September 28, 2021
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
Synod office update
Synod staff are celebrating the fact that Minnesota is officially at a 70% vaccination rate. Although the staff is now splitting time between in-office and remote work, the office will remain closed to public meetings. This protocol will be evaluated periodically to reflect the CDC guidelines for vaccinated persons. 
Bishop Eaton calls for humane treatment of Haitians
​"When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien"

“In a matter of weeks, the number of migrants arriving at the Del Rio, Texas, sector of the U.S.-Mexico border has reached unforeseen levels. The majority are Haitians seeking a better life after having fled multiple crises in their native land. There are also Cuban, Venezuelan and Nicaraguan nationals. U.S. treatment of these Black migrants and others at Del Rio has been deeply problematic. As a matter of humane treatment, I urge that the administration vigorously pursue actions to grant them protection and ensure that responsible actors are held accountable through a serious investigation into allegations of abuse.”
Old news
“The two prominent stories in a copy of the Star Tribune I recently found detail some of the bumps in that first year and how some congregations left the new denomination. But we prevailed, despite all the complications. The leadership back then clearly had vision, determination, and faith. Of course, I realize that I’m talking about something I didn’t experience when I’m sure that many of you reading this were there and remember those bumps very clearly. I just want to take a moment to celebrate what the ELCA has grown to be and the success of that merger 33 (ok, almost 34) years ago.” 
Does your congregation have service projects for youth?
Every three years approximately 30,000 high school youth and their adult leaders from across the ELCA gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. The Gathering, originally to be held in 2021, was postponed until July 24-28, 2022, due to the pandemic. Minneapolis is the host city. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live out their faith in their daily lives.
 
For Service Learning opportunities, the Youth Gathering partners with local agencies, nonprofits, and congregations in the work they are doing and therefore the work God is already doing in the Twin Cities! This is where your congregation comes in.

Is there something you need volunteers to provide at your congregation but haven’t had enough people to provide the labor? Maybe you’ve wanted to create a rain garden but didn’t know where to start; maybe you need assistance canvassing the neighborhood for a new ministry coming up; or perhaps you simply need a fresh coat of paint in the hallway? The Gathering is offering a way for you to request a group of volunteers to serve on site during the days of service learning. 

The projects are in three categories with ideas in each category. They are: 

  • Physically Inside the Building
  • Physically Outside the Building
  • Community Connections Inside and Outside the Building

There are some extra spaces to add “other” input if you think of something not listed. Such projects will definitely be considered. 
 
If you are interested in having your congregation receive volunteers during the youth gathering please fill out The Church Project Interest Form by October 1. 
Walk to end hunger on World Food Day
The 2021 National CROP Hunger Walk will take place on World Food Day, October 16. Join this effort to end hunger in the U.S. and around the world!

Walk on your treadmill, in your neighborhood, in a park with friends – you choose the location and the experience. Walk one day -- 3.7 miles (the average distance a woman walks for water) -- or take the Weekend Challenge and walk 11.1 miles (3.7 miles for 3 days).

Every step you take, every dollar you raise makes the walk shorter for neighbors in need by providing clean water, emergency food as well as livelihoods and access to education. Sign-up and start raising funds today at www.crophungerwalk.org/usa.
ELCA World Hunger
to host online benefit
Join Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and noted travel TV host Rick Steves in a World Food Day celebration on Thursday, October 14. They will highlight people on the ground doing the dynamic work of fighting hunger around the world.

Special guests will include the Rev. David Beckmann, the Rev. Rebel Hurd, Willie and Anne Langdji, and the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla. Special music will be offered by Rachel Kurtz, Peter Mayer, and the St. Olaf Choir.

Thursday, October 14
7:30 p.m., Central Time
Zoom webinar

The ELCA ramins focused on supporting neighbors near and far as the pandemic continues to disrupt and impact lives. Find out how ELCA World Hunger is responding, as the church continues to address both immediate needs and the root causes of hunger.

If you have questions, contact Jennifer Kenyeri, Magaer of Development Events for the ELCA.
Opportunity for Stephen Ministry training
Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training caring ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience called the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This event fully trains Stephen Leaders—the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who begin and lead Stephen Ministry in their congregation.
 
The BLTC draws on newly redesigned and updated Stephen Ministry resources to equip participants with the skills and know-how to lead all aspects of their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. This includes training a team of congregation members as lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers), matching them with hurting people in the congregation and community, and offering ongoing guidance and support to Stephen Ministers as they provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties.

To learn more about Stephen Ministry, visit www.stephenministries.org or call (314) 428-2600. Additional information about the Bridge Leader’s Training Course is available at www.stephenministries.org/bridge.
ENGAGE to host a seminar on
gun violence and mental health
JRLC to host housing seminars in preparation for legislative session
Studies indicate that 3-5% of firearm homicides are the result of mental illness. In Minnesota, 79% of gun deaths are suicide by gun. A typical mass murderer is described as isolated, lacking in social support, bears a grudge, is angry and externalizes blame. Yet the vast majority of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders do not commit violent acts. How are we to understand the relationship between mental health and gun violence that can help us create a more gun-safe environment?

Thursday, October 7
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Zoom
Presenters:
  • Thomas E. Kottke, MD, MSPH, is the Medical Director for Well-Being at Health Partners of Medicine at the University of Minnesota
  • Caleb Schultz, MD, M.P.H. practices anesthesiology at Hennepin County Medical Center.

This event is sponsored by ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention.
Are you concerned about persons impacted by homelessness, the high cost of rent, or the scarcity of affordable or supportive housing? Do you want to understand these issues from a variety of perspectives – and make a difference? If so, join the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition for one or more of the monthly Housing Webinar Series.

First Thursdays
October 7 – February 3, 2022
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Online

See the topics and flyer here.

For more information or to RSVP by email contact Joan Miltenberger, JRLC organizer.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile conversation at Minnehaha Communion Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 3.
  • Pastor Craig Pederson will be attending a farewell service for Rev. Mark Orvick at Diamond Lake Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 3.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Alleluia Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, October 10.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti is preaching at St. Timothy Lutheran, Columbia Heights, on Sunday, October 10.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile conversation at Redeemer Lutheran, Henderson, on Sunday, October 17.
  • Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be leading an adult forum at Hope Lutheran, Jordan, on Sunday, October 17.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Pastor Adam Butler at Trinity Lutheran, Long Lake, on Sunday, October 24.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Maple Grove Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Sunday, October 24.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 24.
  • Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at the Joint Ministerium of the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods on Thursday, October 28.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Peace Lutheran, Coon Rapids, on Sunday, October 31.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org