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This synod office will be closed Thursday and Friday of this week
for the Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Maps, Prayers and Action
After Vernita Kennen participated in a recent ELCA World Hunger webinar on "Hunger and Conflict," she vowed to have a world map next to her when she reads the paper.
I’m going to locate the conflict area mentioned in the newspaper, be it in Africa (South Sudan), the Middle East (Yemen), or the Americas (Haiti). I’ll pay attention to the neighboring countries and to the distance and relationships with our United States of America.
I’ll pray for those who live in that country, for those in government and power as well as those who are living with hunger and fear. I’ll ask God to show me ways that I can be of help. Maybe it’s through contributions to ELCA World Hunger, which works with local agencies and organizations on the ground in many countries to make people’s lives better. Maybe it’s through advocacy with our U.S. government to support policies and programs that support global food programs and distribution. Maybe it’s a reminder to remember those who are hungry as I enjoy my morning coffee, fruit and toast. Maybe it requires more prayer for all of the above.
Read Vernita's full blog post.
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New ELCA Logo
The ELCA has just released a new version of its logo! While similar to the previous one, the lines are now smooth, a formerly purple section is now blue and the letters are in a new font. If you ever use the ELCA logo in your work, visit https://www.elca.org/Resources/ELCA-Branding#ELCAbrand to download the new materials. Feel free to continue using up materials with the previous logo, but please use the new version for anything new or when it's time to reprint/replace resources. Click here for the Brandmark Quick Reference Guide, which provides a helpful overview of appropriate logo usage.
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We're Hiring: Internship Program Coordinator
The Saint Paul Area Synod is hiring a coordinator for a new program of summer internships to take place for four years beginning in 2023. The program coordinator will work to recruit placement sites, design and implement an application process, and oversee the placement process for up to 10 summer internships each year. The proposed start date is Jan. 1, 2023, to prepare for internships beginning in June 2023. The position and the internship program are largely funded by the synod’s Planting Hope capital campaign.
The primary aim of the program is to raise up a new generation of leaders in the church by providing opportunities for vocational exploration. The project will include a learning component for the cohort of interns, for which the program coordinator will provide organizational support. Flexible hours and remote work make it an easy complement to existing employment. This contract position works closely with a senior member of the synod staff and reports to the Bishop. Download the job description.
Interested persons may send a cover letter and resume to rachel.holsten@spas-elca.org. Review of applications will begin on Nov. 23 and will continue until the position is filled. Please share this opportunity with anyone you feel might be qualified and interested!
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A Deeper Dive: Leadership Conversations for Congregation Presidents & VPs
Thursday, Dec. 1 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Online
For congregation presidents and vice presidents
Congregation presidents and vice presidents are invited to take part is a series of monthly discussions. In the next session, the main content will focus on the role of the lay leader during times of pastoral and/or staff transitions. Each month also includes devotions, introductions and Q&A. The Zoom gatherings are hosted by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer (assistant to the bishop for lay leadership) and Dr. Dave Webb (retired school superintendent and council president at Shepherd of the Hills). Additional sessions are scheduled for Jan. 26, March 30 and on Feb. 25 as part of the synod's Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders. Register here for Dec. 1!
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Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders & Conference Assemblies
Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders is an annual event designed to equip lay leaders with new resources, ideas and connections. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Shepherd of the Valley in Apple Valley. A variety of workshops will cover a wide range of areas relevant to both church staff and lay leaders. Conference assemblies will also be held on Feb. 25 as part of the day's agenda. The six conferences of the synod will meet separately and the agenda may include elections, proposed resolutions or other matters. This event will run from 8:30 a.m. through 2:45 p.m. Watch for more details in the coming weeks!
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ELCA Fund for Leaders
ELCA Fund for Leaders is now accepting scholarship applications! Every year, ELCA Fund for Leaders awards about 40 full-tuition scholarships to students pursuing rostered ministry at ELCA seminaries. Applications are accepted until Feb. 25 for applicants who plan to enroll at an ELCA seminary as a first-year student next fall and who have begun the ELCA candidacy process to become a rostered minister.
Do you know an emerging leader of our future church? Encourage them to apply today at ELCA.org/FundforLeaders.
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Courageous Leadership Series
Wednesdays - 1 p.m. | Online
ELCA Coaching offers a weekly online gathering for ministry leaders. Each week this series features a new topic and presenters. On Nov. 23, the presenter is Christina Costa on how gratitude rewires your brain. As a psychology instructor who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2020, she has notable insights on how to foster resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. Recordings of these conversations are posted by the next day. Learn more.
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Christmas/Epiphany Video
The Ministry Lab is creating a video reflection based on Psalm 148 that will be free for member congregations to enjoy as a sermon, contemplative practice, or celebratory opening or closing throughout the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany. And they'd like to include your photos, images, or drawings! Share your favorite images - inspired by Psalm 148 (NRSV or The Message) - by Sunday, December 4, here! The Psalm 148 Reflection Video will be available by Christmas Day. Learn more. To receive the link as soon as it is ready, register here.
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National Lutheran Choir’s Christmas Festival
Friday, Dec. 9 - 4:30 & 8 p.m. | Saturday, Dec. 10 - 8 p.m. | The Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis
Join the National Lutheran for the 37th annual Christmas Festival, "Jesus Christ Yesterday, Today, Forever"! A free-to-all livestream of the performance will be broadcast at NLCA.com on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. and will be available as a recording throughout the holiday season. Learn more.
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Become a Time Boss
Tuesday, Jan. 10 - 2-3:30 p.m. | Online
For church leaders. Do you have way too much on your plate? Join Rev. Nicole Havelka, a leadership coach and mindful meditation teacher, in a workshop that will help you step back, name your self-care needs and priorities, empower you to manage your time for work-life balance, and introduce you to mindfulness practices that will sustain you through stress-filled times and spark transformation. Learn more.
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Festival of Homiletics
May 15-18, 2023 | Minneapolis
For rostered ministers. With a theme of "Preaching Hope for a Weary World," the 2023 Festival of Homiletics will create space for learning and conversation that honors the shared trauma we have been through the last few years...and what kind of leaders we want to be as survivors of the storm. Among the speakers are Michael Curry, Mihee Kim-Kort, Jonathan Merritt, Barbara Lundblad, Jay Augustine, Jana Childers, Matthew Skinner and many more. Registration is open for in-person and digital access. Learn more.
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SYNOD STAFF IN CONGREGATIONS | |
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Rev. Justin Grimm
- Dec. 4 - Minnesota Faith Chinese (preaching and commissioning of Pastor Thomas Tsen)
Deacon Krista Lind
- Nov. 27 - Crossroads Parish | Atonement, New Brighton & Cross of Glory, Mounds View (installation of Deacon Brad Mills)
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The Saint Paul Area Synod, which includes 107 congregations and new mission starts,
is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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