February 08, 2022
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Life Together: Synod Assembly 2022 |
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There are few in our communities who haven't come to know the nimbleness and patience it takes to safely gather these days. Nevertheless, we move forward—thoughtfully, with alert to public health recommendations, and centering care for community above all else.
Synod Assembly 2022 will be held on Saturday, April 30th at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. We are excited to be planning for an in-person event, with proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 48 hours as required for attendance. The assembly will be live streamed, but online voting will not be an option.
Stay tuned for more details, including registration, which will be coming soon.
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Official Statement from the ELCA Youth Gathering Team on the 2022 Youth Gathering:
"After much prayer, conversation and tears, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Gathering, MYLE and the tAble due to the ongoing pandemic, the recent COVID-19 surge and public health considerations.
We know there are thousands of young people who will not get to experience the Gathering, and our hearts break for them. This was not an easy decision, and we ask for your prayers and your grace. We understand the impact this decision will have on our youth, volunteers and planning teams, and we hope to return to Minneapolis for a future Gathering.
Registered congregations can visit their registration accounts starting Monday, Feb. 7, to select their desired refund option. For more information and FAQs, please visit elca.org/Gathering.
With God’s power at work in and through us, we can do far more than we dare ask or imagine! The ELCA is fully committed to supporting the young people of our church and to seeing that the ministry of the Gathering, MYLE and the tAble continue for years to come. With that assurance, we are turning our attention toward 2024 for the next Gathering. Stay tuned to Gathering communications for a location announcement this summer.
Grace and peace."
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Synod Meet Up at ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza |
Are you attending the ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza? Come meet up with others from the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods! The gathering will be COVID safe and Spirit-filled as leaders connect and re-connect.
The group will gather in Minneapolis Ballroom E at the Hilton. This will be led by Paul Erdmann and Josh Svenulski and the MAS/SPAS CYF Leadership Team.
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Youth & Young Leaders Virtual Summit on Addressing Religious Discrimination in ur Classrooms & Communities |
Shoulder to Shoulder, Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), and Seeds of Peace are coming together to host a Youth & Young Adult Virtual Summit on addressing religious discrimination in our classrooms and communities.
This interactive convening will be a chance for youth and young leaders to connect and learn. Participants will share experiences, explore resources, and identify strengths, challenges, and hopes. We'll also hear from special guest Yasmin Elhady.
While this event is led in consultation with and for youth and young adults, people who work in schools (or with youth and young adults) are also welcome to attend.
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We are looking forward to offering 11 virtual Tool Kit workshops on several Tuesday and Thursday evenings in March. The schedule, list of all workshops, and registration can be found on the synod website linked below. Reminder that there are only two weeks until registration closes! For the next several weeks, we will be highlighting 2 workshops in our e-news so you can learn more about what will be available.
SIGHS TOO DEEP FOR WORDS: A Liturgy in Response to Faith, Sexism, and Justice led by Revs Ingrid Rasmussen and Jen Nagel
In response to "Faith, Sexism, and Justice" and the real challenges that come with holding together gender justice with Christian traditions, several congregations in Minneapolis and St. Paul united to commission an expansive language liturgy entitled "Sighs Too Deep for Words." This resource draws on womanist, feminist, and queer theologians’ reflections on the body, and it gives special attention to women’s experiences in scripture and in everyday life. More broadly, this liturgy reflects the radical hospitality of Christ. Due for publication in May 2022, this liturgy honors that we pray and sing without knowing exactly what to say, for it is when “we do not know how to pray as we ought” that the “Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”
Leadership through the Loss and Promise of Change led by Rev. Jim Weckworth and Kristin Wiersma
Whether change results from forces out of our control or is initiated by leaders, the hardest part is often the psychological transition and loss that comes with change. What can we hang on to that will move us into God's future? How might we lead congregations through the loss and promise of transition and transformation? This workshop will begin to provide a framework for leadership through change for the sake of mission.
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Actively & musically support Cherish All Children this winter! |
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Cherish All Children Winter Walk
Beginning Super Bowl Sunday, let’s kick-off our commitment to protect children and youth. Get out for a walk or your own favorite winter activity anytime February – March while sporting a new Cherish All Children beanie. Donate now so we can send your beanie(s) today!
Caritas Vocal Ensemble Concert
Join us for the return to live musical performances by Caritas! This year’s theme is Inspiring Harmony. “When we sing, we build community.” When you join us, you strengthen community.
- Sunday March 6 at 3:00pm
- Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr, Golden Valley
- Free-will offering benefitting Cherish All Children
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? |
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Kris Bjorke and Pastor John Hulden will attending the ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s Extravaganza from February 11 through February 14.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will offer a greeting at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Minneapolis, on Sunday, February 13.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordinating and installing Kristen Dybdal at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Plymouth, on Sunday, February, 13.
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Pastor Craig Pederson will be attending the farewell worship services for Pastor Mary Pechauer and Pastor Ben Cieslik at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Twin Cities Minneapolis Campus on Sunday, February 13.
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, February 13.
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Meghan Olsen Biebighauser will be sharing about economic justice organizing with the Theology on Tap small group at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran, Prior Lake, on Wednesday, February 16.
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at St. Andrew Lutheran, East Bethel, on Sunday, February 20.
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Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Cross of Glory Lutheran, Brooklyn Center, on Sunday, February 27.
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Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Word of Peace, Rogers, on Sunday, March 13.
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