Enews: Dogmacracy during Holy Week; job opening at the synod office; and more

March 26, 2024

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Minneapolis Area Synod seeks accountant

The Minneapolis Area Synod is seeking an accountant to begin by July 15. The primary functions of this position include preparation of monthly financial statements and other reports, maintenance of accounts and payroll, and preparation of the annual audit.

To apply, submit a letter of application, résumé, and the names of three references electronically to Jessie Goeke or to her attention using the synod address.

Full job description

Synod staff this week

Pastor Wondimu Sonessa and Manny Lewis are out of the office this week. Normal office hours are in place.

Good Friday cleanup

“I got out voted. Again. First it was a golden retriever named Addey. All four of our kids, along with my wife Becky, used democracy to their advantage for a dog to enter our family home. It was fine. She was “a good dog” and very laid back. Then, after Addey died, not too long after, another family vote didn’t go my way. This time it was not for one dog, but two! We added two rambunctious black labs: Thunder and Lightning.”

Read Pastor John's blog

It's not too late to offer "good gifts" for Easter

Send greetings to friends and family while sharing God’s love with neighbors around the world. Each gift helps grow the church, fight hunger, and transform lives. You can customize and send an e-card — or download and print one at home — for your loved ones in honor of the Easter season.

All card options are available after checkout.

Shop ELCA Good Gifts

Exploring personal and communal boundaries

The Saint Paul Area Synod is offering continuing education that includes boundary training workshops. Pastors and deacons are required to participate in boundary training at least once every five years. This in-person workshop will cover foundational understandings of boundaries and power along with conversation about harassment, mandated reporting and self-care, as well as a deep dive into implicit bias.

Thursday, April 25 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

St. Michael's Lutheran Church

1660 West County Road B, Roseville

Presenters include Deacon Krista Lind and Bishop Patricia Lull from the Saint Paul Area Synod and Anna Stamborski from Faith and Prejudice. This workshop is open to rostered ministers from any ELCA synod. The cost is $40, which includes lunch. Registration is required.

Duke Divinity offers leadership grants

The Reflective Leadership Grant from Duke Divinity School supports an opportunity for structured reflection for lay or clergy leaders of Christian organizations that are advancing their mission following the multiple pandemics — COVID-19, racial inequity, economic disruption and mental distress — that emerged and/or intensified throughout the past few years.

This grant aims to support those leaders whose work has made a demonstrable contribution to their organization's mission. These leaders are at a pivotal moment for stepping back and reflecting on what has been accomplished, what is changing, and what is stable. The Reflective Leadership Grant allows leaders to broaden their perspectives and gain clarity about what needs to happen next in their personal and professional life.

For more information

"God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday" set for September 8

Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 8, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for the ELCA's annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” Participating in service projects is one way to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

This year the ELCA also celebrates 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts, or food drives until World Food Day on October 16.

If your congregation cannot participate on September 8, you are encouraged to pick another date that fits your schedule. ELCA congregations participate in acts of service every day. This day of service is an extension of the work you already do to make your community a better place. Be sure to save the date and check ELCA.org/DayOfService for updated resources soon.

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching and leading worship at Redeemer Lutheran, Henderson, on Sunday, March 31.
Mr. Manny Lewis will be preaching and leading an adult forum at Advent Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Sunday, April 7.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining and installing Alexis Mattson at Advent Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Saturday, April 13.
Mr. Nick Tangen will be co-leading an adult forum with Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy at University Lutheran Church of Hope, Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 14.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at St. John's Lutheran, Shakopee, on Sunday, April 14.
Mr. Johan Baumeister will be sharing stories at Bethlehem Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Wednesday, April 17.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Mark Abelsen at Mount Calvary Lutheran, Excelsior, on Sunday, April 21.
Pastor John Hulden will be attending the farewell service for Pastor Jacqui Thone at Alleluia! Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, April 21.
Mr. Nick Tangen will be preaching at All Saints Lutheran, Minnetonka, on Sunday, April 21.
Mr. Johan Baumeister will be leading an adult forum at Mount Olive Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 28.
Pastor John Hulden will be attending the farewell service for Pastor Christine Chiles at Maple Grove Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Sunday, April 28.
Mr. Johan Baumeister will be leading an adult forum at Atonement Lutheran, Bloomington, on Sunday, May 5.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
Addiction and Mastering Recovery, March 27
All Saints Easter Eggstravaganza, March 30
Cross Currents in the Flood: Building Arcs Together for a Livable Planet, April 6
Bishop Nominee Forum, April 7
Bishop Nominee Forum, April 10
LCM Youth Night, April 10
Church Musicians Retreat, April 11-13
Bishop Nominee Forum, April 13
Bishop Nominee Forum, April 16
Minneapolis Area Synod Budget Hearing, April 25
Hans Nielsen Hauge Lecture, April 27
Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2 - 4, 2024
United Days, May 9
Ascension Day Breakfast, May 16
Confluence at Augsburg University, June 23-28
Synod Boundaries Workshop, November 21

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