Festival of Homiletics 2023
2023-05-15 17:00 - 2023-05-18 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Join us this year for the 2023 Festival of Homiletics in Minneapolis: “Preaching Hope for a Weary World”
“Preaching Hope for a Weary World” is the Festival’s response to the hardships and heaviness that have been our reality the last few years. In these wearying days, what is our call to preach?
Hope.
The Festival of Homiletics 2023 will inspire us to a renewed sense of our radical calling. Our weary world needs us, preachers.
Come renew, refresh, and recharge your spirit!
Details and registration >

Building for Today; Building for the Future
2023-05-16 11:30 - 13:00 | Quincy Hall, 1325 Qunicy Street NE, Minneapolis, United States
Building for Today; Building for the Future

Join Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) on Tuesday, May 16 as it celebrates and supports the work of LSS Youth Services. This year’s event – Building for today. Building for the future. – will highlight the ways that LSS is meeting the immediate and long-term needs of its young neighbors through services that provide safety, stability and hope.
Tuesday, May 16: 11:30 a.m.
Quincy Hall, 1325 Quincy Street NE, Minneapolis
To register: lssmn.org/metroyouth23 or (651) 432-4731

Holding onto hope
2023-05-16 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN, 55447, United States
Holding onto hope
The Faith and Life Lecture Series of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran, Plymouth, will host The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on May 16. Curry will address “Holding onto Hope.”
Tuesday, May 16; 7:00 p.m.
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran, Plymouth
In person and online
Presiding Bishop Curry is Primate of the The Episcopal Church. He was elected to a nine-year term and installed in November 2015. He has written five books and numerous articles. In 2018, Religion News Association named Presiding Bishop Curry religion newsmaker of the year.
For more information: https://faith-and-life.org/

Convergencia/Convergence
2023-06-04 12:30 - 14:00 | St. Paul’s San Pablo Lutheran Church, 2742 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Convergencia/Convergence
Join the members of St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church for a community celebration and the big reveal of their exterior installation of community portraits from the series on “belonging” by photojournalist John Noltner. Over the past six months, congregants have been gathering portraits from members of our community and neighbors while asking: “Tell me about a time you felt a sense of belonging?” They have compiled 54 portraits and 13 will become 12-foot-high banners that will be installed on the exterior of the building facing 28th Street.
Sunday, June 4; 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church
There will be free pizza and s’mores from Northern Fires, live music by Alma Andina, and more! The members at St. Paul’s-San Pablo look forward to celebrating with you and others!

Weekly Community Cookouts
2023-06-07 18:00 - 2023-08-02 20:00 | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Weekly Community Cookouts
Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Redeemer Center for Life will once again be hosting weekly community cookouts on Wednesdays from June 7 to August 2. In addition to food cooked on the spot, different community engagement opportunities will be available each week.
Wednesdays, June 7 – August 2
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Redeemer Center for Life
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis
If you want to volunteer or sponsor, contact Pastor Jen Collins or Leon Dixon, executive director of RCFL.
Also, save the date for the Redeemer Block Party on Saturday, August 12, from Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Partners for these opportunities include Christ the King Lutheran, Bloomington; Youth Farm; Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina; Health Commons Fairview Health; Westwood Lutheran, St. Louis Park; Sovereign Starts Seeding Co.; and Faith Lutheran Church, Waconia.

Cherish All Children Hybrid 5K
2023-06-09 08:00 - 2023-06-11 17:00 | Anywhere
Cherish All Children Hybrid 5K
Join this fun event to support Cherish All Children’s mission to prevent child sexual exploitation. Walk or run at a time and location that works for you, or meet up with church and community partners Sunday, June 11, 11:30 a.m., at Victory Memorial Parkway (4499 Victory Memorial Drive, Minneapolis).
When?
Friday- Sunday, June 9-11
Where?
Location of your choice, or Victory Memorial Parkway
Contact: Joy McElroy at joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren.org
More information: https://www.lssmn.org/services/youth/education/cherish-all-children/news-events

Conversations With Friends pen pal program with undocumented persons
2023-06-10 09:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Become a Conversations With Friends (CWF) pen pal and write to people jailed by ICE in Minnesota
When you befriend one person, that person’s life will be changed. And so will yours. The CWF’s next training, in English, is for bilingual adults. To register, go to the “Events and Trainings” page of the CWF website.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
More information: http://www.conversationswithfriendsMN.org
Contact person: Steve Kraemer at CWFconversationswithfriends@gmail.com

Minneapolis Synod Senior Band concert
2023-06-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Minneapolis Synod Senior Band concert
The Minneapolis Synod Senior Band will be performing a concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church TC.
Open to the public. Come join this fun evening of music!
Thursday, June 15; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church–Twin Cities
4100 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
For more information: https://bethlehem-church.org

Western States Youth Gathering
2023-07-04 - 2023-07-06 | California Lutheran University, 60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks, California, 91360
Coming to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA from July 4-9, 2023, the Western States Youth Gathering is open to high school aged youth in Regions 1-4 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). WSYG will also include the Western States Multicultural Youth Leadership Pre-Event (WYLE), happening July 4-6, with WSYG happening July 6-9.
WSYG and WYLE will gather around the theme, “Revive, Reunite, Rejoice”, grounded in Acts 2:1 “When the day [of WSYG] came, they were all together in one place.”
Learn more about the event and register your group here: https://www.wsyg.com/
Stay up to date by following our social media accounts!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westernstatesyg23/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsyg23
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wsyg23

Any questions can be directed to info@wsyg.com.

South Sudan Mission Centennial Celebration
2023-07-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
The Hundredth Birthday of Two Global Churches will be held July 8-9 in the Twin Cities. The Sudan Mission that gave birth to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic set foot in Douala in 1923, and a half million Lutherans, there and here, are going to celebrate. You are invited to gather at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, and we worship at Central Lutheran in Minneapolis at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 9. Bishop of
Jean Baïguele of Cameroon will be among the speakers on Saturday, and Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the United States will be preaching on Sunday. Registration is closing, but walk-ins are welcome. Come join in this celebration.
Saturday, July 8; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Luther Seminary
Sunday, July 9: 10:30 a.m.
Central Lutheran Church

Spirit of Water: A Celebration with Mississippi River
2023-07-15 09:00 - 20:00 | United Theological Seminary
Spirit of Water: A Celebration with Mississippi River
Join The Leadership Center for Social Justice and partners on July 15, 2023, for a celebration with Mississippi River! Come gather to connect, learn, pray, engage, play, celebrate, and honor the spirit of water. This event is co-presented with our partners: Resilient Indigenous Sisters Engaging (R.I.S.E. Coalition), Rights of Mississippi River, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and Friends of the Mississippi River.
Arrive in the morning at United Campus for education about the importance of water, threats to water, and ways in which we can work to protect water. Then join others at Hidden Falls in the afternoon where there will be a community celebration with speakers, music, information booths, food, art, and play areas for children.
Saturday, July 15; 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
United Theological Seminary and Hidden Falls
More information: https://content.unitedseminary.edu/spirit-of-water-lcsj
Contact: Stella Pearce at spearce@unitedseminary.edu

Rostered Ministers Gathering
2023-07-17 - 2023-07-20 | MN
Mark your calendars for the ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering on July 17-20 in Phoenix. Each day of the gathering will begin in worship as we center ourselves around our theme, “Rekindle the Gift Within You.” The days will begin with Bible studies and keynote speakers. The afternoon hours will offer a variety of individual options from activity in the Interaction Center to workshops and caucus times.
More information >
Register now >

The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth
2023-07-23 08:00 - 2023-07-28 17:00 | Bay Lake Camp, Deerwood, MN
The Naming Project 2023 Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth
The Naming Project Summer Camp is for 13-18 year-olds or those who have completed 7th-12th grades who are of any sexual orientation or gender identity or expression who are interested in discussing and understanding sexuality and gender in terms of their own spiritual journey and are excited to spend time with other teen campers and staff while canoeing, swimming, hiking, singing, and doing arts and crafts.
July 23 – 28, 2023
Bay Lake Camp, Deerwood, Minnesota
Full information and registration is at www.thenamingproject.org/summer-camp

Addiction and BIPOC Mental Health webinar
2023-07-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Addiction and BIPOC Mental Health webinar
A one-hour free webinar online hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith (CAF) w/ a 30 -minute follow-up Zoom discussion. The U.S is facing a mental health crisis. BIPOC communities have been disproportionately affected and have faced greater challenges in accessing care. Dr. Alapeju Simoyan and CAF board member Michele Butler will discuss those topics and provide insight into the unique challenges faced by minority communities, and we will learn more about how people of faith can be part of healing the whole person and approaches into their work and ministry. The link to register for the webinar is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hs7OEtyDTvS7k8IUjswpPQ#/registration
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., followed by a 30-minute Zoom discussion
Zoom
July is National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month.
More information: http://addictionandfaith.com

Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters
2023-08-01 18:30 - 19:45 | Zoom
Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters
The Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community in conjunction with the Nourishing Vocation Project at St. Olaf College is sponsoring a community education course on “Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters,” led by Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen, host of the Spent Dandelion Theological Retreat Center, situated along the North Shore in Two Harbors, Minnesota. She is also the creator of OMG: Center for Theological Conversation. This three-session course will explore key terms, history, and future vision for how the good news allows Christians to live faith out loud.
Tuesdays, August 1, 8, and 15
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Zoom
For more information or to register: https://wp.stolaf.edu/lutherancenter/summer-education/
Contact person: Sabrina Bakken at bakken6@stolaf.edu

RibFest in New Prague
2023-08-04 16:00 - 20:00 | Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Prague, 1300 East Main Street, New Prague, MN, 56071, United States
RibFest
RibFest supports ministries of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in a family-friendly community event! Kid’s area, live music, food and beverages for purchase, and a silent auction.
Friday, August 4, 2023
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
1300 East Main Street, New Prague, Minnesota
For more information: http://holytrinityonline.org

Redeemer Block Party
2023-08-12 12:00 - 18:00 | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Redeemer Block Party
Come celebrate and meet neighbors at the annual Redeemer Block Party. There will be food, live entertainment, and a kid zone.
Saturday, August 12; Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis
If you want to volunteer or sponsor, contact Pastor Jen Collins; Leon Dixon, executive director of RCFL; or Traiveon Dunlap, director of programming.
Partners for these opportunities include Christ the King Lutheran, Bloomington; Youth Farm; Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina; Health Commons Fairview Health; Westwood Lutheran, St. Louis Park; Sovereign Starts Seeding Co.; and Faith Lutheran Church, Waconia.

Documentation and Legal Aspects of Faith Community Nurse Practice
2023-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Documentation and Legal Aspects of Faith Community Nurse Practice
Presenter: Denise Viker, RN BSN. This workshop will provide information on documentation for Faith Community Nursing and Health Leaders and information regarding Legal Aspects of Practice for Health and Wellness programs. The event is sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Virtual
For more information: https://lutheranfcna.org/event-5350419
Contact person: Carol DeSchepper at lutheranfcna@gmail.com

Hearts • Hands • Voices
2023-08-19 09:30 - 15:00 | Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka, 1601 4th Avenue, Anoka, MN, United States
Hearts • Hands • Voices
Join us for a day of exploration, song, and fellowship exploring All Creation Sings the new worship resource from Augsburg Fortress. This event is sponsored by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.
Saturday, August 19
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Avenue, Anoka
Contact person: Jonathan Campbell at byzantinecampbell@gmail.com
For more information: https://alcm.org/event/anoka-mn/

Film Screening: Join or Die
2023-08-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1720 East Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, 55407, United States
Film Screening: “Join or Die”
Holy Cross will host a screening of a new documentary film about the importance of joining community groups — for the health of individuals and our society. “Join or Die” is based on the work of sociologist Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, and his recommendations for overcoming the widespread loneliness in our country and for strengthening our democracy. It includes reflections by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, David Brooks, Eddie Glaude Jr., Shaylyn Romney Garrett, Pete Buttigieg, Hillary Clinton, Priya Parker, and more. All are welcome to come and receive valuable insights into the power of coming together and fostering genuine relationships. After the film, you may stay if you wish for informal conversation.
Tuesday, August 22; 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1720 East Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis
For more information: https://kinema.com/events/join-or-die-cfrdf3?utm_campaign=Host+Campaign&utm_content=In+Person+-+Screening+Approved&utm_medium=email_action&utm_source=customer.io
Contact person: Pastor Jay Carlson: pastorjay@holycrossmpls.org

SING in Let Freedom Ring; Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington
2023-08-28 17:30 - 20:30 | Northrop Auditorium, University of Minnesota, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
Join us Monday, August 28, 2023 for a commemorative procession and concert curated by G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Associate Artistic Director of VocalEssence. We are looking for 75-100 volunteer singers to join a community choir from around the Twin Cities metro to mark the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
More information >

How to Create a Recovery Friendly Church
2023-08-30 12:00 - 13:00 | online
How to Create a Recovery Friendly Church
A one-hour free webinar, How to Create a Recovery Friendly Church, is from noon – 1:00 p.m., CT, August 30, with follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion is hosted by the Center of Faith. As congregations seek to find themselves and refocus mission in this post-pandemic reality, perhaps they could take a clue from the growing addiction and mental health crisis happening in the U.S. right now. People are suffering and too many are dying. The church could play a major role in bringing healing, hope, and new life. But where to start?
Join Drew Brooks, Pastor John Sutherland, and Center of Addiction & Faith founder Pastor Ed Treat as they share their experience, strength, and hope for how to start and sustain meaningful addiction awareness ministry in the local parish.
Wednesday, August 30
Noon – 1:00 p.m., Central time (with follow-up, 30-minute Zoom discussion)
Online
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Sydnha-nRYGMjU9uZvL52Q#/registration
Contact person: Louise Olson at glolro@comcast.net

Already Enough: Unlock Your Power as a Woman in Ministry
2023-09-05 10:00 - 2023-09-26 12:00 | online
Already Enough: Unlock Your Power as a Woman in Ministry
Join this series to rest in the assurance that you are already enough. You’ll walk away with biblical insights and practical coaching tools to unlock your power as a woman in ministry.Join Dr. Crystal Hall in partnership with the ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop Quality of Call Initiative for this Zoom webinar series.
Tuesdays, September 5, 12, 19, and 26
10:00 a.m., Central Time
Zoom webinar
For more information: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ZXoOHfqAD0yJTmzA98teQ1Snhnr_lQhDu0xk3DpWmupUMkNERlg3Mk9DNFFINlFOV0hBWDdSR1BRVi4u&fbclid=IwAR0zUgxypeHqKb8Bi92WML7wme23c2kl_sQvaxRyHUiNcSsiCtjCwjzgQwY&wdLOR=cFBFC8044-4714-E24F-832F-C2FF50067A43

Hope Lutheran's 50th Celebration
2023-09-10 09:00 - 14:00 | Hope Lutheran Church Jordan, 201 Hope Avenue, Jordan, MN, United States
Hope Lutheran’s 50th Celebration
The members of Hope Lutheran are excited to celebrate 50 years of worship at the congregation! They hope you can join them for their church service at 9:00 a.m., which will be followed by lunch and family fun. There will be two inflatables (an obstacle course for big kids and a traditional bouncy house for the little ones) and some fun activities to experience together as a family. Come to give thanks for God’s help and blessings through 50 years of worshiping and working together to build a church and serve our community and our world.
Sunday, September 10
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hope Lutheran Church, Jordan
More information: https://hope-jordan.org/
Contact person: Sarah L Gavert at officeassistant@hope-jordan.org/952-492-2099

Children's Ministry Gathering
2023-09-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Children’s Ministry Gathering
Children’s ministry staff will be talking about how to help manage behaviors so that all have a good experience at our churches. Come with ideas to share!
Monday, September 11
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88284971186?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 882 8497 1186
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Contact Rachelle Gill at rgill@easter.org or Julie Vagle at juliev@trinitylonglake.org with questions.

This is How We Die
2023-09-11 18:00 - 2023-09-25 19:00 | Online
In September, the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association will be offering a three part online series entitled This is How We Die. We will couple excellent content from Barbara Karnes’s 3 DVD series This is How People Die, with dialogue and reflection. Barbara Karnes is a registered nurse and well-known hospice pioneer and advocate. Please share this information with your Synods.
The events will be held on September 11, 18, and 25 starting at 6 pm CT.
Nursing contact hours will be provided for the sessions attended.
Details and registration >
Contact Carol DeSchepper, LFCNA Executive Director, with questions >

Reclaim Gathering
2023-09-14 - 2023-09-17 | Hyatt Regency Downtown Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
RECLAIM GATHERING

September 14- 17th, 2023
Minneapolis, MN Hotel: Hyatt Regency Downtown Minneapolis
Event Location: Central Lutheran Church and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis
Early Bird Registration: $350
Standard Registration: $400
Late Registration $450
Young Adult Track: $300

“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”- Gal 5:1
Reclaim is a curated gathering for Lutheran people of African Descent of all ages and gender identities. We have decided to reclaim our space in the church through honoring our history and planning for our futures together. The African Descent community thrives most when gathered. This event is meant for our siblings in the pulpits, pews, and brunch.
Grounded in scripture, this gathering seeks to help participants feel Embodied, emboldened, and liberated in their identities. Over the four day gathering, participants will engage in workshops, shared meals, praise and worship designed to build and strengthen community, teach new skills, share resources and rejuvenate weary souls.
More information will be available on ELCA website by February 15th!

The Mercy Songs Worship Music Concert
2023-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Atonement Lutheran Church, 601 East 98th Street, Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Pastor Siri will be sharing her original worship music and liturgy which she has written for her congregation over the last seven years. With expansive imagery and more themes of justice and community, this is her contribution to the world of contemporary Christian music.
Sunday, September 17
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Atonement Lutheran Church
601 East 98th Street, Bloomington, Minnesota
Contact person: Siri Strommen at strommensiri@hotmail.com

Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor
2023-09-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.’s Spiritual Sponsor
The Center of Addiction and Faith is hosting a one-hour free webinar discussion of the book Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.’s Spiritual Sponsor, followed by a 30 minute Q/A discussion. Author Dawn Eden Goldstein joins co-hosts Pastor Ed Treat, founder of The Center of Addiction & Faith and Keaton Douglas, Executive Director of iTHURST Initiative, a Mission of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity.
Wednesday, September 27
Noon – 1:00 p.m., Central Time
Zoom
Registrants receive 30% discount when ordering copies of Father Ed with promo code FRE23 at OrbisBooks.com.
The link to register is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tCf1UMMlSWSI4no-6e2yVQ

Neighborhood Fall Fest
2023-09-30 12:00 - 14:00 | All Saints Lutheran Church, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, 55345
Neighborhood Fall Fest
Gather with your family, friends, and neighbors for our Neighborhood Fall Fest! We’ll have the Rusty Taco food truck, which will be selling tacos, sides, and beverages. For the kids, there will be inflatable axe throwing, an inflatable obstacle course, and a balloon artist. A live DJ will be taking requests from the crowd. Invite your friends and neighbors to come and join the fun!
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Noon – 2:00 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd. Minnetonka, Minnesota
West Parking Lot
Event information: https://fb.me/e/1c0udrT87
or aslc@allsaintsmtka.org
