Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Grose Lecture: The Role of Religion and Faith in LGBTQIA+ Culture and Community
2025-10-10 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
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.

More information >

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

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!

More information >

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.

United Theological Seminary "United Days"
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-24
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is hosting their annual United Days event on October 23 – 24, 2025. Titled “Interpreting Texts for the Liberation and Flourishing of Our World,” the event will feature three accomplished theologians: Dr. Jen Maidrand, Dr. Kenneth Ngwa, and Dr. Pamela (Ayo) Yetunde.

More information >

Awakening the Church to Address Addiction
2025-10-23 10:00 - 18:00 | Online
Awakening the Church to Address Addiction, is a virtual conference presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Addiction is everywhere, and yet many churches feel unprepared to face it. This conference will give you the insight and tools to change that. Come and learn how your faith community can start addressing the addiction crisis in a meaningful way. By the end of the day you will walk away with a deeper understanding, renewed hope, and concrete steps to may your congregation a safe, welcoming, and recovery-friendly community. Cost: $50.
More information >
Register >

Securing Sacred Spaces: Houses of Worship Security Summit
2025-10-25 08:00 - 15:30 | Westwood Community Church, Bloomington
This free community event is designed to equip faith leaders and congregations with strategies to strengthen safety and security. Expert speakers will cover grant funding, legal trends, liability, and building sustainable safety teams. The program is offered by Kingswood Security Consulting and sponsored by Langer Construction. Learn more and register.

Trunk or Treat at All Saints Minnetonka
2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 | All Saints Lutheran Church, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, 55345
Join All Saints Lutheran Church of Minnetonka in their west parking lot for this free family-friendly Halloween event! Kids get to go trick-or-treat around the parking lot by visiting each of the decorated cars. After visiting the cars, kids can grab a cup of hot chocolate, enjoy yard games, get an airbrush tattoo, or play Halloween bingo.
Trunk or Treat is open to all families, so invite your neighbors, friends, and relatives to join you. Costumes are encouraged.

Public Policy & Civic Engagement 101 Training
2025-10-27 09:00 - 15:30 | Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, St. Paul, MN, 55155, United States
One of the most powerful tools we can leverage to bring more resources and opportunities to our communities and create positive change is by championing our causes.
Who Should Attend
This training is open to individuals who attend a faith community within Hennepin County and are interested in learning how to engage with the legislative process on issues they care about. Community members, social workers and other social services providers are invited to attend this in-depth training all about the legislative process. Attendees will hear from experts and leave with the skills and confidence they need to successfully advocate on the issues they care about.
Public Policy & Civic Engagement 101 includes:
• Guest speakers from the legislature
• A behind the scenes of the Capitol
• A primer on how an idea becomes a law
• Tips for successful legislative meetings
• How to effectively engage yourself and others in speaking about the issues important to you.
Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/BsRaQRGuCM
This continuing education workshop can be attended virtually (3 CEUs) or in-person (5.5 CEUs).

Gathering Expedition Retreats
2025-10-31 - 2025-11-02 | Lutherdale, N7891 US-12, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, United States
This fall, the ELCA Youth Gathering is hitting the road with Gathering Expedition, a regional retreat experience for 8th – 12th grade youth and the adults who lead them. It’s designed to be simple, meaningful, and full of movement — because ministry doesn’t just happen every three years. It happens in the in-between too.
Over the course of the weekend, your group will worship together, dive into deep questions, serve with purpose, and connect with others in your region. It’s a chance for young people to explore where God might be calling them — and for you to walk alongside them without the pressure of planning it all yourself.
Whether your group is new to ELCA events or Gathering veterans, Gathering Expedition is a powerful space to pause, listen, grow, and move.
Let’s keep Faith in Motion.

Dates and locations:
📍 Cross Roads (Port Murray, N.J.) — September 26 – 28
📍 Lutherhill (La Grange, Texas) — October 3 – 5
📍 Lutherdale (Elkhorn, Wis.) — October 31 – November 2
More information >

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Discernment Weekend
2025-10-31 - 2025-11-02 | Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center St Suite 200, Berkeley, CA, 94704, United States
Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berkeley, California, to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs. PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Game Night Fundraiser Benefitting Cristo Obrero
2025-11-01 15:00 - 20:00 | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346, United States
Join Immanuel, Eden Prairie, and Cristo Obrero, Chaska, (one of the Synod’s strategic ministries) for a game night!

There will be games of all sorts- card games, board games and yard games (weather permitting)! Come play your favorite games with new friends or try out a game you’ve never played before. There will be options for all ages. While you’re there, learn about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)!

**Contribute any amount to play – donations will be matched up to $3,000 by Immanuel!**

FOOD this year: Hot dogs & chips, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and the Lions beer truck

and join Immanuel for Trunk or Treat just before!

National Lutheran Choir Concert
2025-11-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina, MN, United States
Lead Me Home
A Concert of Remembrance
A journey of remembrance and hope, this concert honors the beauty and fragility of life while offering a glimpse of the eternal home that awaits. Through music and movement, we explore the thin places between heaven and earth.
Featured works include Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s In Thee, O Lord, Thomas LaVoy’s O Great Beyond (with texts by Rabindranath Tagore), and Stephen Paulus’ beloved The Road Home. Additional selections by Minnesota composers Linda Kachelmeier and Marí Esabel Valverde round out the program.
Presented in collaboration with dance artist Eve Schulte, the concert will be performed in the Twin Cities and in St. Peter, Minnesota in partnership with Brandon Dean and the Gustavus Choir as NLC goes on the road.
Saturday, November 1, 7:00 p.m.
Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina
Sunday, November 2, 4:00 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi
More information and tickets >

Faith After High School
2025-11-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Calvary Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, 3901 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Join Calvary Lutheran Church Sunday, November 2, at noon for pizza and salad, followed by a panel with faith leaders from U of M Lutheran Campus Ministries, and Augsburg Lutheran Campus Ministries. They will share about their faith after high school. This is a great event for students thinking about attending these colleges or wondering what happens to your faith after high school.

Come join the conversation. Register by clicking the link below https://forms.gle/C2UR91jGETXzaqp19

Partnership Trip to Palestine
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-12
Attention to news from Gaza and the West Bank leaves many feeling that words are not enough. When there is grief and hunger, dispossession and death, when words fail, it is our presence that counts. Walking alongside those who are suffering is what God’s Holy Spirit does for us. Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, is planning a trip to Palestine November 3 – 12 to accompany their mission partners, Bright Stars of Bethlehem and Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem. You are invited to lend your presence and support to their Palestinian siblings and join their group. Participants will sit with students and faculty at Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem and will help with olive harvesting at Augusta Victoria. As much as the presence and encouragement may bless those they are visiting, surely attendees will be blessed and encouraged, too, as they are able to share their experiences with their own congregations and friends when they return. For information about this opportunity, please consult the tour brochure and be in touch with Judy Hinck at judyhinck@gmail.com.

ELEA National Conference
2025-11-04 - 2025-11-07 | Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square, 1260 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States
“Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith”
This much-anticipated gathering will unite educational leaders committed to nurturing academic excellence and spiritual growth in Lutheran schools.
Experience three powerful professional development days, spiritual renewal, and networking with fellow Lutheran educators nationwide. Through dynamic keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and collaborative discussions, you’ll gain practical strategies to enhance your leadership skills while deepening your faith foundation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to:
– Connect with passionate educational leaders who share your mission
– Develop innovative approaches to faith-based leadership
– Revitalize your spiritual journey alongside your professional growth
– Build lasting relationships within the ELEA community
Register now to secure your place at this cornerstone event. Early bird pricing is available through May 1, 2025. Let’s strengthen our schools, inspire our communities, and nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.
More information >

Minnesota Multifaith Network 6th Annual Conference
2025-11-06 09:00 - 17:30 | House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55105, United States
The Time is Now!
Strengthening Engagement, Understanding, and Equity for All
Celebrating Religious Pluralism in Minnesota
More information >

Considering Your Call Saturday at Wartburg Seminary
2025-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Wartburg Theological Seminary, 333 Wartburg Pl, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Wartburg Seminary is hosting a discernment day- “Considering Your Call Saturday”- on November 8. It’s a great opportunity for folks discerning a call to ministry leadership to engage with others (faculty, staff, current students, others in discernment), ask questions about the seminary process, and learn more about Wartburg specifically. All lodging and meals are covered for out-of-town attendees. More information and registration can be found at the link below.
Considering Your Call Saturday Information & Registration

November Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network Gathering
2025-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 | St. Stephen Lutheran, Bloomington, 8400 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network meets the second Thursday of each month to Renew, Educate, and Connect. Everyone is welcome!
We will be having an Advent Devotional time and taking about how you care for yourself when you seem to never have the time and are always in charge of upcoming events.

Minneapolis Area Synod Women of the ELCA Gathering
2025-11-15 | Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 11000 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
Minneapolis Area Synod Women of the ELCA Gathering. Come to:

Learn and Listen
Connect and Create
Celebrate and Worship
Together!

More information >

Gather Twin Cities Friendsgiving
2025-11-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Spirit Garage, 100 W 46th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55419, United States
Join Gather Twin Cities for an evening of community, fellowship, and great food. Please bring a dish to share!
Check out their instagram (@gathertwincities) for more info.

Creating Accessible Spaces on a Budget Webinar
2025-11-17 19:00 - 20:00
Every church should be a place where everyone feels welcome and included — regardless of ability. But making your facilities more accessible doesn’t have to break the bank. Join us for this practical and inspiring webinar designed specifically for churches seeking to improve accessibility with limited resources. We’ll explore affordable strategies to enhance physical, sensory, and digital accessibility in your church buildings and programs. From simple upgrades to creative adaptations, you’ll gain tools and ideas that can be implemented right away — no large renovation budget required.

Monday, November 17, 2025 ~ 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Central Time

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

Low-cost improvements that make a big impact
How to prioritize accessibility changes
Ways to engage your congregation in accessibility efforts

Register >

Webinar: MN Paid Leave Program
2025-11-20 12:30 - 13:30
Join this webinar with attorney Jewelie Grape to find out more information about Minnesota Paid Leave. If you have questions you would like to be discussed at the webinar, please email them to Liz Farmer.
Join on Zoom >

Stories The Land Holds Series: Culture and Recovery
2025-11-20 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?

More information >

Film Screening: Indian Horse
2025-11-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Honor Native American Heritage at Mia with this special screening of Indian Horse (2017). Based on the novel by Ojibwe author Richard Wagamese, this film follows the life of Saul Indian Horse, a Canadian First Nations boy who survives Canada’s residential school system through his gift as a hockey player.
Get tickets >
This film is not rated; run time is 1 hour, 41 minutes.
Note: This film contains content that some may find distressing related to the Canadian residential school system, including depictions of abuse, addiction, and racism.

Rethinking Addiction: A Faith Leader's Guide
2025-11-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
A free one-hour webinar titled “Rethinking Addiction: A Faith Leader’s Guide” featuring Rachel Bowling, Director of SAFE Communities at SAFE Project, a national nonprofit working to end the addiction epidemic, and hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Faith leaders are often called upon to support individuals and families navigating the complexities of substance use, addiction and recovery. This session invites participants to help examine how we understand and respond to substance use and share insights from professionals and recovery advocates.

Register >

Digital Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
2025-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join historian, theologian and licensed tour guide Mary Danho for four digital sessions that send your spirit traveling to the Holy Land.

Mary Danho grew up in Jerusalem just blocks from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, listening in on tours long before she was leading them herself. There are fewer tourists and travelers coming to visit these days, but Mary knows there are many who long to make connections between their faith and the very real places she calls home.
Mary is offering a digital Advent series for long distance pilgrims, including some who have traveled with her in the past or hope to join her tours in the future. She is relatively new to teaching online, so this will be a new adventure.
Register as an individual or as a congregation/organization. You’re bound to learn something new about scripture, sacred land and yourself during a season we claim to be too busy for a holy, midday pause like this one.

Monday, December 1 HOPE
Sea of Galilee: The setting of so many miraclces and stories in Jesus ministry.
Monday, December 8 PEACE
Nazareth: The Annunciation – A girl who belonged to herself said yes.
Monday, December 15 JOY
Ein Kerem: The Visitation – Mary & Elizabeth, John the Baptist, too.
Monday, December 22 LOVE
The Shepherds’ Fields: Jesus’ birth is announced to the shepherds.

More information >
Note: EventBrite requires that we list four ticketed dates, but you’re really just buying one ticket and getting one ticket and one reoccurring Zoom link. We’re sorry for the ways it looks confusing. Contact a host if you need help!
Hosted by: Jenny Sung, Natalia Terfa and Meta Herrick Carlson
