Mpls Area Synod ELCA

2021 Addiction & Faith Conference
2021-10-07 15:00 - 2021-10-09 12:00 (America/Chicago) | DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington, MN, United States
It’s Time to Register for Addiction & Faith Conference
The Center of Addiction & Faith will hold its third Addiction & Faith Conference October 7-9, 2021, in Bloomington, Minnesota, to give faith communities tools for responding to the addiction crisis. Registration is open for in-person and virtual attendance at www.addictionandfaithconference.com.
The Center grew out of the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy. Founder Ed Treat was an active Lutheran pastor in 2018 when he held the first Addiction & Faith Conference. The success encouraged him to leave parish ministry after 25 years and dedicate himself full time to the Center of Addiction & Faith, which became a 501©(3) nonprofit organization in 2020.
Thursday, October 7, 3:00 p.m.-Saturday, October 9, Noon, Central Time
Doubletree by Hilton
Bloomington, Minnesota
Contact: The Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, pastored@addictionandfaith.com, (651) 356-1073 or CAF director of communications and advocacy Stephanie Werner, stephwerner@hotmail.com, (804) 986-2953, @virtualdeacon
Flyer: https://www.addictionandfaithconference.com/uploads/1/2/9/9/129988162/afc_flyer_2021_updated_7_20_21.pdf

Grounded & Grateful, a day with Diane Butler Bass
2021-10-07 09:00 - 15:30 | Virtual
This is a one-day event designed to provide church leaders with a rich opportunity to connect, reflect and rejuvenate.

Since early 2020, the ground under our feet has shaken and shifted. We’ve become dislocated. We’ve experienced loss, death, unwanted change, systemic racism, and exposure of the underbelly of a society that is something other than what it claims to be. As we prepare to look beyond the pandemic, it’s time to re-ground ourselves; to look anew at who we are. In the midst of extraordinary times, we have an incredible opportunity to reframe our view, to re-ground. Grounding is about relocation – finding ourselves in history, in geography, and connection with ourselves, community, and the Divine.

More information can be found at the LeaderWise website.

Faith-based Organizations in Sustainable Health Development: October Symposium
2021-10-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Conversations about global health and the role of faith-based organizations in sustainable health development: How has the ground shifted since the pandemic? On October 6 the focus is on public partnerships, and speakers include representatives from USAID and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as well as Dr. John Nkengasong, Director of Africa CDC, and Jodi Harpstead, Commissioner, Minnesota Deptartment of Human Services and former president and CEO of LSS. On October 13 the focus is on the public health role of private industry, and the October 20 session will feature speakers from Lutheran health systems in Nigeria, Liberia, and Tanzania, reflecting on how they are collaborating today to advance health.
October Symposium
October 6, 13, and 20
Noon-1:00 p.m.
Online
For more information: https://www.ghm.org/ghm-events
Contact person: Kim Dickey at (763) 586-9590

ALOA Ironwood Springs Lutherhostel
2021-10-04 - 2021-10-08 | Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, Stewartville, MN, United States
Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA) exists to help congregations strengthen their ministry with and for older adults; and to encourage older adults to affirm their gifts and use those gifts in service to family, church, community and the world.
This retreat is a time for reflection, refreshment and connect with others. Enjoy dynamic presenters, inspiring music and devotions surrounded by the beautiful nature of southern Minnesota. Ben & Jennifer Freudenburg will discuss how to better pass on our faith to future generations with their study of Life in the Later Years. Pastor Frank and Deaconess Jan Janzow will lead music and devotions on the topic of “Kingdom Living: A Fresh Look at the Lord’s Prayer.” Participants will also enjoy presentations on topics of local interest, evening entertainment and outdoor activities that include a zip line, cornhole tournament, hiking and more. The cost is $575 per person (double occupancy) or $635 per person (single occupancy, limited availability). Campground and commuter accommodations are also available. Learn more.

Bishop's Theological Conference - CANCELLED
2021-09-26 16:00 - 2021-09-28 12:00 | Cragun’s, 11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd, MN, 56401, United States
We regret to say this year’s BTC is cancelled due to concerns about COVID-19.
We are working on some other ways to support our rostered ministers this fall.
We look forward to being with you soon.

Minnesota's Racial Legacy: Finally Telling the Truth
2021-09-24 18:30 - 2021-09-25 13:00 | Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Last year, the leadership of the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) announed a ten-year effort of truth-telling, education, and reparations in order to take extraordinary steps toward repairing harms to African-American and Native American communities in Minnesota.

In response to these steps, the MCC is launching our first truth-telling event, “Minnesota’s Racial Legacy: Finally Telling the Truth,” on September 24-25, 2021, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis. This event will be hybrid with both in-person and online streaming. Friday’s event begins with registration from 6:30-7:00 p.m., and programming running 7:00-9:00 p.m. On Saturday, registration is from 8:30-9:00 a.m., and programming running from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Friday, September 24
6:30-9:00 p.m.
and
Saturday, September 25
8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Plymouth Congregational Church
1900 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis
or
Online

The keynote speaker for Friday is Christine Diindiisi McCleave, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and the Saturday keynote speaker is Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. Saturday’s event will culminate with a panel discussion with distinguished Native American and African American community members, followed by an announcement of next steps in our work.

As members of the MCC Board, we have reserved 2 tickets for you and your guests. Registration is open soon, so please have your guests identify their invitation from you so that they will be recognized in the confirmation process. The link to register is http://mnchurches.org/what-we-do/minnesotas-racial-legacy.

Synod Hunger Program Gathering
2021-09-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
A Gathering of Leaders

At a time when increasing wealth disparities means that vulnerable people are experiencing hunger more often and for longer periods, your congregation’s commitment to ensure that we live in a world where all are fed is even more important to incarnating the gospel. Thank you for your ongoing ministry.

And, we want you to share proudly your work. We are gathering representatives from all congregations involved in addressing food issues in our society, whether through food pantries, feeding programs, advocacy with Bread for the World, food production, or other creative activity.

Monday, September 13
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Zoom

Petra Rickertsen, the Networks Manager for ELCA World Hunger Domestic Unit, will join us virtually to share exciting collaborations in other synods and creative ways that we can deepen connections between the various congregational ministries within the synod.

Join us for some “cool idea” sharing and a drawing for a stipend for one of our food programs.

We look forward to seeing you.

PS If you don’t have a hunger project but would like to, you are invited. If you care about responses to hunger in our communities or communities around the world, you are invited. You can meet other like-minded people who are bringing insights into addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty.

Please RSVP

The Zoom link will be sent out the Friday before the gathering.

Undoing Drugs with Maia Szalavitz
2021-09-09 19:00 - 20:00 | online
A one-hour free Special Webinar is Thursday September 9, 2021, from 7:00-8:00 p.m., CT with a follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion. Join NY Times best-selling author Maia Szalaitz to learn more about her new book, Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction. Tragically, so many of our national policies have only made our addiction and overdose crisis worse. We’ll learn about the origins of Harm Reduction as a movement and how it has contributed to saving lives and promoting health. This webinar is hosted by Center of Addiction & Faith. www.addictionandfaith.com
Thursday, September 9
7:00-8:00 p.m.
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SKPjdJEySPqMZcFBzTu32Q

Enfleshing Witness
2021-08-26 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
We invite preachers, storytellers, activists, and community leaders of color to perhaps hear some of your own stories in the pieces shared. White leaders are welcome but expected to participate with a posture of overhearing the witness rather than expecting it is for you.
The event is free to attend virtually and we invite support from congregations and institutions to form in-person viewing gatherings for conversation and creative response. Institutional supporters will receive bonus material and a discussion guide for facilitating conversation following the gathering. Mutuality groups for people of color interested in connecting and continuing the conversation will be provided immediately following the event for those who wish to participate.
Register for the free live event:https://form.jotform.com/211544638347156
Learn More at: https://churchanew.org/events/enfleshing-witness

Empathy, hope and healing in the Midway
2021-08-24 18:00 - 20:30 | Bethlehem Lutheran in the Midway, 436 Roy Street North, Saint Paul, 55104, United States
Bethlehem Lutheran in the Midway invites the community into a Respectful Conversation that will focus not on changing minds, but on softening hearts while discussing our future together.
The conversations have about the events of the past year sometimes feel like pick-a-side and fight-it-out discussions that leave us feeling worse about the people we disagree with, and sometimes worse about ourselves.
There is a way to talk about it all that feels open and honest. You can actually be heard and learn about people with other perspectives. Thousands of Minnesotans have participated in Respectful Conversations since 2012. These facilitated, structured conversations are designed not to change minds, but soften hearts on topics that divide us.
Experience a Respectful Conversation for yourself on Tuesday, August 24, from 6:00 – 8:30pm at Bethlehem Lutheran in the Midway. Your elected leaders and this congregation have chosen to be a source of peace, cooling the heat of divisive conversations through a Respectful Conversation. Join in to learn how you can have a great conversation that builds empathy even over division.
Event Details:
A Respectful Conversation about Healing and Hope: Our Future Together
Tuesday, August 24, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Bethlehem Lutheran in the Midway
436 Roy Street North; Saint Paul, MN 55104
Please reserve your spot by registering online at http://bit.ly/signupRC

The Respectful Conversations Project is a program of the Minnesota Council of Churches designed to strengthen civic life in Minnesota. Congregations throughout Minnesota have hosted conversations that explore issues through the lens of deeply held convictions while maintaining, even enhancing, relationships among those who disagree.

ALOA Webinar: Fall Prevention
2021-08-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Gerontologist Dr. Lydia Manning joins us to share the latest advances in fall prevention technology. She’ll also demonstrate how simple changes in our lifestyle and the addition of this technology can help protect us from one of the fastest rising factors for risk of serious injury or death in the United States.
Register
Did you Know?
ALOA has more than 20 webinars that you can access anytime. Find information and inspiration on spirituality, aging, health & wellness or ideas for congregational ministry, along with links to resources recommended in our webinar archive. Go to aloaserves.org to check it out.
ALOA’s webinars are free and last approximately 60 minutes. If you can’t be available for the live webinar, sign up anyway and we’ll email you a link to the recording and associated resources.

Navigating Turbulent Times with Emotional Intelligence
2021-08-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
What’s more predictive of effectiveness in the workplace than your academic training, administrative acumen, or native intelligence? Whatever the occupation, research consistently points to emotional intelligence – the ability to manage your emotions and to relate effectively to others. Not only that, but also research has shown that emotionally intelligent leaders are more resilient. In ministry, given its highly interpersonal focus, it’s especially true. This workshop will give you a clear understanding of how emotional intelligence relates to leadership in ministry in specific ways. It will also offer you a chance to measure your emotional intelligence through a standardized psychological test, identify areas for development, and provide practical suggestions for improvement. Learn more.

Women Church Leaders’ Retreat
2021-08-16 16:00 - 2021-08-18 13:00 | Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center
Women’s Leadership in the Church: Ongoing Challenges and Unspoken Joys

Monday, August 16 (4pm) to Wednesday, August 18 (1pm) at Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center (Farmington, MN)
A retreat for women clergy and women working on staff in churches, led by the Reverend Dr. Karoline Lewis. Based on her books, SHE: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Ministry and EMBODY: Five Keys to Leading With Integrity, Karoline will guide participants in discussing the particular opportunities and obstacles faced by women church leaders. How can we navigate lingering sexism and patriarchy as we return to a new normal? How can we be replenished and empowered for ministry? This retreat will focus on theological issues and practical strategies to embolden authentic and embodied leadership in the church today.
Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis is the Marbury E. Anderson chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN) and an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. An accomplished author and widely-sought-after preacher and teacher, Karoline also is the host of Working Preacher.
Single occupancy cost: $500, Double occupancy cost: $450, Dorm room cost: $375. Cost includes two overnight stays, six meals, programming and activities, complimentary book, EMBODY: Five Keys to Leading with Integrity by Karoline Lewis, use of amenities, and tax.
Register here

Invitation to Change & Addiction
2021-07-29 11:00 - 12:00 | online
Invitation to Change & Addiction
The Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a free one-hour webinar titled Invitation to Change & Addiction on July 29, with follow-up 30-minute Zoom discussion. The Invitation to Change (ITC) is an approach to address substance misuse grounded in compassion, connection, and the belief that a person can do something to help their loved one. The featured guest is Rev. Jan Brown, an addictions educator and speaker on topics of the role of the church in addiction and recovery, faith responders, and recovery allies.
Thursday, July 29
11:00-Noon
For more information
Contact person: Ed Treat at pastored@addictionandfaith.com

Lutheran Night at the Twins
2021-07-26 19:10 - 21:00 | Target Field, 1 Twins Way , Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
The Minnesota Twins are excited to announce our annual Lutheran Night at Target Field. Great for Lutheran congregations, youth groups and chapters, Lutheran Night at Target Field has been the largest group event associated with the Twins for over a decade! Unlike years past, this upcoming season will only feature one Lutheran Night during the 2021 Twins season!
Groups of 20 or more will receive:
– – Affordable, group discounted tickets seated together
– – Group welcome message on the scoreboard
– – Members of the group may participate in the Lutheran Night National Anthem choir
Back by popular demand, some of our most popular, easily accessible and affordable seating areas including the Deck, Field Box and Home Plate View. Ticket prices range from $17 to $37.
For more information or to place a reservation for your group of 20+, please contact Brian Bessler at 612-659-4083 or brianbessler@twinsbaseball.com.
Click here to purchase individual tickets

National Youth Gathering Kickoff Celebration
2021-07-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Kickoff Celebration streams live July 25
Join us for our Kickoff Celebration, streaming live on Sunday, July 25, at 1 p.m. Central time on the ELCA’s YouTube channel, the Gathering’s Facebook page and our website. Gathering hosts Matthew and Claire have some exciting announcements about what’s new for this cycle, what our in-kind offering will be and much more. Can’t watch on the 25th? You’ll be able to view the recording whenever your group meets next.

Courageous Leadership Series with ELCA Coaching
2021-07-21 13:00 - 2021-08-18 14:00 | Virtual
ELCA leaders are invited to explore the topic of courageous leadership. Bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play as you discern how and where the Spirit might be calling you forward as a leader in your life, work, ministry, community and the world. The gatherings will include time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other. Learn more.
July 21, Aug. 4, and Aug. 18
All at 1:00 pm

Second Chance Coalition Community Celebration
2021-07-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Northside Healing Space, 2100 Emerson Avenue North,, Minneapolis, MN, 55411
Minnesota Second Chance Coalition Community Celebration
The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition, in collaboration with its partners, members, and supporters (including the Minneapolis Area Synod Strategic Organizing Against Racism team), invites supporters to com to the 2021 Community Celebration.
Tuesday, July 20
4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Northside Healing Space
2100 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis
Free
This event will feature music from Lewiee Blaze, kid-friendly activities, and testimony from impacted people. Participants will also celebrate the community and key legislative wins from the 2021 Minnesota legislative session!

St. Olaf Conference on Worship, Theology and the Arts - Mini-Conference
2021-07-20 15:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
St. Olaf College in Northfield annually hosts a Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts (CWTA), but postponed its 2020 gathering until 2022. However, CWTA is offering a virtual mini-conference to preview next year’s event. This mini-conference invites participants to explore the ways we have been scattered in body, mind and spirit by COVID-19 and structural racism and how we might be brought back together as people of God for the good of the world. There will be ideas and practices to readily incorporate into worship and it’s a great opportunity for rostered leaders at all stages of ministry to continue their learning.
Presentations include:

Building Worshipping Communities of Respect, Trust and Love (Anton Armstrong, Deanna Thompson)
“I’ve been meaning to ask…” – Fostering Curiosity, Courage and Connection (A Sanctified Art)
Radical Joy! Finding Your Freedom Practice and Deepening Healing (Joe Davis)
The Tulsa Massacre and Our Calling 100 Years Later (Tesfa Wondemagegnehu)

The event concludes with a social hour at 8:30 p.m. Registration is free and open to all. Learn more.

Worship, Theology, and the Arts Virtual Mini-Conference
2021-07-20 15:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
CWTA Virtual Mini-Conference
The St. Olaf Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts is offering a virtual preview to our upcoming in-person conference! Registration is free.
Tuesday, July 20
3:30-8:30 p.m.
Virtual
For more information: https://wp.stolaf.edu/cwta/

Preserving Your Savings for Future Generations
2021-07-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Learn about the components of an estate plan, including information on wills and probate, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and the importance of gifting and insurance replacement strategies. This webinar is exclusively for Portico ELCA Retirement Plan members.
Hosted by Portico Benefit Services
Monday, July 19
11:00 am – 12: 00 pm Central Time
Register Now

MAS/SPAS ELCA Youth Gathering Info Meetings
2021-07-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
The St. Paul Gathering Synod Coordinator (Tashina Good) and the the Minneapolis Gathering Synod Coordinator (Elizabeth Pederson) will lead two identical training sessions via Zoom for leaders in our synods. Attend to learn about the Gathering, timeline, registration and tips for getting started in your planning.
Register here.

Army Chaplain Webinar
2021-07-14 09:30 - 10:30 | Virtual
The Chaplain Recruiting Station of the U.S. Army is hosting a webinar with CH(COL) Tony Petros, senior command chaplain for Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Div. CH Petros will share about his life in ministry and God’s call on his life to serve God and Country in the U.S. Army. Register here.
Those interested in the Army chaplaincy are invited to experience a day in the life of an active duty chaplain. The Army Chaplain Experience will be held Sept. 2 at Fort Campbell, Ky. Participants will hear from active duty chaplains, spouses will hear from Chaplain spouses, and participants will have the opportunity rappel down the 101st Air Assault tower. Learn more.

Prepare for the Reality of Health Care in Retirement
2021-07-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Learn about health care costs in retirement and how you can prepare for them. This webinar is exclusively for Portico ELCA Retirement Plan members.
Hosted by Portico Benefit Services
Monday, July 12
11:00 am -12:00 pm Central time
Register Now

Ecumenical Water Service
2021-07-11 15:00 - 17:00 | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 8100 Glenwood Ave, MN, United States
The Ecumenical Water Initiative is a collaboration of leaders from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA, Minneapolis Area Synod), the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME, 4th District), the United Methodist Church (UMC, MN Conference), and the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC). The collaborative is hosting a family-friendly, community event to share stories about water and watersheds in our lives. Join us on July 11 at 3:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church (1800 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, MN) or on Facebook Live at MN Ecumenical Water Initiative as we celebrate and are refreshed by the water we all share. We ask that you wear a mask at this event and bring your own chair if possible. Questions can be directed to Madeline Troyer.

Tough Conversations: How to Have Them in Church and Keep Talking to Each Other
2021-07-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
How well does your congregation discuss difficult issues? Conversation about tough topics can be stressful, divisive and counterproductive. This free webinar will offer an authentic framework for entering into (and staying in) difficult conversations; fresh perspectives; a deeper way of thinking about your church’s role in navigating discussions; and new ways of showing hospitality. Presenters are authors Elizabeth Hagen (Brave Church: Tackling Tough Topics Together) and Rosalind C. Hughes (Whom Shall I Fear?). Admission is free! The session is offered through Faith+Lead at Luther Seminary. Register here.

Maximize Social Security in Your Retirement Strategy
2021-06-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Learn about strategies for claiming your Social Security benefit and how it will fit with other income sources in creating your retirement paycheck. This webinar is exclusively for Portico ELCA Retirement Plan members.
Hosted by Portico Benefit Services
Monday, June 28
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central Time
Register Now

Learn the Basics of When and How to Claim Social Security
2021-06-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
If you anticipate Social Security will be a significant income source in retirement, learn when and how to claim your benefit. This webinar is exclusively for Portico ELCA Retirement Plan members.
Hosted by Portico Benefit Services
Monday, June 28
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Central Time
Register Now

Cherish All Children 2021 Virtual 5K
2021-06-25 00:30 - 2021-06-27 23:30 | Anywhere
Cherish All Children 2021 Virtual 5K

Join Cherish All Children supporters in its Virtual 5K. Enjoy a walk or run at a location you choose, enlisting friends and family to sponsor your 5K.
When you sign up for this free event, Cherish All Children volunteers will send a 5K race t-shirt, making you an important member of its fundraising team.
June 25-27
A time of your own choosing
A location of your own choosing
You can make a significant difference in supporting the work of Cherish All Children — to keep children and youth safe from sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Those unable to participate may visit the event page to make a donation.
For more information, visit www.cherishallchildren.org/race
