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Grace and peace be ever with you.
I shared in my sermon on Sunday a bit about my experience in Houston, TX at the ELCA World Hunger Gathering. It was a great invitation to learn about how other faith communities are engaging with their neighbors, listening to the needs, discovering assets and making beautiful things happen for the sake of one another.
As we prepare to move into the next church season, LENT. The 40 days we will experience beginning February 14th, will be a season to reflect and remember, to look forward and ahead. These are not easy times for many of us. We know the challenges our world faces. Yet the season of Lent reminds us that God is not yet through with us or our world. We know by faith that God is at work, drawing us toward the resurrection and restoration of the world.
We will be lifting up a variety of opportunities for our Redeemer, Northside and greater community to explore together ways to be drawn together. Wondering about community - how we might build it, repair it and sustain it.
May our community over these 40 days and beyond practice thru worship, small groups, mid-week meal time, table conversations and in our homes in our own rituals connect more with God and one another. Let us start by asking ourselves questions:
- How can we listen to one another?
- How do we find connection despite physical and ideological distance?
- How do we create space for compassionate dialogue and for seeking the holy in one another?
While the solutions to our challenges feel daunting, these questions are simple. May we recognize that all courageous conversations begin with simple questions and the curiosity to truly listen. Check below for all the information on our Lenten Opportunities...
-Your Sister in Christ
Pastor Jen Collins (she/her)
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MINNEAPOLIS AREA SYNOD CONFERENCE ASSEMBLIES
Saturday, February 10 I 9:00-12:30 pm
Every voice matters. Pray for our voting members: Pastor, Jovita Palacio & Siri Fibiger at our Conference Assembly in preparation for Synod Assembly in May.
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What are Conference Assemblies?
The congregations of the Minneapolis Area Synod are organized into 12 geographic conferences. These conferences are led by a dean, and representatives of the congregations meet at various times, but especially in preparation for synod assembly. Nominations and resolutions/memorials brought to the Synod Assembly come from these conference gatherings.
Voting members may also:
- nominate bishop candidates
- nominate people for synod-wide positions
- nominate voting members for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly
- elect conference positions
Who should attend?
These conference gatherings are open to clergy and lay participants from the congregations within the conference. If you are interested, visitors may attend. Learn More. |
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Memorials suggested to Augsburg University, The Foundation at Children's Minnesota, ELCA World Hunger or Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Ave N., Mpls, MN 55405
Ways to Help:
Desserts - SIGN UP FOR TREATS. Looking for people to bring cookies, bars as well as Gluten Free/ Nut Free options. These are needing to be provided in disposable or recycled containers at drop off. Can be directly given to Central's Kitchen Team.
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Wanna join this book read + conversation?
We have 4 FREE* copies left until we run out. Please sign up below to reserve your copy and secure your spot in our learning groups. Books can be picked up in church office.
We will spend intentional time reading this book from February through April, delving deeper into each chapter and getting to know one another.
Call to Allyship, through vivid (and sometimes painful) storytelling and profound insights, these leaders in the ELCA will invite participants into deeper conversation about the work that can be done by predominantly white congregations before calling a leader of color. It is also applicable to preparing space for any person of color regardless of rostered status. Prepare to learn and understand more about your own call to allyship as an act of living out your baptismal calling.
Pastor Jen will be hosting two times for groups to gather. We hope you can make it as often as you can to have the fullest, richest experience. Upon registering, select a primary time so we can plan appropriately for our spaces.
*Free copies provided through a Thrivent Action Grant
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2024 COUNCIL LEADER COMMISSIONING
Sunday, February 25 during worship
Join us as we welcome and bless our new leaders. We also will celebrate and give thanks for those who served this past year.
2024 Council Leaders:
President - Sarah Stadie
Vice President - Stuart Munk
Treasurer - Mike Tarras
Secretary- Maggie Dexheimer Pharris
Stewardship- Beth Heinly-Munk
Worship, Arts, Music - Roger Mikelson
Property - Dennis West
Evangelism + Outreach - Kelly Mielke
Youth- Linnae Nelson-Seys
Education - Rachel Birkedal
Get to know your council leaders! Let's all join them as we pray, volunteer and support them in this work!
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COMMUNITY HELP - MOVING & CLEANING DAYS
1) We have a community ask to help our beloved Redeemer member, Joan Dion. She has an opportunity to move into a new home but, needs some help packing and moving from Crystal to St. Louis Park. Especially if you have a truck to lend in moving larger items. She must be moved by February 28. Reach out to Pastor if you can help.
2) We will be transitioning our Glenwood House during month of February. The two units need to be move in ready by February 29 (extra day for leap year)!
UPDATE: Please reach out to Stuart Munk to help. Some of the tasks will be cleaning, painting, installing window fixtures and general cleaning.
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UPDATED: Blessing + Ashes from 12 noon-1:00 pm; for those who might not be able to attend the evening service. Please come by Redeemer and Pastor will be offering individual blessings and ashes.
Evening service will be held at 6:00 pm in Sanctuary. We will be joined with our Northside Parishes, Pastor Eric Hoffer to preach. (Facebook Live is offered online)
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Our leading question, “I’ve been meaning to ask... ”conveys intentionality, warmth, curiosity, and consideration. In essence, this question also implies the following statements: “I’ve been thinking about you and I’ve been wanting to check in... You’ve been on my mind... I haven’t known how to have this conversation, but I’m getting started with a question.” The ellipses symbolize the main objective of this series: to cultivate courageous conversations— and to keep having them, even if we need to pause. As you can see, these questions aren’t surface level; they invite us to share our pain and seek ways to care for one another. We pray that through vulnerability and authenticity these conversations lead us to glimpse hope, joy, and beauty.
February 18 + 25 - I've been meaning to ask...where are you from?
March 3 - I've been meaning to ask...where does it hurt?
March 10 - I've been meaning to ask...what do you need?
March 17- I've been meaning to ask...where do we go from here?
May our time together invite us to behold each other as images of the divine. May our time together help us strengthen our capacity for empathy and compassion. May our time together show us the simple power of asking unassuming questions. May our time together remind us that courage is rooted in the heart.
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WORSHIP HELPERS NEEDED:
Greeter, Usher, Communion Setup & Serving, Readers
If you are joining us this Sunday, please sign up here, talk with Roger Mikelson (651-332-6849) or let Pastor Jen know.
Here are the roles:
Greeter Usher Communion Server Sanctuary Clean up
Kids Message (1-2 per month) Readers
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NEXT MONTHLY COMMUNITY NIGHT MEAL
**FIRST NORTHSIDE LENTEN SERVICE**
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 6:00- 8:00 pm
INVITE & BRING A FRIEND!
We will be moving into the season of Lenten season and partnering with our Northside Parish neighbors: Christ River of Life + Salem Lutheran Churches. This is starting to become a yearly partnership of sharing a meal and worshipping with Holden Evening Prayer Service.
We will be rotating who is hosting the meal. If you would like to sign up click below. We look forward to gathering!
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BISHOP NOMINEE FORUMS
April 7 @ 2:00 pm & April 10 @ 7:00 pm
At our next Synod Assembly on May 2-4, 2024, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Ramsey, we will elect a new bishop for the Minneapolis Area Synod. “We” means more than voting members to the assembly; over the next eight months the whole Synod will be invited to discuss, discern, and pray. I hope that you and members of your congregation will take part in shaping what the office of the bishop will look like in years to come.
A Bishop Election Committee has formed in June under the direction of the Synod Council to coordinate the election process. (Are you wondering who is on the committee? Read this news story.) The committee not only will organize the logistics of how we elect a bishop, but also will invite the Synod — you — to define what we expect and elect a bishop to do.
What are the needs of this corner of God’s kingdom? How could a bishop more fully equip our congregations to meet those needs? In upcoming months, look for invitations from the committee concerning listening sessions to share your thoughts.
Who is eligible to be elected as our next bishop? According to the Synod’s constitution, the office of bishop is open to any ELCA Minister of Word and Sacrament (8.11). That person may serve up to two consecutive six-year terms. Our current bishop Ann Svennungsen will complete two terms in 2024, so a new person will be elected bishop at the 2024 Synod Assembly.... Read full letter from Felecia Boone, Vice President of Minneapolis Area Synod.
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FREE LEGAL CLINIC at HNA
The Harrison Neighborhood Association is working with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid to provide free legal help every TUESDAY and THURSDAY from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. They are able to help with family law, consumer, public benefits, housing, tax, and immigration problems. Walk-ins are welcome, however, appointments are preferred. Call 612-352-9778 or visit www.mylegalaid.org for more information. (1501 Glenwood Ave. Suite A, Mpls MN)
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FEBRUARY
10- Conference Assemblies
14- Ash Wednesday 6:00 pm worship
17- Ione Hanson Service, Central Lutheran 11:00 am
18- "Call to Allyship" Small Groups begin, 12:00 noon + 6:00 pm
21- Wednesday Lenten Meals begin at 6:00 pm
25- Commissioning of Council Leaders
25- Burning Bush Breakfast fundraiser
MARCH
24- Palm Sunday
27- First Communion Workshop, all ages welcome
28- Maundy Thursday at Salem Lutheran, 4150 Dupont
29- Good Friday at Christ River of Life, 2200 Fremont
31- Easter Sunday + Kid Egg Hunt (after worship)
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