catalog global mission

8/14/2019 Catalog Global Mission

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Minneapolis Area Synod

122 W Franklin Ave, Ste 600

Minneapolis, MN 55404

612.870.3610 www.mpls-synod.org


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Vital mission needs passionate peo-ple. And that is what "Making aWorld of Difference" is all about.

This campaign began with a grass rootsstrategic plan to link congregations and

financial resources to an ever-expandinglist of opportunities for growing thischurch together.

Now we are nearing the end of Phase 1 ofour funding efforts. Nearly $4 million hasbeen identified to invest in the approved projects of thestrategic initiative. Already, congregations and individualsare being blessed. Half of our congregations are involvedwith this program in one way or another.

It is my hope and prayer that each of you can identify a proj-ect that parallels your passion for moving us forward - as asynod, as a church family, and as a wider community.

Bishop Craig E. JohnsonSeptember 2006

The synod theme for Bishop Craig

Johnson's term in office is "GrowingThis Church Together." The theme

is built around a timeless understanding

of the Church as the Body of Christ andthat we are "members one of another." Allof us are responsible for the "wholechurch" on Earth. We will "grow thischurch together." The strategic plan formaking this happen and the campaign tofind the resources flies under the banner

of "Making A World of Difference." So many organizationswant to "make a difference" and are doing good work. TheChurch alone has the charter to make a world of differencein the lives of individuals and in communities through thepower of the gospel. We all want God to use us in "MakingA World of Difference." Our Lord is Jesus. His mission isnow. Our task is glorious.

Dennis J. JohnsonBishop's Associate

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Celebrate!

Making A World of Difference was officially launched at the2005 spring assembly. Since that time, over 30 congregationsand 50 individual giving units have invested (gifts andpledges) over $2 million in the approved mission projects.Another $1.6 million has come to us through a combinationof sale of property, the Thrivent Lutheran Grant Program,and ELCA dollars. More responses are coming in daily.

Our first Making A World of Difference catalog appearedin August 2005. We reprint that catalog now to add newprojects and to remove projects that have been fully funded.

We celebrate the following transformational congregationswhose proposals have found funding partners and are welllaunched into a new phase of their ministries. Those congre-

gations are:

Redeemer on Glenwood AveCity South ClusterLuther Memorial

St. Paul's LutheranOromo Lutheran Church

We celebrate Global Mission Companion Synod projectsfunded:

Three students in Nigeria are receiving scholarships.Wells have been dug and mid-wives trained in a partnership

with Global Health Ministries.

Growing the NumbersWe celebrate 25 coaches trained and 24 congregations enlist-ed in Natural Church Development.

We celebrate the following New Starts made possiblethrough Making A World of Difference:

Mercy Seat, Northeast MinneapolisCredit River TownshipLiving Presence, Blaine

Sudanese Lutheran Church, Anoka

We celebrate the accelerated growth of our younger churchesthrough support generated by Making A World of Difference:

Alleluia! St. Michael - AlbertvilleNew Life, Oak GroveSpirit of Joy, Buffalo

Making A World of Difference seeks additional gifts neces-sary for the thriving of these new and younger congregations.


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Suggestions for Successfully Involving

Your Congregation

* Pray for God's mission in general and for this initiative in

particular. Pray that God would lead your congregation todiscern its mission within the "Making A World ofDifference" campaign.

* Be informed about the four initiatives of the campaign.Study this resource guide which lists all of the current mis-sion opportunities. Check the synod website, www.mpls-synod.org, for the most recent updates.

* Generate conversation within your congregation about"Making A World of Difference." Ask, "What is the passionour members already have for mission? What projectswould fire the imagination and inspire generosity andhave the most potential for congregational involvement?"

* Start with the appropriate committee in your church; forexample, the Committee on Outreach, Global Mission, orthe Congregation Council.

* Invite a member of the "Making A World of Difference"advisory team or a synod staff member to make a presen-tation to the congregation. Call Carolyn OGrady at612.230.3318 to arrange for a visitor to your church. Invitethose who are seeking partners for their ministries to visitwith the congregation to talk further about partnershipand what it might mean. You may also choose to make anon-site visit.

* The Congregation Council, with input from members and

appropriate committees, should determine a decision-mak-ing process for choosing a project and identifying a fund-ing level. The council may provide a plan for how giftswill be sought within the congregation.

Prayer

And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some pastors andteachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the build-ing up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the

faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. Ephesians 4:11-13

Almighty God, you have blessed each of us with uniquegifts, and you have called us into specific occupations, rela-

tionships, and activities using those gifts. Enable us to useour talents to witness to our faith in you and to communicateyour love to the people we meet each day. Empower us to beministers of your reconciliation, love, hope, and justice as wego forth with our great vision for "Making A World ofDifference." Give us strength, courage, and patience. Keep ussteadfast in our commitment to serve actively in your name:

Jesus, who is the Christ. Amen4


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New Churches Design Team

Rev. Blair AndersonMr. Jesse Benson

Mr. Sheldon Fewer

Mr. Rob HansonRev. Steve Haschig

Rev. Bob HoytRev. David LecheltRev. Richard Mork

Ms. Susan OlsenRev. Jerry Wahl

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Credit River New Start

MissionBishop Craig Johnson has announced a new mission start inScott County, one of the fastest growing counties inMinnesota. Acting on the recommendation of theMinneapolis Area Synod Vista Team and the New ChurchesDesign Team, the synod council issued a call to SteveBonoshoe to be the mission developer. He began his work on

June 1, 2006.

This mission is being sponsored by Prince of Peace,Burnsville and Shepherd of the Lake, Prior Lake. Steve will

be on the staff of both churches and will recruit members ofthose congregations to go with him into this new missionstart. The pastors will provide mentoring and office supportassistance. St. Mary Magdalene will also provide volunteersupport. The ELCA is a funding partner and Making AWorld of Difference will seek additional congregationaland/or individual partners.

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Alleluia! Lutheran Church, St. Michael

Background and MissionAlleluia! Lutheran Church is a new mission planted in thebooming suburbs of St. Michael and Albertville. In spring

1998, 50 people began meeting for worship. They have grownto 400 members! In January 2005, Alleluia! moved from thehigh school auditorium to the vacated historic St. MichaelCatholic Church which will be their home until they canbuild. Alleluia! ministers to families building homes in thearea (about 500 a year). Staff includes the pastor, music direc-tor (part-time), office manager (part-time) and director ofspiritual gifts (part-time). Alleluia!s ministry is bold and live-ly with many active small groups, mission trips, VacationBible School, Sunday School, and many other facets.

Partner Support NeededThrivent has given a $15,000 per year matching grant for threeyears. The grant will be used to implement a full range of pro-

grams to enhance spiritual growth, discipleship and leader-ship for ministry. Partners are needed to supply the match.

The Jeremiah Project...Buy the Land!In 2001, Alleluia! purchased 21 acres of land on the outsideedge of the present development boom in St. Michael. Thecurrent plan is to build a Worship and Ministry Center by2007-2008. If it is not built by the fall of 2009, the originalowner of the land has the option to buy it back, so time is ofthe essence. Alleluia! is praying for mission partners to joinin the vision and mission. Alleluia! has conducted two capi-tal campaigns for debt reduction (current debt is $500,000).

ContactJake Dyrhaug, pastor, 763.497.5816


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Living Presence Lutheran Church, Blaine

MissionA new congregation will be developed in the northern sectionof Blaine where it is projected that 700 homes per year will bebuilt over the next 15 years. With solid support at the start,this congregation will become self supporting in a shortertime than the norm. Born in mission, this congregation will,in turn, become a church-planting congregation.

Status

Pastor Matt Flom began his work in Blaine on May 1, 2005.Flom, a former associate pastor at Nativity Lutheran Church,St. Anthony, was commissioned by that congregation, andmembers have been encouraged to be part of this adventurein mission. Christ the King, New Brighton has given onemajor gift to launch this congregation and a second majorgift to be used for land purchase.

Support Needed$15,000 per year for three years for operating expenses. Thisnew start was recently given a Thrivent grant of $15,000 peryear for three years. Now, Living Presence needs a partnerto match those funds.

Seven mission founders at $50,000 per year for four years, orcombinations of smaller gifts designated over a period oftime for donors convenience.

The North Conference churches are working together to pro-vide financial and prayer support for this new start.

The Jeremiah Project...Buy the Land!Land costs today are high, especially in this rapidly develop-ing area. Cost for ten acres is $1.9 million. The purchase hasbeen made by the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA.Congregational partners and individuals are needed to helppay down the loan which will be $1.4 million. LivingPresence will carry a $500,000 mortgage as they enter into acapital program for a new building.

ContactMatt Flom, pastor, 651.485.6968Dennis Johnson, bishops associate, 612.230.3306

Jerry Wahl, bishops associate, 612.230.3315

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Partners Still NeededOne partner at $20,000 per year for three years

ContactSteve Bonoshoe, pastor/developer 952.230.2988

Dennis Johnson, bishops associate, 612.230.3306


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New Life Lutheran Church, Oak Grove

MissionNew Life Lutheran Church began worship in 1999. In 2001,the congregation bought ten acres of land and a conveniencestore. The congregation has grown to 200 baptized. Of themembers, 60% were not active in any church prior to joiningNew Life. The congregation currently receives financial sup-port from partners at $35,200 per year. By investing more in

this congregation at this time in its life, we will hasten the daywhen no support is needed and the congregation becomes amission partner with other churches needing help.

GoalAccelerating growth in numbers to move toward a buildingprogram.

Mercy Seat

MissionMercy Seat is a creative response to a growing need for criti-cal-thinking, grace-based Christian orthodoxy, especially

among urban young adults. The mission is to proclaim theGood News of Jesus Christ in creative and socially consciousways, to become a laboratory for liturgical renewal, toreclaim the power of the visible Word of the sacrament,and to empower the worshiping community to live outGods grace in the world.

Mercy Seat sponsors music concerts and art exhibits, andthereby is becoming widely known as it provides a venue forarea musicians and artists. Worship is held Saturdays at 5:00p.m. at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Central and Lowry, inNortheast Minneapolis.

Thrivent has given this new start a grant of $15,000 per yearfor three years designated for outreach Signature Events.

Support NeededMercy Seat seeks partners who cumulatively can provide$140,000 in 2006, and $140,000 in 2007and $70,000 in 2008.

Mercy Seats goal is to be self-supporting in five years.Congregations/individuals are needed who might supportone or more of the pastors salaries or that of a musician, orcontribute to other expenses of this new ministry start.Pastors Kae Evensen, Kyle Halverson, and Mark Stenberghave been called by the Minneapolis Area Synod to serve asmission developers.

Contact

Mercy Seat, 612.789.1777www.nemercy.org

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Sudanese Lutheran Church in Minnesota

MissionIn 2001-2002 Pastor Cherian Puthiyottil of AGORA begandeveloping relationships with Sudanese Christians of various

denominational backgrounds, encouraging them to worshiptogether as a Sudanese community. In 2002 Zion LutheranChurch, Anoka welcomed this community with hospitality,invaluable practical advice, and financial support.

Mr. Mawien Ariik quickly emerged as the spiritual leader ofthe Sudanese worshiping community, a fellowship whichincludes at least five different tribes and languages from thesouthern Sudan, as well as varying Christian traditions,including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal, andOrthodox. Ariik earned a degree in theology from the CopticOrthodox Theological and Clerical University College ofCairo, Egypt, in 1996.

After completing additional course work at LutherTheological Seminary, Mawien was ordained in June 2005 toserve this new congregation of the ELCA.

Approximately 60% of the pastors time is spent developingthe Anoka-based worshiping community and 40% will becommitted to reaching out to Sudanese people in other partsof the state.

GoalBy 2010, Sudanese Lutheran Church will be the center of anactive network of Sudanese Christians in the upper Midwest,and will take an active role in developing Sudanese fellow-ships in the region.

Support NeededA partner is needed to join Zion Lutheran Church in supportof the Sudanese Lutheran Community.

* $17,400 for 2006* $17,400 for 2007

ContactHeather Hammond, bishops associate, 612.230.3312

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Transformational Ministry in the CityDesign TeamRev. Kelly ChatmanMr. Morris Dukuly

Rev. Sue EnghRev. Hans Lee

Ms. Zoe MassaquoiRev. Richard Mork

Ms. Kate NesseMs. Lynda Nordholm

Mr. Paul Ostrow, president,Minneapolis City Council

Mr. Don Samuels, member,Minneapolis City Council

Rev. Jerry WahlRev. David Wangaard


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City South Cluster Ministries

The City South Cluster is a cooperative ministry offive churches: Bethel, El Milagro, Epiphany, MinnehahaCommunion, and Our Redeemer. These congregations

together are stretching their financial commitments to investin this vital ministry.

Three initiatives of the CSC have been approved for fundingby the Transformational Ministry Team of Making A Worldof Difference.

Priority One: La Connexion, Referral SpecialistThe Referral Specialist position is integral to La Connexion'smission of building relationships which connect members ofthe Latino community to available resources. Sponsorship issought for two part time positions.

Funding needed: $32,000 a year for 3 years $16,000 per

position

Priority Two: Congregational Collaboration,Volunteer ProgramThe skills and abilities of the members in our congregationsis our most valuable resource. When people are organized,work gets done and strengthens the community.

Funding needed: $22,000 per year. Includes a LutheranVolunteer Coordinator and office supplies

Priority three: Youth Empowerment and OutreachYouth are the future of our congregations and society. Helppave a positive future for youth living in South Minneapolisby sponsoring our Youth Outreach Program. Give youth analternative to gangs, violence, and crime by connecting themwith caring adult mentors and meaningful developmentopportunities.

Funding needed: $29,000 first year, $22,000 per yearthereafter$6,000 for a Community needs assessment$16,000 annual stipend for an intern from LutherSeminary Youth and Family Ministry program.$6,000 for program related costs

Dollars needed include an 8% "fair share" for administration

costs. A full case statement and budget are available uponrequest from MAWD office. Or contact Interim ExecutiveDirector Diane Grigsby at 612.728.9221 or [email protected] may also check the website: www.citysouthcluster.org


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Hispanic/Latino Mission Strategy

MissionPastors Luisa and Patrick Cabello Hansel have been called toserve as pastors at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 15th Ave. S.,

Minneapolis. Pastor Luisa will give part of her time to devel-oping a comprehensive Latino/Hispanic strategy for all ofsouth Minneapolis and strategically placed congregations.The ELCA is a partner for funding along with Making AWorld of Difference.

Support Needed* $25,000 per year for the first year* $15,000 per year for the next four years

Partners Still NeededFunding is the chief need from a partner. However, partnerscan walk alongside the pastors and the planning team andlearn a great deal about mission and ministry among

Hispanics and Latinos, with the possibility of expanded rela-tionship development in the future.

ContactDavid Wangaard, bishops associate, 612.230.3316

Messiah Lutheran Church andLutheran Social Service Center

for Changing Lives

MissionThe Center for Changing Lives represents an ambitious planfor linking Lutherans together in mission. Located at 24th

Street and Park Avenue in the Phillips neighborhood ofMinneapolis, the Center links the mission and ministry ofthree collaborative partners, Lutheran Social Service (LSS)of Minnesota, Messiah Lutheran Church, and Faith in theCity partners, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans andFairview Health Systems.

The Center will be home to a broad array of services LSSprovides to children, youth, and families, many of which aremeeting the needs of Phillips neighborhood residents.Services will be available for:

Refugees and those seeking employmentHomeless youth and families

AdoptionA variety of counseling services

In a unique arrangement with the public sector, the top floorof the new center will be affordable housing, being devel-oped in partnership with the State of Minnesota andHennepin County. As part of Faith in the City, ThriventFinancial will operate a Personal Finance Center, Fairview


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Our Saviours Lutheran Church,

South MinneapolisMinistry of Community and Faith

Formation/Daily Work

Background and MissionOur Saviours is a dynamic community, centered in Christ,called, nurtured and sent to celebrate, serve and do justice.

The congregation is diverse in race, culture, and economic sta-tus. About 25% of Our Saviours members are immigrants fromWest Africa. While the congregation has experienced growthover the last few years, it remains committed to increasing itspresence in the neighborhoods of the Phillips area.

Our Saviours ministry is centered in Word and sacramentworship, out of which flows a strong commitment to doing

justice and advocacy, along with ministries of compassionand empowerment (through Our Saviours Housing and theEnglish Learning Center). The Ministry of Community andFaith Formation will strengthen the community of OurSaviours through intentional small group ministriesand education initiatives, and expand this relational 14

will address community health issues at the WellnessConnection, and an Education and Training Center willmeet the needs of neighbors, particularly refugees and per-sons moving from welfare to work.

Messiah Lutheran Church has joined LSS in this vision forministry in the Phillips neighborhood. This unique partner-ship will strengthen both. Messiah brings a wealth of com-munity-based ministries to the center. In addition to its wor-shiping community, pastoral care, and Alpha, as well asChristian education for all ages, Messiah and its partner con-gregations reach deep into the Phillips neighborhood with awide variety of services.

StatusGroundbreaking for the new Center for Changing Lives isestimated for spring 2007 and ribbon-cutting forspring/summer 2008.

Support Needed* $500,000 from congregationsThe Messiah Lutheran/LSS Center for Changing Lives is cur-rently seeking philanthropic and congregational support. Aspart of the fund-raising effort, congregations in the TwinCities are being asked to support the new LSS/Messiah part-nership as the congregation relocates its ministry to the center.

ContactAlan Loose, director,

Office of Cooperative Ministries, LSS, 651.969.2282Lee Cunningham, pastor, 612.871.8831


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ministry outside its doors. There is an expectation of contin-ued growth through this initiative.

Daily Work will empower people connected to Our Savioursto find living-wage work and become more fully involved in

the life of the congregation. Partner congregations are invitedto provide mentors for those seeking better employment.

Support NeededThrivent has given Our Saviours a $13,500 grant per year forthree years for the Ministry of Community and FaithFormation. Our Saviours need is for a funding partner whowill provide the match.

* $13,500 per year for three years for the Ministry ofCommunity and Faith Formation

* $6,000 per year for three years for Daily Work

ContactDavid Wangaard, bishops associate, 612.230.3316Hans Lee, pastor, 612.871.2967

River of Life

MissionRiver of Life is an ELCA congregation in north Minneapolis, anew congregation as a result of the mergers of Zion andBethlehem Lutheran churches. This vibrant congregation isinvolved with an Open and Flowing campaign to fund itsstrategic plan. Its most pressing need is in the area of personnel.

River of Life seeks a co-pastor to lead the congregation alongwith Pastor Louise Britts. The new position would focus on

outreach to the many unchurched families in the area. Riverof Life runs a seven-day building ministry to the communitywith many community outreach programs and this ministryneeds a half-time building manager and maintenance per-son. Several Lutheran churches have an involvement therethrough Loaves and Fishes.

Support Needed From a Partner with a Heart forthe City

2006: $40,000 2009: $20,0002007: $80,000 2010: $10,0002008: $40,000

Total: $190,000

ContactLouise Britts, pastor, 612.521.7655David Wangaard, bishops associate 612 230.3316


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The Transformation and Redevelopment ofSalem English Lutheran Church

MissionAfter a long process of discernment, this historic congrega-tion on 28th Street, Minneapolis will raze its present unsus-tainable facility and rebuild for a new mission and ministry.What will rise in its place?

A mixed use development plan calls for town homes, retail,16 units of affordable rental family workforce housing, and aministry center that will provide a church home for bothSalem and the Lyndale United Church of Christ. What a cre-ative and bold response to a crisis! Out of the ruble will comea mission for a new day with all the promise for new life.

St. Olaf Lutheran ChurchA Commitment to Children and Youth

MissionSt. Olaf Church is finding new energy and vitality through a

process of discernment resulting in a strategic plan callingfor vigorous outreach to a communitys most precious asset;its children and youth. To accomplish the ambitious goals,St. Olaf will hire a part-time Youth Director and a part-time Youth Assistant to provide a full church youth min-istry program.

To make the program effective, it is essential that childrenand youth be transported safely to and from church andevents. Therefore, a van is necessary for the work.

St. Olaf will partner with New Directions Youth Ministry, afoundation and business supported community organization,and with Minneapolis Area Synod Youth ministry programs.

In addition to a full program of Sunday School, confirmation,Vacation Bible School, outdoor camping ministry, training inworship, and service events, the church provides after schooltutoring and help for parents. Lay leadership has developedthis strong program and recruits the volunteers who serve.

St. Olaf is surrounded by people living in poverty. Someonemust give them a hand up and provide stability and hopein their lives. St. Olaf youth will have the opportunity towork every Saturday morning to earn credits to pay forthose activities which require fees.

The budget for the two part-time youth ministers and trans-portation and program costs will be $40,155. St. Olaf seeks apartner(s) who can provide one-half of the costs or $20,000

per year for three years.

ContactDale Hulme, pastor, 612.529.7726

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Common Bond Communities and Augustana SeniorDevelopment will coordinate and manage the facility rede-velopment. Salem will close the doors on the present facilityon October 31, 2006 and go into an exile location until con-struction is complete.

To implement the plan, the congregation intends to call atransformational mission redevelopment pastor who cancontinue to develop the congregation while it is waiting forits new home. Salem English members are pledging and giv-ing at a higher than ever rate as their commitment to thisplan. The Division for Outreach of the ELCA has approvedthis plan and will invest in it. What remains is to find a part-ner(s) who can provide $15,000 per year for three years, begin-ning in 2006.

This will serve as an exciting new model for ministry in anurban area when and where a congregations facility is nolonger sustainable but where dynamic ministry must takeplace to serve Gods people in the neighborhood.

ContactJen Nagel, pastoral minister, 612.872.4650

Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church,North Minneapolis

Background and MissionSince 1995, Salem has been intentional about developing astronger relationship with their diverse neighborhood commu-nity through door-to-door invitation, an after-school program,and summer intergenerational Vacation Bible School, as well as

other ministries. Salem is responding to Gods call to missionthrough its commitment to being a multiracial congregation,which reflects the community in which this church exists.

GoalTo provide funding for a part-time outreach pastor. Salemhas called an African-American pastor.

Support Needed* $18,000 per year for three years

ContactDavid Wangaard, bishops associate, 612.230.3316Roger Hardy, pastor, 612.521.3644


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Spirit Garage Underground, MinneapolisMinistry of Community and Faith Formation/Daily Work

Background and MissionDevelop a new congregation in south Minneapolis that

reaches out to people in the Uptown area, Lyn-Lake area,Whittier Neighborhood, and the Carag Neighborhood. InMinneapolis 39% percent of the people are 20- to 39-year-olds and 43.5% of the population is un-churched. This is agrassroots ministry, allowing for authentic experiences in acompassionate community that helps people discover theirGod-giftedness. The mission is to reach out to the de-churched and un-churched members of the community.

Spirit Garage Underground is a destination, a place wherepeople can come on a Thursday night for food, community,great music, and interactive sermons.

Support Needed

* $10,000 per year for three years for mission developer andmusic program

ContactYvonne Andert Wilken, Mission Developer, 651.398.7729Rob Norris-Weber, pastor of Spirit Garage, 651.203.9588

Transforming Neighborhoods and theCity: Mission Renewal Initiative

MissionRenewal and mission happens in many ways and in manysettings. The Mission Renewal Initiative (MRI), in partnershipwith Isaiah, helps congregations find their mission and min-istries through faith-based community organizing. Thisorganization has been evaluated and found to be an effectivemeans for helping churches find their prophetic voice forsocial and economic justice. MRI does this by partnering withIsaiah and by building effective relationships, developingleaders, and engaging congregations in public arena issues.

The MRI is funded through the Minneapolis Area Synodbudget and the dues of member congregations. An additional$35,000 is needed annually to meet MRIs program budget.MRI has a demonstrated track record of assisting congrega-tions in finding their mission, improving their outreach and intackling some of our most vexing social problems.

Support Needed* $25,000 per year for two years

ContactSue Engh, pastor and director, 612.333.1260


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Trinity Lutheran Church, Riverside

Background and MissionTrinity Lutheran congregation has been a church withoutwalls since the church building was razed in the late 1960s to

clear the way for I-94. Committed to the Cedar-Riversideneighborhood, Trinity has made outreach a priority. A largenumber of East Africans (primarily members of the MekaneYesu Church in Ethiopia) have become part of Trinity,Riverside. Pastor Alem Hagos, who was born in Ethiopia,has been called to join the pastoral staff.

Congregation Council planning has identified youth ministryas its focus. The congregation will employ a youth ministerwho is enrolled in the Children, Youth, and Family programof Luther Seminary.

Support NeededThrivent has given a $58,000 matching grant to Trinity,Riverside. Trinity seeks a partner who can provide $20,000

per year for two years and $18,000 the third year. The three-waypartnership will provide a full-time youth minister and pro-gram and outreach resources.

ContactJane Buckley-Farlee, pastor, 612.333.2561

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globaloutreach

Global Outreach Design TeamRev. Peter BartimawusRev. Sekenwa Briska

Rev. Terry Frovik

Ms. Marie HayesMs. Zoe MassaquoiMr. Jack Munday

Ms. Kris Perry, DMMr. Paul RebeleinRev. Paul Rogers

Mr. Dana Biama SabiyaMs. Glenndy Sculley

Ms. Judy TonolliRev. Morrie WeeRev. Joel Wiberg

Rev. Judy Burgett WinzigMs. Laurie Beckman Yetzer, DM


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A New Beginning for Partnerships with Nigeria

MissionA comprehensive strategy for how the Minneapolis AreaSynod might be more effective in our relationship with our

companion synod, The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria,is in its initial stages. However, a 2005 visit from ArchbishopNemuel Baba has identified the following urgent needs.

Support NeededApproximately $12,500 for an electric generator for BronnumLutheran Seminary. The seminary serves a student body ofover 500 and is an extremely important site to the future ofthe Church.

$16,000 this yearand additional support in 2006 and 2007 fortraining eight midwives and four community health work-ers, and drilling three boreholes and five wells. GlobalHealth Ministries has offered to match the first $8,000received toward these two projects. The first year has beenfunded.

Additionally, Archbishop Babba has identified 10 congrega-tions that are ready for congregation-to-congregation part-nerships.

Opportunities are also available to support one or more stu-dents at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary in Nigeria. Three stu-dents are being supported for three years by the gifts andpledges of synod staff. More students need help!

Help Sekenwa Briska, a Nigerian pastor receive a PhD fromLuther Seminary so that he can teach Nigerian pastors.Scholarship assistance of $15,000 needed for first year.

ContactGlenndy Sculley, bishops associate, 612.230.3314Kris Perry, companion synod coordinator, 612.418.5410


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Congregational Evangelism Initiative

PurposeThis two-pronged approach simultaneously strengthens con-gregations for growth through the proven strategy of Natural

Church Development and equips them with skills training andprogram resources for healthy, sustainable outreach.

Descriptors* Holistic, contextual, and completely integrated with the

eight marks of congregational wellness of the congrega-tion.

* Congregational self-evaluation refocuses the leveragepoints annually.

* Method central to the initiative is the relationship betweentrained coaches and the participating congregations. Thenature of the initiative makes it available to congregationsin any setting and of any size.

Requirements for Participating Congregations* Three-year commitment* Accept a coach, assemble an experienced team of persons

with passion, knowledge, and energy surrounding evan-gelism

* Participate in a network of other congregations within theprogram

* Participate in initial and ongoing workshops* Participate in funding costs of the program* Total of $1,000 for three years

Participating congregations will pay a fee according to theirability to underwrite the costs. No congregation will beexcluded due to lack of dollars.

Additional Support Needed$24,000 for resources, workshop, speakers ($8,000 per yearfor three years)$12,000 for Phase II and Phase III coach training ($6,000 peryear for two years)

Given/Pledged to Date: $40,257Partners Needed for Phase II Evangelism Effort$36,000 over three years to fund new coaching workshops,speakers around the eight marks, and congregationalresources



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Theological Education for ImmigrantLeaders

Background and MissionFor over 150 years people from many lands have found a

home in the Minneapolis area. Once they came from northernEurope. Now, new immigrants arrive from places likeEthiopia, Sudan, and Liberia. Often they are refugees fromwars and persecutions, Christians whose faith that has beentested beyond what most Minneapolis Area Synod Lutheranscan imagine. Once they are here, the communities gather forprayer and worship. From within these communities, wise andgifted leaders rise up, persons whose hearts desire is to preachthe Good News of life and hope in Jesus Christ. These leaderswant to become pastors. Because of their positive associationswith Lutherans in the area, they want to become Lutheran pas-tors. We are beginning to see the ethnic communities lookingto become formally organized Lutheran congregations.

Becoming a pastor in a Lutheran congregation requires theo-logical education. In 2005-06 a Luther Theological Seminaryeducation cost $21,000* per year for a full-time student in theMaster of Divinity (ordained pastor) track. Seminary andELCA Churchwide financial aid can and does help. The stu-dents can and do work at various jobs while they study, buteven a job that pays a living wage leaves little or nothingfor tuition payments.

GoalTo prepare up to 15 immigrant/refugee leaders for rosteredservice in the ELCA as ordained pastors, commissioned asso-ciates in ministry, or consecrated diaconal ministers. As theyare formally called to serve in congregations they will be

able to reach out in languages and styles others in our synodcannot do. The faith and ministry of immigrant brothers andsisters blesses the whole metro area, and the MinneapolisArea Synod in particular, by making it possible for neighborsto hear, each in our own language, the wondrous works ofGod. (Acts 2:11b) Partnering congregations have an oppor-tunity to build a relationship with the student(s) they spon-sor, as well as the faith community that student serves.

Support Needed$15,000 per candidate per year for up to three years for ordainedministry; up to two years for diaconal ministry$5,000 per year for up to two years for associate in ministry candidates

*$21,000 per yearincludes tuition, room and board, books andsupplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses accord-ing to the Office of Financial Aid at Luther TheologicalSeminary, St. Paul, Minnesota.


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StaffDennis Johnson 612.230.3306Terri Endres 612.230.3307Carolyn OGrady 612.230.3318

122 W Franklin Ave, Ste 600Minneapolis, MN 55404-2474www.mpls-synod.org

Leadership Team

Rev. Jon Buuck, senior pastor,Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

Ms. Karen Bohn, president,Galeo Group LLC

Mr. John Gilbert, chairman,Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, retired

Rev. David Hoffman, senior pastor,Lutheran Church of St. Philip the Deacon

Ms. Rebecca Larsen, presidentFundraising & Development Inc.

Ms. Jan Maudlin, executive director,World Voices

Mr. Tim Maudlin, managing partner,Medical Innovations

Rev. Chris Nelson, senior pastor,Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Mr. Bruce Nimmer, president,Sienna Corporation, Bennett Lumber

Mr. Bill Nord,international investment adviser

Mr. T. Williams, senior project associate,Rainbow Research

catalog global mission

Documents