Thoughts on Nature and the Environment from a Naturalist Writer’s Lens
2023-03-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | All Saints Lutheran Church, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, 55345
Thoughts on Nature and the Environment from a Naturalist Writer’s Lens
As part of its Inspired Life Speaker Series at All Saints Lutheran Church in Minnetonka, Susan Leaf will offer reflections from the point of view of a naturalist writer. Leaf is author of Portage: A Family, a Canoe, and the Search for the Good Life and A Love Affair with Birds: The Life of Thomas Sadler Roberts.
Tuesday, March 14; 7:00 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka
Free and open to the public

Growing Through Grief
2023-03-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center
Growing Through Grief
Experientially focused, this retreat will include options for processing grief through music, art, movement, prayer, meditation, and time in nature. In addition, participants can meet briefly with a counselor, spiritual director, or pastor for support and consultation throughout the day.
Saturday, March 25
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center
7984 257th Street West, Farmington
Contact: Jeremy Bork at jbork@mocrc.org

Addiction and Women
2023-03-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Addiction and Women
This is a free one-hour webinar presented by The Center of Addiction & Faith. When it comes to addiction & treatment, women often face a unique set of challenges, a history of trauma, and barriers to effective treatment.
Caroline Beidler — author, recovery advocate, and founder of “Bright Story Shine” — will share her personal journey and lessons she’s learned along the way in creating space for women in recovery, and will share important principles when developing outreach and programming to support women. Caroline joins Pr. Ed Treat and Tim McMahan King for this webinar and the follow-up discussion.
The presentation is on Zoom; participants must register for the event. The link to register for webinar is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Q30q-swRH2OLFpNS1cwWQ?fbclid=IwAR1-LRryXtgh55eLuzSgytcHQEAHcJJwy4m7iG64hPpcmHMn8xYwGiFJuQE
Thursday, March 30; Noon – 1:00 p.m. (with a follow-up, 30-minute discussion)
Zoom
For more information: https://addictionandfaith.com

Five Simple Steps to Stop Working on Your Day Off
2023-04-25 08:00 | webinar
Five Simple Steps to Stop Working on Your Day Off
You’re a woman in ministry writing your sermon and catching up on administrative work on your Sabbath days. Former United Lutheran Seminary professor Dr. Crystal Hall will show you exactly how to rest instead of work. Learn these five steps to stop working on your day off. You’ll create the rest that supports a life-giving ministry.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
11:00 a.m. – Noon, Central Time
Webinar
For more information: https://www.crystalhallphd.com/events

Easter Eggstravaganza
2023-04-08 10:00 - 11:30 | All Saints Lutheran Church, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, 55345
Easter Eggstravaganza
Enjoy Easter activities, including a craft, Easter I SPy, and an egg hunt that starts at 11:00 a.m. Come and meet some animal visitors from the Minnesota Zoo!
April 8; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka
Contact person: Chelsea Maher at cmaher@allsaintsmtka.org

Youth Ministry Gatherings – 2nd Tuesdays
2023-04-11 15:00 - 17:00 | Indeed Brewing Co & Taproom, 711 NE 15th Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Meet other youth ministry folks to share ideas, learn from one another, and be supported. Part-time, full-time, pastors, and volunteers welcome to join!
April 11 – Innovation and Fall Planning

Children's Ministry Gathering
2023-04-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
Children’s Ministry Gathering
Join on Zoom as children’s ministry leaders share and brainstorm what might change for the fall 2023.
Monday, April 17; 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85076129637?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 850 7612 9637
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Contact person: Julie Vagle at Juliev@trinitylonglake.org

Moonlight Madness Grades 6-9 "Lock-Out"
2023-04-21 21:30 - 2023-04-22 07:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Moonlight Madness Grades 6-9 “Lock-Out”
Christ Lutheran Church, Lake Elmo, is excited to bring Moonlight Madness for the 30th year! Grades 6-9 (250-300 total students and adults) share a “traveling” overnight event! Youth leaders need to provide their group transportation for the entire night.
F: $ee43 per person including adult leaders; this covers all fees except extra snacks. The following activities are being offered at this spring event:
1.) Youth Rally led by well-known artist Rachel Kurtz (music/speaker) at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in South Minneapolis (singing, dancing, faith sharing, humor)
2.) Swimming, gym, and ice skating at The Chaska Community Center in Chaska
3.) Movies (choice of 3-4 movies) in Lakeville
4.) Bowling, Lasor Tag, and Arcade at Bowlero in Lakeville
Contact Pr. Dave at revw2@msn.com or (612) 599-6911 for more information and to find out if there is a group near you with extra spots on their bus!
cell: 612-599-6911
revw2@msn.com

Addiction and Developing Nations with Andy Partington
2023-04-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
Addiction and Developing Nations with Andy Partington
A one-hour free webinar titled “Addiction and Developing Nations” with guest Andy Partington will be presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith on April 27 from 11:00 a.m. – Noon, Central Time, with a follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion. Andy Partington leads the work of Novō Communities and Novō Adventures. Novō Communities’ vision is to bring new life to individuals, peace to families, and hope to communities gripped by addiction by empowering local teams in developing nations to create transformational communities that offer healing, wholeness, and hope.
Co-hosts of webinar: Rev. Dr. Ed Treat and Timothy McMahan King.
Thursday, April 27, 2023
11:00 a.m. – Noon, Central Time, with follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion
Zoom
For more information: https://addictionandfaith.com
Contact person: Louise Olson at glolro@comcast.net

ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants application webinar
2023-05-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants application webinar
The ELCA World Hunger program recently announced the application process for 2024 Domestic Hunger Grants. While more information will follow (so watch this space next week), it was announced that a webinar explaining changes in the process will be offered Wednesday, May 3, at 2:00 p.m., Central time.
ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants are awarded to ELCA congregations or organizations, or to other nonprofits with significant connections to ELCA congrgations. These are three-year grants up to $10,000 per year. In 2023, 53 groups across the 65 synods were awarded Domestic Hunger Grants. No applicants for the Minneapolis Area Synod received grants for the 2023 award year.
Wednesday, May 3
2:00 p.m., Central time
Zoom
To register: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwudemgqzgvG9Rxzo5BVxOl3n8NlqVQXtzy.#/registration
If your congregation is interested in applying for, or supporting an application for, a Domestic Hunger Grant, it would be good to attend the May 3 webinar. If you have further questions, contact Bob Hulteen after May 3, and include “Domestic Hunger Grant” in the subject line.

Children's Ministry Gathering
2023-05-08 12:30 - 14:00 | St. Stephen Lutheran, Bloomington, 8400 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
Children’s Ministry Gathering
Children’s ministry staff and key volunteers from both Twin Cities synods are invited to gather on Zoom to discuss ideas for summer activities with children. The hosts will be Julie Vagle (Trinity Lutheran, Long Lake), and Rachelle Gill (Easter Lutheran, Eagan). We will be talking about fall and what you might change or new ideas.
Monday, May 8; 12:30 p.m. for lunch and 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for meeting
St. Stephen Lutheran, Bloomington
Join for lunch at 12:30 p.m., if you are able and bring your own bag lunch or come at 1:00 p.m. for the conversation.
Contact: Julie Vagle at Juliev@trinitylonglake.org

What Every Nurse Needs to Know About Spiritual Care
2023-05-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
What Every Nurse Needs to Know About Spiritual Care
This workshop, sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association provides information on assessing spiritual needs, spiritual care barriers and interventions. The presenter is Sondra Weinzierl, MA BAN Faith Community Nurse.
Thursday, May 11
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Zoom
For more information: https://lutheranfcna.org/event-5243488

Festival of Homiletics 2023
2023-05-15 17:00 - 2023-05-18 17:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Join us this year for the 2023 Festival of Homiletics in Minneapolis: “Preaching Hope for a Weary World”
“Preaching Hope for a Weary World” is the Festival’s response to the hardships and heaviness that have been our reality the last few years. In these wearying days, what is our call to preach?
Hope.
The Festival of Homiletics 2023 will inspire us to a renewed sense of our radical calling. Our weary world needs us, preachers.
Come renew, refresh, and recharge your spirit!
Details and registration >

Building for Today; Building for the Future
2023-05-16 11:30 - 13:00 | Quincy Hall, 1325 Qunicy Street NE, Minneapolis, United States
Building for Today; Building for the Future

Join Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) on Tuesday, May 16 as it celebrates and supports the work of LSS Youth Services. This year’s event – Building for today. Building for the future. – will highlight the ways that LSS is meeting the immediate and long-term needs of its young neighbors through services that provide safety, stability and hope.
Tuesday, May 16: 11:30 a.m.
Quincy Hall, 1325 Quincy Street NE, Minneapolis
To register: lssmn.org/metroyouth23 or (651) 432-4731

Holding onto hope
2023-05-16 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN, 55447, United States
Holding onto hope
The Faith and Life Lecture Series of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran, Plymouth, will host The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on May 16. Curry will address “Holding onto Hope.”
Tuesday, May 16; 7:00 p.m.
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran, Plymouth
In person and online
Presiding Bishop Curry is Primate of the The Episcopal Church. He was elected to a nine-year term and installed in November 2015. He has written five books and numerous articles. In 2018, Religion News Association named Presiding Bishop Curry religion newsmaker of the year.
For more information: https://faith-and-life.org/

Convergencia/Convergence
2023-06-04 12:30 - 14:00 | St. Paul’s San Pablo Lutheran Church, 2742 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Convergencia/Convergence
Join the members of St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church for a community celebration and the big reveal of their exterior installation of community portraits from the series on “belonging” by photojournalist John Noltner. Over the past six months, congregants have been gathering portraits from members of our community and neighbors while asking: “Tell me about a time you felt a sense of belonging?” They have compiled 54 portraits and 13 will become 12-foot-high banners that will be installed on the exterior of the building facing 28th Street.
Sunday, June 4; 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church
There will be free pizza and s’mores from Northern Fires, live music by Alma Andina, and more! The members at St. Paul’s-San Pablo look forward to celebrating with you and others!

Weekly Community Cookouts
2023-06-07 18:00 - 2023-08-02 20:00 | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Weekly Community Cookouts
Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Redeemer Center for Life will once again be hosting weekly community cookouts on Wednesdays from June 7 to August 2. In addition to food cooked on the spot, different community engagement opportunities will be available each week.
Wednesdays, June 7 – August 2
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Redeemer Center for Life
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis
If you want to volunteer or sponsor, contact Pastor Jen Collins or Leon Dixon, executive director of RCFL.
Also, save the date for the Redeemer Block Party on Saturday, August 12, from Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Partners for these opportunities include Christ the King Lutheran, Bloomington; Youth Farm; Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina; Health Commons Fairview Health; Westwood Lutheran, St. Louis Park; Sovereign Starts Seeding Co.; and Faith Lutheran Church, Waconia.

Cherish All Children Hybrid 5K
2023-06-09 08:00 - 2023-06-11 17:00 | Anywhere
Cherish All Children Hybrid 5K
Join this fun event to support Cherish All Children’s mission to prevent child sexual exploitation. Walk or run at a time and location that works for you, or meet up with church and community partners Sunday, June 11, 11:30 a.m., at Victory Memorial Parkway (4499 Victory Memorial Drive, Minneapolis).
When?
Friday- Sunday, June 9-11
Where?
Location of your choice, or Victory Memorial Parkway
Contact: Joy McElroy at joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren.org
More information: https://www.lssmn.org/services/youth/education/cherish-all-children/news-events

Conversations With Friends pen pal program with undocumented persons
2023-06-10 09:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Become a Conversations With Friends (CWF) pen pal and write to people jailed by ICE in Minnesota
When you befriend one person, that person’s life will be changed. And so will yours. The CWF’s next training, in English, is for bilingual adults. To register, go to the “Events and Trainings” page of the CWF website.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
More information: http://www.conversationswithfriendsMN.org
Contact person: Steve Kraemer at CWFconversationswithfriends@gmail.com

Minneapolis Synod Senior Band concert
2023-06-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Minneapolis Synod Senior Band concert
The Minneapolis Synod Senior Band will be performing a concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church TC.
Open to the public. Come join this fun evening of music!
Thursday, June 15; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church–Twin Cities
4100 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
For more information: https://bethlehem-church.org

Western States Youth Gathering
2023-07-04 - 2023-07-06 | California Lutheran University, 60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks, California, 91360
Coming to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA from July 4-9, 2023, the Western States Youth Gathering is open to high school aged youth in Regions 1-4 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). WSYG will also include the Western States Multicultural Youth Leadership Pre-Event (WYLE), happening July 4-6, with WSYG happening July 6-9.
WSYG and WYLE will gather around the theme, “Revive, Reunite, Rejoice”, grounded in Acts 2:1 “When the day [of WSYG] came, they were all together in one place.”
Learn more about the event and register your group here: https://www.wsyg.com/
Stay up to date by following our social media accounts!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westernstatesyg23/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsyg23
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wsyg23

Any questions can be directed to info@wsyg.com.

South Sudan Mission Centennial Celebration
2023-07-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
The Hundredth Birthday of Two Global Churches will be held July 8-9 in the Twin Cities. The Sudan Mission that gave birth to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic set foot in Douala in 1923, and a half million Lutherans, there and here, are going to celebrate. You are invited to gather at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, and we worship at Central Lutheran in Minneapolis at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 9. Bishop of
Jean Baïguele of Cameroon will be among the speakers on Saturday, and Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the United States will be preaching on Sunday. Registration is closing, but walk-ins are welcome. Come join in this celebration.
Saturday, July 8; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Luther Seminary
Sunday, July 9: 10:30 a.m.
Central Lutheran Church

Spirit of Water: A Celebration with Mississippi River
2023-07-15 09:00 - 20:00 | United Theological Seminary
Spirit of Water: A Celebration with Mississippi River
Join The Leadership Center for Social Justice and partners on July 15, 2023, for a celebration with Mississippi River! Come gather to connect, learn, pray, engage, play, celebrate, and honor the spirit of water. This event is co-presented with our partners: Resilient Indigenous Sisters Engaging (R.I.S.E. Coalition), Rights of Mississippi River, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and Friends of the Mississippi River.
Arrive in the morning at United Campus for education about the importance of water, threats to water, and ways in which we can work to protect water. Then join others at Hidden Falls in the afternoon where there will be a community celebration with speakers, music, information booths, food, art, and play areas for children.
Saturday, July 15; 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
United Theological Seminary and Hidden Falls
More information: https://content.unitedseminary.edu/spirit-of-water-lcsj
Contact: Stella Pearce at spearce@unitedseminary.edu

Rostered Ministers Gathering
2023-07-17 - 2023-07-20 | MN
Mark your calendars for the ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering on July 17-20 in Phoenix. Each day of the gathering will begin in worship as we center ourselves around our theme, “Rekindle the Gift Within You.” The days will begin with Bible studies and keynote speakers. The afternoon hours will offer a variety of individual options from activity in the Interaction Center to workshops and caucus times.
More information >
Register now >

The Naming Project Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth
2023-07-23 08:00 - 2023-07-28 17:00 | Bay Lake Camp, Deerwood, MN
The Naming Project 2023 Summer Camp for LGBTQ youth
The Naming Project Summer Camp is for 13-18 year-olds or those who have completed 7th-12th grades who are of any sexual orientation or gender identity or expression who are interested in discussing and understanding sexuality and gender in terms of their own spiritual journey and are excited to spend time with other teen campers and staff while canoeing, swimming, hiking, singing, and doing arts and crafts.
July 23 – 28, 2023
Bay Lake Camp, Deerwood, Minnesota
Full information and registration is at www.thenamingproject.org/summer-camp

Addiction and BIPOC Mental Health webinar
2023-07-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Addiction and BIPOC Mental Health webinar
A one-hour free webinar online hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith (CAF) w/ a 30 -minute follow-up Zoom discussion. The U.S is facing a mental health crisis. BIPOC communities have been disproportionately affected and have faced greater challenges in accessing care. Dr. Alapeju Simoyan and CAF board member Michele Butler will discuss those topics and provide insight into the unique challenges faced by minority communities, and we will learn more about how people of faith can be part of healing the whole person and approaches into their work and ministry. The link to register for the webinar is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hs7OEtyDTvS7k8IUjswpPQ#/registration
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., followed by a 30-minute Zoom discussion
Zoom
July is National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month.
More information: http://addictionandfaith.com

Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters
2023-08-01 18:30 - 19:45 | Zoom
Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters
The Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community in conjunction with the Nourishing Vocation Project at St. Olaf College is sponsoring a community education course on “Living Faith Out Loud: Why Resurrection Still Matters,” led by Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen, host of the Spent Dandelion Theological Retreat Center, situated along the North Shore in Two Harbors, Minnesota. She is also the creator of OMG: Center for Theological Conversation. This three-session course will explore key terms, history, and future vision for how the good news allows Christians to live faith out loud.
Tuesdays, August 1, 8, and 15
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Zoom
For more information or to register: https://wp.stolaf.edu/lutherancenter/summer-education/
Contact person: Sabrina Bakken at bakken6@stolaf.edu

RibFest in New Prague
2023-08-04 16:00 - 20:00 | Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Prague, 1300 East Main Street, New Prague, MN, 56071, United States
RibFest
RibFest supports ministries of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in a family-friendly community event! Kid’s area, live music, food and beverages for purchase, and a silent auction.
Friday, August 4, 2023
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
1300 East Main Street, New Prague, Minnesota
For more information: http://holytrinityonline.org

Redeemer Block Party
2023-08-12 12:00 - 18:00 | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Redeemer Block Party
Come celebrate and meet neighbors at the annual Redeemer Block Party. There will be food, live entertainment, and a kid zone.
Saturday, August 12; Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis
If you want to volunteer or sponsor, contact Pastor Jen Collins; Leon Dixon, executive director of RCFL; or Traiveon Dunlap, director of programming.
Partners for these opportunities include Christ the King Lutheran, Bloomington; Youth Farm; Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina; Health Commons Fairview Health; Westwood Lutheran, St. Louis Park; Sovereign Starts Seeding Co.; and Faith Lutheran Church, Waconia.

Documentation and Legal Aspects of Faith Community Nurse Practice
2023-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Documentation and Legal Aspects of Faith Community Nurse Practice
Presenter: Denise Viker, RN BSN. This workshop will provide information on documentation for Faith Community Nursing and Health Leaders and information regarding Legal Aspects of Practice for Health and Wellness programs. The event is sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Virtual
For more information: https://lutheranfcna.org/event-5350419
Contact person: Carol DeSchepper at lutheranfcna@gmail.com
