Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Reclaiming the Hope: Ministry Leadership Retreat
2025-09-21 - 2025-09-24 | Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center, 16595 Crooked Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN, 56444, United States
Join Clearwater Forest Camp & Retreat Center for high-quality, meaningful learning and reflection, connecting with others and networking, preparing for Advent, and rest and renewal in God’s creation.
Keynote Speakers:
Signs of Hope: Dr. Andy Root, Professor, and Carrie Olson Baalson Chair of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary
Stories of Hope: Dr. Matt Skinner, Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary
Images of Hope: Pastor Paul Oman from Drawn to the Word
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Luther Seminary Virtual Open House
2025-09-22 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | online
Interested in attending Luther Seminary and looking for a quick introduction to Luther from the comfort of your own space?
The virtual open house is an excellent opportunity to orient yourself to Luther and the application process, meet seminary staff, and ask questions alongside other discerning students.
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Webinar: Addiction & Youth - Trends & Challenges
2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Addiction & Youth – Trends & Challenges
Free Webinar featuring Michael Durchslag, Director of P.E.A.S.E. Academy, Board Chair of the Association of Recovery Schools (ARS)
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
12:00-1 p.m. CT (1:00 p.m. ET 11 a.m. MT, 10 a.m. PT)
Register >
Nine out of ten adults who have a diagnosed substance use disorder started when they were adolescents. Furthermore, the younger someone is when they have their first use, the more likely they are to develop a substance use disorder.
Compounding the problem, youth are the most underserved demographic when it comes to addiction and recovery services. There are many factors behind this. If we are serious about changing the trajectory of this very costly and deadly disease, we need to start further upstream and focus on research supporting best practices for youth.
Learn about the current trends in adolescent drug use and the different approaches that can make a meaningful impact on a young person’s life from the one of the country’s foremost experts on adolescent recovery.

Michael Durchslag is the Director of P.E.A.S.E. Academy (Peers Enjoying a Sober Education), the longest running recovery high school in the United States. He began working for P.E.A.S.E. in November, 1995 as the Social Studies teacher. Michael became the school’s Director in January, 2007. He is a licensed 7-12 social studies teacher and earned his Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas in 2002. Michael also holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Beloit College (1991). His commitment to recovery schools goes beyond P.E.A.S.E. Academy as he also serves as a part of Minneapolis College’s Advisory Board for their Collegiate Recovery Community and Program, founded the state’s first Alternative Peer Group, is an advisor on the Coalition of Recovery Investments (CORI), is the Chair of the Association of Recovery Schools (ARS), and is a part of the ARS Executive Council.

United Theological Seminary Fall Convocation
2025-09-25 12:15 - 13:30 | United Theological Seminary
This year’s free, hybrid event is titled, “The Ongoing Legacy of Theology & the Arts at United: Creative Intersections and New Possibilities.” This year’s speaker is the esteemed Rev. Dr. Wilson Yates—United’s President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion, Society, and the Arts, 1967 – 2005.
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Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-09-25 13:00 - 14:30 | House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Richfield, 7625 Chicago Ave. S, Richfield, MN, 55423, 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!

Fall 2025 Seminary Sampler Weekend
2025-09-26 - 2025-09-28 | Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
The Fall 2025 Seminary Sampler is the perfect opportunity to spend time in conversation and discernment with seminary staff, faculty, and students as you explore if Luther Seminary is your right next most faithful step.
Come just for Saturday or come early Friday night for a pre-event dinner gathering. There will also be an optional brunch/church visit on Sunday morning.
For out-of-town folks housing is available as needed Friday and Saturday and travel reimbursement up to $100.
Register >

Global Health Ministries Symposium
2025-09-27 09:00 - 12:30
Join Global Health Ministries for their 2025 Symposium, Healing in a Wounded World.
Dr. Rebecca Duerst, Archbishop Musa Panti Phillips, and the Rev. Doug Cox will be speaking on the importance of global health in a wounded world and participating in a roundtable discussion.
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Resources to share >

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work(shop)
2025-09-27 09:00 - 15:30 | St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN, 55447, United States
The Seven Principles Couples Program is marriage enrichment and pre-marital prep workshop for couples based on the scientific research published in the book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman, with Nan Silver. No need to read the book before attending. Lunch will be provided.
Details and registration >

All Saints Neighborhood Fall Fest
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | All Saints Lutheran Church Minnetonka, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
Join All Saints, Minnetonka, for their sixth annual Fall Fest! There will be some returning favorite activities, including an inflatable obstacle course, yard games, and airbrush tattoos. We also have new activities for families to enjoy this year: see the Baron of Bubbles work his magic with incredible bubble creations, taste delicious fall treats such as caramel apples, popcorn and apple cider, take a cozy photo in our fall photo booth, or go head to head with the ultimate reflex challenge game, Light Chaser.
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"Join or Die" Movie Screening
2025-09-28 15:00 - 18:00 | St. John’s Lutheran Church of Mound, 2451 Fairview Ln, Mound, MN, United States
Join St. John’s, Mound, for a screening of the movie “Join or Die” and a discussion around how important community and being involved in “communities” are.
RSVP >

Indian Boarding Schools Day of Remembrance
2025-09-30
At the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, voting members overwhelmingly adopted a memorial, addressing the sin and injustice in the history of Indian Board Schools in the country and acknowledging the ongoing trauma of this time in history. September 30 was set aside for a National Day of Remembrance of Indian Boarding Schools. Resources to widen awareness and understanding are available here.
Join the effort to raise awareness by wearing orange on Tuesday, September 30.

Screenagers Viewing with Dinner & Discussion
2025-09-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Screenagers is a powerful film resource for helping kids build mindful habits around technology use and to support their well-being in today’s digital world.

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Sacred Spaces as Social Enterprise
2025-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 | United Theological Seminary
Many faith communities are facing a financial crisis due to dwindling membership and reduced giving. By taking a Social Enterprise perspective, faith leaders can discover new ways to stabilize finances and enhance their mission. This free 60-minute seminar, led by Dr. J. Howard “Jim” Kucher, an adjunct professor of Social Entrepreneurship at United, will introduce you to some of the concepts needed to begin the journey.
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Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-10-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove, 7401 County Rd 101, Maple Grove, MN, 55311, United States

Connect with LSTC President Shauna Hannan
2025-10-02 19:00 - 21:00
You are invited to two special gatherings in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area with LSTC’s new president, Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan. These events are excellent opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni and friends, hear an inspiring vision for LSTC’s future, and celebrate the mission we share.
October 1 – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch at Gloria Dei Lutheran, St. Paul
Register >
October 2 – 7:00 p.m.
Raise a glass with President Shauna Hannan and the LSTC team for an evening of craft brews, great conversations, and community connection at Pryes Brewing Company! Join LSTC at this local Minneapolis hotspot (1401 West River Rd N) for drinks, laughs, and the chance to connect with fellow alums in a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
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Installation of the Presiding Bishop
2025-10-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
The installation of the next presiding bishop, Rev. Yehiel Curry, is open to the public, and tickets are not required. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Central time, and worship begins at 2:00 p.m.
A public reception to greet the new presiding bishop will be held at Central Lutheran following the installation.
Complimentary parking will be available on October 4, at the Central Lutheran parking facility. Visit Directions & Parking – Central Lutheran Church to find directions to the church and information on parking.
The Hilton Minneapolis is offering a limited number of hotel rooms for September 30–October 6 at a discounted rate of $175 per night. Visit BP Hilton hotel self-pay to make your reservation; the discounted rate will be available through Sept. 4 or until the room block is full, whichever comes first. Room availability may be limited due to the Twin Cities Marathon, taking place the following day.
A live video stream of the installation will be available for those unable to attend.

Blessing of the Animals
2025-10-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Central Park Pavilion, 3503 Silver Lake Rd, St. Anthony, MN, United States
Bring your animal friends for a drop-in blessing celebration with treats for all creatures! Free-will offering for Linus’ Pet Haven, pet-friendly shelter for violence survivors.

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Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association Education Event
2025-10-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Hope in Practice: Applying Solution-Focused Communication
Techniques in Response to Crisis
Presented by Laura Aagaard, MA, MS
Course Description: As a faith community nurse, or other professional in ministry, you are on the front lines of mental health and substance use care. It is possible that you engage with people and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. This interactive session introduces attendees to the Solution Focused model, an evidence-informed, strengths-based approach that emphasizes hope, possibility, and patient resources over pathology, diagnosis and problems.
Rather than focusing on what’s wrong, this model guides faith community professionals in helping people move toward hope, and what is possible. Participants will learn and practice strategies such as the miracle question, scaling techniques, and exception finding, all tailored for use in time-limited, high-stress community environments.
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Safeguarding our Communities from White Christian Nationalism with Angela Denker
2025-10-08 18:30 - 19:30 | First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights, 1555 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN, 55421, United States
There has been a disturbing rise in white Christian nationalist groups in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis. Including a recent flyer sent to Columbia Heights residents that was enlisting people to join a white supremacist group. In response to these racist groups, “Stories from our Neighborhood” will be hosting a storytelling night around safeguarding communities from white Christian nationalist groups like the KKK and the Proud Boys.
Rev. Angela Denker is an award-winning author, ELCA Lutheran pastor, and veteran journalist who has a column in the Minnesota Star Tribune. Her second book is Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood. Pastor Angela lives with her husband, Ben, and two sons in Minneapolis, where she is a sought-after speaker on Christian Nationalism and its theological and cultural roots. You can read more from Angela on her Substack: https://angeladenker.substack.com.
Join First Lutheran, Columbia Heights to learn what we can do as individuals, groups, and neighbors to keep our cities safe and welcoming for everyone.
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Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-10-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States

No One Recovers Alone: Strengthening Family Engagement
2025-10-09 11:30 - 14:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Many adults with serious mental illnesses experience loneliness. This class shares the impacts of loneliness and strategies for engaging others. Lunch is provided.
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LCM Fall Gathering + Fundraiser
2025-10-09 17:00 - 19:00 | The Campus Club on the U of M Campus, 403 Coffman Memorial Union, 300 WAshington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN, United States
5:00 p.m. Cocktails and Appetizers (cash bar)
6:00 p.m. Program
6:30 p.m. Jam Session and Singing around the fire (bring your instruments!)
Tickets: $35

Join Lutheran Campus Ministry-Twin Cities for a fun, in-person gathering at the beautiful Campus Club Terrace overlooking the campus. Attendees will gather around hearty appetizers, a cash bar, good music, inspirational stories from students and alumni, and a chance to raise some money for the transformational work happening at Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities! Weather permitting, the event will take place both outdoors on the terrace and inside the lounge.
You are invited to become a LCM Maroon or Gold Event Host! Bring your friends and/or family to celebrate and share the good news about this vibrant young adult ministry.

$300 LCM Maroon Event Host – entitles you and four friends (5 total) to receive appetizers and one free drink or a God Loves Everyone, No Exceptions mug.
$600 LCM Gold Event Host – entitles you and nine friends (10 total) to receive appetizers and one free drink or a God Loves Everyone, No Exceptions mug.

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Stories The Land Holds Series: Earth and Story
2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55410, United States
Introducing “Stories the Land Holds” – A Community Invitation to Listen, Reflect, and Connect

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd is beginning a new initiative that invites the community into a deeper relationship with the land we inhabit and the stories it holds. “Stories the Land Holds” is a multi-session project beginning October 9 at 7:00 p.m. Rooted in the belief that the land beneath us speaks—through its history, its people, and its enduring presence.

Hosted by Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Minneapolis, and supported by a generous foundation grant, this series explores the layered histories of the neighborhood lands between the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Through storytelling, reflection, and dialogue, participants will ask:

– What has the land absorbed?
– Who has lived here, been welcomed, excluded, or expelled?
– How have these histories shaped our present?
– And how can listening to the land guide us away from division and racism and towards justice and harmony?

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Grose Lecture: The Role of Religion and Faith in LGBTQIA+ Culture and Community
2025-10-10 08:00 - 17:00
2025 Grose Lecture featuring Pastor Hierald Osorto (San Pablo/St. Paul’s).
Bishop Jen Nagel is on of the panelists.
Livestream available here: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?e=5250

safeTALK Suicide Prevention Class
2025-10-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Learn how to recognize warning signs of suicide, identify people who are at risk, and connect a person to suicide first aid resources.

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Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-10-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hopkins, 715 Minnetonka Mills Rd, Hopkins, MN, 55343, United States

Colby Martin Event "Not an Oxymoron: Why LGBTQ Affirming Christianity Makes Sense"
2025-10-19 15:30 - 17:00 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
The event explores how faith and LGBTQ+ inclusion flourish together through stories, reflection, and imagination. In a world of division, may faith unite us in love and grace. All are welcome!

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Ice Cream Social-Justice with Gather Twin Cities
2025-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
From growing up with prosperity gospel-influenced theologies to spending young adulthood jumping from one national/global financial crisis to the next, talking about money can SUCK and fill our bodies with the physical manifestation of dread. And yet—as people of faith—we know that we are created to live in community, which includes talking together about how we want to spend our money.
Join Kayla Zopfi and Gather Twin Cities on October 19, at 7:00 p.m. at University Lutheran Church of Hope to continue to reconstruct abundance-rooted ethics about our roles, autonomy, and generosity in systems of capitalism that we didn’t choose to live under, and yet still do!

Becoming Real: Creating Genuine Relationships in a Tricky World
2025-10-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
A Cherish All Children event for Confirmation classes and youth! Pastor Angela Denker will talk about the messages many young people are receiving – especially online – about the Gospel story and about God. We will emphasize that all people (and creation) are created in God’s image, to help form identity and purpose for teenagers, grounded in God’s love. We will also talk about Jesus’ example of an empathetic masculinity, grounded in the stories of his friendships with women in the Bible, and his open grieving after the death of his friend, Lazarus. Discussion time for Confirmation groups will be provided.
Contact joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren.org for the Zoom link.

Overdose Response Training - NEW DATE
2025-10-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Calvary Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, 3901 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, United States
“Community Overdose Response Training” hosted by Calvary Lutheran Church.
The training will be led by harm reductionist Izzy McLaughlin and homelessness advocate Kevin Nye. The conversation will cover basic Narcan administration, trends in local substance use, as well as a baseline of community harm reduction practices that keep us all safe.
Register here or email pastor Jenny if you have any questions at pastorjennifer@clchurch.org.
This event was previously scheduled for October 23, but is now taking place on October 22.
