July 11, 2023

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Synod to hire Congregational Organizer for Climate Justice

The Congregational Organizer for Climate Justice position of the Minneapolis Areas Synod draws on the method and practice of community organizing, facilitated through the institution of the Lutheran church. It is centered on building a network of relationships among congregational leaders that can be organized for effective and strategic change on issues of systemic environmental justice and climate action.

The Congregational Organizer will be stepping into the role to carry out issue-based organizing that has been developed over the past eight years, with an established network of leaders within the congregations of the synod. The organizer will continue to build and maintain this strong base of leaders to take on structural climate issues that can be addressed through community-based organizing.

Lutheran Night at the Twins is important

because "In the Big Inning was the Word"

The long tradition of Lutheran Night at the Twins will continue in 2023. Congregations, youth groups, and mutual aid chapters are all invited to take advantage of group discounts (for groups of 20 or more) and enjoy a game against the Detroit Tigers.

Tuesday, August 15; 6:40 p.m.

Target Field

Other perks that evening include "Dollar Dog Night" and Family Value Concessions in certain sections.

Groups of 20 or more can reserve tickets by contacting Ryan Thomson at (612) 659-3582 or ryanthomson@twins.com. Groups with fewer than 20 people can make arrangements at FEVO GM - Ticket Sales.

If you need more convincing, watch Pastor Seth Perry explain how this all will work.

Calling all passionate voices!



Join the harmonious celebration on Lutheran Night with the Minnesota Twins. Members of your church choir have the opportunity of singing the national anthem at Target Field. Invite your choir members to be a part of this multi-congregational event at this outdoor baseball stadium.

Choir members will need to be at the field by 5:30 p.m. for the pre-game rehearsal. Singers still need to purchase tickets at the group rate. Contact Walt at (651) 332-9113 or raijaw@aol.com to add your name to the list of choir participants.

Young adult summit on climate engagement

The ELCA and its predecessor bodies have used social teaching documents as tools for speaking in and to society, as well as talking with each other about society. As we live into our sacred responsibility to care for and keep God’s creation for future generations, ELCA social teaching can strengthen our impact from the inter-personal to communal and global levels. 

The young adult-focused ELCA Fall Climate Summit is an opportunity for young adults (18-35 years old) from a range of identities and experiences to gather and deepen their advocacy, storytelling, and organizing. Sponsored by the ELCA Service and Justice team, 25 young adults from across the country will gather October 20-22, 2023, in Chicago to engage with ELCA social teaching, centering in the Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice social statement, the new “Earth’s Climate Crisis” social message, and the ongoing work of the Corporate Social Responsibility program. Participants will help to build momentum and power to energize further action and impact.

Independent auditors offer report on synod financial statements

Mahoney CPAs and Advisors, an independent auditing firm, recently offered its annual report on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Minneapolis Area Synod for the Fiscal Year ending January 31, 2023. In the 24-page statement, the auditors wrote, "In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its affiliate, as of January 31, 2023, and the changes in their net assets and their cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America." In layperson's terms, the audit gave its highest rating to the financial statements of the synod. To read the entire statement, click on the button below or go to the synod's homepage and click on the Featured Resource.

• Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be preaching at Christ Memorial Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, July 16.
• Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at the 125th Anniversary Celebration at Lyndale Lutheran, Maple Plain, on Sunday, July 16.
• Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Atonement Lutheran, Bloomington, on Sunday, July 16.
• Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Calvary Lutheran, Edina, on Sunday, July 16.
• Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Zion Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, July 23.
• Pastor John Hulden will be installing Pastor Maria Anderson-Lippert into a full-time call at University Lutheran Church of Hope, Minneapolis, on Sunday, July 30.
• Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Elk River Lutheran, Elk River, on Sunday, August 13.

• Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
• Weekly Community Cookout, Wednesdays
• Spirit of Water: A Celebration of the Mississippi River, July 15
• Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20
• The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth, July 23-28
• Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters, August 1, 8, 15
• Redeemer Block Party, August 12
• Hearts * Hands * Voices, August 19
• Reclaim Gathering, September 14-17
• Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26
• Faith and Addiction Conference, October 5-7
• Fall Joint Ministerium, October 26
• Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2-4, 2024