July 26, 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. Churchwide Assembly August 8-12 The 2022 triennial ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held in Columbus, Ohio, August 8-12. The Minneapolis Area Synod will send 34 voting members to the assembly, where they will worship, discern, celebrate, share, listen, and vote. Keep our voting members, as well as those from across the ELCA, in your thoughts and prayers during this important time. The event will be open for visitors to view via livestream. If you are interested, some synod staff members will be following the livestream from the conference room in the synod office. You are welcome to join us if you'd like company for your viewing pleasure. (There are even rumors of popcorn for those who attend.) A schedule of the assembly sessions is available online. For more information Simple miracles “Recently, I’ve been describing the work of Faith Practices & Neighboring Practices as reminding congregations and their members that as followers of Jesus we are called first to those small simple practices of our faith – prayer, scripture, worship, hospitality, and love of neighbor. Table fellowship is one such practice. There are not many community engagement practices simpler than bringing folks together for a meal, but truly the impact can be immense.” Read Nick's blog

Celebrating a second chance

The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition, a partner organization with the synod's racial justice work, is hosting a community celebration and you are invited! Thursday, July 28, 2022; 4:00-7:00 p.m. The Northside Healing Space 2100 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis Join in to connect with Minnesota Second Chance Coalition members and supporters, hear testimony from people with lived experience with incarceration, talk about actions by the 2022 legislature, plan for the 2023 session, enjoy kid-friendly activities, and celebrate the community. Read more about the Minnesota Second Chance Coalition

What does ministry with children look like now? Children’s ministry staff and key volunteers are invited to talk about “The New Look of Kids’ Ministry!” Join Rachelle Gill (Easter, Eagan) and Julie Vagle (Trinity, Long Lake) to discuss the changes in children’s ministry that have worked and the new ideas you are trying this fall. Bring your marketing ideas and graphics so we can share screens and spark some great conversations! If you have questions, contact Rachelle Gill. Children’s ministry gatherings are offered regularly as a partnership of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods. Notes from previous gatherings may be found in the “files” section of the Twin Cities CYF ELCA Facebook group. More information Live the tag line in 2022 Join hundreds of ELCA congregations across the nation on Sunday, September 11 for the year's ELCA special day of service, "God's work. Our hands." Sunday. If your congregation is trying to decide a way to do ministry together on this day, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota can help identify local service opportunities that helps the exploration of a basic Lutheran conviction: that all of life in Christ -- every act of service, in every daily calling and in every corner of life -- flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God's grace.  ELCA resources for God's work. Our hands.

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at St. John's Lutheran, Mound, on Sunday, July 24. Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and presiding at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, July 24. Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran, Robbinsdale, on Sunday, July 24. Pastor Craig Pederson will be attending the farewell service for Pastor Sarah Bunge at East Union Lutheran, on Sunday, July 24. Pastor John Hulden will be be attending worship at Braham Lutheran, Braham, on Sunday, July 24. Ms. Meghan Olsen Biebighauser will be speaking at the Worship on Wednesday (WoW) at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Wednesday, July 27. Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and presiding at MN Swahili Christian Congregation, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 31. Pastor John Hulden will be installing Deacon Justin Rimbo at Spirit Garage, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 31. Pastor Norma Malfatti will be participating in VBS on the Farm with Cristo Obrero, Chaska, from Monday, August 1, through Friday, August 5. Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a Ministry Site Profile conversation at Transfiguration Lutheran, Bloomington, on Sunday, August 7. Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and presiding at St. John’s Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, August 7. Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching and presiding at Crown of Glory Lutheran, Chaska, on Saturday, August 13, and Sunday, August 14. Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be preaching at St. James Lutheran, Crystal, on Sunday, August 14. Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Cross of Peace Lutheran, Shakopee, on Sunday, August 14. Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Family of God Lutheran, Brooklyn Park, on Sunday, August 21. Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Glen Cary Lutheran, Ham Lake, on Sunday, August 28.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays Webinar: The Jewish Jail Lady and the Holy Thief, July 28 Lutheran Night at the Twins, August 2 Blues, Brews, N BBQs, August 6 Children's Ministry Gathering, August 8 Tending to Trauma: Yours, Mine and Ours, August 8-9 Book Release and Signing | In the Margins: A Transgender Man's Journey with Scripture, August 17 Effective Church Council Workshop Series, August 22 Bishop's Theological Conference, September 25-27 ALOA: Ironwood Springs Lutherhostel, October 3-7 Joint Fall Ministerium, October 27 Boundaries Training, November 3

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org

‌ ‌ ‌