Adult Mental Health First Aid Training
2025-08-16 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

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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.

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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
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!

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.
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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!

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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
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.
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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
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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.

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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.

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

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.
More information >
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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