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September 24, 2024

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Addressing Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age

Cherish All Children and Faith Lutheran, Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota, invite parents, grandparents, middle and high school youth, youth leaders, teachers, coaches, and pastors to a must see film for adults and youth about the impact of technology on youth mental health titled "Screenagers Next Chapter: Addressing Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age."


Sunday, October 13, 4:00-6:30 p.m.

Faith Lutheran Church

886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota


This event will delve into the challenges and realities youth, families and schools are facing in the digital age. Gain valuable insights into supporting youth's mental wellness, especially as it relates to stress, anxiety, and depression. Come explore solutions together!


Reach out to joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren with questions.

To register

Synod staff this week

Bishop Jen Nagel will be attending the Conference of Bishops gathering in Chicago. The rest of the synod staff will be in the office during their normal working hours.

The cult of busyness

“I discovered Centering Prayer almost a decade ago from a Spiritual Director who invited me to explore the contemplative dimensions of the Christian tradition and embrace meditation as a counterbalance to the busyness of full-time work and school. Centering Prayer is a practice that invites us to rest in God, to set an intention to be open, and to keep opening to God’s loving embrace.”

Read Nick's blog

The installation of Bishop Jen Nagel

The Minneapolis Area Synod held a wonderful service of installation and celebration for Bishop Jen Nagel on Saturday at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. (Thank you, staff of Central.) Thank you as well to the almost 800 people who joined in the festivities! If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the recording of the service on the synod's website. More photos will be coming soon, but you can enjoy some of our favorites now. Blessings, Bishop Jen! 

Deacons to meet in October

Deacons and candidates from the Minneapolis Area and Saint Paul Area Synods are invited for a Twin Cities gathering of Ministers of Word and Service!


Thursday, October 24; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Edina Community Lutheran Church

4113 West 54th Street, Edina


Participants will have structured conversation to share the joy of memories and ministry, and maybe even a bit of the struggles that walk alongside as well. Come to celebrate life together as deacons and deacon candidates in the ELCA. Join with other deacons and candidates for fellowship and leave with new ideas for your context!


Coffee and desserts will be served.

Learn more

A program to "Kindle Faith"

Is your congregation ready to thrive? ELCA Vital Congregations, ELCA Evangelism, and ELCA Coaching in partnership with Kindling Faith invite congregations into the joyful journey of thriving in spirit, community, and action, both within the congregation and through neighborhood connection.


Sessions: September 21, October 19, November 16, January 18, February 8, and March 15

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Virtual


Congregational teams of up to five people are invited to join this special cohort program filled with inspiring stories, experienced and dynamic speakers, useful information, and practical support. Together, each congregation will be able to develop and enact a strategic plan filled with new ways to be church in the world, especially suited to share timeless faith in our current culture. Six monthly three-hour sessions are staffed with a coach specifically trained in congregational vitality.

To register

Come together to bring an end to hunger

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ELCA World Hunger, the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is hosting "Walking Together: 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger" on Saturday, October 12, at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa, Minnesota. This event will include GLocal musicians, a hunger simulation, an action center, a silent auction, a public art project and lunch provided by the Caribbean Fusion food truck.


Saturday, October 12; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Lutheran Church of the Cross

Nisswa, Minnesota


Gather with other hunger leaders from Region 3 (North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota), as well the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin to commemorate the good work of ELCA World Hunger and to recommit to work for its alleviation.


Cost: Before September 21, $30; after September 21, $40

To register
Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?
  • Pastor Wondimu Sonessa will be preaching at St. Barnabas Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, September 29.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be attending a farewell for Pastor Bruce Kuenzel at Light of Christ Lutheran, Delano, on Sunday, September 29.
  • Ms. Karen Ohm will be attending a farewell for Pastor Wade Wacholz at Shepherd of the Hills, Edina, on Sunday, September 29.
  • Bishop Jen Nagel will be installing Pastor Christine Belfrey Johnson at Messiah Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 6.
  • Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Pastor Dana Becker at All Saints Lutheran, Norwood Young America, on Sunday, October 6.
  • Bishop Jen Nagel will be installing Pastor Peter Johnson at St. Andrew Lutheran, Eden Prairie, on Sunday, October 6.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be leading an Adult Forum at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 6.
  • Bishop Jen Nagel will be attending a farewell for Pastor Anna Helgen at Edina Community Lutheran, Edina, on Sunday, October 6.
  • Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be leading an Adult Forum at St. John's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 13.
  • Bishop Jen Nagel will be installing Pastor Jenny Sung at Calvary Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 27.
Upcoming Events
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org
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