MAS Mission Support Storytellers

Minneapolis Area Synod
Weekly E-newsletter

Agora’s Pentecost of Nations Celebration

May 18, 1 p.m., First Lutheran Church of Crystal, 7708 62nd Ave N, Brooklyn Park

Representatives from diverse nationalities will participate in this service wearing their native dress, singing, praying, and reading scripture in their native tongues. Congregations in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and the New Hope area will participate in this celebration. Pastors and members of First Lutheran, House of Hope Lutheran, and Holy Nativity Lutheran are leading this celebration event. We invite you to come and see the sign of the growing church and opportunities for mission all around us. For more information, please contact Agora at 952-888-5197 or cherianp@agoraministry.org.

Training the Trainer: Safeguarding God’s Children

May 22, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield.

A workshop for rostered and lay Children, Youth, and Family ministry leaders in the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods. Workshop leader, Pastor Karen Stevensen, LICSW, will address these issues and facilitate discussion. The workshop will enable participants to use “Safeguarding God’s Children” presentation materials (available through your synod offices) in their own training sessions. For more information and to register, download this brochure.

Rural Churches: Community Service and Ministry

May 22 and 22, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Medelia United Methodist Church, Medelia.

Day one of the workshop, will energize your churches’ efforts to meet community needs for human services through partnerships. There is no cost for this day. Day two will address how ecumenical ministries can lead to stronger ministries. There is a $35 fee for this day. For more information, call 612-230-3211 or email lynne.holman@mnchurches.org.

Background to workshops: In 2007, the Minnesota council of Churches sponsored listening sessions in ten rural communities throughout MInnestoa. Those churches who attended indicated a need to find more ways to create partnerships with community organizations and other denominations’ churches to meet the needs of churches and their communities.

Augsburg College Youth Theology Institute

“Why Christian? Claiming Our Faith in an Age of Pluralism”

There is still time to nominate a young person (10th, 11th, or 12th grader) from your congregation to attend this week-long intensive where we will explore the question, “Why am I a Christian?” Cost is only $100. Please contact Dr. Jeremy Myers (myers@augsburg.edu) or Ross Murray (murray@augsburg.edu) for more information. The deadline is May 25.

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 Carolyn O’Grady at the Minneapolis Synod Office, ELCA, at 612-870-3610 or e-mail at c.ogrady@mpls-synod.org.