Mpls Area Synod ELCA

They’re Still Taking Our Children: The Evolution of Boarding Schools
2022-05-23 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
This event will focus on how the legacy of Indian Boarding Schools evolved into our current child welfare system in Minnesota and how the Indian Child Welfare Act works to protect our Native families. Leaning on lived experience working in Indian Child Welfare, our speakers will walk us through the evolution of boarding schools and how we can work to counteract this harmful legacy. Please register using the link below, and use the provided zoom link.
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Speaker Bios:
Briana Blackhawk (Ho-Chunk) works with Native families and represents the interests of Native children in issues of child welfare as an ICWA Guardian Ad Litem for the state of Minnesota. In addition, her family was an ICWA foster home for 13 years, caring for more than 100 Native children in that time. Briana attended Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Hamline University. She is a lifelong member at Salem Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis and mother to a really cool three-year-old daughter.
Sandra White Hawk is a Sicangu Lakota adoptee from the Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota. She is the founder and Director of First Nations Repatriation Institute.
First Nations Repatriation Institute (FNRI) is the first organization of its kind whose goal it is to create a resource for First Nations people impacted by foster care or adoption to return home, reconnect, and reclaim their identity.  The Institute also serves as a resource to enhance the knowledge and skills of practitioners who serve First Nations people.
Sandra organizes Truth Healing Reconciliation Community Forums that bring together adoptees/fostered individuals and their families and professionals with the goal to identify post adoption issues and to identify strategies that will prevent removal of First Nations children.  She has also initiated an ongoing support group for adoptees and birth relatives in the Twin Cities Area.
Sandra is the Elder in Residence at the Indian Child Welfare Law Office, Minneapolis, MN and is a consultant for the Capacity Building Center for Tribes, Center for Regional and Tribal Child Welfare Studies University of Duluth, Minnesota.
Sandra has become a spokesperson on the issues of the adoption and the foster care system and how it has impacted First Nations People. She has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Australia, Japan, and Alaska sharing her inspirational story of healing.
She served as Commissioner for the Maine Wabanaki State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission and served as an Honorary Witness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Residential Schools in Canada.
She serves on the boards of: The Legal Rights Center of Minneapolis and The Association for American Indian Affairs.

Registration Link:
https://forms.gle/gu7hq9gEztLakRJ16

Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86804682372?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 868 0468 2372
Passcode: 600
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Crafternoon
2022-05-22 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Grace Lutheran Church, 1500 6th St NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
BeLoved Teen Group (a fully-affirming, LGBTAQIA+ inclusive youth group) invites teens and their families to join us for an afternoon of crafts! Supplies and food provided.
With any questions, reach out to belovedteengroup@gmail.com.

2022 Lutheran Social Services Benefit for Youth
2022-05-18 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
While the past year has presented challenges for all of us in various ways, it has been particularly hard for young people, especially youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Please join us to reflect on and engage in ways we can all Rise Together, and support youth and young adults in our community.

On Wednesday, May 18, at 12 p.m. you are invited to join the Lutheran Social Services statewide virtual gathering in support of LSS Youth & Family Services. Your generosity will give thousands of young Minnesotans and the adults who care for them access to safety, stability, housing, resources and much more throughout the coming year. Register or give today at http://lssmn.org/bfy22.

Lunch & Learn: Safe & Healthy Relationships for Youth
2022-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Join with Cherish All Children to learn about their Safe & Healthy Relationships Youth Guide, and how YOU can make a difference in keeping children and youth safe.

Co-authors Deacon Erica Larson, Director of Faith Formation at Lake Nokomis Lutheran and Joy McElroy, Executive Director of Cherish All Children will walk through the 4-session guide, engaging you in activities that help youth understand healthy relationships, signs of unhealthy or unsafe relationships, and how to keep themselves safe in online spaces.

Download the Youth and Leader’s Guides, or contact joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren.org by May 13 to have a hard copy sent to you.

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Zoom link: https://lssmn-org.zoom.us/j/87069374034

LWF Webinar: Gathering Around the Tree of Life
2022-05-16 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
The urgency of renewing Jewish-Christian relations today will be the subject of this webinar. Lutheran and Jewish participants will offer a variety of perspectives on how to do this and what lessons we can learn during these times of social hostility and polarization.
In 2018, a gunman entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Shabbat, shouting his desire to kill Jews and shooting 11 people in the deadliest attack on Jews in American history. In the current politically polarizing and conflict-ridden climate, there has been alarming escalation in virulent anti-Jewish rhetoric and violence around the globe.
For Lutherans, Martin Luther’s anti-Jewish writings have received both scholarly attention and internal self-critique within the Lutheran communion. In the process of improving Jewish-Christian relations since 1947, the position of Lutheran churches in rejecting anti-Semitism and affirming the integrity and dignity of the Jewish faith was stated clearly at the LWF Assembly in Budapest in 1984. On that same occasion, LWF’s member churches also clearly distanced themselves from Martin Luther’s writings and expressions against Jews.
At the same time, there are many people in different parts of the world where Christians may not have direct contact with Jewish friends or neighbors. Both the shocking news reports and these historic theological developments might seem very distant and disconnected from their daily lives. Join our speakers from the Jewish community and the global Lutheran communion to reflect on the importance of renewing this interfaith relationship today.

Register by May 16.

Mediation Skills Training Institute
2022-05-09 09:00 - 2022-05-13 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.

Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson
2022-05-08 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN, 55115
In October of 1998, Matthew Shepard, a young, gay student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped and murdered. This three-part oratorio performed by The Singers will create space for reflection, consideration, and unity around his life and legacy.

ELCA Seminaries Joint Discernment Event
2022-05-07 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
The ELCA seminaries are excited to offer a collaborative virtual discernment event! If you or someone you know is discerning a call to ministry and might like to hear from all the ELCA seminaries in one space, join the ELCA seminaries on Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. CST.
The event will include:

Time for reflection and conversation around discernment
A session facilitated by seminary faculty
Opportunity to connect with current students from all 7 ELCA seminaries and hear from their experiences
Informational sessions about practical questions like financial aid, contextual education, academic programs, and more.

Register by May 6!

Lives of Faith+Art
2022-05-04 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Join us Wednesday nights in May for this special series focusing and faith and the arts. Each week at 6:30 pm we will welcome a featured artist to share their story and gifts with us. All ages are welcome as we listen, learn and grow. May 4 — Joe Davis, Musician, poet & speakerMay 11 — Tammy Ortegon, Painter & Gallery Owner (Colorwheel Gallery)May 18 — Ivory Doublette, Singer and Actor
With further questions, connect with John Pedersen at john.pedersen@dllc.org or 651-470-7814

Church Anew Retreat: Renew
2022-05-02 08:00 - 2022-05-03 17:00 UTC | St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344, United States
Join us for a two day retreat to realign our spirits and reignite the leadership of people of faith and church leaders alike. Hear a fresh word of promise from New York Times Best-selling author, Nadia Bolz-Weber who will stir us to see the Spirit at work anew in our lives and in our callings. Author of Canoeing the Mountain, Dr. Tod Bolsinger will align our leadership practices with our values, providing practical leadership tools for the church and our neighborhoods. Through conversation with colleagues, dynamic worship and preaching from Rev. Jenny Sung, artistic response with nationally-touring poet, Joe Davis, time to walk or practice yoga, excellent meals, we will leave renewed for the abundant life God is calling us into.
In-person: $249
Online: $75

Admission includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks during both days of the event. Register by April 8 to save $40 off our in-person rate with the promo code SPRING40.

Would you like to bring your entire church to this event? Consider streaming the entire event to your congregation. Email support@churchanew.org for more information.

The Earth Sings Beauty - A Concert by the National Lutheran Choir
2022-05-01 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN, 55115
The NLC’s season concludes with the world premiere of “Lament of the Earth” in a concert about the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the earth.
With questions, reach out to Kris Rongstad at info@nlca.com

Synod Assembly
2022-04-30 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Life Together
Saturday, April 30, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Featuring
Keynote Speaker, Eric D. Barreto and Churchwide Representative, Rev. Javier Goitía

Details can be found on the Synod Assembly page.
Register >

Arab American Heritage Month Celebration
2022-04-28 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
April is Arab American Heritage Month! The Association of Lutheran of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH) is hosting an online celebration on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. Eastern time. The event will feature speakers Samer Khalaf, national president of the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee and Jonathan Kuttab, executive director of Friends of Sabeel North America. Join us to discuss of Arab American heritage in the United States, advocacy, justice, combating discrimination and more.

Date: April 28
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern time
Registration: bit.ly/ALAMEHCelebration

When you register, you will receive an email confirmation with details about how to access the meeting

Addiction & Relapse: A New Paradigm for Recovery
2022-04-28 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
A one-hour free webinar presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith with a followup 30-min. Zoom discussion.Description: With fentanyl showing up in every kind of street drug, relapse following treatment is becoming increasingly dangerous. Relapse is widely accepted as the norm following treatment, but does it need to be? There are evidence-based practices that work very well to prevent relapse, but those practices are not regularly applied in the field.Bill Messinger, retired attorney and recovery coach, will help us understand the state of current relapse prevention practices and what we can do to improve outcomes. He will help us understand how faith communities could play an important supportive role helping people on their journey back to wholeness. Join us for this free webinar and discussion on this life and death issue.

Divine Laughter, Humor, and Wellbeing?
2022-04-26 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Mt. Olivet Conference & Retreat Center will host Karl and Rolf Jacobson, who will present on what church members, theologians, and ministers can learn what humor and comedy have to do with faith, theology, and wellbeing.
For more information, https://mtolivetretreat.org/events/

Keeping Faith: Empowering Faith Communities to Recognize and Respond to Child Abuse & Neglect
2022-04-26 08:00 - 2022-05-27 17:00 UTC | Virtual
This course empowers faith communities to recognize and respond to cases of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Included are discussions detailing the impact of child abuse on a victim’s sense of spirituality and offering concrete suggestions for working with medical and mental health professionals to assist a child in coping with maltreatment. The course also discusses ideal child protection policies for a faith-based institution, including handling a situation in which a convicted sex offender seeks to join a congregation. A review of various child abuse case scenarios and a discussion on appropriate and inappropriate responses allows for real-life problem-solving and feedback.
Why is this training important for every faith community?

93% of sex offenders describe themselves as being ‘religious’

20% of 2864 church leaders knew of at least one convicted sex offender who was attending or was a member of their church (Christianity Today 2010)
Child abuse Survivor Quote: “I went online to every faith community in my area trying to find a place in which I felt safe to worship. None of them gave me any information about safety policies in their community so I just gave up trying.”

Intended Audience
Clergy, chaplains, youth ministers, faith leaders, counselors and other members of a faith community who may work with children or families impacted by child abuse.
Presented by:

Victor Vieth, Chief Program Officer, Education and Research, Zero Abuse Project
Alison Feigh, Director, Jacob Wetterling Resource Center
Pete Singer, Executive Director, G.R.A.C.E.; Founding Director, Care in Action, Minnesota

With questions, contact Suzanne at suzanne@zeroabuseproject.org

Effective Church Councils Workshop Series
2022-04-25 19:30 - 20:30 UTC | Virtual
This series of four sessions, held over five months, is designed to help congregational councils grow in their role as leaders of the congregation, as well as learn how to have more effective and efficient council meetings. Tools will be shared to help lower the anxiety of leaders so that you are freed for creativity and handling the adaptive challenges your congregation faces. We hope that by participation you will find that being on a congregational council is a joy and that your meetings will be one of your favorite nights of the month, rather than the night you dread.
Our workshop series leader is the Rev. Paul Walters, a parish pastor, author and leadership consultant. Pr. Walters has created this video to introduce you to this series: https://tinyurl.com/EffectiveCouncil

Session Dates are:
Mondays
April 25, May 23, June 20, and August 22
7:30-8:30 PM
All Sessions are on Zoom

Sessions will be recorded so that leaders who cannot be present can still receive content and be prepared for “homework conversations” at their next council meeting.

Congregational Commitment:
Congregational council members will:

Engage in monthly, one-hour large group Zoom meetings with consultant
Utilize their monthly church council meetings to complete assignments
Pay the $200 registration fee to the synod office (congregations will receive an invoice after council members register)

SIGN UP for this course by completing the registration form: https://tinyurl.com/EffectiveCouncilRegistration

Once registered you will be sent the Zoom link for the sessions along with any other details you’ll need. Questions? contact Pastor Norma Malfatti, Director for Evangelical Mission (n.malfatti@mpls-synod.org)

The Earth Sings Beauty
2022-04-22 - 2022-05-01
National Lutheran Choir presents “The Earth Sings Beauty”
April 22, 23, and May 1: Live Concerts
The Earth Sings Beauty will be the culmination of our explorations of the natural world. In this program, we will premiere Lament of the Earth by Steve Heitzeg and Susan Palo Cherwien.
Buy tickets

Webinar: Using Video to Tell Stories that Create Impact and Build Relationships
2022-04-07 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Virtual
Join Shayna Jurrens of Storyhaus to learn how to use video to tell stories that create impact and build relationships. Does your nonprofit share its story effectively using visual media? Video offers a unique opportunity to connect with your stakeholders and donors, build empathy, and help audiences connect to your nonprofit’s mission. From iPhone videos to professional scripting/shooting/and editing, there are multiple options…depending upon your goals. See examples of other nonprofit videos and learn pro tips from a pro! To learn more about Shayna, see her introduction video at https://vimeo.com/542480914

Youth Ministry Zoom - LGBTQIA+ Youth
2022-04-07 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Virtual
Join with other youth ministry leaders for this zoom session on supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. This group meets the first Thursday of every month.

Zoom link: glcav.us/zoom
Meeting ID: 416 478 3219

Passcode: [REDACTED]

North African and Middle Eastern Music Shine in ASEFA: A Musical Gathering
2022-04-03 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota
The music ensemble ASEFA, led by multi-instrumentalist Samuel Torjman Thomas, brings to vivid life a rich mix of Mediterranean musical traditions. Drawing on Hebraic and Islamic cultures in North Africa and the Middle East, the New York-based ensemble will present ASEFA: A Musical Gathering on Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m.

The performance takes place in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas at the University of St. Thomas as part of its Chapel Arts Series. For further information, contact Jacob Benda at jrbenda@stthomas.edu. Click here for all the details.

Virtual Bold Gathering
2022-04-02 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual
Join Lutheran Men in Mission for the virtual Bold Gathering on April 2. Register here: https://lutheranmeninmission.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/bold-gathering-stories-from-the-heart-april-2-2022
Have questions about the Bold Gathering or want more information? Reach out to John Sundquist, Executive Director, or Lon Buss, Events Director.

Webinar: Addiction & Overdose Prevention Centers
2022-03-31 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Virtual
A one-hour free webinar on Zoom with followup 30-min. Discussion hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith and co-sponsored by Clergy for a New Drug Policy.
NYC recently opened the nation’s first official overdose prevention center. This evidence-based harm reduction strategy is used across the world, but still runs afoul of federal law in the United States. A one-hour free webinar hosted by the Center of Addiction of Addiction & Faith. Guest speaker is Rev. Charles King, one of the founders of Housing Works, Inc., a community-based non-profit that provides services including housing, health care, mental health, chemical dependency, legal services, advocacy, job training and employment for the homeless and children living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions.

Fundraiser for Ukraine to Feature Ambassador Eric Rubin and the Isles Ensemble
2022-03-27 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St, Mineeapolis, MN, 55403-3294, United States
The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis is hosting a fundraiser for Ukraine on Sunday, March 27 at 2:00 pm. Ambassador Eric Rubin, President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), former U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, and former Deputy Political Counselor to Kyiv, Ukraine, will be the guest speaker. The Isles Ensemble will perform chamber music by Dvorak and Tchaikovsky, as well as several works by Ukrainian composers.
The event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged, and 100% of contributions will be designated for Ukraine relief efforts through Eastern Europe Crisis Response or Lutheran Disaster Response. Checks, made out to either of these organizations, are preferred.

Remember the Children: One Minnesota Town’s Indian Boarding School
2022-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Virtual
Join the Saint Paul Area Synod’s Advocates for Racial Equity (ARE) group on Thursday, March 24, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. for discussions about the Saint Paul Industrial School, which operated at one time as an Indian Boarding School in Clontarf, Minnesota. This will be a chance to get a closer look into what led this small town to build and operate such a program. We’ll examine the ongoing impact of Indian Boarding Schools and discuss the ways in which suppression keeps us from rumbling with our past.

Spring Ministerium
2022-03-24 08:30 - 12:00 UTC | St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN, 55447, United States
This spring’s Ministerium, “Sighs Too Deep for Words,” will be held at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Plymouth, on Thursday, March 24. For more details, go to the Ministerium page of our website.
Register >

Courageous Leadership: How Are You? No, Really! Processing Grief and Loss
2022-03-23 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual
On Wednesday, March 23, ELCA Coaching welcomes ICF-certified Grief Coach and End of Life Coach Jason O’Neill to share skills to deal with the personal and collective losses we experience on a daily basis. Learn ways to support the healthy processing of loss and grief for yourself and for those you care about. You are invited to bring authenticity and vulnerability into this gathering as we learn together and are reminded we do not have to journey alone.

Jason is part of the support team for ELCA Coaching, as well as the Synod Communicator and Assembly Planner for the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod.

Fosdick Lecture: Preaching in a Time of Crisis
2022-03-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located just off of Lake Street in the 3rd Precinct, found itself at the heart of the explosive response to the brutal killing of George Floyd and the centuries of trauma that preceded his death. During the months that followed the uprising, the church responded by distributing donated food, diapers, toiletries, plywood for boarding up broken windows, cleaning supplies, and tools to the community. This remained a primary part of Holy Trinity’s work throughout the summer and fall of 2020.

On March 22, 2022 at 10am, Pastors Ingrid Rasmussen and Angela Khabeb will share their insights on preaching during this time of crisis and reflect on how these experiences continue to shape their understanding of theology and ministry.

Mindful Mondays Zoom for First Third Leaders
2022-03-21 12:00 - 12:30 UTC
Every Monday at noon throughout Lent, First Third leaders are invited to take 15 minutes to ‘be still and know’ (Psalm 46:10). We will utilize different spiritual practices (poems, Lectio Divina, praying with Icons, etc.). Those who would like to stay on for an additional time of check in are welcome.
Join the call: https://luthersem.zoom.us/j/4013613589
With questions, reach out to Kris Bjorke at masfirstthird@mpls-synod.org

Stewardship for All Seasons: Expanding Ministries
2022-03-16 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Gustavus Lutheran Church, St. Paul, 1669 Arcade St, St. Paul, MN, 55106
Just think of the lives your congregation could impact if your members grew their giving by 10%-15% next year! This is exactly the goal of Stewardship for All Seasons, a two-year, comprehensive process. SAS congregations move embrace an impactful annual appeal and move into other vital realms of a culture of generosity: Communications and Story-Telling, Strategic Planning, Endowments, Special Appeals, Volunteer Recruitment, and Donor Cultivation
The Saint Paul Area Synod invites you to a informational session to meet the Pete Reuss, the SAS facilitator, and learn more about the process on Wednesday, March 16th at 1:00 at Gustavus Lutheran Church, St. Paul. Contact Rev. Norma Malfatti at n.malfatti@mpls-synod.org to confirm your attendance or with any questions.
Congregations will sign up by the end of April with the first cohort session to be held in May.
A brief video explaining the process is at https://youtu.be/IaTYCcgwVcQ.
