Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Addiction Ministry 101: Four-Part Seminar
2025-05-06 11:00 - 2025-05-27 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Every experienced Pastor/Minister has run into the frustrations of dealing with substance use problems and other addictions. Referring people to AA, Alanon, and treatment is helpful, but sound pastoral care is important for everyone in the family. Pastoral care is equally important to people in recovery as they rethink their spiritual lives.
Rev. Otto Schultz, a retired Lutheran pastor and alcohol and drug counselor, joins us for a discussion of this unique program providing a model of pastoral care and a model of congregational ministry. These models show how sound theology and good science work together for church and clergy to “let their light so shine” with people and families in trouble with alcohol, drugs and other addictions.

You are invited to this four-part seminar to learn:
1. How to use five simple communication tools to give exceptional care to families troubled by substance problems and for people in early recovery.
2. How these communication tools are useful for many hard conversations.
3. Why you don’t need to be a therapist to do sound pastoral care with addicted people or their families.
4. How science and theology work together on this issue.
5. What it’s like to be a clergy who has struggled with addiction and now enjoys recovery.
6. What congregations can learn from 12 Step Recovery.
7. Why it’s likely that your congregation has experienced people who want to help in this ministry.
8. How to find these people and help them become a team with an effective ministry.

More information and registration >

CYF Leaders Healthy Boundaries Training
2025-05-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
Participants will explore their own relationship to power, boundaries, and authority, gaining insights into how these dynamics shape their leadership. Beyond personal reflection, the workshop will also equip leaders to actively foster wise boundary-setting skills in the young people they serve. Through discussion and practical strategies, attendees will be empowered to nurture healthy, trust-filled ministry spaces.
Details:

Tuesday, May 6, 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Zoom
Cost: $10 donation to benefit Global Refuge
Rev. Emily Carson of SEMN will facilitate the training
Register through the NEMN Synod to receive the Zoom link

Screening of “Anxious Nation"
2025-05-07 18:30 - 20:30 | St. Michael Cinema, 4300 O'Day Avenue Northeast, Saint Michael, MN, 55376, United States
Alleluia Lutheran Church is hosting a free screening of the movie, “Anxious Nation.” A panel of local mental health professionals will lead a discussion after the screening.
This film explores the many dimensions of anxiety and the broader mental health crisis in America, particularly among youth (ages 10–26) and families. It examines contributing factors like social pressures, the nature vs. nurture debate, college stress, and the impact on underserved communities. Topics include stigma, isolation, suicide, and the role of social media. The film aims to foster community, encourage open dialogue, and promote compassion and support.
Get your free tickets >

Stories of Hope: Youth Mental Health and Well-being
2025-05-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S., Minneapolis, MN, 55419, United States
Join Mental Health Connect for the uplifting Stories of Hope breakfast. This year, the fundraiser shines a spotlight on youth mental health, showcasing real stories from young individuals and families facing mental health struggles. Get ready to be touched by these stories, enjoy delightful music, savor a delicious breakfast, and mingle with fellow community members. Mental Health Connect is dedicated to providing essential support and resources for mental health concerns, as well as combating the stigma surrounding mental health conversations—especially within faith communities. Your contributions at this event will help sustain our impactful work all year round. Let’s come together to spread hope and support each other!
More information >

Kingian Nonviolence Training
2025-05-09 17:30 - 2025-05-11 16:00 | Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 2315 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
People over the age of 16 are invited to a Kingian Nonviolence Training at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, May 9-11. Together, participants will immerse themselves in the principles and steps of nonviolence through interactive modules that will equip them with tools for organizing for justice and peace. The training is an experience of being in beloved community together, and the hope is to have a diverse group that will bring unique contexts, perspectives, questions, and experiences to the training.
More information >

Spirituality for Times Like This
2025-05-13 19:00 - 2025-06-03 20:30 | Online
Sessions will include an introduction to the topic with relevant definitions of ideas and supporting readings. I also will share examples of my inner work. Discussion and questions are integral to each evening.
This group actively welcomes members of different professions, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic realities, spiritual/religious beliefs and practices, gender identities, gender expressions, and family structures.
The sessions are on Tuesday evenings (May 13 – June 17) on Zoom and will be led by Pastor Wendy Vie Trittin
Pastor Wendy Vie Trittin is an ordained pastor of the ELCA and a Spirituality Guide and Life Coach. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International, Clergy Voyagers, and the Minnesota Jung Association.

Twin Cities Deacon Gathering
2025-05-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN, United States
Word and Service ministers and candidates from the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods are invited to gather for conversation and treats. Advance registrations are appreciated >

Gather Twin Cities May Gathering
2025-05-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Eat Street Crossing, 2819 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, United States
Gather Twin Cities has a large table reserved at Eat Street Crossing in Minneapolis.
It’ll be a space to make and continue friendships and brainstorm for Gather Twin Cities Summer events.
Food, ice cream, alcohol, and n/a drinks will be available for participants to purchase in the food hall.

White Supremacy and Lutheranism Webinar
2025-05-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Join the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, ELCA Director for Theological Diversity and Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement, and the Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas, Visiting Professor of Church History and Ministry at Good News Theological Seminary in Accra, Ghana, for an engaging thought-provoking and educational webinar to deepen our understanding of white supremacy, and explore new resources created by ELCA theologians.
Join the webinar on Teams>
Meeting ID: 278 593 654 808
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Walking Together in Truth: Indigenous Justice, the ELCA, and MMIW
2025-05-22 12:00 - 13:00 | online
The Oasis Team with the ELCA Youth Ministry Network is hosting an upcoming webinar. Prairie Rose Seminole will help attendees explore the historical relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), highlighting the impact of missionization, boarding schools, and systemic erasure. They will examine the church’s past involvement, its commitments to truth and healing, and the ongoing work needed for accountability.

Breaking Chains, Building Hope: Faith Communities Rising Against America’s Addiction Crisis
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join this one-hour, free webinar with Jeff Horowitz, CEO of SAFE Project, presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Addiction touches every corner of our society; it doesn’t just happen somewhere else. Jeff Horowitz will discuss how our language, assumptions, and attitudes toward those struggling with substance use disorders often create barriers to healing and recovery. Jeff will also discuss the unexpected pathways to addiction that could affect anyone – from prescription medications after surgery, to coping with trauma, mental health challenges, or even social pressure, and how to empower faith communities with practical life-saving strategies. Move beyond judgment to genuine understanding and effective support.
Register >

Justice and Joy: Empowering Support for Trans Lives
2025-05-30 09:00 - 16:00 | United Theological Seminary
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is hosting “Justice and Joy: Empowering Support for Trans Lives.” The event invites people of faith to explore means of supporting Trans lives and rights in authentic and faithful ways.

Learn more about and register for the free event at https://www.unitedseminary.edu/event/justice-and-joy/

Future of Church Series: Multiplying Leadership
2025-06-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina, MN, United States
FUTURE OF CHURCH – A Speaker Series created to motivate thinking and creativity for all church leaders to use as they look to the future.

“Multiplying Leadership: Cultivating a Mixed Ecology of Church in Today’s World” with The Rev. Dwight Zscheile, PhD

An expert on innovation and congregational mission, Rev. Zscheile will talk about embracing innovation as a way to multiply leadership, grow mission and advance the spreading of the Gospel as a way to invigorate church and make it more relevant. He’ll use the example of Martin Luther as the ultimate innovator in “meeting people where they are” and how that is a powerful tool for any church in 2025 wondering how they can grow their community and increase their impact in their congregation, their neighborhood, the broader community and the world.

More information >

Dwight Zscheile is professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is author of Embracing the Mixed Ecology: Inherited and New Forms of Christian Community Flourishing Together (with Blair Pogue, Seabury Books 2025), Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future (with Michael Binder and Tessa Pinkstaff, Fortress, 2023), Participating in God’s Mission: A Theological Missiology for the Church in America (with Craig Van Gelder, Eerdmans, 2018), The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age (Morehouse Publishing, 2014), People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity (Morehouse Publishing, 2012) and The Missional Church in Perspective: Mapping Trends and Shaping the Conversation (with Craig Van Gelder, Baker Academic 2011), editor of Cultivating Sent Communities: Missional Spiritual Formation (Eerdmans, 2012) and co-editor (with Ed Olsworth-Peter) of The Starter’s Way: Leading New Contextual Christian Communities (Church Publishing, 2025). A graduate of Stanford University (BA), Yale University (MDiv) and Luther Seminary (PhD, Congregational Mission and Leadership), he has served congregations in Minnesota and Virginia. Dwight’s experience growing up in a secular home in California has shaped his commitment to helping the church cultivate Christian community with neighbors in today’s changing world.

Go Wild, Woman Spiritual Retreat
2025-06-04 - 2025-06-07 | ARC Retreat Center, 1680 373rd Ave. NE, Stanchfield, MN, United States
Pastor Siri leads four enriching days in nature, surrounded by a sisterhood. Throughout our days we will engage in optional yoga, singing and chanting, nature walks, communing with the earth, and sacred ceremony. There will be lots of free time for rest, connection, and creativity. Options for massage. Begins Wednesday with dinner and ends Saturday at 11:00am.

More information >

Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-06-05 14:00 - 17:00 | Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 5005 Northwest Blvd, Plymouth, MN, United States
The Synod Senior Band is a community band made up of seniors playing for seniors. They welcome players of any band instrument to join them for camaraderie and making great music. The 2025 theme is “The Promise of Living.” Enjoy one of their concerts throughout the year!

Cherish All Children Hybrid 5K
2025-06-06 - 2025-06-08
Join Cherish All Children for this fun event where you can make a significant difference in keeping children safe! Sign up or sponsor a participant at cherishallchildren.org/events.
Participants can walk or run together at 4499 Victory Memorial Parkway or do it at their own location.

Service for Survivors: Remembering & Honoring Those Lost to Gun Violence & Firearm Suicide
2025-06-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 West 60th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55419, United States
Join the Twin Cities community for a service of remembrance as we honor loved ones and be comforted by the presence of one another. This interfaith gathering will include readings, prayers and remembrances by members of many religious traditions and none. You are invited to bring a picture of your loved one for our wall of remembrance. This event is sponsored by Wear Orange, Moms Demand Action and Everytown. For more information, email pattymatthewsmn@gmail.com.

Gather Twin Cities Pride Celebration
2025-06-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield, MN, 55423, United States
Celebrate Pride through service and education as we participate in a clothing drive for Twin Cities Rainbow Wardrobe, make bracelets and view the film, 1946 The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. Items of particular interest for donation include plus-sized clothing, shoes, accessories, personal care items and underwear.

Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-06-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Minnesota Veterans Home, 5101 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States

"You Only Get What You're Organized to Take": Lessons from Poor People's Movements
2025-06-15 16:00 - 18:00 | CTUL, 3715 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, United States
Co-authors Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis and Noam Sandweiss-Back will to discuss their new book “You Only Get What You’re Organized to Take”, which explores the history of poor people’s movements in the United States and Rev. Dr. Liz’s own journey through poor people’s movements. The panel discussion will also include current CTUL leaders to connect these lessons to their work.
Rev. Dr. Liz and Noam work with the Kairos for Religion, Rights, and Social Justice, which is led by and supports poor people’s movement work across the nation and co-anchors the Poor People’s Campaign.
There will also be some discussion together about how we, as people of faith and faith communities, can be a part of poor people’s movements, and interrogate our own questions and wonders about how we can organize across differences to build poor and working people’s power!
People of all faiths, or even no faith at all are welcome!
Hosted by CTUL (Centro De Trabajadores Unidos En La Lucha)

Clueless Addiction: Disengaging from Racism in White and Black Churches
2025-06-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
In celebration of Juneteenth, Minnesota Council of Churches is excited to host what promises to be a provocative discussion by Rev. Dr. Pamela Ngunjiri titled, Clueless Addiction: Disengaging from Racism in White and Black Churches. The virtual event will be held on June 16, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Addiction to white supremacy is present in not only white but also Black churches, yet people in leadership and in the pews can be unaware of it. There are ways that faith communities can open their eyes and disengage from it. Rev. Dr. Pamela Ngunjiri will present research and analysis from her D.Min on this addiction, our cluelessness, and how the bodies of Christ can overcome it.
Register to receive the Zoom link.

2025 Aus Memorial Lecture
2025-06-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
In today’s culture and world, we are surrounded by people earnestly seeking authenticity and meaning. So how can we share the difference Jesus makes in our own everyday lives?
Join Luther Seminary and Faith+Lead for a transformative evening with Will Willimon on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Central as part of the Aus Memorial Lecture series at Luther Seminary.

Rather than offering “quick fixes” or outdated approaches to evangelism, Dr. Willimon will help us:

Discover how Jesus himself initiates and sustains authentic Christian witness.
Navigate the cultural shifts changing how people engage with faith today.
Develop practices for spiritual conversations that connect with real questions.
Find encouragement for leading congregations in sharing the Good News.

Drawing from decades of experience as a campus minister, bishop, and preacher, Dr. Willimon brings both theological depth and practical wisdom to this conversation.
If you are unable to join in real time, please be sure to register anyway – the lecture will be recorded and shared with all registrants! The online audience will also have a special, dedicated opportunity for Q&A with Dr. Willimon.
While especially valuable for pastors and church leaders, anyone interested in sharing faith meaningfully in today’s world is welcome to attend.
Register now to join us online via Zoom.
Want to attend in person at Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN)? Register here.

Hunger Education Hour with Sierra Pacific Synod
2025-06-18 21:00 - 22:00 | Online
The Sierra Pacific Synod wants to help answer the question, “What is happening to programs supported by ELCA World Hunger?” Presenter Susannah Cunningham is the senior director for the ELCA Building Resilient Communities Team. She will share how we are still making a difference and what you can do to help. Just email thelotts@gmail.com that you wish to attend and you’ll receive the Zoom link about a week prior to the event.
(9:00 p.m. is the correct time because the event is being hosted in the Pacific Time Zone.)

Juneteenth Events Around the Twin Cities
2025-06-19
There are several events honoring Juneteenth happening around the Twin Cities. See the list below for a few options and details.

Juneteenth Brunch & Conversation with Sherrilyn Ifill (Minneapolis)
Juneteenth at the Fort (St. Paul)
Jubilee: The Journey of Four Rondo Families (St. Paul)
Soul of the Southside (Minneapolis)

Lists can also be found on the City of Minneapolis website and the Minnesota Historical Society website.

Breaking the Cycle: Justice and Healing for Palestinian Children and Caregivers
2025-06-20 16:00 - 2025-06-21 17:00
Breaking the Cycle: Justice and Healing for Palestinian Children and Caregivers is a series of public events to share the story of Anar, a nonprofit operating in the West Bank that provides artsbased healing for Palestinian children and caregivers. The events are led by Rami Khader, Founder & Executive Director of Anar for Empowerment & Psychosocial Support.
Friday, June 20, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Women Against Military Madness Free Palestine Rally at Summit & Snelling in Saint Paul
Friday, June 20, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (CT)
Presentation and Q&A at New City Center, 3104 16th Ave S, Minneapolis
Saturday, June 21, 2:00 –5:00 p.m. (CT), program at 3:00 p.m.
Arts Event at Legacy Dream Space Multimedia Living Room, 2205 California St NE, Studio #212, Minneapolis
Download the flyer >

Conversations with Friends Letter Writing Training
2025-06-21 09:00 - 13:00 | Online
Conversations with Friends (CWF) has been pen pals and visitors with people jailed by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in Minnesota since March 2011. Their mission is to offer friendship, fraternity, and solidarity as they support, encourage, listen to, affirm, recognize their dignity, and advocate for those jailed by ICE. Through a peaceful, compassionate presence, they know that people in the community truly care, that they are not alone.
The next scheduled training is on Saturday, June 21, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. There will be four presenters covering various topics: immigration law, profiles and stories of people with whom we have written and/or visited, CWF info, and pen pal and visitor training.
At this time, the greatest need is for bilingual Spanish/English, Arabic/English, and Karen/English speakers.
To register for the training, email CWFconversationswithfriends@gmail.com with your full name, mailing address, cell phone number, and languages spoken

The Confluence at Augsburg University
2025-06-22 - 2025-06-27 | Augsburg University
The Confluence, now in its 20th year, is an opportunity for high school students to explore their vocation — the confluence or intersection of God’s story, the world’s story, and their personal story. Throughout the week, students will explore these different stories through:

Worship
Classroom study with Augsburg professor Chris Stedman
Personal reflection
Small group discussions
Meeting with local leaders and dynamic Augsburg staff
Eating good, local food
Exploring Augsburg’s Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.

This year’s focus will be on the connections between vocation, resistance and resilience — essential pieces to surviving and thriving in our current moment.
Cost: $400/participant (Church communities encouraged to pay, scholarships available)
More information >

Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-06-22 15:00 - 16:30 | First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights, 1555 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN, 55421, United States

Learn to Paint with the Gentleman Artist, Robert Coleman
2025-06-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Theodore Wirth Park, 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN, 55422, United States
Theodore Wirth Park, Find them at the picnic tables near the Wirth Beach Pavillion
Youth (16+) welcome!
Robert will showcase his engaging teaching and storytelling skills in this unique art class! Let your creativity flow as you learn to paint your own landscape masterpiece with the BothAnd Collective community.
Robert describes this experience as “easier than learning from Bob Ross”—and once you join us, you’ll see why. With warmth, humor, and an uncanny ability to see the artist in everyone, Robert creates a space where creativity flows effortlessly.
His encouragement is contagious, and his stories—rooted in personal truth and lived experience—bring depth and meaning to every brushstroke. More than just a class, this is a chance to reconnect with your creative spirit, be in community, and see where your imagination can take you. No experience needed—just a willingness to play, explore, and surprise yourself.
Cost includes supplies, snacks, & Robert’s expertise.
Led by Robert Coleman, The Gentleman Artist

Register + Pay >

You’ll receive a downloadable PDF with the address and reflection questions for the session after completing your payment.

Prepare to Quit: Equipping Others for Readiness to Change
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Prepare to Quit: Equipping Others for Readiness to Change is a one-hour free webinar hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. This webinar is designed for ministry leaders, professionals and lay leaders who support individuals struggling with Alcohol use and other substances. Rose Ann Forte, author, coach and course creator, presents Prepare to Quit, a faith-based resource built on neuroscience and biblical truth to help individuals move through the critical and often overlooked Preparation Stage of change. You’ll learn how to empower individuals who are not yet ready to quit, but are open to exploring change. Rose Ann offers a spiritual alternative to secular or disease-based approaches.
Register >
