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July 18, 2023
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Young adult summit on climate engagement | |
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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.
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Documentary on the importance of groups | |
Holy Cross will host a screening of a new documentary film about the importance of joining community groups — for the health of individuals and our society.
Join or Die is based on the work of sociologist Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, and his recommendations for overcoming the widespread loneliness in our country and for strengthening our democracy. It includes reflections by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, David Brooks, Eddie Glaude Jr., Shyly Romney Garrett, Pete Buttigieg, Hillary Clinton, Priya Parker, and more.
Tuesday, August 22; 7:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
1720 East Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis
All are welcome to come and receive valuable insights into the power of coming together and fostering genuine relationships. After the film, you may stay if you wish for informal conversation.
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Offering welcome to people seeking asylum | |
Tapestry, a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC) of the Minneapolis Area Synod, has recently been working to sponsor Venezuelans seeking asylum through USCIS Parole for Venzuelans. Members of Tapestry have applied for 22 people and are still awaiting a response for them.
The leaders of Tapestry have asked other congregations to consider aiding in this effort; six additional individuals (including a family) are waiting for assistance to apply. Pastor Melissa Melnick Gonzalez from Tapestry has offered to walk intererested congregations through the process.
Pastor Melissa is also willing to share stories of immigrant families and asylum seekers with other congregations, using "Room at the Inn," a Bible Study presented in Living Lutheran.
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Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices program seeks admin/comms assistant | |
Thanks to a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, the Minneapolis Area Synod’s Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices learning community will focus on convening congregational cohorts to learn and experiment with faith practices and neighboring practices, with an emphasis on developing faithful leaders. This initiative will deepen the spiritual life of the congregation through more significant engagement with the surrounding community, places where God’s presence precedes our engagement.
The Assistant for Administration and Communication will support the Director of Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices in administrative and communication tasks related to the program’s learning community.
Submit a cover letter and resume to Nicholas Tangen, director of Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices and Pastor John Hulden, assistant to the bishop.
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July is BIPOC Mental Health Awarenesss Month | |
The Center of Addiction & Faith (CAF) will host a one-hour free webinar, followed by a 30-minute Zoom discussion on addiction and BIPOC mental health. July is National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month.
Wednesday, July 26
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Central Time
Zoom
The U.S. is facing a mental health crisis. BIPOC communities have been disproportionately affected and have faced greater challenges in accessing care. Dr. Alapeju Simoyan and CAF board member Michele Butler will discuss those topics and provide insight into the unique challenges faced by minority communities, and we will learn more about how people of faith can be part of healing the whole person and approaches into their work and ministry.
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Presiding Bishop Eaton: "Who is a 'Real' American?" | |
"Late one afternoon a few years ago I was finishing up yard work. I had been weeding and trimming all day. I was tired and grass-stained. Just one more pile of leaves needed to be swept up. I noticed a woman walking toward me so I hurried to get the sidewalk cleared. She stopped and told me that she had seen me working all day and thought I might be too tired to prepare supper. She had made a meal for me and my husband. It was during Ramadan — the month when Muslims fast from food and water during the day and engage in prayer and acts of charity. This was her act of charity and generosity. She smiled and walked away. I was stunned."
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Is Jesus' resurrection important to you? | |
The Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community, in conjunction with the Nourishing Vocation Project at St. Olaf College, invites you to participate in a free, three-session community education course that will explore key terms, history, and future vision for how the good news allows Christians to live their faith out loud.
Tuesdays, August 1, 8, and 15; 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Online
The presenter is the Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen, a Lutheran pastor and public theologian who is also the host of the Spent Dandelion Theological Retreat Center in Two Harbors. She is the creator of OMG: Center for Theological Conversation, through which she writes, blogs, consults, and presents. Her work is found regularly in Gather Magazine and Living Lutheran. She is the author of I Can Do No Other: The Church's New Here We Stand Moment and Joyful Definance: Death Does Not Win the Day. Her presentation will help explore the relevance of faith in our lives. Attendance at all three conversations is requested but not required.
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Refer a student to
Lutheran Campus Ministry
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Do you have a college-bound student in your congregation, family, or friend network? Or maybe you have an upperclassman who would like to learn about Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM)?
If you know such a student attending the University of MN, email Pastor Kate Reuer Welton with their contact information, so someone can reach out and invite them to coffee, and make sure they receive a warm welcome including information about how they can plug in to our community. Referrals are LCM's best chance of meeting and connecting meaningfully with students, and inviting them into this thriving ministry.
Even if your students are not Gophers, LCM-TC staff can still try to connect them to ministries at the school they are attending. Just fill out this form.
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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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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 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.
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Plan to attend the Celebration for Changing Lives Gala |  | |
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is one of the primary service organizations in the state. One in every 65 Minnesotans is touched by its services each year. The Celebration of Changing Lives is a primary means of financial support and publicity for its programming.
Saturday, September 16
5:30 p.m. Social Hour
6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program
The Depot
225 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis
You can celebrate how LSS is Powering Potential for communities, families, and individuals across Minnesota through compassionate services, creative partnerships, and its commitment to pursuing the limitless possibilities ahead of all of us.
Tickets for the 2023 Celebration for Changing Lives are available for purchase until Wednesday, September 6.
Those unable to attend this year’s event can still support the work of LSS by making a gift. Your generosity helps inspire hope, change lives, and build community for more than 90,000 neighbors each year.
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Find out more about the archeology and spirituality of the ancient Holy Land | |
Lutherhostels are events held in retreat-like settings that include a study topic, music, and worship, along with recreational and fellowship activities. Sponsored by Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA), this Lutherhostel near Rochester features a study of "The Stones Cry Out: Archaeology and Spirituality in the Holy Land," led by Drs. Mark and Rhoda Schuler.
October 2-6
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch
Stewartville
Worship will explore God's transforming grace rescuing people through stories, song, and prayer. The cost is $660 per person (double occupancy) with other pricing options.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? | |
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be leading a Ministry Site Profile review at Zion Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, July 23.
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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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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be ordaining Christine Belfry at Redeemer Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Saturday, August 19.
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Courageous Leadership Webinars, Wednesdays
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Weekly Community Cookout, Wednesdays
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The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth, July 23-28
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Addiction and BIPOC Mental Health webinar, July 26
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Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters, August 1, 8, 15
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RibFest in New Prague, August 4
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Redeemer Block Party, August 12
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Hearts * Hands * Voices, August 19
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"Join or Die" film screeing, August 22
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Reclaim Gathering, September 14-17
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Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24-26
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Faith and Addiction Conference, October 5-7
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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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