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August 29, 2023
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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WELCA plans fall event that emphasizes "just love" | |
Under the theme of "Just Love," Women of the ELCA in the Minneapolis Area Synod is inviting congregational leaders to "gather your gals" and come to an incredible opportunity to connect, inspire, and create a better world – one act of love at a time!
Inspire: Bible Study • Worship • Connection • Music Friendship
Ignite: Explore Mental health and loneliness, Social justice and women’s imprisonment
Refresh: Coffee and Lunch • Childcare • Chair Massage • Yoga
Serve: On-site impact projects – Global market
Saturday, November 4; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights
1555 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights
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Faith-based nursing event about presence with those who are dying | |
The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) is offering a three-part series entitled This is How We Die. The series includes content from Barbara Karnes’ DVD series, This is How People Die, with dialogue and reflection.
Mondays, September 11, 18, and 25
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Online
While this series was initially offered for faith community nurses, it is now open to anyone who wishes to attend: other nurses and healthcare providers, clergy, chaplains, and/or congregants who want to know how to be present to those who are dying and are on their home-going journey, as well as their families.
The registration fee is $40 for LFCNA members and $60 for nonmembers. Nursing contact hours will be provided for the sessions attended.
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Lutheran Campus Ministry plans fundraiser in October | |
Join Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities for its Second Annual Fall Gathering and Fundraiser at the beautiful Campus Club Terrace overlooking the city. We’ll gather around hearty appetizers, a cash bar, and good music to hear inspirational stories from students and alumni.
This gathering will be a chance to connect with each other and to raise money for the transformational work happening at Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities!
Thursday, October 5
Campus Club at the U of M
300 Washington Avenue SE, Mpls
5:00 p.m. Cocktails and appetizers
6:00 p.m. Program
7:00 p.m. Jam session and singing around the fire (bring your instruments!)
Tickets: $30
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ELCA Churchwide shares stories about how mission support changes lives -- what every congregant should know (and be encouraged by) | |
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There are so many powerful stories of ways people's lives are being changed by the ministry and mission of the ELCA around the world. Too often those stories are unknown.
Stories of Faith in Action, a publication about how your congregation's mission support brings abundant life in challenging circumstances, is available for members of ELCA congregations. For instance, in a recent issue the stories told included: The United Evangelical Church in Cuba Lutheran Synod's newest pastor, an ELCA street minister in Baltimore, a welcoming community for all gender identities and sexual orientations in the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, an outdoor worship experience in the Upper Peninsula, and the pastoral emergency the Lutheran Church in Rwanda is facing.
All these stories and more will stimulate conversations that counter the narrative of a dying church. This is the church engaged, and can bring hope to those who worry about the church's future.
If you have suggestions to share about how your benevolence supports important ministry, contact Karen Kretschmann, coordinator for storytelling engagement, at ELCA Churchwide.
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How to create a recovery friendly church | |
As congregations seek to find themselves and refocus mission in this post-pandemic reality, perhaps they may wish to consider the growing addiction and mental health crisis in the U.S. right now. People are suffering and too many are dying. The church could play a major role in bringing healing, hope, and new life.
But where can you start? Join Drew Brooks (executive director of Faith Partners), Pastor John Sutherland (Cross in Roberts, Wisconsin) and Center of Addiction & Faith founder Pastor Ed Treat as they share their experience, strength, and hope for how to start and sustain meaningful addiction awareness ministry in the local parish.
Wednesday, August 30; 12:00 p.m.
Online
The webinar is sponsored by The Center of Addiction & Faith and is open to clergy and lay people.
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Addiction and Faith Conference announced for Twin Cities | |
The 2023 Addiction and Faith Conference is open to all who have been touched by addiction, with a special focus on leaders who provide spiritual care. Presenters in the fields of mental health, addiction, faith, science, justice, compassion, and more will share their expertise. The in-person package includes worship, a keynote and plenary sessions, breakout sessions, meals, 12-step meetings, Narcan training, exhibits, and opportunities to connect.
October 5 - 7
Hilton Hotel, Bloomington, and Online
Early bird registration through August 31 is $325; after that date, the cost is $375 per person.
Pre-Conference Retreat for Clergy: Prior to the conference, a 12-step pre-conference retreat is offered just for clergy. Registration for the October 3 - 5 retreat is open with a free-will offering.
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Already Enough: Unlock Your Power as a Woman in Ministry | |
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Join this series to rest in the assurance that you are already enough. You’ll walk away with biblical insights and practical coaching tools to unlock your power as a woman in ministry.
Join Dr. Crystal Hall, in partnership with the ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop Quality of Call Initiative, for this Zoom webinar series.
Tuesdays, September 5, 12, 19, and 26
10:00 a.m., Central Time
Zoom webinar
To register
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2024 Annual Enrollment beginning soon |
- Sponsoring employers can estimate their 2024 costs using their Custom Comparison Report on EmployerLink starting in late August.
- The ELCA recommends two ELCA-Primary health benefit options: Gold+, or Silver+ with a monthly employer contribution to the member’s health savings account (HSA). If your employer offers Silver+, you’ll have the choice to stay with Silver+ or choose the Gold+ option.
- Participants will receive more information about 2024 Annual Enrollment and specific benefits in the next few months.
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Children's ministry call to resume planning for fall | |
Children's ministry staff and key volunteers are invited to gather on Zoom to talk about how to help manage behaviors so that all have a good experience at our churches. Hosts for the call will be Rachelle Gill (Easter Lutheran, Eagan) and Julie Vagle (Trinity Lutheran, Long Lake).
Monday, September 11
1:00 p.m.
Zoom
If you have questions, contact Julie Vagle.
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Living Lutheran to cease print option at end of year | |
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Living Lutheran magazine is moving to online only. The November/December issue will be the last printed issue of Living Lutheran. The ELCA and its predecessor church bodies have been printing faith periodicals since 1831! More information can be found on livinglutheran.org.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? | |
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Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Trinity Lutheran, Monticello, on Sunday, September 3.
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Pastor Craig Pederson will be attending a retirement celebration for Pastor Mark Johnson at St. John's Lutheran, Belle Plaine, on Sunday, September 10.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Pastor Yolanda Denson-Byers as Senior Pastor at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Edina, on Sunday, September 10.
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Pastor John Hulden will be installing Pastor Christine Belfrey at San Pablo/Saint Paul's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, September 17.
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Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Pastor Sarah Bunge at Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, September 17.
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Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Sarah Scherschligt as Shared Leadership Pastor at Westwood Lutheran, St. Louis Park, on Sunday, September 17.
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Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
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How to Create a Recovery Church, August 30
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Already Enough: Unlock Your Power as a Woman in Ministry, September 5, 12, 19, and 26
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Hope Lutheran's 50th Celebration, September 10
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Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association series, September 11, 18, and 25
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Reclaim Gathering, September 14 - 17
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The Worship Songs Worship Music Concert, September 17
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Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24 - 26
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Compassion in Self Care, a Pre-Conference Retreat for Clergy, October 3 - 5
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Refresher Course for Faith Community Nurses, October 5
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Faith and Addiction Conference, October 5 - 7
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Fall Joint Ministerium, October 26
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Boundaries Training, November 2
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JUST LOVE (Fall Women's Gathering), November 4
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Refresher Course for Faith Community Nurses, November 9
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Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2 - 4, 2024
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