Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Spring Ministerium
2023-03-23 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina, MN, United States
“Flourishing in Ministry” with Matt Bloom
Thursday, March 23
8:30 a.m. (registration) – Noon
More details >

Pre-Synod Assembly Budget Hearing
2023-04-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
Pre-Synod Assembly Budget Hearing
Bishop Ann Svennungsen and Ty Inglis will host a discussion about the adjustment to the 2023 synod budget and the proposed 2024 synod budget, given a shortfall in mission support in Fiscal Year 2022. This discussion will be important preparation for the Budget Resolutions at the 2023 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly.
Thursday, April 13, 6:30 pm
Zoom
ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided.
To register for the hearing: Meeting Registration – Zoom

Pre-Synod Assembly Voter Orientation
2023-04-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
Pre-Synod Assembly Voter Orientation
Synod Vice President Felecia Boone and Judge Tammy Pust, assembly parliamentarian, will host a training on parliamentary procedure and what to expect from the business portions of the synod assembly agenda. This discussion will be important preparation for the 2023 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly.
Wednesday, April 19, 6:30 pm
Zoom
ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided.
To register for the hearing: Meeting Registration – Zoom

Office Closed - Synod Assembly
2023-04-27 - 2023-04-28 | MN
The synod office will be closed Thursday and Friday, April 27 and 28 in preparation for Synod Assembly. See you there!
Any registration questions can be handled on-site.

2023 Synod Assembly
2023-04-28 16:00 - 2023-04-29 17:00 | MN
You can find all the details about the upcoming Synod Assembly on the Synod Assembly page. We hope to see you there!

Communicators Gathering: Is a podcast in your church's future?
2023-05-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Minnesota Church Center, 122 W Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Join us at the Minnesota Church Center for a panel about making podcasts!
Panelists are:

Rev. Natalia Terfa
Nicholas Tangen
Jack Hurbanis

Moderated by:

Maya Bryant

Register Now >

Office closed - Synod staff on retreat
2023-08-30 08:00 - 2023-08-31 17:00 | MN

Bishop's Theological Conference
2023-09-24 16:00 - 2023-09-26 12:00 | Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria, MN, 56308, United States
Searching for the Sound of the Genuine as We Heal Our Divide

Featuring our Keynote Speaker,
Catherine Meeks, PhD
Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing

So many voices compete in all of our heads for a chance to be on the center stage. How can we determine which ones to heed? Which ones really belong to us? Which ones are genuine reflections of who we are trying to e? How do these voices keep us divided?
Our time together will engage these questions and others that will help to facilitate an inner and outer dialogue that aids in searching for the sound of the genuine and recognizing when it has been identified. This work is crucial to healing the division caused by the gift of our diversity.
Participants will be encouraged to reflect upon what is speaking the loudest to them in this present moment and to explore whose voice is speaking and whether it is the one that engages them at the deepest level of their soul. Along with this they will be asked to reflect upon which of the voices have to cease in order to move into deeper community with themselves and others.
Howard Thurman, David Whyte, Zora Neale Hurston, Amanda Gorman, and personal stories will be used to help in creating a brave space to contain the participants truth telling.
More details >
To register >

Communicators Gathering
2023-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
This time open to all church staff who might have questions about the Bishop Election Committee and process and communicating it with their congregations!
Chair of the Bishop Election Committee, Pr. Hierald Osorto, will be with us to give an update and answer questions.

Boundaries Training
2023-11-02 09:00 - 16:00 | St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, 6180 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, MN, 55422, United States
Save the date for a Boundaries Training with LeaderWise!
This training is open to anyone who has a desk at a church.
Updates will be added to the Boundaries Training page >

Bishop Election Committee Listening Session
2023-11-02 18:30 - 19:30 | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346, United States
The Bishop Election Committee would like to invite you to a series of listening sessions that started on October 30, 2023. Throughout the fall, we want to create intentional spaces to hear from as many people in our congregations as possible as we work on our synod profile for the upcoming bishop election.
During these one-hour sessions, a pair from our bishop election committee will guide you through a series of questions. We’ll also invite you to share the gifts, responsibilities, and traits you’d like our next bishop in this Synod to have as we discern who God might be calling next to lead our Synod.
We are incredibly grateful to our host congregations who have opened their doors to host this series of listening sessions. In the meantime, bookmark the Bishop Election Committee page for updated information on our 2024 Bishop Election process.
November 2, 2023; 6:30 p.m.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie
November 15, 2023; 12:00 p.m.
Zoom
November 16, 2023; 6:30 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Northeast, Minneapolis
ASL interpretation will be offered at the November 15 and 16 listening sessions and Spanish interpretation will be offered at the November 16 listening session. If you require ASL and Spanish interpretation during other sessions, please email us at BEC@mpls-synod.org or complete this survey no later than a week before the event is scheduled

El Comité de Elección de Obispo desea invitarlo a una serie de sesiones de escucha que comenzaron el 30 de octubre de 2023. Durante todo el mes de noviembre, queremos crear espacios intencionales para escuchar a la mayor cantidad posible de personas en nuestras congregaciones. Esto nos ayudara a completar nuestro perfil de Sínodo en preparación de nuestra elección de obispo.
Durante estas sesiones de una hora, un par de nuestro comité de elección de obispo lo guiarán a través de una serie de preguntas. También lo invitaremos a compartir los dones, responsabilidades y rasgos que le gustaría que tuviera nuestro próximo obispo en este Sínodo mientras discernimos a quién Dios podría llamar como el próximo líder de este Sínodo.
Estamos muy agradecidos con nuestras congregaciones anfitrionas que han abierto sus puertas para estas sesiones de escucha. Mientras tanto, marque la página del Comité de Elección de Obispo para obtener información actualizada sobre nuestro proceso de Elección de Obispo de 2024.
2 de noviembre de 2023 a las 6:30 p.m.
en la Iglesia Luterana Immanuel (Immanuel Lutheran) en Eden Prairie
15 de noviembre de 2023 a las 12:00 p.m.
vía Zoom
16 de noviembre de 2023 a las 6:30 p.m.
la Iglesia Luterana de Gracia (Grace Lutheran) en el noreste de Minneapolis
Se ofrecerá interpretación en ASL en las sesiones de escucha de los 15 y 16 de noviembre y español en la sesione de escucha del 16 de noviembre. Si necesita interpretación en ASL y español durante las otras sesiones, envíenos un correo electrónico a BEC@mpls-synod.org o llene esta encuesta no más tardar una semana antes del evento.

Storying EcoFaith
2023-11-11 08:30 - 15:00 | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346, United States
Storying EcoFaith
Join folks from across the synod to explore and create your story about faith and creation care using easy-to-learn digital storytelling tools.
Saturday, November 11; 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie
Contact person: Johan Baumeister at jbaumeister@mpls-synod.org or (612) 230-3306

Bishop Election Committee Listening Session
2023-11-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The Bishop Election Committee would like to invite you to a series of listening sessions that started on October 30, 2023. Throughout the fall, we want to create intentional spaces to hear from as many people in our congregations as possible as we work on our synod profile for the upcoming bishop election.During these one-hour sessions, a pair from our bishop election committee will guide you through a series of questions. We’ll also invite you to share the gifts, responsibilities, and traits you’d like our next bishop in this Synod to have as we discern who God might be calling next to lead our Synod.
We are incredibly grateful to our host congregations who have opened their doors to host this series of listening sessions. In the meantime, bookmark the Bishop Election Committee page for updated information on our 2024 Bishop Election process.
November 15, 2023; 12:00 p.m.
Zoom
November 16, 2023; 6:30 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Northeast, Minneapolis
ASL interpretation will be offered at the November 15 and 16 listening sessions and Spanish interpretation will be offered at the November 16 listening session. If you require ASL and Spanish interpretation during other sessions, please email us at BEC@mpls-synod.org or complete this survey no later than a week before the event is scheduled

El Comité de Elección de Obispo desea invitarlo a una serie de sesiones de escucha que comenzaron el 30 de octubre de 2023. Durante todo el mes de noviembre, queremos crear espacios intencionales para escuchar a la mayor cantidad posible de personas en nuestras congregaciones. Esto nos ayudara a completar nuestro perfil de Sínodo en preparación de nuestra elección de obispo.Durante estas sesiones de una hora, un par de nuestro comité de elección de obispo lo guiarán a través de una serie de preguntas. También lo invitaremos a compartir los dones, responsabilidades y rasgos que le gustaría que tuviera nuestro próximo obispo en este Sínodo mientras discernimos a quién Dios podría llamar como el próximo líder de este Sínodo.
Estamos muy agradecidos con nuestras congregaciones anfitrionas que han abierto sus puertas para estas sesiones de escucha. Mientras tanto, marque la página del Comité de Elección de Obispo para obtener información actualizada sobre nuestro proceso de Elección de Obispo de 2024.
15 de noviembre de 2023 a las 12:00 p.m.
vía Zoom
16 de noviembre de 2023 a las 6:30 p.m.
la Iglesia Luterana de Gracia (Grace Lutheran) en el noreste de Minneapolis
Se ofrecerá interpretación en ASL en las sesiones de escucha de los 15 y 16 de noviembre y español en la sesione de escucha del 16 de noviembre. Si necesita interpretación en ASL y español durante las otras sesiones, envíenos un correo electrónico a BEC@mpls-synod.org o llene esta encuesta no más tardar una semana antes del evento.

Bishop Election Committee Listening Session
2023-11-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Grace NE Lutheran Church, 1500 6th Street NE, Minneapolis, MN, United States
The Bishop Election Committee would like to invite you to a series of listening sessions that started on October 30, 2023. Throughout the fall, we want to create intentional spaces to hear from as many people in our congregations as possible as we work on our synod profile for the upcoming bishop election.During these one-hour sessions, a pair from our bishop election committee will guide you through a series of questions. We’ll also invite you to share the gifts, responsibilities, and traits you’d like our next bishop in this Synod to have as we discern who God might be calling next to lead our Synod.
We are incredibly grateful to our host congregations who have opened their doors to host this series of listening sessions. In the meantime, bookmark the Bishop Election Committee page for updated information on our 2024 Bishop Election process.
November 16, 2023; 6:30 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Northeast, Minneapolis
ASL interpretation will be offered at the November 15 and 16 listening sessions and Spanish interpretation will be offered at the November 16 listening session. If you require ASL and Spanish interpretation during other sessions, please email us at BEC@mpls-synod.org or complete this survey no later than a week before the event is scheduled

El Comité de Elección de Obispo desea invitarlo a una serie de sesiones de escucha que comenzaron el 30 de octubre de 2023. Durante todo el mes de noviembre, queremos crear espacios intencionales para escuchar a la mayor cantidad posible de personas en nuestras congregaciones. Esto nos ayudara a completar nuestro perfil de Sínodo en preparación de nuestra elección de obispo.Durante estas sesiones de una hora, un par de nuestro comité de elección de obispo lo guiarán a través de una serie de preguntas. También lo invitaremos a compartir los dones, responsabilidades y rasgos que le gustaría que tuviera nuestro próximo obispo en este Sínodo mientras discernimos a quién Dios podría llamar como el próximo líder de este Sínodo.
Estamos muy agradecidos con nuestras congregaciones anfitrionas que han abierto sus puertas para estas sesiones de escucha. Mientras tanto, marque la página del Comité de Elección de Obispo para obtener información actualizada sobre nuestro proceso de Elección de Obispo de 2024.
16 de noviembre de 2023 a las 6:30 p.m.
la Iglesia Luterana de Gracia (Grace Lutheran) en el noreste de Minneapolis
Se ofrecerá interpretación en ASL en las sesiones de escucha de los 15 y 16 de noviembre y español en la sesione de escucha del 16 de noviembre. Si necesita interpretación en ASL y español durante las otras sesiones, envíenos un correo electrónico a BEC@mpls-synod.org o llene esta encuesta no más tardar una semana antes del evento.

January 2024 Ministerium
2024-01-25 08:30 - 12:00 | Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, Minnetonka, 600 Hopkins Crossroad, Minnetonka, MN, 55305, United States
Some say you can summarize Martin Luther’s theology in two words: “grace” and “vocation.” And, you could also say that Luther expanded the meaning of each word. Grace is sufficient (period). Grace is for all (no exceptions). And, with his theology of the “priesthood of all believers,” Luther was clear that each and every Christian has a vocation(s); all the baptized are called to lives of love for the neighbor in their daily life and work.
Our synod is sort of in “call committee” mode, preparing for the election and call of a new bishop. As part of the process, we invite all rostered leaders to gather for a Spring Ministerium for a conversation about Vocation.
Thursday, January 25, 2024; 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Oak Knoll Lutheran Church
600 Hopkins Crossroads, Minnetonka
We’ll begin with worship, including a time to celebrate and reflect on our own vocations, as well as a re-commissioning in our callings.
Following worship, we will hear some reflections from Bishop Ann on “The Role of Bishop as I’ve experienced it the past 12 years” and engage in conversation about God’s vision for our synod in the years ahead.
Please join us at Oak Knoll Lutheran Church!

More information: Ministerium page

Conference Assemblies
2024-02-10 09:00 - 12:30 | MN
Every voice matters. Our Church needs lay and rostered voting members to participate in Conference Assemblies in preparation for Synod Assembly in May. Please let your lay voting members know!

REGISTER

What are Conference Assemblies?
The congregations of the Minneapolis Area Synod are organized into 12 geographic conferences. These conferences are led by a dean, and representatives of the congregations meet at various times, but especially in preparation for synod assembly. Nominations and resolutions/memorials brought to the Synod Assembly come from these conference gatherings.
Voting members may also:

nominate bishop candidates
nominate people for synod-wide positions
nominate voting members for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly
elect conference positions

Who should attend?
These conference gatherings are open to clergy and lay participants from the congregations within the conference. Voting members from congregations for Synod Assembly in April are expected to attend. Your congregation should only send the number of voting members that are allotted for Synod Assembly. Visitors may attend. If you don’t know how many voting members should attend, you can look at the Lay Voting Member Assignment Formula or the List of Voting Members by Church.

REGISTER

Where are the conference assemblies held?
In 2024, we will host three conferences at four different locations. If you don’t know what conference your congregation is part of, go to this list of conferences by city.

Northern Location
Cross of Hope Lutheran, Ramsey
5730 179th Ln NW
Anoka, MN 55303
Hosting the Northern, Rum River, and Western Waters conferences

North Central Location
Elim Lutheran Church, Robbinsdale
3978 W Broadway
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Hosting the Northwest Hennepin, North Minneapolis, and Central conferences

South Central Location
Holy Cross, Minneapolis
1720 East Minnehaha Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Hosting the Bloomington, Crosstown, and South Minneapolis conferences

Western Location
Mount Calvary Lutheran, Excelsior
301 County Rd 19
Excelsior, MN 55331
Hosting the Southwest, Western Parks and Lakes, and 394 Corridor North conferences

Communicators Retreat
2024-03-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Mt. Olivet Retreat Center, 7984 257th St W, Farmington, MN, United States
Church Communicators, Get Away for a Day!

Thursday, March 7, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mt. Olivet Retreat Center, Farmington
Cost: $55
Includes snacks, lunch, presenter
Agenda
9:00 – 9:30 Arrive, snack, socialize
9:30 – 10:00 Get to know each other
10:00 – 12:00 Presentation about using AI in your congregation
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 2:00 Free time
2:00 – 3:00 Discussion about AI presentation
3:00 – 4:00 Networking, idea and resource sharing

This is event is hosted by the Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA, but all church communicators are welcome!

Contact Jeni Huff, 612-230-3303, with questions.

Bishop Nominee Forum
2024-04-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Our Saviour’s Lutheran, East Bethel, 19001 Jackson St NE, East Bethel, 55011, United States
Come and meet the candidates for bishop of the 2024 Minneapolis Area Synod bishop election.

Bishop Nominee Forum
2024-04-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346, United States

Bishop Nominee Forum
2024-04-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Bethel Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, 4120 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, United States

Bishop Nominee Forum - Online
2024-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Online
Hop online and meet the candidates for bishop of the 2024 Minneapolis Area Synod bishop election.
Join the webinar >

Budget Hearing and Electronic Voting Training (Zoom)
2024-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Get ready for the Synod Assembly by hearing from the synod treasurer about the proposed budget and practicing the electronic voting

6:00 Budget Hearing
7:00 Electronic Voting Training

Please register for the Zoom call in advance >

2024 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly
2024-05-02 17:00 - 2024-05-04 11:30 | Lord of Life, Ramsey, 14501 Nowthen Blvd NW, Ramsey, MN, 55303, United States
Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly

Like the early Christians gathered at Pentecost, we pray for the Spirit to fill us with “glad and generous hearts” as we gather for our 2024 Synod Assembly, May 2-4, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Ramsey, MN.
Today’s world doesn’t always call us to our better selves – to live with ‘glad and generous hearts.’ Forces within our culture often seek to create bitterness, jealousy, and hoarding.
As Christians, we are called to be different – called to live with gladness, not because we are in denial of the challenges of the world, but because we are loved by a gracious and generous God; a God who also calls us to love the neighbor, following in the generous way of Jesus.
We are called to be community even when the basic fabric that supports relationship is being frayed. We are called to live as the early church – which also faced many challenges to community – by living with glad and generous hearts.
In addition to worship, fostering community, and discernment, we will be electing synod leaders – including the election of a new bishop. We will also have an opportunity to thank Bishop Svennungsen and the synod staff.
Join us at Synod Assembly May 2 – 4 as we seek together to live with gladness and generosity by the grace of God and for the sake of the world.

More information at mpls-synod.org/our-synod/synod-assembly-2/
Register at mplsareasynod.regfox.com/2024-synod-assembly

Festival of Installation of Bishop Jen Nagel
2024-09-21 10:30 - 13:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
The Festival of Installation of Bishop Jen Nagel
Check out the webpage with more details >
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will install Bishop Jen Nagel as the fourth Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod.
Saturday, September 21; 10:30 a.m.
Central Lutheran Church
333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis
When you arrive at Central, make sure to enter the lot through one of the three open air entrances; do not enter the ramp directly from the street, or you will have to pay for parking. View a parking map.
A light reception will follow the installation service.
Find more information and a sign up for the choir here >

Bishop's Theological Conference
2024-09-29 16:00 - 2024-10-01 12:00 | Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria, MN, 56308, United States
Bishop’s Theological Conference
September 29 – October 1
Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center
Alexandria, Minnesota
Registration and more information can be found at mpls-synod.org/pastors-deacons/bishops-theological-conference

2024 Fall Joint Ministerium
2024-10-31 08:30 - 12:00 | Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield, MN, 55423, United States
Reformation Rekindled: Practicing A Living Catechism
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 W 76th St, Richfield
Join us at the Joint Fall Ministerium of the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area synods at Woodlake Lutheran Church, Richfield!
Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism as a teaching tool for faith, using all of the media at his disposal – stained glass windows, hymns and beer songs, paintings, and buildings. Today we have infinite media at our fingertips. What would it look like to introduce a Living Catechism to help share a vital and active faith with our people? Church Anew and the Lutheran Center at St. Olaf have been working with hundreds of faith leaders to shape such a resource. Join a conversation where they share learnings, experiments, and invite all of us to co-create A Living Catechism for this time and place.
Featured speakers: Dr. Deanna Thompson, Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community and Martin E. Marty Regents Chair in Religion and the Academy; Rev. Matthew Fleming, Executive Director of Church Anew; and Rev. Peter Carlson Schattauer, Associate Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community.

Register Now

Synod Boundaries Training
2024-11-21 09:00 - 16:00 | St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 15600 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth, MN, United States
November 21, 2024: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

As people who work in ministry, we know the importance of relationships. We also know that healthy relationships depend upon clear and respectful boundaries. Rostered ministers especially need thoughtful and consistent training around boundaries because of the variety of their relationships.
Minneapolis Area Synod rostered leaders must attend Boundary Training Workshops every 3-5 years. Church staff members are encouraged to do the same. The workshop will be led mostly by LeaderWise with portions presented by Bishop Jen Nagel. The training costs $75 per person and includes materials, snacks, and lunch.
Register now >
More information at mpls-synod.org/boundaries-workshop
Contact person: Karen Ohm at k.ohm@mpls-synod.org

Synod office closed
2024-12-26 - 2024-12-27 | MN
The Synod office will be closed December 26 & 27, part of December 31, and January 1 for the holidays. Bishop Jen and Pastor John Hulden will be available in case of emergency. Pastor John will be checking his voicemail.

Synod office closed
2024-12-31 12:00 - 2025-01-01 17:00 | MN
The Synod office will be closed the afternoon of December 31, and all day January 1 for the holidays. Bishop Jen and Pastor John Hulden will be available in case of emergency. Pastor John will be checking his voicemail.

Ministerium
2025-01-30 08:30 - 12:00 | St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1701 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
Join us for “Listen Together,” the January 2025 Ministerium.
Look for more information on the Ministerium page >
