Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Caritas Vocal Ensemble Concert
2022-03-06 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr, Golden Valley, MN, 55422, United States
Join us for the return to live musical performances by Caritas! This year’s theme is Inspiring Harmony. When we sing, we build community. When you join us, you strengthen community.

Sunday March 6 at 3:00pm
Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr, Golden Valley

Free-will offering benefitting Cherish All Children.
Covid Safety Protocols include proof of vaccination or a negative test – please see full details HERE.

Webinar/Discussion for Now is the Time - Study Guide and Congregational Tool
2022-03-05 13:00 - 14:30 | MN
Participants will explore the new study guide that helps congregations wrestle with the meaning of “Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent” and its accompanying explanation.

Register here: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/event/webinar-now-is-the-time-a-study-guide-for-elca-declaration-to-people-of-african-descent?fbclid=IwAR2hP8boju6TUUFRYdH8VRLEYPV1lVb9kikeWk8dwSg725sDPNGYCg1uG8kne
Find the study guide here: https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/DECLARATION_OF_PEOPLE_OF_AFRICAN_DESCENT_Study_Guide.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1TUr-Zrph5dLt5SArugYNZLj28Buk64o_nsNp-rv1195NN3-jahp_s1nA

For more information, contact Shari Seifert at shari@shariseifert.com

Fethullah Gulen and Martin Luther: Reformers across Contexts and Traditions, but a Shared Spirit - Jon Pahl Book Signing
2022-03-03 19:00 - 20:00 | MN
Fethullah Gulen, the Turkish Muslim preacher who has inspired the global Hizmet (service) movement, is a clear reformer of Islam. How does he compare to one of the greatest (and most notorious) reformers in the history of Christianity, Martin Luther? In this talk, Jon Pahl will draw from his long-familiarity with Luther’s life and work, and from his recent biography of Fethullah Gulen, to draw some perhaps surprising parallels between the two theologians, across contexts and traditions. Gulen and Luther share emphases on education, vernacular languages, women’s equality before God, and advocacy for the oppressed. Both have reputations for passionate and powerful preaching, a penchant for paradox, and were oppressed by state-religious power. In their own lifetimes, Fethullah Gulen and Martin Luther were vilified, but they leave behind remarkable legacies as creative, faithful, and transformative interpreters of deep tradition, and unmistakable contributions to a more just and free world.
Jon Pahl is the Peter Paul and Elizabeth Hagan Professor of the History of Christianity at United Lutheran Seminary, Gettysburg/Philadelphia. He has also taught at Valparaiso, Temple, and Princeton Universities. Jon received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School, and is the author or editor of seven books, including the first critical biography in English of the controversial Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, entitled Fethullah Gulen: A Life of Hizmet–Why a Muslim Scholar in Pennsylvania Matters to the World. Jon teaches mostly on-line these days, and lives on a lake in Clintonville, Wisconsin with his wife of 39 years, Lisa, where he enjoys gardening, spending time with extended family and friends, and sitting in on the sax with jazz bands and gospel choirs.

For more information, and to register, click here: https://www.wisdomwayscenter.org/events-calendar/book-signing-jon-pahl

OrganSoup: Sarah Garner, Recitalist
2022-03-03 12:10 - 13:00 | St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church, 100 Oxford Street North, St. Paul, MN, 55104, United States
In celebration of a century of St. Paul-Reformation’s organ, Sarah Garner will present a program of varied organ works on the 1921 MP Moller, a romantic gem. Sarah Garner is the Director of Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mound. Sarah received her Master of Music in Organ Performance from Southern Methodist University and graduated with High Honors from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She is an active member of the American Guild of Organists.
For more information: https://www.stpaulref.org/organsoup

Courageous Leadership Series with ELCA Coaching
2022-02-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-02-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-02-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-02-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
When Jesus began his ministry, he immediately formed a small group. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we are continuing to offer opportunities to gather in small groups for discussion and empowerment around the prominent topics swirling in the crucible of change for us as faith leaders. They will be held each Wednesday in February at 1pm.

Though ELCA Coaching is learning as it goes and will continue to edit topics based on interest and feedback, a majority of this hour will be spent in breakout rooms with conversations facilitated by our ELCA Coaches focused on:

Growing Young
Grief in our Communities
Personal Grief
Rural Ministry
Urban Ministry
Hybrid Church
Advocacy
Race Relations
Allyship – LGTBQIA+
Conflict
Leadership Development

The login information can be found below and on the ELCA Coaching website: https://www.elcacoaching.org/events/courageous-leadership
Recordings from prior gatherings can be found here: https://www.elcacoaching.org/podcasts/media/series/courageous-leadership

Addiction & Lent - The Observance of a Sober Lent
2022-02-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Planning for a Lenten season? Join as we explore how the journey of addiction and recovery helps us better understand Lent, and hoe the spiritual practices of Lent can be a part of our journeys of recovery. This conversation will provide new insight into this important church season and provide practical resources for your planning and personal practice.Our guest speaker is Rev. Rodger Patience.
This one-hour free webinar with follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion is presented by the Center of Addition & Faith. Tim King and Pastor Ed Treat will host this webinar.

Empowering Communication Workshops for Clergy
2022-02-21 11:00 - 17:30, 2022-02-14 11:00 - 17:30, 2022-02-07 11:00 - 17:30, 2022-01-31 11:00 - 17:30, 2022-01-24 11:00 - 17:30 | Virtual
Held on January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 11 &14, and 21, workshops 1-4 provide a full entrance to and experience of Empowering Communication. Workshop five is on mediation and six is on restorative circles are new in 2022. Each workshop will offer skills to enliven and support your ministry. Each workshop will include instruction, individual and small group exercises, and role play.

For more details, check out the event webpage, and with further questions contact Rev, Joel Westby.

Touch the Earth Lightly
2022-02-20 | MN
National Lutheran Choir presents “Touch the Earth Lightly”
February 20: Live Concert
At this concert, we will consider our physical connection to the earth on which we live.
Buy tickets

Synod Meet Up at ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza
2022-02-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Hilton, Minneapolis, South Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota
If you’re going to the ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s Extravaganza, come meet up with others from Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods from 4:15-5:00pm! We’ll be COVID safe (no food) AND Spirit filled as we connect and re-connect. The meeting location within the Hilton will be shared on the Network App and live schedule. This will be led by Paul Erdmann and Josh Svenulski and the MAS/SPAS CYF Leadership Team.

She + Coaching Webinars for Women in Ministry
2022-02-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Join Dr. Crystal Hall in reading She: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Women in Ministry. She’ll offer actionable tools you can apply in your ministry working with difficult people, setting boundaries and addressing sexism.Open to seminarians, clergy, staff and volunteers. Webinars will be held Thursdays at 6 PM CST during Lent, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Register at https://www.crystalhallphd.com/events.

Boldly Serving Our Afghan Neighbors: Getting Involved through Congregational Accompaniment & Co-sponsorship
2022-02-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Across the country, many congregations have begun working with their local resettlement agencies and are sponsoring Afghan individuals and families, in addition to the many asylum-seekers currently being sponsored within the AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) network. But the need is huge and right now. We call on congregations to see how they can engage in this important effort.
An information session will be held February 8, 2022, at 6 p.m. CT. This webinar will be addressing Afghan refugee resettlement and will discuss how congregations can get involved. As Savior was a refugee, forced to flee his birthplace as a tender baby, ELCA congregations are urged to help resettle these vulnerable people. Join this conversation and learn more about upcoming action items.

Note: Zoom link for the webinar will be added as soon as possible

Legacies of Faith & Belonging: Turning Discipleship into Relationship
2022-02-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
ALOA is collaborating with POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network) on an interactive conference in conjunction with the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) conference. Split into a working workshop and an afternoon workshop, this event will focus on both theory and practices for building community.
Morning workshop:
Lead by:
-Rich Bimler
-Roland Martinson
Topics:
-The role aging ministry plays in creating a congregational legacy of belonging and hope.
-Discover how to best utilize storytelling and intergenerational relationship building in your congregation.
Afternoon workshop:
Lead by:
-Pat Baker
Topics:
-Explore models of older adult ministry from all over the U.S.
-Group brainstorming to develop ideas to take home and implement in your congregation

You do not need to be a member of APCE to attend.

Youth Ministry Gathering
2022-02-03 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual
Sharing is caring! Join other youth ministry staff and volunteers from congregations in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods on Zoom to lean on each other as we plan youth ministry. Bring one thing you have done OR would like to do with youth during Lent. Moderators are Daniel Ditmanson and Jen Rome.

Join the Zoom call:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89823240904

Conference Assemblies
2022-01-31 - 2022-02-15 | MN
The 12 conferences of our synod will meet to nominate and elect people for synod positions. Resolutions and memorials for Synod Assembly are also discussed at these Conference Assembly gatherings. Synod Assembly and Churchwide Assembly voting members are especially encouraged to attend, but all are invited! Check with your conference dean to learn the date, time, and whether your assembly will be on Zoom or in person. Please feel free to reach Eric Howard, Executive Assistant to the Bishop, for general questions.e

I Am Called: Discerning a Call to Ministry (session 2)
2022-01-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
God calls everyone to do God’s work in the world. How is God calling you? Explore that conversation in a series of zoom conversations.
Session one: Public ministry in the ELCA
Learn more about discernment resources and explore the call to public ministry as you hear call stories from pastors and deacons!
Thursday, January 20th, 7-8:30pm
Session two: So, How Do I Get There? Seminary and Other Things You Need to Know
Learn aboutt he ELCA Candidacy Process and hear from Seminary partners about programs that can equip you to follow God’s call
Thursday, January 27th, 7-8:30pm
Attending both sessions is encouraged, but you are welcome to attend just one!
Register online at www.sdsynod.org/called

For more information, please contact Deacon Krista Anderson, ELCA Region 3 Candidacy and Leadership Manager, Program Director for the Support of Ministers of Word and Service at krista.anderson@elca.org or 651.208.7713.

EcoFaith Forum on Inclusive Financing
2022-01-27 16:00 - 17:15 | Virtual
We need your voice! Minneapolis is on the verge of championing a groundbreaking climate-scaled tool called “inclusive financing” for energy efficiency after years of grassroots engagement. Join EcoFaith for a Learning + Action Forum to hear about the pilot program being put forward by the City of Minneapolis and CenterPoint energy, and how you can take a simple action step to help make this climate solution a reality.
Register for this event to receive the Zoom link and call-in information.
Thursday, January 27th; 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm on Zoom

Lunch & Learn: Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Youth
2022-01-27 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
January is Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. Hear from a panel of six Lutheran Social Service leaders from across MN, sharing the work being done to support youth and prevent exploitation and trafficking. You’ll learn how you can help build safer communities for young people to thrive!

Addiction & Dry January Webinar
2022-01-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
A spike in drinking during the pandemic has also come with a rise in those who are “sober curious.” 1 in 5 Americans say they planned to participate in Dry January this year.
In this webinar, we’ll dig into these trends and explore how they can benefit you and your faith community. We’ll be joined by Rev. Erin Jean Warde, an Episcopal priest and founder of Discerning Sobriety. Her own journey to sobriety will illustrate some of the important ways faith leaders can help others reevaluate their relationship with alcohol and help stop more serious problems before they start. This webinar will be co-hosted by Tim King, and Pastor Ed Treat.

How Your Church Can Become a Center of Long Life Learning & Faith Formation Webinar
2022-01-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
John Roberto, Founder of LifeLong Associates, presents approaches, examples, and resources for addressing the spiritual and religious needs of adults 60 and over in your congregation. Discover how to engage this age group in meaningful, faith forming experiences that are easy to access and designed in multiple formats.Register now
Can’t make it? You never have to miss out. Check out our webinar archive for recordings and additional resources.

Courageous Leadership Series for January 2022(Week 4)
2022-01-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
ELCA Coaching is mixing things up in 2022. Starting in January, weekly sessions on the theme of courageous leadership will be held. These session will highlight different leaders and ministries from across the Church each week. There will also be time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other and leave each gathering with at least one action step.

For January 2022:
Week One (January 5) – Coaching – Choose Your Own Adventure (Topic)
Week Two (January 12) – Young Adults – TBD
Week Three (January 19) – African Decent Ministries – Preparing for Newness
Week Four (January 26) – Tentative – Homelessness and Justice / Economic Diversity

The login information can be found on the ELCA Coach website: https://www.elcacoaching.org/events/courageous-leadership
Recordings from prior gatherings can be found here: https://www.elcacoaching.org/podcasts/media/series/courageous-leadership

Lent in a Box
2022-01-24 | St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344, United States
Join Church Anew for a one-day seminar where we will learn from Old Testament scholar and Psalm expert, Rev. Dr. Rolf Jacobson. We will provide you with everything you need for a successful Lenten series on Psalm 23, one of the most beloved and widely memorized pieces of scripture. You will receive sermon ideas, bulletin covers, music suggestions, and a ready-made Lenten devotional to share with your congregation.
At the in-person gathering, you will also have a chance to engage in authentic conversation and mutual support with other church leaders. We’ll ask the honest questions about what it looks like to be the church today and wonder together about how God might be leading us in this moment. In-person registration is $50.
As a virtual attendee, you will receive access to worship and keynote address, all of the Lent planning materials, and we will provide zoom rooms for mutual conversation and support. Virtual registration is $30 and virtual ticket holders can tune in live or on-demand for one week following the event dates.

Reach out to support@churchanew.org to ask about group rates.

First things First: Learning about Addiction with Tim McMahon King
2022-01-22 09:30 - 11:30 | Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake MN, 3611 N Berens Rd NW, Prior Lake, MN, 55379, United States
The Mental Health and Addiction Team at Shepherd of the Lake invites you to a time of learning, reflection, and hope with Tim McMahan King. King is the author of Addiction Nation and is recognized as a leading expert in the field of addiction. He brings his personal experience, education, research and theological understanding to share how we as a nation can address the problem of addiction, heal from its effects, and live more fully as God created us to be – beloved children of God. The following ministry partners in the field of addiction and support will also share with us how they resource faith communities to help in the ongoing work of caring for those with addiction and those who love them: • Center of Addiction and Faith, www.addictionandfaith.com, Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, Director• Mental Health Connect, www.mhconnect.org, Vicki Elliot, Executive Director• Faith-Partners, www.faith-partners.org, Drew Brooks, Director
With questions, or for more information, connect with Pastor Karen Treat, 763-442-4057. Register using the following link:https://www.sollc.org/events/learning-about-addiction-a-speaking-event-with-tim-mcmahan-king
