Synod News 9/30/08

Minneapolis Area Synod Weekly E-newsletter 2008 Celebration of Confirmation - November 5 “There’s No Place Like Home” A Partnership of Hope for Homeless Youth November 5 Minneapolis Convention Center We will hear from some of the strongest voices in the state on youth homelessness. We will learn and worship together, and celebrate the discipleship of our young people as they explore what it means to affirm their faith as members of the ELCA. We will experience music, celebration, performing arts, and powerful speakers. The event is like no other in the state; is the largest event our synods undertake together; and is intentionally kept affordable at only $7 per person. Help young people from your congregation (no matter what the size) experience what it means to be part of the larger church as they together powerfully impact youth homelessness in Minnesota! Go to our Web site for information on pre-events, curriculum options and registration materials. Sign up by October 29. Lutheran Convictions about Sexuality: What Then Shall We Say? TONIGHT, September 30, 7-9 p.m., Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Rd, Edina Come and have a conversation with Dr. David Tiede, a member of the writing team of the Draft of the ELCA Social Statement on Human Sexuality. He will answer these questions: what is a social statement; are there distinctive Lutheran convictions about sexuality; what is our counsel to the ELCA; and how shall we live as a community of faith. This event is free and open to the public. Presiding Bishop to Speak at Luther Seminary October 1 Rev. Dr. Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, will be speaking on the topic of “Christians and Citizenship in Election Time.” This is a part of the Church and Public Life Lecture at Luther Seminary, on October 1, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of the Incarnation. All are invited to attend. Fishing For Men Thursday, October 9, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of Peace, Maplewood Do you have trouble finding men to teach Sunday School or work with confirmation small groups? Are the men in your congregation involved in faith talk at home with their children or other adults? How can you increase the participation of men in the life of your congregation? Join the lively conversation at the “Fishing for Men” event sponsored by LACE. Our presenter will be Dr. David Anderson. Cost at the door is $5 for LACE members and $10 for non-LACE members, with checks payable to LACE (Lutheran Association of Christian Educators). Free childcare will be available at the church with a reservation. Reserve a spot by contacting Diane Sahllue, Region 3 LACE representative at 763-913-6582 or deshallue@msn.com. Church World Service Leadership Learning Opportunity The Minn-Kota regional office of Church World Service (CWS) is offering an educational trip to Guatemala and Honduras for anyone interested in seeing the work of CWS in person. The trip is for volunteers, donors, Walk committee members, Tools & Blankets sponsors or anyone who has ever participated in a CROP Hunger Walk and wondered where their dollars go. This trip is scheduled for January 16-25 and will be led by Perri Graham, Regional Director of the Minn-Kota office. The group will visit communities, listen to stories of struggle, pain and hope and gain an understanding of the joys and challenges of life in Guatemala and Honduras. You will learn more about Church World Service and how your support of CWS helps to empower others. A visit to the ancient site of Copan is also planned. The trip will cost approximately $1,590.  If you are interested, contact Perri Graham at the regional office at 888-CWS-CROP. More information>>

In This Issue 2008 Celebration of Confirmation A Conversation with Dr. David Tiede Presiding Bishop to Speak at Luther Seminary Fishing For Men Church World Service Download the October issue of InterActs The Parish Paper Ideas and Insights for Active Congregations. Download these issues: October 2008 November 2008 Are you on Facebook? If so, join the Minneapolis Area Synod group! This is another place where you can get synod news and share information with others interested in what is going on in this synod. If you don’t have a Facebook account, no worries. It’s free and only takes a minute to sign up.

MAS Weekly News 9/17/08

September 16, 2008
Minneapolis Area Synod Weekly E-newsletter 2009 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly Mark your calendar now! Dates: May 29-30, 2009 Location: Augsburg College, Minneapolis Theme: Gods Work. Our Hands. Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Rolf Jacobson, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary Bible Study Leader: Bishop Craig Johnson Look for more information in the months ahead. ELCA Board of Pensions Continues Wellness Plan Again in 2009, the ELCA Board of Pensions will offer plan members the opportunity to earn wellness dollars to apply to their medical costs when they take the Mayo Clinic Health Risk Assessment (HRA). Plan members may earn additional dollars by follow-up health improvement activities, including lifestyle coaching programs. Read full press release>> Messiah Lutheran Church to Celebrate 100 Years September 28, Messiah Lutheran Church, 2504 Columbus Ave S, Minneapolis The day’s festivities will begin with a 9:30 a.m. processional walk from the congregation’s parent church, Augustana Lutheran (located at 11th Avenue South and 7th Street) and conclude at the location of the congregation’s present home. Messiah’s Centennial Day celebration will include a festive worship service at 11:00 a.m. featuring a special message from former Messiah Senior Pastor, Dr. Marbury Anderson, who preached at the congregation’s 50th anniversary. A Centennial luncheon will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the church basement. Events in Messiah’s Centennial observance will continue through November 30 when the congregation launches the next century with a special worship service as it moves to the new Center for Changing Lives at 2400 Park Avenue. For more information, call the church office at 612-871-8831. Peace with Justice Forum September 21, 12:15-2 p.m., Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis Topic: “Colombian Human Rights Defenders.” Lunch is available for $7. This forum is sponsored by the ELCA Minneapolis and St. Paul Area Synods’ Peace with Justice Committee. For more information call Dick Hilden at 612-825-1581. Sign Up Now for the 2008 Celebration of Confirmation “There’s No Place Like Home” A Partnership of Hope for Homeless Youth November 5 Minneapolis Convention Center We will hear from some of the strongest voices in the state on youth homelessness. We will learn and worship together, and celebrate the discipleship of our young people as they explore what it means to affirm their faith as members of the ELCA. We will experience music, celebration, performing arts, and powerful speakers. The event is like no other in the state; is the largest event our synods undertake together; and is intentionally kept affordable at only $7 per person. Help young people from your congregation (no matter what the size) experience what it means to be part of the larger church as they together powerfully impact youth homelessness in Minnesota! Go to our Web site for information on pre-events, curriculum options and registration materials. Sign up by October 29.	In This Issue 2009 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly ELCA Board of Pensions continues Wellness Plan Messiah Lutheran Celebrates 100 years Peace with Justice Forum 2008 Celebration of Confirmation September Issue of InterActs The Parish Paper Synod Facebook Group Download the September issue of InterActs The Parish Paper Ideas and Insights for Active Congregations. Download these issues: October 2008 November 2008 Are you on Facebook? If so, join the Minneapolis Area Synod group! This is another place where you can get synod news and share information with others interested in what is going on in this synod. If you don’t have a Facebook account, no worries. It’s free and only takes a minute to sign up.

MAS News 8/26/2008

August 26, 2008
Minneapolis Area Synod Weekly E-newsletter 2008 Theological Conference – Igniting Biblical Imagination September 28-30, Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, Alexandria Rostered leaders from the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods are invited to this year’s theological conference at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria. Dr. David Lose, associate professor in Biblical preaching at Luther Seminary, is the keynote speaker. Participants will explore the world through biblical narrative; identify the core biblical stories in their own lives; engage the stories of others; and learn to ignite a biblical imagination in the congregation. Worship, an afternoon of relaxation, and fellowship are part of this annual event. All rostered leaders are encouraged to attend. More information>> Sign up online>> Download Brochure>> You Faith, Your Vote – ELCA’s Civic Engagement Tour Thursday, August 28, 11:30 a.m. Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave, Richfield (lunch will be served) Friday, August 29, 11:30 a.m. Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, 5730 179th Ln NW, Ramsey (lunch will be served) Sunday, August 31, 10:45 a.m. Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St, Minneapolis (refreshments will be served) Chances are good that you are overwhelmed with televised debates, opinion poll analyses and feature stories tracking the presidential candidates. It’s easy to become sidetracked by the political mudslinging and partisan bickering, until we consider how our faith can inform our civic engagement. Our goal is to equip Lutherans to understand what nonpartisan political activities we can engage in as a church, and to encourage others to get involved. Now is the time to register to vote, think critically about our civic responsibility, and prayerfully and thoughtfully evaluate political issues, as we keep the promise for a faithful democracy. More information>> These events are free and open to all. Persistent Pedaling to Promote Prevention Seventeen members of “Team Cherish Our Children” will be biking 30 miles in the St. Paul Classic Bike Tour on September 7. As they bike the roads of St. Paul, they will share information to promote prevention of sexual exploitation and raise money for the organization. If you live nearby, come watch the Tour to cheer on the people wearing Cherish Our Children t-shirts and decorations on their helmets! If you would like to make a financial pledge per mile for one or more riders, click here to download a pledge form. Give Your Opinion and Be Eligible to Win! Augsburg Fortress is a non-profit provider of Christian resources including books and music, curricula for all ages, clergy apparel and supplies for churches, seminaries and other religious organizations. We are requesting your participation in a brief survey to gather information on how our Web site, www.augsburgfortress.org, can best support your needs. The survey will only take five minutes to complete. At the conclusion of the survey, you are invited to enter our drawing to win one of 10 prizes! If you win, you may select either a Visa gift card valued at $25 or a $25 donation to your congregation. Take the survey now>> Once we have gathered the responses, we will use the feedback to upgrade our Web site to serve you better! Watch for our new Web site launch in the 4th quarter of 2008. Thanks in advance for your participation. 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering Informational Meeting August 26, 7:00 p.m., St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1701 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington All are welcome to find out more about next year’s Gathering. Contact J.C. Lippold, Minneapolis Area Synod Gathering Coordinator to RSVP and/or with questions at 763-425-4243, ext. 27.	In This Issue 2008 Theological Conference Your Faith, Your Vote Support Cherish Our Children Give Your Opinion September Issue of InterActs Synod Facebook Group Download the September issue of InterActs The Parish Paper Ideas and Insights for Active Congregations. Download these issues: September 2008 October 2008 Take the Health Risk Assessment ELCA-primary plan members can earn $100 and save their congregation even more. Check out the percentage of plan member employees and spouses in each synod or ELCA organization who have taken the HRA as of July. The Minneapolis Area Synod is at 56.7%! We need 121 more people to take the HRA to reach 75%. Are you on Facebook? If so, join the Minneapolis Area Synod group! This is another place where you can get synod news and share information with others interested in what is going on in this synod. If you don’t have a Facebook account, no worries. It’s free and only takes a minute to sign up.
Sara Masters Director of Communications Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA 612-230-3302 s.masters@mpls-synod.org www.mpls-synod.org

MAS e-news 8/19/2008

August 19, 2008 Minneapolis Area Synod Weekly E-newsletter 2008 Theological Conference – Igniting Biblical Imagination September 28-30, Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, Alexandria Rostered leaders from the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods are invited to this year’s theological conference at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria. Dr. David Lose, associate professor in Biblical preaching at Luther Seminary, is the keynote speaker. Participants will explore the world through biblical narrative; identify the core biblical stories in their own lives; engage the stories of others; and learn to ignite a biblical imagination in the congregation. Worship, an afternoon of relaxation, and fellowship are part of this annual event. All rostered leaders are encouraged to attend. More information>> Sign up online>> Download Brochure>> Pastor Evensen Columnist for workingpreacher.org Pastor Kae Evensen, Mercy Seat Lutheran Church in Northeast, Minneapolis, serves as a regular contributor for the new preaching Web site, WorkingPreacher.org. Evensen writes a monthly column that offers pastoral and personal insights on the craft, opportunities, and challenges of the preaching task. Offered free of charge, WorkingPreacher.org brings together lectionary commentary with a wide range of reflective and engaging articles on the craft of preaching and is one of a number of preaching resource offered by the Center for Biblical Preaching, at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Your Faith, Your Vote – ELCA’s Civic Engagement Tour Thursday, August 28, 11:30 a.m. Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave, Richfield (lunch will be served) Friday, August 29, 11:30 a.m. Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, 5730 179th Ln NW, Ramsey (lunch will be served) Chances are good that you are overwhelmed with televised debates, opinion poll analyses and feature stories tracking the presidential candidates. It’s easy to become sidetracked by the political mudslinging and partisan bickering, until we consider how our faith can inform our civic engagement. Our goal is to equip Lutherans to understand what nonpartisan political activities we can engage in as a church, and to encourage others to get involved. Now is the time to register to vote, think critically about our civic responsibility, and prayerfully and thoughtfully evaluate political issues, as we keep the promise for a faithful democracy. More information>> These events are free and open to all. Revitalize Your Church Through Worship November 15, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Columbia Heights Back by popular demand. The Mission Table of the Minneapolis Synod is sponsoring Revitalize – a seminar for church leaders (pastors, worship leaders, musicians, singers, hospitality workers) led by Consultant Cathy Townley. The seminar will help participants use the worship experience to revitalize their church. Leaders who have attended this workshop say it is one of the best they have attended on this topic. Participants will learn about the values that drive worship and the steps they can take to create a worship environment in their churches that enhances outreach. The focus will not be on one specific style of worship, rather on the relationship between worship in their church and their unique mission field. Some key take-aways will be: how to start a service, how to enhance an existing service, how to invite and welcome guests, and new ways to plan and lead worship. Cost is $25 per congregational team. Fee includes light lunch. Contact Martha Moran at 612-870-3610 to register. Minneapolis Area Synod Group on Facebook Are you on Facebook? If so, join the Minneapolis Area Synod group! This is another place where you can get synod news and share information with others interested in what is going on in this synod. If you don’t have a Facebook account, no worries. It’s free and only takes a minute to sign up. Bridge Builder Training September 22-24, Catholic Aid Association Building, 3499 Lexington Avenue N, St. Paul Bridge Builder, developed by Dr. Peter Steinke, is a resource of trained lay and clergy people who assist congregations in reconciliation and healing. The six-step process includes interviews with congregation leaders and other members, interviews with staff, gathering of information and preparations for a follow-up plan. The Bridge Builder support group of the Minneapolis Area Synod and the Bridge Builders of the Saint Paul Area Synod are sponsoring a training session for the Bridge Builder process. We will meet from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Dr. Peter Steinke will conduct this training. The cost of $400 includes the Training Manual, the Leader’s Packet, and one year’s consultation following the training with Dr. Steinke, plus two meals and coffee breaks. Registration closes September 15 and is limited to 12 people. For more information and registration contact Roger Schwarze at 651-777-5102. In This Issue 2008 Theological Conference Pastor Evensen Columnist for workingpreacher.org Your Faith, Your Vote Revitalize Your Church Through Worship MAS on Facebook Bridge Builder Training The Parish Paper Download the July issue of InterActs The Parish Paper Ideas and Insights for Active Congregations. Download these issues: September 2008 Take the Health Risk Assessment ELCA-primary plan members can earn $100 and save their congregation even more. Check out the percentage of plan member employees and spouses in each synod or ELCA organization who have taken the HRA as of July. The Minneapolis Area Synod is at 56.7%! We need 121 more people to take the HRA to reach 75%. Sara Masters Director of Communications Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA 612-230-3302 s.masters@mpls-synod.org www.mpls-synod.org

Welcome!

Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA     Dear Rostered Leaders of the Minneapolis Area Synod: This summer our churchwide organization made decisions to restructure its field staff for evangelical outreach (mission directors). The ELCA will now place one director of evangelical mission per synod. Responsibilities will be new mission starts, redevelopment of congregations, mission support overview, and stewardship. I am pleased to announce that, because of our very active emphasis on mission, the Minneapolis Area Synod was chosen to begin this process. I welcome Rev. Susan Tjornehoj to our synod. She has been selected to be our director of evangelical mission. Susan is well known in our Twin Cities area. A graduate of Luther College and Seminary, she has been ordained for 25 years and has served parishes in northwest Alaska and Baudette, Minn. Pastor Tjornehoj has worked on the Bishop’s staff of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod and the Saint Paul Area Synod. Susan most recently served as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill in St. Paul. Having completed a year of doctorate study in congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary, she brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and strategic thinking to the position. She will begin on September 1 and will be out and about to introduce herself to you. Blessings this summer, and I hope it has been and will be a time of rest and renewing energy. In Christ, Bishop Craig Johnson