Mpls Area Synod ELCA

MAS Retired Rostered Leaders Gathering
2025-10-23 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | MN
Retired Rostered Leaders of the Minneapolis Area Synod are invited you to gather the afternoon of Thursday, October 23, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
More details and RSVP coming soon.

United Theological Seminary "United Days"
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-24 | MN
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.

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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.

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.

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!

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!

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Monthly Youth Ministry Gathering – October
2025-10-14 15:00 - 17:00 | MN
October Youth Ministry Gathering
Summer Plans: Trips and VBS
Location TBD

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!

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.

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Grose Lecture: The Role of Religion and Faith in LGBTQIA+ Culture and Community
2025-10-10 08:00 - 17:00 | MN
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

Stories The Land Holds Series: Earth and Story
2025-10-09 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?

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LCM Fall Gathering + Fundraiser
2025-10-09 17:00 - 19:00 | The Campus Club on the U of M Campus, 403 Coffman Memorial Union, 300 WAshington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN, United States
5:00 p.m. Cocktails and Appetizers (cash bar)
6:00 p.m. Program
6:30 p.m. Jam Session and Singing around the fire (bring your instruments!)
Tickets: $35

Join Lutheran Campus Ministry-Twin Cities for a fun, in-person gathering at the beautiful Campus Club Terrace overlooking the campus. Attendees will gather around hearty appetizers, a cash bar, good music, inspirational stories from students and alumni, and a chance to raise some money for the transformational work happening at Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities! Weather permitting, the event will take place both outdoors on the terrace and inside the lounge.
You are invited to become a LCM Maroon or Gold Event Host! Bring your friends and/or family to celebrate and share the good news about this vibrant young adult ministry.

$300 LCM Maroon Event Host – entitles you and four friends (5 total) to receive appetizers and one free drink or a God Loves Everyone, No Exceptions mug.
$600 LCM Gold Event Host – entitles you and nine friends (10 total) to receive appetizers and one free drink or a God Loves Everyone, No Exceptions mug.

More information >

Learn Together Over Lunch Series: Digital Ministry
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
For better and worse, the digital space is not going anywhere. In fact, it’s only growing more complex and ubiquitous. What does this mean for churches and faith communities? How might we think critically and theologically about ministry in the digital space, and what does it mean for how we are church together?
Pastor Natalia Terfa will lead this online conversation. Pastor Natalia is an interim pastor at Edina Community Lutheran, a consultant with Church Anew, and Cafeteria Christian podcaster.
Join us live for the one-hour Zoom call or watch the recording later.
Register to receive the Zoom link >

No One Recovers Alone: Strengthening Family Engagement
2025-10-09 11:30 - 14:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Many adults with serious mental illnesses experience loneliness. This class shares the impacts of loneliness and strategies for engaging others. Lunch is provided.
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Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-10-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States

Welcome (Back) Event
2025-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN, United States
The Twin Cities CYF ELCA Team invites all people who serve in CYF ministries to the annual Welcome (Back) Event. Leaders will gather together to celebrate the coming year and share ideas, resources, and excitement!
Register >

Safeguarding our Communities from White Christian Nationalism with Angela Denker
2025-10-08 18:30 - 19:30 | First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights, 1555 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN, 55421, United States
There has been a disturbing rise in white Christian nationalist groups in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis. Including a recent flyer sent to Columbia Heights residents that was enlisting people to join a white supremacist group. In response to these racist groups, “Stories from our Neighborhood” will be hosting a storytelling night around safeguarding communities from white Christian nationalist groups like the KKK and the Proud Boys.
Rev. Angela Denker is an award-winning author, ELCA Lutheran pastor, and veteran journalist who has a column in the Minnesota Star Tribune. Her second book is Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood. Pastor Angela lives with her husband, Ben, and two sons in Minneapolis, where she is a sought-after speaker on Christian Nationalism and its theological and cultural roots. You can read more from Angela on her Substack: https://angeladenker.substack.com.
Join First Lutheran, Columbia Heights to learn what we can do as individuals, groups, and neighbors to keep our cities safe and welcoming for everyone.
More information >

Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association Education Event
2025-10-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Hope in Practice: Applying Solution-Focused Communication
Techniques in Response to Crisis
Presented by Laura Aagaard, MA, MS
Course Description: As a faith community nurse, or other professional in ministry, you are on the front lines of mental health and substance use care. It is possible that you engage with people and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. This interactive session introduces attendees to the Solution Focused model, an evidence-informed, strengths-based approach that emphasizes hope, possibility, and patient resources over pathology, diagnosis and problems.
Rather than focusing on what’s wrong, this model guides faith community professionals in helping people move toward hope, and what is possible. Participants will learn and practice strategies such as the miracle question, scaling techniques, and exception finding, all tailored for use in time-limited, high-stress community environments.
Register >

Blessing of the Animals
2025-10-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Central Park Pavilion, 3503 Silver Lake Rd, St. Anthony, MN, United States
Bring your animal friends for a drop-in blessing celebration with treats for all creatures! Free-will offering for Linus’ Pet Haven, pet-friendly shelter for violence survivors.

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Installation of the Presiding Bishop
2025-10-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
The installation of the next presiding bishop, Rev. Yehiel Curry, is open to the public, and tickets are not required. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Central time, and worship begins at 2:00 p.m.
A public reception to greet the new presiding bishop will be held at Central Lutheran following the installation.
Complimentary parking will be available on October 4, at the Central Lutheran parking facility. Visit Directions & Parking – Central Lutheran Church to find directions to the church and information on parking.
The Hilton Minneapolis is offering a limited number of hotel rooms for September 30–October 6 at a discounted rate of $175 per night. Visit BP Hilton hotel self-pay to make your reservation; the discounted rate will be available through Sept. 4 or until the room block is full, whichever comes first. Room availability may be limited due to the Twin Cities Marathon, taking place the following day.
A live video stream of the installation will be available for those unable to attend.

Connect with LSTC President Shauna Hannan
2025-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 | MN
You are invited to two special gatherings in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area with LSTC’s new president, Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan. These events are excellent opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni and friends, hear an inspiring vision for LSTC’s future, and celebrate the mission we share.
October 1 – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch at Gloria Dei Lutheran, St. Paul
Register >
October 2 – 7:00 p.m.
Raise a glass with President Shauna Hannan and the LSTC team for an evening of craft brews, great conversations, and community connection at Pryes Brewing Company! Join LSTC at this local Minneapolis hotspot (1401 West River Rd N) for drinks, laughs, and the chance to connect with fellow alums in a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Register >

Visit with Archbishop Musa Filibus
2025-10-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, 5011 S 31st Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, United States
Archbishop Musa Panti Filibus, from the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (one of our Global Companion Synods) is visiting Minnesota in September and October! His visit coincides with the Bishop’s Theological Conference, The Conference of Bishops meeting, and the installation of Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry. The LCCN and Minneapolis area congregations, organizations, and the Synod have been companions in shared work and relationship in various iterations for over a century. To “companion” means to show up, to listen, to show compassion, to advocate, and to accompany. The Synod invites you, with other MAS congregations, to partner with Archbishop Musa Filibus and the LCCN. On Thursday, October 2, Archbishop Musa will be at Lake Nokomis Lutheran in Minneapolis, to bring updates about the LCCN and the Lutheran University in Nigeria, discuss current joys and challenges, and answer questions.
Register >

Synod Senior Band Concert
2025-10-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove, 7401 County Rd 101, Maple Grove, MN, 55311, United States

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.
More information >

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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Indian Boarding Schools Day of Remembrance
2025-09-30 | MN
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.

"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 >

Bishop's Theological Conference
2025-09-28 - 2025-09-30 | Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria, MN, 56308, United States
2025 Bishop’s Theological Conference
“Baptism in Muddy Waters”
September 28 – 30, 2025
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Alexandria

Life has a way of stirring up the waters around us, doesn’t it? Endings and beginnings, joy and grief, fear and trust swirl together like silt in a river. In those murky, sacred places, God meets us. The Holy Spirit does some of her most beautiful work: washing away what weighs us down, breathing new life into our being, boldly drawing us into an estuary– a font of muddy, transformative material where what no longer serves us is submerged and new life emerges.

Drawing from Lutheran Theology and Scripture, we will discover a refreshing opportunity to reclaim our Belovedness as a source of courage and renewal. We will engage in vital conversations that will deepen our spiritual leadership and inspire new ideas for navigating today’s complex ministry challenges. Come as you are—tired, hopeful, questioning, faithful. Come eager to be renewed, emboldened with greater clarity about how our baptismal calling empowers truly transformational ministries and speaks life directly into our fractured world. Come ready to be surprised by grace and sent out with a heart full of possibility.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

*Registration for Bishop’s Theological Conference is now closed, and final rooming lists have been sent to Arrowwood. New registrants can no longer be added. If you need to cancel or have a questions about your registration, contact Jeni Huff. Please note, because final lists have been sent to Arrowwood, we cannot offer full refunds on cancellations. Thank you for your understanding.

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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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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 >
