hen, and then a few more of our laying hens, died. After calling the Minnesota Avian Flu hotline, scientists came out to the farm to test the birds.”
Walking the Labyrinth -- A Retreat for Healing
The stress and anxiety of the past two years have taken a toll. Grief and isolation because of COVID, dismay related to the murder of George Floyd, and other life realities have affected us in untold ways. Many are in need of healing. On June 2, join us for a day-long retreat for time and space to renew and restore. Led by Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley and Dr. Jennifer Kilps, using the beautiful classic Labyrinth at Bethel Lutheran Church, participants will spend the day interacting with the labyrinth for meditation, prayer, reflection, learning creative expression, and renewal. All are welcome to share this time together in their own faith, spiritual tradition, or practice. We simply ask that you bring an open heart and mind, and respect for the differences of others.
Refer your graduating seniors to Lutheran Campus Ministries!
As you prepare to send your graduates this spring, Lutheran Campus Ministry-Twin Cities and campus ministries across the country, are preparing to welcome them well this fall, to walk alongside them as they grow in faith throughout their college careers. But we need your help to connect with them! 

There are a couple of ways you can refer your students going off to colleges/universities:
  • Visit the 'refer a student' button below to individually refer students. At the link, you'll select which college/university your student is attending, and then enter details that will help campus ministers reach out to your students and get them involved. 
  • Email us (dana@umnlutheran.org) a spreadsheet with your graduates' names/best contact info/which college they're attending, and our staff can pass along names and get them connected to the campus ministry at their school.
We are so grateful for the ways you've cared for and nurtured these students thus far, and we are excited to partner with you in that work as they move through this next season of life. If you have any questions, reach out to Dana, our Program and Outreach Coordinator, at dana@umnlutheran.org!
We Have a Choice: A Message from Presiding Bishop Eaton
In her May column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that we can “remain isolated and reactive, or we can live as the new creation in Christ and be a witness to the world of the reconciliation we have received from God.”
 
After two years of pandemic precautions, the effects of isolation, chronic anxiety, loss, and grief have taken their toll. Research shows that we are angrier, more depressed, and less patient. Frayed relationships take effort and time to mend. There is no quick fix. Care must be taken now so that actions and decisions aren’t born solely or mostly out of reactivity. How we deal with real and critical issues now will have consequences in the future.
Listening Sessions for an ELCA Social Statement on Civics and Faith
What is important to you when you think about government? What about how the church and the state relate to each other? At the request from the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, a task force is at work on a new social statement about civics and faith. On Tuesday, May 24, and Wednesday, May 25, from 7:00-8:15 p.m., listening sessions will be offered virtually to gather input from ELCA members about their priorities and perspectives. The sessions will explain more about what social statements are and how they're developed. Participants will have an opportunity for discussion in break-out groups.
 
To learn more about the social statement process, visit elca.org/civicsandfaith.
ELCA Youth Bundling Session Service Project
Even though the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering has been cancelled, The Drawer, a nonprofit committed to providing new socks and underwear to those in need across the Midwest, will still be hosting a bundling session as a service project opportunity for congregational youth groups.

Youth grroups are invited to Easter Lutheran Church by the Lake on Saturday, July 23, 1 - 3 p.m., to work with youth groups from around the Midwest to bundle and prepare sock and underwear donations to go out to those in need. Youth groups are encouraged to join the "Fill The Drawer" Campaign from the original Boundless gathering by doing a sock and underwear and/or a monetary collection to bring to the bundling session. 

Connect with Gina Lindquist for more information or to secure a spot.
Annual Ascension Day Breakfast for CYF staff
Children, youth, and family (CYF) leaders of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods have been active in offering God's care and courage to the people they serve the last two years. The MAS/SPAS CYF Leadership Team is offering a time to come together to rest and enjoy at the Ascension Day Breakfast.

Thursday, May 26; 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Come eat, connect, be supported, and worship. Both synod bishops will be there, Rev. Jenny Sung will preach, and worship music will be led by Christian Ankrum from The Table. There will also be a raffle for free registration to the 2023 ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza! The cost is $10 per person. 
Boundless (Still) Offers Alternative Youth Opportunity
This alternative to the cancelled ELCA Youth gathering is hosted by Humble Walk Lutheran Church in St. Paul and Pastor Jodi Houge. This program for young people in grades 8-12 includes worship, group activities, service projects, art, music, a field trip to Valleyfair, and more.

July 24-27

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. The estimated cost is $200, not including lodging. 
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Grace Lutheran, Andover, on Sunday, May 29.
  • Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at All Saints Lutheran, Norwood Young America, on Sunday, June 5.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be conducting a Ministry Site Profile at Our Saviour's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, June 5.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Salem English Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, June 5. 
  • Ms. Brenda Blackhawk will be speaking at an evening worship service at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Monday, June 6.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be conducting a Ministry Site Profile at Zion Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, June 12.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Holy Cross Lutheran, Minneapolis on Sunday, June 12.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching and meeting with the Faith Practices & Neighboring Practices Team at First Lutheran, Crystal, on Sunday, June 12. 
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Cross of Peace Lutheran, Shakopee, on Sunday, June 26.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org