A WCCO-TV story last week began:

"A northside Minneapolis food shelf is inviting the whole community to celebrate its new renovation while also highlighting the growing need for help. When the Camden Collective opened during the pandemic in 2021, it was serving about 40 families a week. Last February, organizers were bracing for a sharp increase in need when the grocery chain Aldi, one of only three grocery stores on the northside, announced it was closing."

"Salem has been blessed to host and partner with the Camden Collective since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition to providing space for them, Salem has enjoyed collaborating with the Camden Collective on all sorts of community events," says Salem's Pastor Eric Hoffer.

"While collaboration is always hard work, the Camden Collective is a natural partner, since we both love our Webber-Camden neighborhood and believe in the power of gathering together around food," he adds. "Salem is excited to continue to deepen our relationship with the Camden Collective as one of our core community food ministries, in addition to our weekly community meal and the dining hall at the Minnesota State Fair."

Thanks to a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, the Minneapolis Area Synod’s Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices learning community will focus on convening congregational cohorts to learn and experiment with faith practices and neighboring practices, with an emphasis on developing faithful leaders. This initiative will deepen the spiritual life of the congregation through more significant engagement with the surrounding community, places where God’s presence precedes our engagement.

The Assistant for Administration and Communication will support the Director of Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices in administrative and communication tasks related to the program’s learning community.

Submit a cover letter and resume to Nicholas Tangen, director of Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices and Pastor John Hulden, assistant to the bishop.

Holy Cross will host a screening of a new documentary film about the importance of joining community groups — for the health of individuals and our society. 

Join or Die is based on the work of sociologist Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, and his recommendations for overcoming the widespread loneliness in our country and for strengthening our democracy. It includes reflections by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, David Brooks, Eddie Glaude Jr., Shyly Romney Garrett, Pete Buttigieg, Hillary Clinton, Priya Parker, and more.

Tuesday, August 22; 7:00 p.m.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

1720 East Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis

All are welcome to come and receive valuable insights into the power of coming together and fostering genuine relationships. After the film, you may stay if you wish for informal conversation.

Tapestry, a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC) of the Minneapolis Area Synod, has recently been working to sponsor Venezuelans seeking asylum through USCIS Parole for Venzuelans. Members of Tapestry have applied for 22 people and are still awaiting a response for them.

The leaders of Tapestry have asked other congregations to consider aiding in this effort; six additional individuals (including a family) are waiting for assistance to apply. Pastor Melissa Melnick Gonzalez from Tapestry has offered to walk intererested congregations through the process.

Pastor Melissa is also willing to share stories of immigrant families and asylum seekers with other congregations, using "Room at the Inn," a Bible Study presented in Living Lutheran.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is one of the primary service organizations in the state. One in every 65 Minnesotans is touched by its services each year. The Celebration of Changing Lives is a primary means of financial support and publicity for its programming.

Saturday, September 16

5:30 p.m. Social Hour

6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program

The Depot

225 Third Avenue South

Minneapolis

You can celebrate how LSS is Powering Potential for communities, families, and individuals across Minnesota through compassionate services, creative partnerships, and its commitment to pursuing the limitless possibilities ahead of all of us.

Tickets for the 2023 Celebration for Changing Lives are available for purchase until Wednesday, September 6.

Those unable to attend this year’s event can still support the work of LSS by making a gift. Your generosity helps inspire hope, change lives, and build community for more than 90,000 neighbors each year.

Lutherhostels are events held in retreat-like settings that include a study topic, music and worship, along with recreational and fellowship activities. Sponsored by Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA), this Lutherhostel near Rochester features a study of "The Stones Cry Out: Archaeology and Spirituality in the Holy Land," led by Drs. Mark and Rhoda Schuler.

October 2-6

Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch

Stewartville

Worship will explore God's transforming grace rescuing people through stories, song, and prayer. The cost is $660 per person (double occupancy) with other pricing options.