May 17, 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. 
They’re Still Taking Our Children: The Evolution of Boarding Schools
On May 23, from 6:30-8:00 p.m., the synod will partner to sponsor an event focused on how the legacy of Indian Boarding Schools evolved into our current child welfare system in Minnesota and how the Indian Child Welfare Act works to protect our Native families. Leaning on lived experience working in Indian Child Welfare, our speakers will walk us through the evolution of boarding schools and how we can work to counteract this harmful legacy.  Please register using the link below, and use the provided zoom link.
Nostalgia, joy,
and change
“Svetlana Boym, a cultural theorist and former professor at Harvard University, mentions two types of nostalgia; one is reflective nostalgia, the longing for the past while acknowledging that the past cannot be recreated and may not even be as idyllic as we remember. Restorative nostalgia, on the other hand, seeks to recreate the past, in the present. Boym writes, “Restorative nostalgia does not think of itself as nostalgia, but rather as truth and tradition.” It’s what my siblings and I do when we get dinner from the same chain restaurant in three different states on our parents’ birthdays because it was their favorite haunt.”
Support Lutheran Campus Ministry
Last Sunday we celebrated another year of ministry celebrated their graduating seniors. Watch the beautiful blessing by clicking the button below. Campus Ministry does the important and powerful work of walking alongside students as they learn and grow. With each departing class we are reminded that young adults are hungry for the Gospel, for real belonging on a large campus, and for opportunities to express God's love in their lives.
 
Join us in honoring this group of graduates with a monthly sustaining gift to Lutheran Campus Ministry!
Annual Ascension Day breakfast for CYF staff
Children, youth, and family 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- ite at the host hotel, the Holiday Inn Express. The estimated cost is $200, not including lodging. 
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, 1:00-3:00 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.
Do you qualify for
loan forgiveness?
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Changes to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program have created a unique opportunity for rostered leaders and other non-profit employees. Have you been told in the past that you were previously ineligible for PSLF? You may now be eligible! PSLF has expanded qualified employment to include religious instruction and worship.
 
Recognizing that seminary student loan debt is sometimes driving young leaders out of the ministry, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) has developed capacity to work with rostered leaders who want to check into the loan forgiveness possbility. LSS representatives are offering Region 3 rostered leaders a webinar to help them determine if the limited PSLF waiver is beneficial, understand their options and demystify the process of applying for PSLF, learn what helpful tools are available, and avoid common student loan scams.

Wednesday, June 1, 1:00 p.m.
Online

Save the date; more information will follow.
Courageous leadership from ELCA Coaching
The Rev. Sara Cutter, Senior Director for Operational Effectiveness in the Christian Community and Leadership Home Area of the ELCA’s churchwide organization, will explore the concept of the Four Horsemen, four documented characteristics that tear relationships apart. The March 18 presentation is sponsored by ELCA Coaching.

Sara manages the operations of a variety of ministries engaged with supporting and nurturing ELCA congregations and their leaders. Prior to serving in this role, she led three different parishes of varying sizes and locations. Pastor Sara previously worked as an engineer and an MBA.

Wednesday, May 18, 1:00 p.m.
Zoom 

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org