Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

From the Synod COVID Smart Team
Minnesota is experiencing the worst case levels of COVID-19 for 2021. In fact, the worst COVID hotspot in the United States... hospitals are currently stressed....limited ICU beds available and none in some areas. This is a difficult place to be in with the pandemic as we approach our Advent and Christmas celebrations. With this in mind, it is imperative...See COVID-19 Updates or download the file

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Bishop Odgren's meeting 1:1 with
rostered ministers and SAMs -- RSVP today!

1:1 listening sessions are schedule across the synod to support faith leaders in your ministry during these challenging times. The Bishop will be in French River Lutheran 11/30;
Salem Lutheran Longville 12/2; Hope Lutheran Moose Lake 12/6; Trinity Lutheran, Cook 12/7 and Zion Lutheran Milaca 12/13. Invites sent via email. If you didn't receive it call the Synod office 218.or email monica.bruning@nemnsynod.org

Love your Neighbor--help slow the COVID spread and reduce demands on the health care sector

Help slow the COVID spread and reduce demands on the health care sector so the most seriously ill people get the supportive care they need. Updated guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for community and faith-based organizations can be linked to here.
The Synod office is receiving frequent calls regarding protocols in response to COVID exposure after church gatherings. See new MDH recommendations .

Church Workers prioritized for Vaccine Booster

A letter from an Essentia Health chaplain ~
Dear Faith Community Partners,
Thank you for being a trusted and valued partner of Essentia Health. We’re so grateful for the community leadership you provide, and we recognize that role has presented myriad challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we confront a resurgence of COVID due to the highly contagious delta variant, vaccination against this virus is crucial. Many of you have reached out regarding questions related to covid-19 booster shots. At this time, community clergy [including church workers] are eligible to receive booster vaccines. The details are linked here regarding covid-19 vaccine booster shots, covid-19 testing and monoclonal antibody therapies.

Synod Smart Team
(Look for updates from the late October meeting)

The Synod COVID Smart Team hosted an Open Meeting. Click on the YouTube video to watch it.
In the midst of rising new case numbers in many of our communities, this meeting may be helpful to congregations as they prepare for the fall schedule.

Add'l SMART Team links

A PowerPoint shared at the August 31 Smart Team meeting: Looking at the Numbers.

Annual Meetings during COVID-19? Check the Online Reflections for a video and PowerPoint by Pastor Rollie Bockbrader, Synod Secretary. Questions ? Click here to email him.

Talking Points on ELCA Social Teaching Regarding Vaccination During a Pandemic

Click here for a two-page document prepared by Dr. Roger Willer, Director for Theological Ethics, Office of the Presiding Bishop. Includes talking points on issues regarding religious objections to required vaccinations and vaccination requirements by Institutions affiliated with the ELCA.

Purpose Statement of the
Northeastern Minnesota Synod

The purpose of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is to nurture a
Christ-centered climate conducive to healthy,
mission-focused congregations and their ministries
throughout the world!

Salem Lutheran Church’s Bread Oven Ministry

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In the Gospel of John, Chapter 6, verse 35, Jesus said “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” That scripture has become the inspiration and vision for outdoor bread ovens among some two dozen churches in Minnesota. Salem Lutheran Church in Longville is one of those churches. Read on

Hiring: Together Here Ministry Coordinator

Seeking a dynamic person to serve as Coordinator for Together Here Ministries. A ministry consisting of collaborative work among the Bridge Building Task Force, Anti-Racism Team, Advisory Board, Synod staff and our communities. The mission is to create space for transformational change through listening, learning, and relationship building among diverse peoples and communities. Send letter of interest and resume to the Advisory Board at togetherherenemnsynod@gmail.com by December 5, 2021. Equal Opportunity Employer. For more info.

Armistice/Veteran's Day Worship Service Resources bit.ly/3oo2sBN

Declaration of ELCA to American Indian and Alaskan Native People

Expanding on the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Declaration mandate:
“To repudiate explicitly and clearly the European-derived doctrine of discovery as an example of the ‘improper mixing of the power of the church and the power of the sword’ (Augsburg Confession Article XXVIII, Latin text), and to acknowledge and repent from this church’s complicity in the evils of colonialism in the Americas, which continue to harm tribal governments and individual tribal members.”
In the renewed 2021 statement , we humbly address three groups: ELCA American Indian and Alaska Native communities, the broader Indigenous community in the U.S., and the non-Indigenous communities of the ELCA.