Enews: Called to be a Lutheran leader; Tool Kit workshops are scheduled; and more

December 13, 2022

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Employee Retention Credit may work for some churches

Several congregations within the Minneapolis Area Synod have explored their eligibility for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and found that it is a viable program for them to consider. If you would like to explore your eligibility or have questions about the ERC, one available resource is Clergy Financial Services. Pastor Craig Pederson may also be able to answer some of your questions.

More information

Synod office update

Most synod staff members continue to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Starting December 2022, the synod office will be closed to the public on Fridays. Full-time staff work on Fridays, but the office is closed to the public, so the front desk phone and info email address will not be answered, meeting space will not be available, and general inquiries should not be expected to have a response until the following week. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we will adhere to the Minnesota Church Center building protocols and messaging on the sixth floor: “Masks are not required. However, masking is strongly recommended for those with symptoms or exposure. Masks available upon request.”

Called to leadership in the Lutheran church

“Those who know me know I'm a transracial, international adoptee from Mexico. When I came to the U.S. at age four, I became the son of a single-parent mother and the oldest of three siblings. Because of my experience growing up in a white, middle-class family with American traditions, I thought I was well equipped to navigate cultural change with brown skin in a predominately White institution. The truth is: I faced many of the same challenges my siblings of color face in our 97% white ELCA.”

Read Eric's blog

Annual Tool Kit workshops for congregational leaders

Join us for the Tool Kit on the morning of Saturday, February 11, 2023! Congregational leaders (lay and rostered) will be gathering at First Lutheran in Columbia Heights to get practical tools to bring back to their congregations. Workshops include topics like church council 101, how to connect with Deaf and/or hard of hearing neighbors, greening your church, and more! Watch the e-news for the next several weeks to see descriptions of the workshops. Registration will open in January.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

8:30 a.m., Check in

9:00 a.m., Event begins

First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights

Two of the workshops are:

Becoming Faithful Neighbors, presented by Nicholas Tangen and Maya Bryant

Join the Faith Practices & Neighboring Practices team as they reflect on what they’ve learned about congregations, community connection, and spiritual practice in the first round of the Learning Community. Come ready to practice some of the disciplines the cohorts have been practicing, and to share some of your own wisdom and experience. The team will also outline steps to apply for the second Learning Community which launches September 2023.

Getting People Involved in Making Your Congregation Greener, presented by Jack Hurbanis

The climate crisis has made us all aware that there is more to be done when it comes to reducing our collective carbon footprint, but it can be daunting to figure out where to start when it comes to your congregation. This workshop will include a deep dive into how people across the synod are addressing this challenge and engaging their congregational community along the way.

Tool Kit web page

Congregational communicators invited to retreat

Those who do church communications (staff or volunteer) are invited to join other communicators at the synod’s first ever Communicators Retreat! We are looking forward to gathering for the day on Thursday, January 12, at Mt. Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington. Our agenda will include a presentation about website and social media analytics and time for socializing, resting, and sharing ideas. The cost of the retreat is $43, but discounts are available for those who register early! Register now, find more details, or contact Jeni Huff with questions. Registration closes on December 21.

Evening vespers on longest night of the year

On the longest night, many yearn for a presence stronger than ourselves to carry our load. Come hold your thoughts, struggles, and prayers with us, and throw your burdens into the fire. This is worship for all, so invite any of your loved ones who you think would benefit from this shared space. Tree of Life Lutheran’s Sophia Spiegel and other musicians will be leading us in sung worship and a burning burdens ceremony within the service.

Wednesday, December 21; 6:30 p.m.

Grace NE Lutheran Church

1500 6th Street NE, Minneapolis

This service is brought to you by the Good Shepherd Foundation.

In-person services for those struggling with loss during Christmas Season

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis Campus, will offer an in-person service of remembrance this Advent Season. This service features a time of healing and reflection with peaceful harp music, a vocal soloist, and a time to light a candle in memory of your loved one.

Tuesday, December 13; 6:30 p.m.

Minneapolis Campus

If you would like the first and last name of your loved one read during the service, register here or contact Julie Goodman at (612) 767-2208 or julieg@mtolivet.org. The service on December 13 will be livestreamed.

Registration opens for Rostered Leaders Gathering in July

Registration for the Rostered Ministers Gathering is now open so that those of you who have continuing education dollars available from 2022 budgets may use them for this event, with the hope of using 2023 dollars for transportation.

Gathering highlights:

90 workshops offered over four workshop blocks
Inspiring and educational speakers and Bible study leaders
An interaction center with more than 30 exhibits
A celebration banquet for all attendees
Space to reconnect with colleagues from across the ELCA

Featured guests and speakers include:

Jeff Chu, co-author of Wholehearted Faith
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA
The Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis, chair in biblical preaching at Luther Seminary
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first female elected bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Deacon Dr. Mindy Makant, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Lenoir-Rhyne University
Carmelo Santos, director for Theological Diversity and Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement for the ELCA
Bishop Kevin Strickland, bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA

Early registration (Now - March 31) is $245. Booking travel and hotel is participant's responsibility. Once you register, you will be provided with links to the three gathering hotels, with room rates of $153 per night plus tax. A limited number of scholarships are available.

To register

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching and installing Pastor Arthur Murray at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, December 18.
Pastor John Hulden will be at Advent Lutheran, Anoka, for a farewell service for Pastor Bob Linstrand, on Sunday, December 18.
Pastor John Hulden will be installing Senior Pastor Sarah Moat at Christ Lutheran, Blaine, on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Pastor John Hulden will be installing Senior Pastor Eric Luedtke at House of Prayer Lutheran, Richfield, on Sunday, January 8.
Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching and leading an adult forum at Advent Lutheran, Maple Grove, on Sunday, January 8.
Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be leading an adult forum at Elim Lutheran, Robbinsdale, on Sunday, January 8.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Bryant Bakkum at East Union Lutheran, Carver, on Sunday, January 8.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars , Wednesdays
Addiction, Faith, Science, and Public Policy, December 13
Youth Ministry Gathering, December 13
An Evening Vespers Service for the Winter Solstice, December 21
Youth Ministry Gathering, January 10, 2023
Communicators Retreat, January 12
Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders, February 11
Youth Ministry Gathering, February 14
Youth Ministry Gathering, March 14
2023 Synod Assembly, April 28-29
Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 17-20
Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26

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