For the Week of May 19, 2008

-Synod Assembly: Updates and Opportunities!
-From the Hunger Work Group
-Crossing Bridges Grants Stimulate Action
-From the Mission Investment Fund
-From the St. Paul Area Council of Churches
-Cyber Garage Sale

Synod Assembly: The Nagging Commences!!!!
The Assembly Choir Returns! Come Raise the Strain!
The synod assembly choir returns this year by popular demand and overwhelming acclamation! John Helgen and Karen Wilkerson, synod assembly worship planners, have chosen three anthems "Clap Your Hands," "Christ Has Made the Sure Foundation," and "Seed That in Earth Is Dying" for this year's opening worship service on Friday, May 30, at 8:45 a.m., at Prince of Peace Lutheran, Burnsville. Voting members, advisors, visitors, and members of church choirs who just want to come, sing, and depart are invited to participate in this event. Please email John Helgen to let him know that you'd like to participate and to receive copies of the music in advance. Participants should plan to be present for a rehearsal beginning at 7:45 a.m. (Note the later start time than previously announced!)

Photo Directory of Rostered Leaders
Have you noticed that you don’t recognize as many rostered leaders as in the past? It’s understandable! Many new people have been called to congregations and places of specialized ministry throughout this synod since the last photo directory was prepared in 2003. Olan Mills will be on site to take photos at no cost, and a new directory will be available in the fall. Please remember to have your photo taken May 30-31.

Sending Video: The World Is About to Turn...for God Has Done Great Things
How do you see that the world is about to turn? Where in your life, your congregation, your community, or the world is God at work, shaping, sculpting, and transforming the world? Think about this question...because on Friday, May 30, a film crew will be asking this question to an array of voting members in order to prepare a final video to show as we prepare to send voting members out into the world following the conclusion of the assembly on Saturday, May 31.

Synod Assembly Offering: Crossing Bridges Mission Appeal
An offering envelope was included in the pre-assembly report mailed last week to voting members and advisors. Offering received during the opening worship will be used to support the Crossing Bridges mission appeal. If your congregation has not yet participated in this synod-wide effort, please take advantage of this opportunity to participate by bringing an offering to the assembly.

From the Hunger Work GrouP
Help Fight the Global Hunger Crisis
Food prices are soaring worldwide, and people are going hungry. It is easy to feel helpless when you watch people around the world suffering. Bread for the World has just launched the "Recipe for Hope: Responding to the Global Hunger Crisis" campaign. For the six weeks from Mother's Day until Father's Day, the campaign will send you a message each week. Each message will include a "Recipe for Despair" with more information on the causes of the crisis and a "Recipe for Hope" with specific actions that you can take. Urge members of your congregations to join this short-term campaign and help in the fight against global hunger. Join the campaign>

From Gary Anderson, Director of Crossing Bridges
Crossing Bridges Grants Stimulate Action
A second round of grant requests for Bridges to Ending Poverty has been received. Nearly a dozen congregations or coalitions of congregations have submitted a proposal. It is exciting to see how this priority of our synod has been energized by funds available through Crossing Bridges. Some $60,000 is already at work in five ministries. In June decisions will be made to fund additional ministries. Our synod has set out, as part of its threefold vision, to work to ensure that no person within the St. Paul area will be forced to live in poverty. This is truly an ambitious and noble goal. With continued giving to Crossing Bridges, we can move much more vigorously toward that goal. Gifts from congregations and individuals in any amount are welcomed. Pledges and direct cash gifts can be designated for “Bridges to Ending Poverty” or any one or a combination of the four “bridges” of this appeal. Thanks to all who are supporting this effort to connect in mission. Good things are happening across our synod and beyond as a result.

From the ELCA Mission Investment Fund
Mission Term Select Account
Currently the Mission Investment Fund is offering an 18-month Mission Term Select account that will offer a 4.6% return on a minimum $2,500 deposit. This new offering is only for new deposits and not for transfer of funds already on deposit with MIF. This offer may end at any time. Other accounts are also available. MIF offers MissionTermSelect accounts with maturity dates ranging from 1 to 7 years with a $100 minimum deposit. Currently the 4 year fixed is yielding 5.61% (APY). Mission Plus (demand account) is also offered, with check book availability.  For more information on the 18-month MissionTermSelect visit our website, or contact Pr. Dan Carlson: 651.649.0454, ext 223. For building and capital needs concerns contact building consultant Phil Roe at 651.649.0454, ext. 225.

From The St. Paul Area Council of Churches
Bridge to Benefits Training Session
The Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, in conjunction with Jewish Community Action and the Children’s Defense fund are offering a free training on an important resource for families in our community called Bridge to Benefits. The Bridge to Benefits project helps families in Minnesota connect to underutilized programs in our community for which they may be qualified and then directs them to applications to help them apply. It helps families see if they may qualify for such programs as Medical Assistance, Minnesota Care, Energy Assistance, School Meals, Childcare Assistance and much more. The program is internet based and we will be demonstrating how it works. The training will be held on June 5,  from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. in the chapel at the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches office at 1671 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. More information and registration>

CYBER GARAGE SALE
Playground Equipment
Commercial quality playground equipment for sale. Used five years for childhood learning center at Hope Lutheran on St. Paul's East Side. Contact Larry Cowan cowan@usinternet.com for information, photos and pricing or contact Pr. Jonathan Zielske at Hope Church at 651.774.9503.