November 2, 2021
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews
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Support our companion synod's dream to start a university |
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As Bishop Ann announced in her recent blog titled "In the legacy of Luther," the Minneapolis Area Synod is taking an audacious step by raising half-a-million dollars to bring to fruition the dream of a Lutheran University in Nigeria. This institution has been a dream of the leadership of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (with 2.5-million members). The Minneapolis Area Synod (MAS) is the LCCN's only companion synod.
MAS staff has produced resources for congregations and individuals to use as they prayerfully consider this synod-wide effort to raise $500,000 by December 31. (The Nigerian government wisely requires that sum to be in a bank account before granting approval of a new university, simply to prove viability over the long haul.)
You can help in a variety of ways:
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Read the case statement for a Lutheran university and the commitment of the LCCN to bring it into being.
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Check the synod's web page for resources, including a video about the effort by our synod to raise $500,000 with and for our companion synod (more information below).
- Consider your capacity to make a special thank offering for Archbishop Musa Filibus and the leadership of the LCCN and the university.
- Give in these ways:
- Text "LUN" to 44-321
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Visit the website for online donation options
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Contribute on Give to the Max Day
- Send a check to the synod office:
- 122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55404
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- Pray for the fundraising effort and for the leadership of the Lutheran University Nigeria, including Archbishop Musa Filibus, who is also the President of Lutheran World Federation.
Thank you for any and all support you are able to offer in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the building of a university in our companion synod.
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Learn more by watching a five minute video |
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Archbishop Musa Filibus, Bishop Ann Svennungsen, Dr. Paul Pribbenow, and Rev. Mark Hanson came together to express their excitement for the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria's plan for a Lutheran University in North East Nigeria.
Take 5 minutes to listen to them talk about their dreams and visions for this audacious endeavor. You just might be inspired enough to support the effort.
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New resource now available
on youth and safe, healthy relationships
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LSS of Minnesota and Cherish All Children are offering a new resource for church middle school and high school youth. Four interactive sessions guide youth in understanding how they can engage in healthy friendships and dating relationships, and stay clear of exploitative situations.
Sessions include:
- Healthy Relationships
- Online Safety
- Understanding and Preventing Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking
- Making a Safety Plan and Resources
Throughout the sessions, leaders are given the opportunity to reinforce the youth’s value as children of God and to identify safe, supportive adults and friends. Having these conversations in the safe space of Confirmation class or Youth Group, while encouraging open dialogue at home, provides youth with a supportive network and skill-building for situations they may encounter in their lives.
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Veterans Day
bell ringing
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The final City of Bells community bell-ringing event of the year will be Thursday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m., in honor of Veterans Day. Church buildings with a bell are invited to toll it 11 times starting at 11:00 a.m. If your congregation plans to participate, let organizer Rebecca Sundquist know at rebecca@jorgensonsundquist.com or (952) 221-3400 so you can be included in the press release.
The City of Bells website will be updated soon with an interactive map; those churches with bells should complete this survey in order to be included.
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All Saints Day concert this weekend |
To commemorate All Saints Day this year, the National Lutheran Choir is offering both live performances and virtual programming. Live concerts, "All Saints: We Remember," will be held at 7:00 p.m. on November 5 at Central Lutheran, Minneapolis, and at 4:00 p.m. on November 7 at St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi. COVID protocols will apply.
These performances offer a space to mourn and heal as we emerge from such an uncertain time. Names of loved ones no longer with us may be submitted for reading during the performance. The virtual program, "Requiem Aeternam," features recordings with added visual art to deepen the impact of All Saints at such a crucial time of remembrance, patience and hope. It will be available November 6-8.
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A public service reminder |
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Don't forget: Today is election day in most of the municipalities within the Minnneapolis Area Synod region. If you want to check to see what you might be voting for in your township, city, or village, go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's website to check it out. After all, you do want a little sticker, don't you?
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New LWF General Secretary begins |
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Rev. Anne Burghardt of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELC) took office as the new General Secretary of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) on November 1. She was elected by the LWF Council in June to lead the global communion of 148 member churches.
The theologian and pastor previously worked as Head of Development for the EELC’s Institute of Theology in Tallinn, as well as its advisor for international and ecumenical relations. She succeeds Rev. Dr. Martin Junge who served as LWF General Secretary from 2010 to 2021.
Reflecting on the task ahead of her, Burghardt said, “The life of the LWF is a life of communion, of churches living and working together for justice, peace, and dignity for all people. I pray that my work can contribute to the growing together of these churches as they gather around Jesus Christ, the one who unites us all in our mission in the world.”
Among Burghardt’s top priorities will be overseeing the implementation of LWF’s strategy entitled ‘With Passion for the Church and for the World.’ She will also be setting the direction for the next LWF Assembly to be held in Krakow, Poland, in September 2023.
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Lutheran World Relief has created free, easy-to-use resources based on the RCL Advent texts from the Gospel of Luke, all available at lwr.org/advent:
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4 weeks of new sermon illustrations (with photos and video)
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4 powerful videos to highlight your congregation’s love in action around the world
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4-week small group Bible study guide
- Candle lighting litany
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Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks? |
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be with the Racial Justice Team of All Saints, Minnetonka on November 3.
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Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit/Youth Gathering Synod Day rehearsal, Marriott City Center, Minneapolis, on Friday, November 5.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Pastor Kyle Jackson at Mount Calvary Lutheran, Excelsior, on Sunday, November 7.
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Brenda Blackhawk will be leading an adult form at Immanuel Lutheran, Eden Prairie, on November 18th.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be installing Pastor Justin Lind-Ayers and Pastor Amber Ingalsbe at Grace University Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, November 14.
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Pastor Norma Malfatti will be preaching at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, November 14.
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Ms. Emilie Bouvier will be leading an adult forum at Crown of Glory Lutheran, Chaska, on Sunday, November 14.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will ordaining Mr. Jonathan Holtmeyer at Mt. Olive Lutheran on November 18.
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Brenda Blackhawk will be leading an adult form at Immanuel Lutheran, Eden Prairie, on Thursday, November 18.
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Brenda Blackhawk will be leading an adult form at Alleluia Lutheran, St. Michael, on Sunday, November 21.
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be attending the farewell celebration for Pastor Eric Aune at All Saints Lutheran, Norwood Young America, on Sunday, November 21.
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