News & Events: A Healthy Patriotism

November 2, 2026

A Healthy Patriotism

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued his sixth in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled "All Together in One Place."

Healthy patriotism celebrates what is good and beautiful in our common life while remaining committed to tending to what is wounded and broken. Healthy patriotism fosters a sense of shared belonging because the strength of our nation lies in our ability to live together as diverse people who share a common future.

As Lutherans, we can live out healthy patriotism. We understand the government is called to serve and protect the common good. We exercise patriotism in part by holding public leaders accountable to serve the common good.

Read Presiding Bishop Curry's full message.

We're Hiring: Assistant to the Bishop
for Leadership and Transitions

The Saint Paul Area Synod is accepting applications for an assistant to the bishop for leadership and transitions. A significant part of this role includes working with call processes. This person is anticipated to begin on Feb. 1, 2027. The ideal candidate will be responsible for specialized ministry care, roster management, healthy boundaries training, governance collaboration and policy oversight, and congregational support. View the full job description. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 1.

CYF Connector

The synod is also hiring a Children, Youth and Family (CYF) Connector (22 hours per month/5 hours per week) to focus on and support those who work in CYF ministry in congregations. Applications are accepted until Nov. 9. Read that job description here.

Compensation Guidelines

The 2027 edition of the synod's Salary & Compensation Guidelines was emailed last week to active rostered ministers, as well as presidents/VPs and treasurers who have given permission to be on our email list. This document is also posted to the Forms & Reports page of the synod website. Questions may be directed to Finance Administrator David Roinas at 651-224-4313 or david.roinas@spas-elca.org.

Equipping Storytellers

Saturday, Nov. 14 - 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul

For rostered ministers, worship leaders, and lay storytellers who want to use story more intentionally in congregational life—especially in worship!

Stories shape faith, build connection, and help the gospel come alive. Join pastor, speaker, comedian, and award-winning storyteller Nathan Mugaas for a playful and practical day designed to help leaders discover, shape, and share meaningful stories in worship. Through live examples, simple frameworks, and hands-on practice, participants will learn how to craft compelling stories, tell them with confidence, and explore how storytelling can be woven into congregational life—especially in the Lenten season.

This encouraging, low-pressure workshop invites first drafts (perfection not required!) and offers practical tools for equipping lay leaders and preachers alike. Participants will leave with a clear storytelling framework, a story outline to continue developing, and ideas for cultivating a joyful, supportive storytelling culture in their congregations. This session is brought to you by the synod's Vitality Team. The cost is $25 per person, which includes lunch. Register here.

Fall Joint Ministerium

Last week, rostered ministers from the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area synods gathered for community, learning, and worship at the Fall Joint Ministerium, held at Christ, Blaine. The worship service included talented musicians, preaching by Bishop Justin and a participatory art project around sharing our dreams for the future. A presentation by retired ELCA pastor and author Kenneth Wheeler followed a time of refreshments and fellowship. Click here to view photos from the morning.

Addressing Hunger:

Feasting Ahead? Must Be November...

by Vernita Kennen - Incarnation, Shoreview

As many families and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, the aromas of turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie abound. Important as food and cherished relationships are, we need to be careful that we not forget the “thanks giving” part of this November 26th.…

Take time this November to remember to give thanks to God first for all the blessings provided to us as children of God. Then give thanks for all those involved in providing the ingredients for your daily and holiday feasts: those who planted seeds, harvested, hauled to market, sorted, sold, cooked, served, and even those who will clean up after the meal. Take time to ask those who share your table at a holiday (or even an everyday) meal what it is for which they are most grateful this day.

Take time, too, to remember that gifts to ELCA World Hunger as well as local food shelves and feeding ministries are ways to share our abundance and our gratitude with those who are in need of a “feast” in today’s world. We are all called to share in gratitude on Thanksgiving Day and every day.

Read Vernita's full message.

EVENTS OF INTEREST

Gather Twin Cities Friendsgiving

Sunday, Nov. 15 - 5:30-8 p.m. | St. Paul

Gather Twin Cities is hosting friendsgiving! It will be a time to gather with friends new and old and celebrate an evening of giving thanks for all of life's gifts. Location will be atGather leaders' home. Head to the Signup Genius for more details and to sign up for an item to bring &/or to indicate you are coming. Gather Twin Cities is an ELCA) ministry for young adults who are hungry for community and connection with other young adults in the metro area. Learn more on their website or Instagram.

Lutheran Summer Music Nominations

You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2027! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students in grades 8-12. Students come together from across the country to pursue musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and fun community. LSM 2027 takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield June 27-July 25. Priority enrollment is open through Dec. 1, offering a $100 tuition discount and first access to financial aid. Nominate a student here. You can watch and share the LSM Experience Video for more details!