February 2012
Extravaganza
February 8-12, Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans
The Extravaganza is an annual 4-day conference that draws together anywhere from 500-750 adults who work with youth in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for the premier renewal, education and networking event of our church. For more information on the Extravaganza, go to www.elcaymnet.org/extravaganza.
Seminary of the Streets: “Innovative Leadership Using Asset-Based Community Development”
February 9, 6-8 p.m. (meal at 5:15 p.m.), Grace Center, 1500 6th St NE, Minneapolis
Jody Kretzmann, Co-founder and director of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute will lead a discussion about how communities, congregations and organizations select certain groups of people to marginalize, often with the best of intentions. How does help hurt? How can service be enslaving? And what can we do to keep the unintended consequences of our good will from overwhelming its recipients? Perhaps part of the answer lies in the recognition that gifts, talents, skills and dreams are universal, and that the key to inclusion lies in this recognition. Online registration>
Asset Based Development training Co-sponsored by Faith in the City and LINC-Twin Cities
February 10-11 with Follow up Saturday, April 21; Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30-noon, Jehovah Lutheran Church, 1566 Thomas Avenue, St. Paul
Jody Kretzmann, co-founder and director of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute at Northwestern University, will locate the roots of the asset-based approach in the histories of the Settlement
House, "Alinskly-style" community organizing, the civil rights movement and community economic development. ABCD implies a critique of traditional needs and deficiency-oriented analyses and strategies, and draws on decades of community-based research and experience to elaborate an approach to development which recognizes and mobilizes six basic categories of assets. This evening's presentation and discussion will introduce the ABCD approach, and will introduce the asset categories, along with strategies and tools for discovering and activating them. Saturday morning's session will lead participants to be able to apply these approaches to their own community and congregational settings, and will challenge them to plan and execute their own community building activities. Cost is $15. Registration>
College of Retired Church Workers Luncheon
February 14, noon, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis
For retired clergy, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, church workers and spouses of the Minneapolis Area and Saint Paul Area Synods. Speakers will be the Rev. Carol Stumme and Bee Vang, pastoral assistant. They will be talking about "A Conversation on the richness of bi-cultural ministry." Cost is $12, payable at the door. RSVP by February 9 to Cyndi Berg at 651-224-4313 or cyndi.berg@spas-elca.org.
Climb Theatre Presents: Lockdown
February 15, 6-7 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 County Road 6, Long Lake
A play about harassment and bullying prevention for ALL youth in grades 6-12 and their parents. This event is free and open to the public! Sponsored and hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 County Road 6, Long Lake. Childcare is available for birth through Grade 5. Contact Kirsten Kelly with questions: KirstenK@TrinityLongLake.org or 952-473-8577. Information also posted at www.trinitylonglake.org.
2012 Synod Assembly
February 17-18, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior lake
This year our theme will be “Rooted in the Biblical Story.” As one Church together, we welcome and encourage your presence as an important part of our 2012 Synod Assembly. We will worship, learn, and engage in biblical study, as well as participate in the business decisions and bishop election. Our keynote speaker is Rev. Susan Briehl, and Dr. Diane Jacobson will be our Bible study leader. Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson will be preaching. More information and registration>
Worship Dialogue
February 21, 11:30 a.m., St. John's Lutheran Church, 4842 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis
John Cherek, Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and Fran Donnelly, BVM, Director of Life Transition Ministries, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, will speak at a Worship Dialogue Gathering on “Life Is Changed, Not Ended: Ritual and Pastoral Care for Grieving Christians.” This monthly event is free and bring a bag lunch if desired. 612-827-4406.
Get AMPed for God!
February 26, 6 p.m., Augsburg College, Minneapolis
A new worship experience - AMP (All Metro Praise) - will be happening each month. AMP is a collaborative project that seeks to engage and celebrate youth through worship, discipleship, leadership and fellowship. Bring your gifts, your voice, and your praise! For more information, contact Tony Fair. Download poster>
Monkey Business: A First Third Dialogue on the Confirmation Process
February 27-29
"Monkey Business." That's what Martin Luther called the rite of confirmation. And the numbers of young people that the church is losing after, and possibly through, the confirmation process, are rising annually. Join us for this First Third Dialogue designed to both begin, as well as further, ongoing conversations about deep and adaptive change in our churches in confirmation preparation and the rite itself. For more information or to register, visit www.firstthird.org/events or call 651-523-1621. Hosted by Center for First Third Ministry at Luther Seminary.
Lutheran Night at the Wild
February 28, 6:30 p.m., Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
Come celebrate the 2nd annual Lutheran night at the Wild game with fellow Lutherans! Lutherans will be selected for Zamboni rides and Let's Play Hockey! Minnesota plays the L.A. Kings. Discounted tickets are available. Contact group sales manager, Jason Stern at jstern@wild.com or call 651-312-3460.
