July 13, 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 re-entry plan will be evaluated in the next weeks. 
Asking questions
so as to listen to answers
“Earlier this month, Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) began an intensive listening project as its leaders anticipate returning to in-person campus ministry at the University of Minnesota. As a transitional ministry, LCM is looking for help gathering student participants to listen and learn about their insight.
In an interview, Pastor Kate Reuer Welton mentioned the importance of making sure that students are understood and accommodated upon arrival. ‘It’s always a part of our orientation to be thinking about who is entering the space and thinking of ways that we can invite [students] in to make sure that the community is able to receive the gifts and identities of folks who might come through the door,’ she emphasized.”

Created for relationship
“Friendship. How does it happen? Why is it important? We are created for relationships – but find ourselves wary about making friends. Human evolution plays a role in this hesitancy. We have survived by knowing that the risk of mistaking a foe for a friend could cost us our very lives. Mistaking a friend for a foe might cost us a friend. But, we would still be alive.”
Are you a courageous leader?
ELCA Coaching encourages congregational leaders to learn some possibly surprising, and some definitely humorous, things about "Courageous Leadership," a series it is offering in July and AUgust. A special guest will present on two of these dates, . All are encouraged to bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play to discerning how and where Spirit might be calling them forward as a leader in their life, work, ministry, community, and world.

Small groups in breakout rooms will offer leaders across the church to learn from each other and to leave each gathering with at least one action step.

Courageous Leadership Series
1:00 PM Central Time
Wednesday, July 21
Wednesday, August 4
Wednesday, August 18

Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Passcode: 648160
Growing Stewardship and Generosity
Is your congregation looking for a way to give your financial stewardship ministry a boost? Has it been a while since you’ve led an intentional ask for a financial commitment to God’s ministry happening in your congregation? Beginning a Culture of Generosity may be the place for you and your congregation to start. This four-month, six-session online series helps congregations build a foundation for a generous future, is grounded in Biblical stewardship principles, and not only helps stabilize but grow financial giving. (Most congregations experience a growth of 3-5% in giving.)

The cost for Beginning a Culture of Generosity is $450 and congregations across the ELCA have used Thrivent Action Grants ($250) to help pay for that cost.
Help find students for Lutheran Campus Ministry
Beginning in early July, Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) will embark on an intensive listening project as they anticipate returning to in-person ministry on campus. Because they don't have a directory of students on campus, LCM needs your help to connect with students.

Members of LCM will be listening to what the Spirit has been up to in their lives over the last 18 months particularly, and how that is shaping what the Spirit might be up to in their individual lives, and in our shared life together as a Christian community. Then, they’ll use what they hear, from the lives of these young adults, to give shape and form to our ministry on campus.

Your referrals don't necessarily have to want to be involved in LCM (so if they're involved somewhere else, or taking a church break, it's fine), because the leaders of LCM want a broad snapshot of the campus.

If you know of any current U of M students (rising freshmen included), fill out this form with their information so LCM can reach out to them.
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Kristina Hill at Cross of Hope Lutheran, Ramsey, on Sunday, July 18.
  • Ms. Madeline Troyer will be leading a Vacation Bible School forum at Diamond Lake Lutheran, on Thursday, July 22.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be offering a congregational forum at Holy Cross Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 25, and Thursday, July 29.
  • Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching at Christ Memorial Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, July 25.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Redeemer Lutheran, Henderson, on Sunday, August 1.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, August 8.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Zion Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, August 29.
  • Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Minnesota Swahili Congregation, Minneapolis, on Sunday, September 5.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org