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November 15, 2022
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Young Adults in Global Mission to accept apps again | |
The ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program is ready for new volunteers! This year, for the first time since early 2020, YAGM participants will walk alongside international neighbors.
Young adults aged 21 to 29 are encouraged to apply. Do you know one of them? Applications are now open, and you can invite young adults on this journey abroad for the 2023 - 2024 program year.
The deadline for applications is February 1, 2023, with priority given to those received by January 15.
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Congregational communicators invited to retreat | |
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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.
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ELCA World Hunger offers Advent Study | ELCA World Hunger's 2022 Advent study guide expands on the Advent readings for this year, includes information about ELCA World Hunger at work in the world, and is perfect for individual study or with a group. | |  |
Rekindle the gift within you | |
LSS Metro Homeless Youth Services invites you to assist in brightening the lives of youth and children by participating in its annual Youth Holiday Gifts.
Gifts received during the holidays allow youth to celebrate, be recognized, and feel loved at a time when they may be disconnected from their families. It means the world to know there are folks in the community who want to support them in their journey.
You may participate as an individual, a family, or as a church group in purchasing gifts. Please notify LSS of your participation by November 20 by visiting Youth Holiday Gifts and completing the sign-up form. Gift drop-off dates will be December 9 and 10.
Questions: MetroHomelessYouth@lssmn.org.
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Church together, ... and together, .... and together | |
“Just a few blocks away from Lake Nokomis sits a newly renovated church on 31st Ave in South Minneapolis. Previously home to only Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church ELCA, the building now additionally houses Living Table UCC and Spirit of Saint Stephen’s Catholic Community. All three worshiping bodies have joined in an ecumenical partnership which is aptly named: New Branches.
When Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church called Pastor Sara Spohr as their senior pastor in the fall of 2020, New Branches was already blooming. Murmurings of joining multiple churches under one roof were already circulating when Pastor Sara first arrived, she recalls. She has since helped guide the congregation through its new partnership.”
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Presenters at the 14th Annual Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium will discuss the instersection of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls and theological/Christian education, as well as the work being done across the United States to address the epidemic. Other+Wise and ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations are co-sponsors of the symposium.
November 15-16
Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago
Speakers included Portia Skenandore Wheelock, Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy, Deacon Colleen Bernu, and Pamela Fencer-Smith.
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The National Lutheran Choir's Christmas Festival | Join the National Lutheran Choir this holiday season for the 37th annual Christmas Festival, "Jesus Christ Yesterday, Today, Forever." Concerts will be held December 9 and 10 at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, and a livestream of the concert will be available during the 8:00 p.m. concert on December 9. Visit NLCA.com for tickets and more details. | | |
Anti-racism training through ASDIC and United Seminary | |
Join Antiracism Study Dialogue Circles (ASDIC) and The Leadership Center for Social Justice for two clergy specific trainings on Discerning Whiteness: The Unacknowledged Barrier.
Each three hour session will take place over Zoom so participants can engage from anywhere. The sessions count towards six Continuing Education hours for clergy members.
January 19 and February 2, 2023
9:00 a.m. -- Noon
Zoom
The cost for the two sessions is $90.
Contact Stella Pearce if you have questions.
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Plan an online fundraiser using ELCA Good Gifts catalog | |
Augsburg Fortress offers Advent, Christmas resources | |
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ELCA World Hunger is once again offering its Good Gifts catalog ... because people demand it! Congregational members are finding that replacing oppulent Christmas spending with more meaningful gifts that save lives is becoming ever more popular.
Whether you organize a special informational event or simply promote the program with members, ELCA World Hunger provides all needed materials and digital tools. Can ELCA World Hunger count on your participation?
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Families Celebrate Advent & Christmas is a colorful deck of cards that is full of rituals, prayers and reflections. Endlessly flexible for busy schedules, you can create a new after-meal ritual, use them as decorations, or carry them on the go. Explore the entire season from Advent to Christmas through Epiphany. These make a great gift for families in congregations.
A free promotional pack is available to help congregational leaders best use Families Celebrate Advent & Christmas in congregations or small groups. This pack includes postcards, labels to edit and put on card packs, and more.
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? | |
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be sharing a letter at the memorial service for Pastor Liane Rock at Zion Lutheran, Anoka, on Friday, November 18.
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Pastor John Hulden will be reading scripture at the ordination of Allison Peterson at Family of God Lutheran, Brooklyn Park, on Saturday, November 19.
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Pastor John Hulden will be part of a service at the farewell for Deacon Mark Sedio at Central Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20.
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Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Ashley Updegraff at Prairie Lutheran, Eden Prairie, on Sunday, November 20.
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Our Saviour's Lutheran, East Bethel, on Sunday, December 4.
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching and leading an adult forum at St. John's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, December 11.
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Pastor Craig Pederson will be preaching and installing Pastor Nikoli Falenschek at Redeemer Lutheran, Henderson, on Sunday, December 11.
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