Enews: A theology of the cross; synod budget hearing scheduled; and more

April 4, 2023

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

New round of Ministry Imagination Grants to be launched

After a two-year hiatus, the Synod Council is pleased to announce a new round of funding for Ministry Imagination Grants. Proposals for innovative ministry ideas are invited from individual congregations and from congregations working in partnership with other churches or community organizations. Grant amounts will be in the range of $2,000 - $25,000.

In support of the synod’s increased emphasis on equity in its policies and practices, the current round of grants will give priority to initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in congregations and local communities. Detailed guidelines and a streamlined application process can be found here.

The deadline for the current round of grant proposals is June 1, 2023.

For more information, email Pastor Craig Pederson, or call him at (612) 230-3316.

Help us find an Executive Assistant to the Bishop

The position description for the "Executive Assistant to the Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop" is now available. The person who fills this 25-to-28-hour-per-week position will offer logistical assistance to the bishop, oversee human resources, and work with synod governance and financial accountability. For a more in-depth view of the areas of responsibility and the expectations, read the complete job description.

What a thing is

“Of all the things named for us in the theology of the cross, this is one of the most important. Pay close attention: This is your name: Beloved child of God. This is God calling a thing what it is – calling you what you are. You are a beloved child. In your fullest, authentic, beautiful, and broken self, you are loved, embraced, and forgiven; you are set free from all the self-talk and other-talk that binds you with names that are not beloved child of God. God knows you. God calls you beloved.”

Read Bishop Ann's blog

Last weekend’s April Fool’s Day enews is a reminder that humor is very contextual. While we have heard back from a significant number of readers that the prank enews was “amusing,” “funny,” “hilarious,” and “entertaining,” it was not so for everyone. It turns out that April Fool’s Day isn’t celebrated everywhere. Thus, some of our siblings in Christ read the enews sent on April 1 as serious news. For the confusion of our international readers, we apologize. We will work harder to tend to the breadth of our audience as we plan future communications.

Only one more week

to register for the

2023 Synod Assembly

Voting members from all of the synod's congregations will be gathering under the theme “Restored to Life Anew,” focusing on Psalm 30. A public worship service (with a choir!) will take place on Friday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Andrew Lutheran, Eden Prairie. Then, the business of the synod will be conducted on Saturday, April 29, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (registration at 8:00) at Lord of Life Lutheran, Ramsey.

The ever-challenging and inspiring Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III will be the keynote speaker for Saturday. Marie Anne Sliwinski, the Senior Director of Building Resilient Communities for the ELCA, will be the Churchwide representative.

Long tradition of Lutherans supporting U.S. Farm Bill

The farm bill reauthorization process is a significant opportunity for shaping federal policy with wide impact. With deep service and commitment among ELCA members and ministries to a just world where all are fed, and Lutherans heavily residing in farm-aware communities, our ELCA faith-based advocacy in the process will be well-served by reaching as many Lutherans as possible for input in listening sessions.

April 18 for Eastern and Central focus

April 21 for Pacific focus

April 25 for Mountain focus

ELCA farm bill listening sessions are virtual gatherings where ministry leaders, members of congregations, and those with valuable lived experiences gather our opinions and experiences informed by faith values on stewardship, justice and serving our neighbor. The farm bill connects food on our tables and cafeterias, the farmers and ranchers who produce it, and the natural resources that make growing food possible, and is in the process of being reauthorized. Please join the conversation shaping our faithful action!

Budget hearing to prepare voting members for assembly votes

In preparation for the 2023 Synod Assembly on April 28 - 29, a Zoom call presentation on the budget resolutions -- adjustment of the 2023 budget and proposal of the 2024 budget -- will be offered for all voting members to the assembly. Treasurer Ty Inglis and Bishop Ann Svennungsen will host the presentation.

Thursday, April 13; 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Zoom

The proposed budget resolutions (and all resolutions to go before the assembly) are available on the synod website's Synod Assembly page. (Scroll down beneath the "featured speakers" section.)

ASL and Spanish interpretation for the budget hearing will be available upon request. The deadline to request interpretation is April 6.

Please register if you are planning to attend. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Reclaim to gather

in Minneapolis in September

Fees waived for

early registrants for Myle and the tAble

Reclaim is a curated gathering for Lutheran people of African Descent of all ages and gender identities. The African Descent community thrives most when gathered.

Registration is now open!

September 14 - 17

Central Lutheran and Redeemer Lutheran

Standard Registration: $400

Late Registration $450

Young Adult Track: $300

Grounded in scripture, this gathering seeks to help participants feel embodied, emboldened, and liberated in their identities. Over the four-day gathering, participants will engage in workshops, shared meals, and praise and worship designed to build and strengthen community, teach new skills, share resources, and rejuvenate weary souls.

The leadership of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering recently announced that, for the 2024 cycle, the Gathering will waive registration fees for the first 1,000 registrants for the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the first 200 registrants for the tAble.

"As crucial parts of the ministry of the Gathering, we are thrilled to be able to support MYLE and the tAble in this way," explained Deacon Tammy Jones West, 2024 gathering director. "Our hope is that more young people will get to experience these important ministries, which we know creates a lifelong impact. We're thankful to a generous donor that makes this opportunity possible for the young people of this church."

For more information about the event

Children's Ministry leaders to gather to talk summer plans

Children's ministry staff and key volunteers from both Twin Cities synods are invited to gather on Zoom to discuss ideas for summer activities with children. The hosts will be Rachelle Gill (Easter Lutheran, Eagan) and Julie Vagle (Trinity Lutheran, Long Lake). If you questions, contact Julie Vagle.

Monday, April 17; 1:00 p.m.

Online

Meeting ID: 850 7612 9637

Passcode: 473439

To join the Zoom call

Presiding Bishop Eaton offers a message for Holy Week

In her Holy Week video message, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton encourages us to observe Holy Week before rushing from the Hosannas to the Hallelujahs. She describes the importance of the journey from the praises of last weekend, through the trial and execution, and the joy of resurrection.

To read the manuscript in English

To read the manuscript in Spanish

View Bishop Eaton's Holy Week video

LSTC Manz organ recital series

The Manz Organ Recital Series continues at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago this April with Christopher Urban, associate director of music and organist at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, Illinois. At First Presbyterian, he leads the weekly worship services from the organ and serves as accompanist for the Chancel Choir, Chambers Singers, and Men’s Chorus. Chris is also a featured recitalist in the church’s “Wednesdays @ Noon” concert series and is a frequent recitalist at churches in the Chicagoland area. Register to join us in person or watch the event later on LSTC's Youtube channel.

Celebrate with National Lutheran Choir

Join the National Lutheran Choir (NLC) for the conclusion to its 37th season with a Hymn Festival, the annual Gala, and Spring Concert! This weekend of events will celebrate everything the NLC has accomplished under David Cherwien’s leadership as he completes his tenure with the choir.

Hymn Festival: God Has Called Us

7:30 p.m.; May 5

St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Bloomington

Tickets at NLCA.com/Hymn-Festival-2023.

Annual Gala: From Strength to Strength

2:30 p.m.; May 6

The Westin Galleria in Edina

Registration at NLCA.com/Gala. Registration deadline is April 21. Free-to-all livestream also available!

Spring Concert: Ventures Known and Unknown

4:00 p.m.; May 7

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi

Tickets at NLCA.com/Spring-Concert-2023. Free-to-all livestream also available!

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching and leading a forum at Redeemer Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 16.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Braham Lutheran, Braham, on Sunday, April 16.
Pastor John Hulden will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Advent Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Wednesday, April 19.
Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at Alleluia Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, April 23.
Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be leading a Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices information session at Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer, Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 23.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Good Shepherd Lutheran, Wayzata, on Wednesday, April 26.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Pastor Kari Bahe as senior pastor at Zion Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, April 30.
Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Sunday, April 30.
Mr. Jack Hurbanis will be leading an adult forum at Lord of Life Lutheran, Ramsey, on Sunday, April 30.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installling Pastor Margaret Kelly at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist, Minneapolis, on Sunday, May 7. Pastor Margaret is the Executive Director of The Dignity Center, a ministry of Hennepin Avenue UMC.
Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Amazing Grace Hmong Lutheran, Fridley, on Sunday, May 7.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Deacon Stephanie Luedtke to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament at Pilgrim Lutheran, St. Paul, on Saturday, May 13.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars , Wednesdays
Easter Eggstravaganza, April 8
Youth Ministry Gathering, April 11
Pre-Assembly Budget Hearing, April 13
Children's Ministry Gathering, April 17
Pre-Assembly Voter Orientation, April 19
Moonlight Madness Grades 6-9 "Lock-Out," April 21-22
Five Simple Steps to Stop Working on Your Day Off, April 25
2023 Synod Assembly, April 28-29
Communicators Gathering, May 11
Festival of Homiletics 2023, May 15-18
Western States Youth Gathering, July 4-6
Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20
The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth, July 23-28
Reclaim Gathering, September 14-17
Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26

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