Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Our Saviour's Housing Emergency Shelter Re-Opening Celebration
2025-07-17 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Our Saviour’s Housing, 2219 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
In late 2023, Our Saviour’s Community Services was awarded a $4.6M capital grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to renovate and expand our
emergency shelter facility. With these funds, we have created safer, more accessible spaces in our emergency shelter facility, and added a second story to the building so that we will have the opportunity to extend our service model from 21 to 38 guests.
Soon, construction will be complete and we will be welcoming our guests, staff, and volunteers back to 2219 Chicago Avenue! Before we return to our permanent
facility, please join Our Saviour’s Community Services and partners on Thursday, July 17 to celebrate all the work that went into these plans and renovations,
learn more about what has changed, and hear some of what is next for our shelter program.
Tours of the facility will be offered every 20 minutes from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Brief remarks will be shared at 5:00 p.m. outside 2219 Chicago Avenue.This event is open to the public.

Construction is ongoing, and will not be completed by July 17 . Hard hats and high-visibility vests will likely be required for tours, and will be provided.
Unfortunately, the new elevator will not yet be functional by the date of our event. Stairs will be required to access the second floor addition and the basement. We hope to welcome impacted community members back to see the facility at a later date.
In case of poor weather, remarks will be made indoors at 2315 Chicago Avenue (Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church/the Our Saviour’s Community Services administrative offices).
Please stay tuned to OSCS communications and https://oscs-mn.org/shelter-expansion for further details about this event. Any questions about this event may be
directed to Robin Stramp, OSCS Development and Communications Manager at robin@oscs-mn.org or 612-843-3602.

Young Adult Backpacking Trip
2025-07-27 - 2025-08-02 | MN
Join ELCA Young Adult Ministry for a backpacking trip!
Spend a week hiking through the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains with other young adults from all over the country. With gear, food, rafting, permits, and a guest young adult speaker all provided, come for a relaxing adventure by a mountain lake.
Spend your days fishing, exploring, taking in the scenery, or peaking a nearby mountain, your itinerary is up to you and what you need!
After 4 days on the trail, return to camp for showers, campfires, and a day of whitewater rafting the local Arkansas River.
Who: Young Adults (ages 18-35)
Dates: July 27 – August 2
Cost: (Tiered Pricing)

Tier 1: $575 (Full Cost)
Tier 2: $490 (Cover My Cost)
Tier 3: $410 (Campership Included)

More information >

Churchwide Assembly
2025-07-28 - 2025-08-02 | Phoenix, Arizona
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the primary decision-making body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a process of communal spiritual discernment. When the ELCA Churchwide Assembly convenes, its voting members meet with confidence in God’s grace around word and water, wine and bread, to carry on their work on behalf of the entire church. Over the course of the assembly, voting members:

Hear reports and review the work of churchwide officers, leaders and units.
Receive and consider proposals from synod assemblies.
Elect officers, board members and other leaders as specified by the constitution or bylaws.
Establish ELCA churchwide policy.
Worship together.
Adopt a budget.
Conduct other business related to the ELCA churchwide organization.

Minneapolis Area Synod voting members can find more information here.

Webinar: Who's Doing Addiction Ministry in the Church?
2025-07-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
This one-hour free webinar hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith will be like a forum. You are invited to a special Community Check-In: Faith Communities and Addiction/Mental Health Ministry. This is your change to share your stories. We invite you to share what approaches you are trying in your congregation, neighborhood or town. What’s working well. What challenges are you facing. What lessons have you learned along the way? Hear from others. Learn from their experiences. Discover new ideas and strategies for strengthening Addiction/Mental Health Ministry in your congregation, neighborhood or town. Sharing your stories will help us as we work together to face addiction/mental health issues. Join this conversation to build a stronger more compassionate network for healing.

More information >

Gather Twin Cities Lakeside
2025-08-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Gather to celebrate the end of summer. Join Gather Twin Cities for a lakeside get-together with tie dye, outdoor games, bonfire, snacks and worship. Bring your favorite outdoor activities. Order a Gather t-shirt for tie-dye here.

Synod Senior Band
2025-08-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Friendship Village, 8100 Highwood Drive, Bloomington, 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!

Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
2025-08-13 - 2025-08-15 | MN
The first gathering of The Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy will take place in Minneapolis August 13 – 15; early-bird registration is now open. Under the theme ““Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing,” the Seminar will host Pastors, Deacons, Musicians, and Seminarians to discuss liturgical formation in the ELCA in the evangelical catholic tradition. Plenary speakers include Max Johnson (University of Notre Dame), Ed Foley (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago), Audrey West (Lutheran School of Theology/Yale), and Lizette Larson-Miller (Diocese of Huron), as well as Daniel Schwandt, Kevin Vaughn, Andrew Schaeffer, and the Minnesota Boychoir as musicians. Much more information and registration can be found at www.seminarliturgy.org.

Getting Equipped for Stewardship
2025-08-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Are you a church leader tasked with your upcoming on ongoing stewardship work? Join Church Anew live on Zoom at 11:00 a.m. for an hour of stewardship talk, basics, ideas, and opportunities to ask questions of the Rev. Tim Brown, Director of Stewardship for the ELCA and Grace Duddy Pomroy, Director of the Stewardship Leaders Program at Luther Seminary.
The event is free, but sign-up is required.
Register

Lutheran Night at the Twins
2025-08-14 18:30 - 21:00 | Target Field, 1 Twins Way , Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Join other Minnesota Lutherans at Target Field for Lutheran Night at the Twins! There are a variety of seating options and pricing, ranging from upper level ($18) to club level ($51) and more. For group or individual tickets, contact Ryan Thomson at 612-659-3582 or ryanthomson@twins.com.
National Anthem Lutheran Mass Choir
Let’s show Minnesota that Lutherans can SING! Gather with other voices to sing the national anthem at the start of the game at Lutheran Night on August 14. You will need to get to the field by 5:40 p.m. and meet the group outside the stadium by Gate 6. Watch Seth’s choir video here for complete details.

Planting an Acts 2 Church / Sembrando una iglesia de Hechos 2
2025-08-15 10:00 - 14:00 | St. Paul’s San Pablo Lutheran Church, 2742 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Join Agora to celebrate the legacy of the Agora Program, which has trained lay leaders for ethnic-specific and multicultural congregations.
There will be for learning, fellowship, food, tributes, worship, and singing in different languages. Featuring a workshop in English and Spanish and a sermon by Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra, ELCA pastor, author, teacher, and national leader in faith-rooted organizing.
Check out the flyer in English or Spanish.

Adult Mental Health First Aid Training
2025-08-16 09:00 - 14:30 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
A skills-based training on identifying and responding to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over.

More information >

Creating a Dementia-Friendly Congregation Presentation
2025-08-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
During this presentation, participants will learn strategies to create a congregation that is knowledgeable, understanding, and compassionate towards people and families affected by dementia. Going beyond the basics of dementia, faith community nurses, clergy and congregational leaders will learn how best to support both persons with dementia and their families though evidence-based practice related to daily care, improved communication, maintaining mobility, increased accessibility and safety, and how the love of Christ can be shown in everyday life.

More information >
Flyer >

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
2025-08-23 09:00 - 14:30 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Join Mental Health Connect for skills-based training teaching adults how to identify and respond to an adolescent (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health challenge.

Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-08-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States

Webinar: Problem Gambling: Becoming a part of the solution
2025-08-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Problem gambling affects millions across the United States, with an estimated 2-3% of adults experiencing gambling disorder, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. This translates to roughly 5-10 million Americans struggling with the financial, emotional, and relational consequences of compulsive gambling.
Often intertwined with mental health challenges and substance use disorders, problem gambling can devastate families https://mnapg.org/ and communities. Increased access to online betting and gaming has heightened the urgency for awareness and intervention. This webinar will explore the scope of problem gambling in America, its intersections with other public health issues, and actionable steps toward prevention and recovery.
Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director of Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG), joins us to discuss efforts to bring greater awareness to the issue.
Susan received her master’s in urban planning which laid a foundation for community building and strategic planning. Through Susan’s leadership, MNAPG is increasing Minnesotans’ awareness to gambling addiction and emphasizing the connections between substance use disorder and mental health. Susan’s overall focus is to build a stronger infrastructure of problem gambling services in Minnesota.
Over the past 35 years, Susan’s career has focused on nonprofit management, building organizations and advocating for those with diminished voice or power.
Register >

Addiction Ministry 101: Four Part Seminar
2025-08-27 11:00 - 2025-09-17 12:30 | Online
Addiction Ministry 101

A Class for Those Who Want to Offer Support to Those with Addiction and Those Who Love Them with Otto Schultz

Wednesdays
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CTAugust 27, Sept 3, 10 & 17

This program will provide instruction on five simple communication tools to give exceptional care to families troubled by substance problems, and for people in early recovery.
Fee: $50.00
(Registrants will be invoiced)

Register

Every experienced Pastor/Minister has run into the frustrations of dealing with substance use problems and other addictions. Referring people to AA, Al-anon, 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, teaches this four-week course. It offers practical education on unique effective and urgently needed models of pastoral and 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.

The program uses a wide range of educational methods to keep it lively and to appeal to a variety of learning styles .

Rev. Otto B. Schultz, B. A., M. Div., and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (Ret.). A graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, this ELCA Pastor has been in the substance abuse field for over 45 years. He has trained thousands of people in practical tools for addressing substance use problems and helped hundreds of families intervene successfully.Schultz retired as the Spiritual Counselor at Bryan Medical Center Independence Center in Lincoln.

Cristo Obrero Back to School Party
2025-08-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Heritage Park, 56 Heritage Circle, Chaska, MN, 55318, United States
Cristo Obrero is looking for donations and volunteers for their biggest event of the year, their Back to School Party. It will be held on Thursday, August 28, at 6:00 p.m. at Heritage Park (56 Heritage Circle) in Brandondale Estates Mobile Home Parks in Chaska. Big Bell Ice Cream will be there with their truck of delicious frozen treats. Ice cream is free! They will also be giving out free backpacks and school supplies.
They are also in need of many more backpacks and school supplies. Around 200 children and youth are expected to attend. If you are interested in supporting Cristo Obrero and immigrants during this difficult time, this is an easy and tangible way to help families. Needed supplies include: Backpacks, Spiral Notebooks, Scissors, Glue Sticks, Pencils, Markers, Colored Pencils, Crayons
How can you help?

Supplies can be dropped off at Cross of Peace (1506 Wood Duck Trail, Shakopee, 55379).
You can order supplies from Amazon and have them delivered to Cross of Peace.
Contact Pastor Stephanie to pick up supplies from your home or church after August 18.
Right now Menards has fun character backpacks (like Spiderman) on sale for $5. These are a favorite for kindergarteners.
Teenagers love Converse backpacks. They are often on sale at the outlet mall in Eagan.
Cash donations to go towards supplies and/or the ice cream truck can be given through Venmo @Cristo-Obrero
Volunteer with Cristo Obrero on August 28th!

More information >

RECLAIM: Young Adult Cohort
2025-09-04 - 2025-09-07 | Hilton Riverside, New Orleans, 2 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA, United States
RECLAIM is a carefully curated gathering for the African Descent community of all ages and gender identities. Brought to us by African Descent Ministries, this event is a place where our siblings in the pulpits, pews, and out at brunch can be seen and celebrated for who they are.
If you’re a young adult (18-35), join our young adult cohort for a shared experience that explores where you are and where you want to be in the church.
For scholarship information regarding young adult participants, contact Mae Helen Jackson.
Learn more and register >
Download the event flyer >

God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday
2025-09-07 | MN
Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 7, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for the annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.”
Participating in service projects is one way to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
We are a church that is energized by lively engagement in faith and life. As we continue our tradition of service, we remember the words of Martin Luther, “Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing.” With our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name.
Check ELCA.org/DayOfService for updated resources.

Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-09-09 13:00 - 14:30 | St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN, 55447, United States

Stories from Queer Christian Outdoor Adventures with Mikah Meyer
2025-09-10 18:30 - 19:30 | First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights, 1555 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN, 55421, United States
First Lutheran Church’s “Stories from our Neighborhood” series will kick off with Mikah Meyer, the son of a Lutheran Campus Pastor and is a gay rights advocate for making parks and the great outdoors more inclusive. His new documentary Canyon Chorus, that he’ll be showing at the event, was named 1 of the Best 30 Outdoor Films of the Year.
He has been featured by The TODAY Show, Living Lutheran, NPR, the Star Tribune, and more as part of his world record journey to all of America’s 400+ National Park Service sites and his Run Across Minnesota!
Come hear Mikah’s story, learn about how we can all work together to make sure LGBTQ+ people can enjoy church, the outdoors and our parks, and discover Mikah’s “Outside Safe Space” program! We will show the documentary, hear Mikah share his story, and have time for questions.
More information >

Peace of the Prairie: Retreat for Church Musicians
2025-09-11 - 2025-09-13 | Shalom Hill Farm, 42194 County Road 3, Windom, MN, United States
Church musicians are invited to experience the peace of the prairie at Shalom Hill Farm in rural Windom, Minnesota. This retreat is designed to offer a time of renewal for church musicians as a new year of programming begins. The retreat will include worship, discussion, resource sharing and fellowship, as well as opportunities to enjoy the walking prayer trails, prayer labyrinth, and the peace of the prairie landscape of Shalom Hill Farm.
Musicians will be introduced to Shalom Hill Farm’s newly commissioned liturgical resources including, Peace of the Prairie: A Liturgy for Here and Now and Shalom Daily Prayers: Morning, Midday, Evening.
The retreat will be lead by Carol Meier, Composer and Liturgical Musician
Cost is is $300 per participant staying at SHF ($200 for participants commuting and not staying at Shalom Hill Farm) and includes program, lodging, and meals.
Please contact Shalom Hill Farm (507-831-2232) for more information and to register.
For additional information, contact Carol Meier at carolmeiermusic@gmail.com or carolmeiermusic.com

Bright Stars of Bethlehem Annual Gala
2025-09-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Edina Community Lutheran Church, 4113 West 54th Street , Edina, MN, 55424, United States
The Minneapolis Area Synod community can help support change for our Palestinian siblings by joining Bright Stars of Bethlehem for the Hope Abounds 6th Annual Virtual Fundraising Gala on Saturday, September 13. Attendees will be taken on a virtual trip to Palestine by sharing student stories, hearing from featured guest Rick Steves, and getting updates from the University President, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb.
Watch Parties across the country are engaging congregations and friends as we strive to raise awareness and support for Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. Although the Gaza campus was destroyed early in the war, students there and in Bethlehem are pursuing their education despite unimaginable challenges.
The Watch Party taking place in the Minneapolis Area Synod is at Edina Community Lutheran Church, 4113 W. 54th Street, Edina, and is hosted by the Bright Stars of Bethlehem – Minnesota team.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for Palestinian appetizers, a short film by a DAK student, and conversation.
The virtual gala will take place 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
RSVP to Kathy Showalter Fiscus at kshowalter@planscapepartners.com or 612-599-4593 by Wednesday, Sept. 10.
See the event flyer >

Individuals can also participate in the virtual Gala from home by registering with Bright Stars online at brightstarsbethlehem.org/gala.

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course
2025-09-14 | Online
This virtual Foundations Course prepares RNs to become Faith Community Nurses (Parish Nurses). The course is ANCC approved for 37.5 Contact Hours for RNs in all 50 states and prepares RNs to focus on whole-person care including spiritual care.

September 14, September 25, October 5, October 23, and November 2, 2025
More information >

Interim Ministry in After-Pastor Settings
2025-09-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
Interim pastors are sometimes called to serve as “after pastors” – meaning, following a pastor who has engaged in some sort of misconduct (financial, sexual, or other boundary violation). For the ELCA’s Interim Ministry Association’s Annual Fall Education Webinar, Kendra Stea will lead a conversation about the salient issues in such situations.

More Information

Health Promoter Training for Congregations
2025-09-16 17:30 - 2025-11-11 20:30 | Online
This new HEALTH PROMOTER course is designed for volunteer laypersons or church staff who wish to begin and lead health efforts to encourage physical, emotional and spiritual wellness among faith community members. Promoting health in your church strengthens relationships, service and congregational care.
Health Promoters work with your church’s leaders to identify and respond to health-related needs by planning health education events and providing support for those struggling with health issues. Check out this website for more information on the series of virtual classes that begin September, 2025. https://www.fcnntc.org/become-a-health-promoter/
Tuesdays at 5:30 – 8:30 pm
September 16, 30, October 14, 29, and November 11
Download the flyer >

Synod Senior Band
2025-09-18 11:00 - 12:30 | St. John’s Lutheran Church of Mound, 2451 Fairview Ln, Mound, MN, United States
The Synod Senior is a community band made up of seniors playing for seniors. We welcome players of any band instrument to join us for camaraderie and making great music. The 2025 theme is “The Promise of Living.” Enjoy one of their concerts throughout the year!

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
More information >

Luther Seminary Virtual Open House
2025-09-22 17:00 - 18:00 | 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.
More information >

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.
