Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Children's Ministry Zoom
2022-03-14 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Virtual
Join the children’s ministry staff and key volunteers for a discussion of summer plans the second Monday of the month. Let’s think outside our walls! We’ll look forward to the summer as we share ideas to spread the love of Jesus outside our walls. Let’s work together! A partnership with Minneapolis and Saint Paul Synods.
Join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85076129637?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 850 7612 9637
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Questions? Contact Rachelle Gill from Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan: rgill@easter.org

Children’s Ministry Zoom
2022-03-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Topic will be …. Summer plans and let’s think outside our walls! Let’s look forward to the summer as we all share ideas to spread the love of Jesus outside our walls! To get us started, in the comments please share your church’s VBS theme. Let’s work together!
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85076129637?pwd=[REDACTED] ID: 850 7612 9637Passcode: [REDACTED]

For more information contact Julie Vagle at Juliev@trinitylonglake.org

Mediation Skills Training Institute
2022-03-14 09:00 - 2022-03-18 16:30 (America/Chicago) | virtual
Conflict is normal and inevitable – whether in the home, school, community, church or workplace. Leaders in all walks of life often have a responsibility to help others work through their conflicts.
The Mediation Skills Training Institute presented by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. The five-day institute also includes a component on congregational mediation and consultation, placed within the context of family systems theory.
Although focused primarily on the church setting, the skills learned are directly transferable to other settings. Thus, managers in business, attorneys, experienced mediators, and others in leadership will be enriched by the training as well.

O Blessed Spring
2022-03-13 - 2022-03-16 | Virtual
National Lutheran Choir presents “O Blessed Spring”
Available March 13-16: Virtual Program
During this virtual program, we will admire the parallels of life cycles and nature’s seasons.
Buy tickets

Webinar for Rostered Ministers: "Finding Hope in Exhaustion"
2022-03-10 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Virtual
This relentless pandemic continues to exhaust all of us. Fatigue is on the surface, but what is underneath it? In this conversation we will identify the various emotions that are wearing us out and discover how to use them to generate constructive actions.

Join a Southeastern Synod-hosted webinar for Rostered Ministers, “Finding Hope in Exhaustion” on Thursday, March 10, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. The webinar will be hosted by the Rev. Dr. Marjorie Funk-Pihl, who is the primary consultant for Living the Resurrection, a church vitality ministry. Marj uses change strategies and motivational psychology in her work with congregations and has seen the impact the pandemic is having on our life together.

Desmond Tutu for our Time
2022-03-09 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Christ Lutheran Church, Blaine, 641 89th Ave NE, Blaine, MN, 55434, United States
Dr. Leon Rodrigues, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Luther Seminary will be our featured speaker on the life and work and teachings of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who served as the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission following the fall of apartheid in South Africa. The Wednesday evening events will be both in person and online. There is no cost to the public. All are welcome.
Here is a list of the sessions:Week 1 — A Not so Common Hero (Deut. 8:2)Week 2 — The Ubuntu Theology of Desmond Tutu Week 3 — For the Love of…Week 4 — Why Reconciliation requires truth-telling?Week 5 — Father let them be One (John 17)Suggested books by Desmond Tutu: 1)NO FUTURE WITHOUT FORGIVENESS (1999) and THE BOOK OF FORGIVING (2014).
For more information, including virtual attendance details, see Christ Lutheran, Blaine’s website.

Virtual Tool Kit (multiple evenings)
2022-03-08 18:00 - 2022-03-24 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Join us for 12 workshops over six evenings in March,
Tuesday, March 8, and Thursday, March 10
Tuesday, March 15, and Thursday, March 17
Tuesday, March 22, and Thursday, March 24
Check out the regularly updated Tool Kit page for a list of workshops and presenters.
Registration coming soon!

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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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
