For the Week of April 28, 2008

-Last Call for Questions for Synod Assembly Q&A
-Crossing Bridges: Synod Assembly Offering
-Metro Gathering for A Minnesota Without Poverty
-Ascension Day Breakfast
-ILAG Fundraiser Update
-Conference on Jewish Christian Dialogue
-Deadline for Crossing Bridges Grants
-Global Mission Formation Event
-Around and About the Saint Paul Area Synod
-Cyber Garage Sale

From the Task Force For the Election of the Bishop
Questions for the Bishop's Q&A at the Synod Assembly
The task force for the election of the bishop is soliciting possible questions from the members of the Saint Paul Area Synod for the question and answer period on May 30. Do you have a question to suggest for our candidates? Please send your question for consideration to Rev. Kent Claussen Gubrud by May 5 to youthrev@pro-ns.net, or by mail at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 7510 Palomino Drive, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

FROM GARY ANDERSON, Crossing Bridges
Synod Assembly Offering Supports Crossing Bridges
“Praise the LORD for the glory that belongs to him.  Bring an offering and come into the courtyards of his temple.” 
That invitation from Psalm 98:6 is one that is repeated often in a number of ways throughout the Bible. God’s people are those who worship God with an offering of praise, time, talent and, yes, monetary gifts—not because they have to but because they are filled with love and gratitude for the goodness and grace of God. At this year’s assembly, May 30-31, everyone attending is invited to bring an offering which is being designated for our synod’s “Crossing Bridges-Connecting in Mission” appeal. Perhaps your congregation might want to consider this opportunity as a way to present not just an individual offering but one from the congregation. It could be from the congregation’s budget or it could be a special offering taken up on a Sunday morning in May. To date 59 congregations have participated in Crossing Bridges with gifts that total $686,741. he gifts vary from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars. The synod assembly gives every congregation a chance to participate by bringing an offering. More information about Crossing Bridges can be found at www.spas-crossingbridges.org

Announcements from the Synod Office
A Minnesota Without Poverty
Metro Gathering of A Minnesota Without Poverty
May 1, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 Dale, St. Paul. For information visit www.mnwithoutpoverty.org. The program will include:

• Gathering and Connecting
• “Close the Gap” documentary—Class Disparities
• Legislative Commission to End Poverty Up-Date
• Celebration of future relationship with Minnesota Council of Churches
• Taking Action to Make a Difference

Special guests are Gregory Gray, director, Legislative Commission to End Poverty; Chris Morton, —director, program development, Minnesota Council of Churches; and Lucy Swift, director, partnership development, Twin Cities Public Television.

Ascension Day Breakfast
May 1, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Club 3 Degrees, Minneapolis. An annual networking event for children, youth, and family ministry leaders of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods! Featuring: Dr. Winston Persaud from Wartburg Seminary, keynote speaker, and Chelsea Forbrook and Jeni Hill, from The Word worship team, musicians. Register by Monday, April 28 to registrar, Dawn Wickner: Fax, email, call, or mail! d.wickner@mpls-synod.org or 612.870.3610  (phone) or 612.870-0170 (fax).

From Paul Erickson on behalf of the Guatemala Task Force
ILAG Benefit Concert a Success!
Thanks to all who helped to make the April 18 benefit concert for the Guest House at the Lutheran Center in Guatemala a wonderful success. Including the matching funds from Thrivent, proceeds from the evening now stand at $8,069. Additional gifts are always welcome; checks can be sent to the SPAS office, marked for ILAG guest house.

From Pastor John Matthews
The Benefits of 50 Years of Jewish Christian Dialogue
"Fifty years of Jewish Christian Dialogue" will be will be the topic of a morning forum on May 15, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, at Mount Olivet Lutheran, 5025 Knox Ave. So., Minneapolis. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Co-sponsored by the ELCA Region 3 Task Force on Lutheran-Jewish Relations in cooperation with Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. the forum will focus on a newly released book from Fortress Press, Covenantal Conversations: Christians in Dialogue with Jews and Judaism, edited by Darrell Jodock. The forums features presentations by Darrell Jodock, Gustavus Adolphus College; Rabbi Barry Cytron, Jay Phillips Center for Jewish-Christian Learning; Marilyn Salmon, United Theological Seminary; and Sarah Henrich, Luther Seminary, who will each review the book, identifying what it offers and assessing its contribution. Karla Suomala, Luther College will discuss the benefits of bringing into conversation the Jewish concept of “mending the world” (tikkun olam) and the Lutheran concept of vocation. Pre-registration is required by May 5. The registration fee is $20. A copy of the book will be available for purchase at a discounted price. Lunch will be available without cost for those who register in advance. Register by calling Marilyn Beyer, Office of Church Relations, Gustavus Adolphus College at 507.933.7001. For additional information, contact the Rev. John Matthews, Grace Lutheran, Apple Valley, at 952.432.7273.

CROSSING BRIDGES UPDATES
Grants for Bridges to Ending Poverty
The next round of funding for Crossing Bridges grants will be disbursed in June. Those congregations wishing to apply for a grant made possible by funding through Bridges to Ending Poverty should submit a grant to the synod office no later than May 1. Please contact Beth Helgen for a copy of the grant application.

Global Mission Formation Event
Register Now
May 2-3, Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley. The ELCA Global Mission Formation Event brings together experts and resources on global and domestic ministry under one roof, for one weekend, in one convenient location - so you and your congregational leaders can build skills you need to be an effective part of God's mission no matter where you serve. Your input into this event will also help ELCA Global Mission serve more effectively.For more information, visit www.elca.org/gme  or call Mia Cortez at 800.638.3522 ext.2642.

Events Around and About the Saint Paul Area Synod
A Minnesota Premiere Event! Love Comes Softly
May 1, 2, 3, 7:30 p.m.; May 4, 2:30 and 7:00 p.m., King of Kings Lutheran, 1583 Radio Dr. Woodbury. A musical by Toby Waldowski based on the novel, Love Comes Softly, by Janette Oke. Adults $10; Children (12 and under) $5. Tickets available by calling 651.528.6110 or at the door.