Where in the World is the Minneapolis Area Synod?

The Minneapolis Area Synod recognizes the gifts of global companion partnerships and it is in our sharing that we can walk together in service of God’s mission. Many of you may recall at the 2006 Synod Assembly a special edition newspaper entitled Making a World of Difference – Growing this Church Together in which nearly all of our 167 congregations at that time wrote about the mission work they were doing in the world. We learned that many, many of our congregations were involved in companion synod partnerships in a variety of countries other than with our synod’s companion partner, the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria. As a result, the Global Companion Table decided to offer annual events for the purpose of bringing together members of congregations’ global mission teams to celebrate partnerships that congregations have established around the world, to network with one another, and to share ideas and resources, while enjoying fellowship around a simple evening meal.

Sustaining these partnerships is hard work, mainly because consistent communication can be challenging. Many Minneapolis Area Synod members have traveled to developing nations to learn about various cultures and customs, yet we have not been able to reciprocate hosting our partners because obtaining visas to the U.S. is often difficult. Yet we continue to build relationships grounded in faith, with mutual respect and deepening trust because we follow the accompaniment model for mission. We are called to walk with our companions…not ahead, telling them what to do, and not behind, pushing them at our pace; but rather, we walk beside them, to hear their stories and share our own. We share our joys and sorrows, our frustrations and challenges as we work to support one another in ministry.

The Global Companion Table will offer the Fifth Annual Global Companion Celebration on Thursday, November 3 at House of Prayer Lutheran Church. This year for the first time we will break into 12 different cluster groups with designated leaders in an effort to make sure YOUR needs are met in terms of receiving support for your mission work and as a way to network with congregations who are partnering in the same part of the world as you. Four of the cluster groups will be dedicated to our Nigerian partnerships and the eight remaining groups are as follows:  East Africa, Tanzania, West/Central Africa, Europe/Middle East, Central America, South America, Asia, India. If your congregation is doing ministry in any of these cluster areas, this event is for you. We need YOU, to offer support and help to those congregations who may be struggling with their partnerships, and for you, in turn, to receive support and care for your fine work. It is through sharing and networking that we can all help to strengthen our partnerships.

So, mark your calendars, pass the word, and bring ideas, questions, resources, and enthusiasm as we celebrate our global partnerships. Additional information is available by contacting companion synod coordinator, Kris Perry, DM, at: k.perry@mpls-synod.org. Your RSVP can be sent directly to: globalmission@mpls-synod.org.