December 19, 2023

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

In celebration of the Christmas and New Years holidays, the Minneapolis Are Synod office will be closed December 22 through January 2.

Reading of new poetry book about Uprising

Retired Pastor Patrick Cabello Hansel will be offering a reading of his newest book of poetry, "Breathing in Minneapolis." This book chronicles the challenging events of 2020-2022 in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd.

Thursday, February 1, 7:00 p.m.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

2730 East 31st Street, Minneapolis

Poets Joyce Sutphen, Walter Cannon, and Dralandra Larkins will join Pastor Patrick. Chilean group Ina Yukka will provide music. Books will be available.

For more information

Luther Sem to host discernment retreat

LSS Servant of Christ Award: Nominate a Remarkable Congregation

Are you experiencing a call to be a Deacon or a Pastor? Do you know someone who might be? All are invited for a three-day retreat to explore God’s call.

February 28 – March 1, 2024

Arrowwood Resort

Alexandria, Minnesota

The cost of the retreat including two nights lodging, two breakfasts, three lunches, and one dinner will be $125 for double occupancy or $250 for single.

Registration will be open until mid-January.

In the long history of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), faith communities have been some of its most important partners. Congregations have hosted office space, provided meals, sewn quilts, welcomed refugees, and contributed in so many unseen ways to their communities.

Each year, LSS recognizes partnering congregations that lead the movement to change lives in their community. Which faith community has been invaluable in your work? Nominate a single congregation – or congregations in partnership – that demonstrate leadership in love and service to our neighbors.

Faith Community Nurse Network Symposium Series

How much do you know about trauma and its impact on a person’s spiritual and emotional well-being? Did you know that persons who experience many traumas in their lives are more vulnerable to illness and shorter life spans? This four-part series is designed for faith community nurses, faith community leaders, RNs, and other professionals who want to learn more about trauma, trauma-informed care, and mental health.

Thursdays, January 18, March 14, June 13, and October 10; 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

Online or Hybrid

The 2024 topics include:

• January 18 -- "Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care: The Basics"
• March 14 -- "Trauma-Informed Care: Why and How"
• June 13 -- "Mental Health and Trauma in Children and Youth"
• October 10 -- "Trauma - Help and Hope"

Learn more

Professor Levine to deliver 2024 Fretheim Lecture

Renowned biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine will deliver the 2024 Fretheim Lecture in Biblical Theology. She is the Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace as well as the University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita and the Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt University. The annual public lecture honors the legacy of the late Professor Terry Fretheim in making biblical-theological scholarship available to Luther Seminary students and surrounding communities.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center

Luther Seminary, St. Paul

Professor Levine will offer a free workshop at 3:30 p.m., for area clergy and seminary students that discusses why anti-Jewish preaching and teaching continue, details the popular misconceptions about the Jewish context of Jesus and Paul found in sermons and church-based curricula, and offers alternatives for reading the texts on which they are based.

During the public lecture at 7:00 p.m., Professor Levine will present “The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: Why Knowledge of Jewish History Matters for Christian Preaching and Teaching.” Both events are free; no registration is required. The lecture will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. 

• Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Messiah Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, January 7.
• Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Augustana Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, January 14.
• Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be participating in the Holy Closure service of Peace Lutheran, Plymouth, on Sunday, January 14.
• Pastor John Hulden and Ms. Kris Bjorke will be representing the synod at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Continuing Education Extravaganza and the SYMBOL (Synodical Youth Ministry Band of Leaders) meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 18-22.
• Pastor Wondimu Sonessa will be preaching at Holy Cross Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, January 28.
• Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Alleluia Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, January 28.

• Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
• Children's Ministry Gathering, January 8, 2024
• JUSTmove! A justice-centered lock in for youth, January 14-15
• 2024 Youth Ministry Extravaganza, January 17-24
• Ghosted: Ministering to Estranged Parents, January 18
• Come Together for Racial Justice, January 18
• Elementary Retreat at Luther Crest, January 19-21
• Learn to Paint with the Gentleman Artist, January 20
• January 2024 Ministerium, January 25
• Embodied Antiracism Practice Group for White Bodies, January 27 - February 5
• Youth Group Confirmation Night at Luther Seminary, January 31
• Refresher Course for Faith Community Nurses, February 1
• Middle School Retreat at Luther Crest, February 9-11
• Conference Assemblies, February 10
• Children's Ministry Gathering, February 12
• Communicators Retreat, March 7
• Bishop Nominee Forum, April 7
• Bishop Nominee Forum, April 10
• Bishop Nominee Forum, April 13
• Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2 - 4, 2024
• Ascension Day Breakfast, May 16