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June 27, 2023
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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As stipulated in the Synod Constitution, the Minneapolis Area Synod Council at its first meeting since the 2023 Synod Assembly considered and approved a Bishop’s Election Committee (BEC) for the 2024 Synod Assembly election. Bishop Ann Svennungsen will have reached her twelve-year term limit in July, 2024, so a new bishop will be elected at the May 2-4 Assembly.
The synod’s Nominating Committee provided the Synod Council with a slate of seven names (and two alternates) for consideration for the BEC. The Nominating Committee members strived to identify people who express all the diversity of the synod – from size and location of congregation to age, ethnicity, and gender.
“The challenges and opportunities faced by the Nomination Committee are not dissimilar to those churches face every day,” reflected Pete Erickson, chair of the committee. “Our team sought to bring forward thought leaders reflective of the diversity and theological imagination so vital to aligning the enduring and emerging values of our changing communities and churches. The people recommended for the Bishops Election Committee are a faithful representation of our changing church and will help to facilitate a faithful process for discerning the future of leadership in the Minneapolis Area Synod.”
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Naloxone Training at The Dignity Center | |
Pastor Margaret Kelly explains that the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church (HAUMC) confirmation class began brainstorming ways that HAUMC could help address the opioid crisis. Students discussed how Naloxone is used to reverse an overdose and save lives, leading to a partnership with the Steve Rummler Hope Network (SRHN), a group that will conduct a training on how to effectively and safely use Naloxone.
Wednesday, July 19; Noon - 2:00 p.m.
The Dignity Center, HAUMC
425 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis
This training event is open to everyone to attend! If you plan to attend, please sign up in order to ensure enough supplies.
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Young Adults in Global Ministry initiates rolling application process | |
Young Adults in Global Mission sends young adults ages 21-35 to work alongside companion Lutheran church bodies and organizations in one of six countries -- Senegal, Mexico, Central Europe, Jerusalem/West Bank, United Kingdom, and Argentina/Uruguay. Areas of service include health and human rights, congregational ministry, education, environmental justice, or professional support.
YAGM applications are open on a rolling basis. A priority deadline is offered on January 15, with a final deadline on February 1. Those who apply before the priority deadline will be given first consideration.
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Lutheran Night at the Twins is important
because "In the Big Inning was the Word"
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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.
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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 pregame 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.
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Portico resource for understanding and supporting gender-expansive Christians | In the latest episode of Portico’s "Being Here Podcast" – Gender Identity and the Church – host Pastor Melissa Pohlman and guest Austen Hartke discuss ways we can seek to honor the image of God found in all of us and help our church embody a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Hartke brings his perspective as a Biblical scholar and founder of the Transmission Ministry Collective to offer practical resources and theological framework for starting these important conversations. | | |
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"God's Work. Our Hands."
on September 10, 2023
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On Sunday, September 10, ELCA congregations will join together for an annual day of service. “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday began in 2013 in connection with the ELCA’s 25th anniversary. It continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
ELCA.org/DayofService has the resources congregational leaders need to plan and promote the day, including a planning tool kit; worship resources; slides for projection screens or online worship; posters, postcards, and social media graphics; Spanish-language resources; promotional banners; videos; and special hymn text, sheet music and recording.
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Pastor Craig Pederson to begin sabbatical | |
Pastor Craig Pederson, assistant to the bishop, will be on first part of a two-part sabbatical from July 10 – August 7. The focus of this time will be family (multiple reunions and college visits with his daughter) and farm. (He has shared ownership of a recreational farm near his hometown of Starbuck, Minnesota.) The second part of Pastor Craig’s sabbatical will be from November 13 – December 25, when he will pursue continuing education, retreat, and travel opportunities.
In nearly 25 years of ordained ministry, this will be Pastor Craig’s first sabbatical. While Pastor Craig is away, contact (612) 870-3610 for assistance with matters you might have normally discussed with him.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? | |
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be bringing a greeting to the South Sudan Mission Centennial Service at Luther Seminary on Sunday, July 9.
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Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be preaching at Christ Memorial Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, July 16.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be preaching at the 125th Anniversary Celebration at Lyndale Lutheran, Maple Plain, on Sunday, July 16.
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Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Atonement Lutheran, Bloomington, on Sunday, July 16.
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Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Calvary Lutheran, Edina, on Sunday, July 16.
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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.
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Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Elk River Lutheran, Elk River, on Sunday, August 13.
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Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
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Weekly Community Cookout, Wednesdays
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Western States Youth Gathering, July 4-6
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Spirit of Water: A Celebration of the Mississippi River, July 15
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Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20
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The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth, July 23-28
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Redeemer Block Party, August 12
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Hearts * Hands * Voices, August 19
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Reclaim Gathering, September 14-17
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Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26
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Fall Joint Ministerium, October 26
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Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2-4, 2024
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