Education for Ministry mentor trainings to be offered
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a theological education program developed at the University of the South (Sewanee). The program, divided into four separate years, provides study material for the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and living in the present day (Theological Choices). Concurrent with the study is the opportunity to examine everyday life, called Theological Reflection. Local seminar groups are led by trained Mentors. Mentor training will be available April 14-16, 2010. Registration deadline is March 25th, 2010. Any interested person should contact Jim Jacobsen, EfM Coordinator, at (612) 729-5297 or jjacobsen4@comcast.net.

Support Holy Apostles, St. Paul at upcoming fundraiser
Holy Apostles, St. Paul is having a fundraiser this Sunday, March 14, between 11 and 3 pm offering Pho Soup (an Asian noodle soup with broth and meat) for $6 per bowl. Come and support the ministry of Holy Apostles and have a delicious lunch. Bring your friends and family. Holy Apostles Episcopal Church is located at 2200 E. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul, MN 55119.

Safe Church offered in Spanish
La Misión el El Santo Niño Jesús, located at 1524 Summit Avenue in St Paul, is offering a Safe Church training in Spanish on March 20 from 9am to 12 pm. For details contact the Rev. Susan Moss, 651-485-5369. This and all upcoming Safe Church trainings are listed on the Safe Church page of our website.

Traces of the Trade film to be shown
The Anti-Racism Committee and St. Marks Cathedral are proud to sponsor a showing of Traces of the Trade in it's entirety in the Fontaine Auditorium of St. Mark's Cathedral on March 25 from 6:30-8:30 pm. This documentary follows a Rhode Island family's discovery of the role their family played in the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and what they did about it. There will be some time after the viewing for discussion.

Fundraiser for Karen members of Messiah Episcopal Church
submitted by the Rev. Robin Morical
Support our Karen friends and neighbors who are enrolled in a sustainable organic farming program with the Minnesota Food Association. The event will take place at Messiah, St. Paul on Saturday evening, March 27 at 6:00 pm. There will be traditional Karen food, performances by the Karen dancers & singers, and testimonies from Burma & Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand. The goal is to raise $1,500 for the farming program. If you are unable to attend but would still like to give, please contact the Rev. Robin Morical, 952-201-6958. Messiah is located at 1631 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, 55116.  Please remember to pray for many Karen who are still suffering this Sunday, March 14 on the Global Day of Prayer for Burma.

LifeKeys Retreat for college students
All Saints Episcopal Church in Northfield will offer a LifeKeys Retreat for 17 college students on April 9 and 10 at the Saint Bede Center, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Thanks to a grant from the Diocesan Bishop's Circle Funds, there will be no charge for this retreat to explore vocation and personal gifts. Mark Heiman, Rolf Tollefson, the Rev. Gayle Marsh and the Rev. Jill Tollefson will lead the retreat. Transportation will leave Northfield at 4:00 or 4:30 on Friday and arrive back in Northfield at 7:30 on Saturday. For more information please contact Jill Tollefson, jill.tollefson@yahoo.com, 952-652-2067.

Regional Confirmations are in May
The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour will host a regional Confirmation service on Saturday, May 8 at 11 am. The metro-area regional Confirmation will be at St. Mark's Cathedral on Saturday, May 15 at 11 am. Forms to request and certify Confirmations are available on the Regional Confirmation page of our website.

St. John's, St. Paul sponsors job seekers project
The Big Net, located at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church is working with job seekers and employers to find the "right fit." To broaden this ministry, the Big Net is reaching out into the community and has numerous churches referring and assisting with this program. There is no limit as to miles away, nor church affiliation to become involved in this program. Find out how you and your church can get involved by visiting their website, www.TheBigNet.net.

Three dates are set for clergy to renew their vows:

Spring clergy conference will be Monday, May 3 through Wednesday, May 5 at Christ the King Retreat Center, 621 S. First Ave., Buffalo. The conference starts with dinner at 6 pm Monday and concludes after lunch on Wednesday. Registration details will be available shortly.

Small grants to MN Episcopal congregations now available
The Sheltering Arms Foundation invites proposal for small grants (up to $1,000) to Minnesota Episcopal congregations supporting efforts in building potential for vulnerable children. SAF will support projects that help congregations improve the lives of vulnerable children, youth and their families. This could be a program run by the congregation on behalf of its own children, should they fall into that category or a program doing outreach to families in need. The funds could also support advocacy efforts within the congregation on behalf of vulnerable children. The deadline to submit a proposal is April 1, 2010. Grant guidelines are available by visiting their website at www.sheltering-arms.org.