Mpls Area Synod ELCA

December Western Suburbs CYF Network Gathering
2025-12-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Lake, 2060 County Road 6, Long Lake, MN, 55356, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network meets the second Thursday of each month to Renew, Educate, and Connect. Everyone is welcome!
This month they are talking about local service opportunities for all sizes and ages. Great start when looking forward to summer programs!

National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival
2025-12-12 16:30 - 2025-12-13 21:00 | Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
Come, Dwell with Us: A Christmas Festival Join the National Lutheran Choir under Artistic Director Jennaya Robison for Come, Dwell with Us: A Christmas Festival. This beloved festival features a new Christmas carol by acclaimed Minnesota composer Jocelyn Hagen alongside works by Mark Butler, Gwyneth Walker, and Rosephanye Powell, as well as cherished favorites like Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, Pavel Chesnokov’s Salvation Is Created and Carl Schalk’s Before the Marvel of this Night. Experience the beauty of the NLC, the NLC Children’s Ensemble, instrumental chamber ensemble, and narration by Brian Newhouse.
Dates & Location:
Friday, December 12, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 13, 1:30 p.m.* and 8:00 p.m.
Basilica of Saint Mary, 1600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
*The Saturday 1:30pm performance will be live-streamed.
Tickets at NLCA.com.
Groups of 10 or more receive discounted tickets. Call 612-722-2301 for info on group rates.

Bevies with the Bishops
2025-12-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Norseman Distillery, 451 Taft St NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Young Adults (18-35) of the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods are invited to join Bishops Patricia Lull and Jen Nagel for an “Ask Them Anything” event.

Las Posadas: A Community Pilgrimage & Peace Lantern Procession
2025-12-19 18:30 - 21:30 | San Pablo/St. Paul’s, 2742 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, United States
You and your communities are invited to claim joy with San Pablo-St. Paul’s at their annual community Posada on Friday, December 19. At 6:30 p.m., all will gather in the Sanctuary to recall the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey and their search for posada, shelter. Then attendees will walk through the neighborhood in a lantern-led Peace Procession, singing traditional carols in both English and Spanish (plus a special song they’re composing just for the posada!). Afterward, all are invited to embrace convivencia with shared food, a piñata, and live music from Alma Andina. The community Posada is free and open to all.
Download the flyer >

Center of Addiction and Faith Blue Christmas Service
2025-12-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
The holiday season arrives when the world around us is at its coldest and darkest. In these deep winter weeks, when the trees are bare and the days are short, it’s easy to feel as if the warmth and light we’re promised are out of reach.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”
A beautiful truth—yet there are moments when that light feels faint, and the shadows feel closer than ever.
This service is for anyone who isn’t feeling merry or bright right now. For anyone carrying grief, exhaustion, disappointment, or a quiet ache you can’t quite name. While the world pushes cheer, we make space for what’s real.
We gather to honor your pain, your questions, your empty places, and to gently ask—together—for comfort, for courage, and for a light that still rises even when we cannot see it.
You are not alone. Come as you are.
Register >

Unwine Your Mind - A January Reset
2025-12-31 12:00 - 13:00
Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a one-hour free webinar entitled “Unwine Your Mind – A January Reset”
December 31, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
This webinar will feature Hilary Sheinbaum, founder of GoingDry.co, a company that designs non-alcoholic events and menus, and author of The Dry Challenge, a guide for anyone attempting a dry month. She believes in joyful big living without relying on alcohol. A healthier relationship with alcohol starts with one honest month. This webinar will invite you to go fully alcohol-free for 30 days for the full reset experience, or commit to a meaningful reduction and see how you feel physically, emotionally and spiritually after one month. Hilary will bring humor, compassion, practical tools and a refreshing “no guilt necessary approach during this webinar.
Register >

Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network January Gathering
2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth, 12235 Old Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network gathers CYF leaders for quarterly gatherings around different topics.
In January, the Network will be talking about intergenerational ministry! Come with your ideas and questions.
More information >

Churches with Childcare Programs Gathering
2026-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Minneapolis Area Synod Office, 122 W Franklin Ave, #600, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Leaders in churches with childcare programs are invited to gather to connect, share, network, and learn from each other in this quarterly gathering.
Email Pastor Ashley Osborn or Pastor Joanna Mitchell with questions.

Called to One Another
2026-01-12 - 2026-01-14 | Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 5637 MN-29, Alexandira, MN, 56308, United States
A leadership summit for female-identifying and non-binary Rostered Ministers in Region 3 – ELCA.
Gather for a time of honest conversation and exploration of what makes a “quality call” experience. Our time together will be shared in scripture study, small groups, experiential learning, and the belief that “the wisdom is already in the room.”
Eight leaders will be selected from each of the 9 synods in Region 3 to participate. Application and more information coming in early September.
Funded in part by the Quality of Call Initiative for Women in Ministry of the ELCA

YAGM Info Sessions
2026-01-12 17:30 - 18:30 | Online
The Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) team are hosting two info sessions on January 12 and January 30. Young adults (ages 21 – 35) are invited to attend this session to learn more about the YAGM program and get their questions answered ahead of the application deadlines. If you are a young adult interested in learning more about YAGM, register here.
Questions? Email Brooke Helfers at brooke.helfers@elca.org.

Luther Seminary's Annual Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation
2026-01-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
This year’s Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation will explore the value of God’s creation in Job and for us all in the face of climate crises. Brown will address questions such as: What would it be like to read the story of Job by reading the ending first? How does one understand the book of Job as a whole, with creation taking center stage? And what about all those wild animals God presents for Job’s consideration?

William P. Brown is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary. His work explores justice, creation care, and hope from biblical and theological perspectives. He is author of several books, including “Sacred Tension: Embracing Dialogue and Dissonance in the Old Testament” and “Deep Calls to Deep: The Psalms in Dialogue amid Disruption.”

Learn more and register >

About the Rutlen Lecture Series
The Robert William Ruotsalainen Rutlen and Elizabeth Jane Runn Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation is a biannual lecture series designed to examine the intersection between faith and eco-justice. David Rutlen, a member of Luther Seminary’s board of directors, established the series to honor his family’s passion for environmental justice and God’s creation. Previous Rutlen lecturers include Rick Lindroth, Ellen Davis, and Randy Woodley. View past events in this series and other public lectures from Luther Seminary on YouTube.

JustMove Party for Youth
2026-01-18 14:30 - 23:30 | Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield, MN, 55423, United States
Mark your calendars! The JUSTmove Party is back at Woodlake on January 18 from 2:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Youth from all over the Twin Cities will come together for a justice themed party centered on being holy disruptors. All 6 – 9th grade youth and their friends, 10 – 12th graders are invited to participate as leaders.
Follow the link to register: https://forms.gle/XffJ2qkoKL2Pd7ou6
Want to help volunteer? Fill out the adult registration form! https://forms.gle/4ZATyQFnZpCwpWyCA

Luther College’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture
2026-01-19 | Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will offer keynote remarks at Luther College’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture on Monday, January 19, 2026, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.
The theme of the day and Curry’s talk is “Courage for the Common Good.” Supported by the Williams Endowment Fund, the day begins with Curry’s address at 10:30 a.m. Following an optional community lunch at noon for attendees, two sessions are planned for the afternoon at 1:15 p.m., a youth discussion with Curry, and a panel discussion with regional ELCA bishops for all others.
The event is open to the public, and admission to the morning program and the afternoon break-out sessions are free. Lunch tickets for adults are $10, but free for youth who are registered for the youth session.
More information >

Stories the Land Holds: Housing and Inequity
2026-01-22 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 >

Conference Assemblies: Bloomington, South Minneapolis, and Crosstown Conferences
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | St. John’s Lutheran, Minneapolis, 4842 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55419, United States
Save the date – more information to come!

ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza
2026-01-30 - 2026-02-02 | Hyatt Regency at the Arch, 315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO, 63102, United States
The Extravaganza is a four-day leadership event for ELCA congregational leaders in children’s, youth, young adult, and outdoor ministry.
Extravaganza is about faith formation. Extravaganza is about helping you in your ministry. Extravaganza is about renewal, education and connection.

Intensive Care Courses: January 29-30, 2026
The Main Event: January 30-February 2, 2026
This event runs Friday evening through Monday noon with optional pre-conference add-ons on Thursday & Friday.
The ELCA’s Youth Ministry Network invites leaders of color to participate in a pre-conference Multicultural Initiative. Learn more about the Multicultural Initiative.

Register >

YAGM Info Session
2026-01-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online

Webinar: Safety in Faith Communities
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Does your faith community have a plan to manage medical emergencies and reduce your liability?
Are your safety policies and procedures up-to-date?
Who’s responsible for first aid supplies and AED care?
Are protections in place for children, youth and the vulnerable?
This FREE Webinar on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from Noon – 1:00 p.m., will provide you with several ways you can improve safety for staff, members and visitors.
Led by an RN and faith community nurse who developed safety policies and procedures for three congregations, you’ll learn practical ways to address these important issues.
Register >

Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network February Gathering
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Advent Lutheran Church, 9475 Jefferson Hwy, Maple Grove, MN, 55369, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network gathers CYF leaders for quarterly gatherings around different topics.
In February, the Network will be talking about Parent Engagement. How do we connect with parents and faith in the home? How do we connect parents in volunteer roles? Come and let’s learn together.
More information >

Stories the Land Holds: Race and History
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:30

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course
2026-02-22 - 2026-03-22 | Online
For RNs who wish to practice as Faith Community Nurses, this course provides 36 hours of continuing education credit and prepares RNs to lead health ministries in faith communities or other communities.
15 modules include Spiritual Care, Advocacy, Prayer, Documentation, Care Coordination. Outstanding review from students!
Dates: 2/22, 2/26, 3/8, 3/12, 3/22

More information >

Joint Religious Legislative Coalition's 2026 Day on the Hill
2026-03-09 | Central Presbyterian Church, 500 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN, 55101, United States
Save the date – more information coming

A Half-day Away with Meredith Miller
2026-03-09 09:00 - 11:30 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
Join us for a Practitioners event with Meredith Miller. Author, Pastor and Parent, Meredith Miller, will engage the audience (of CYF staff, volunteers and rostered leaders) with topics from her new book (Available March 3) called Wonder: 52 Conversations to Help Kids Fall in Love with Scripture. Miller brings a conversational approach to faith formation and emphasizes the need for kids to know WHO God is, before they TRUST what God does. Her approach is not about obedience, but about a relationship with the living God. Join us for a morning of learning and fun!
Register >

Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network March Gathering
2026-03-09 09:30 - 12:00 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network gathers CYF leaders for quarterly gatherings around different topics.
NOTE: The March Gathering has a special date and time. Attendees have the privilege to meet with author Meredith Miller. Do NOT miss this special event! (Also, if you would like to stay longer, bring a lunch!)
More information >

Play Ball and Connect: A Desert Sojourn Retreat
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-13 | Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 7415 E Elbow Bend Road, Carefree, AZ, United States
Back by popular demand! This Spring Training retreat returns to Spirit in the Desert March 10-13, 2026
Join us for an inspiring Spring Training experience in Arizona, where baseball enthusiasts and faith-driven individuals unite to explore the connection between sport and spirituality. This unique retreat, led by Pastor Dave Ellingson, combines fellowship, worship, and the excitement of baseball with opportunities to attend MLB Cactus League games in the vibrant Arizona desert. Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center is a wonderful host with comfortable accommodations, delicious food, meditation trail/labyrinth, and pool/hot tub.
More information >
Contact Pastor Dave with questions.

Signs Along the Way - PLTS Discernment Weekend
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15 | Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center St Suite 200, Berkeley, CA, 94704, United States
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend
Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining PLTS visit and discernment weekend, Signs Along the Way, March 13 – 15 in Berkeley, California. This weekend is a great opportunity 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. As PLTS transitions to solely offering online study with in-person intensives, this weekend is designed for folks interested in online seminary education. 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.

Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network April Gathering
2026-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network gathers CYF leaders for quarterly gatherings around different topics.
In April, the Network will be talking about Social Justice. How is it connected with our CYF ministries, our congregation, and the community? Look forward to some great discussion!
More information >

Stories the Land Holds: Nature and Connection
2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55410, United States

2026 Synod Assembly
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-02 | Lord of Life, Ramsey, 14501 Nowthen Blvd NW, Ramsey, MN, 55303, United States
Lay and rostered leaders are invited to gather as the larger church and worship, connect, and vote.
Friday evening:

5:00 p.m. – Hearings, orientations, optional dinner
6:00 p.m. – Devotion, grounding in theme and Scripture
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Plenary 1

Saturday:

9:00 a.m. – Opening worship
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Plenaries, lunch, speakers

More information coming soon.

Stories the Land Holds: Celebration and Music
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55410, United States
