Stories The Land Holds Series: Culture and Recovery
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | 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 >

Film Screening: Indian Horse
2025-11-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Honor Native American Heritage at Mia with this special screening of Indian Horse (2017). Based on the novel by Ojibwe author Richard Wagamese, this film follows the life of Saul Indian Horse, a Canadian First Nations boy who survives Canada’s residential school system through his gift as a hockey player.
Get tickets >
This film is not rated; run time is 1 hour, 41 minutes.
Note: This film contains content that some may find distressing related to the Canadian residential school system, including depictions of abuse, addiction, and racism.

Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) Gathering
2025-11-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Minnesota Church Center, 122 W Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Since 1990, leaders from the Minneapolis Area Synod have visited Nigeria and maintained a companion synod relationship. Individuals and communities who have a history of partnership with the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) and those who are interested in starting a new partnership are invited to gather and connect.

When we’re together, we will share information and updates about the Lutheran University that is being built and discuss what is means to be a companion synods.

Rethinking Addiction: A Faith Leader's Guide
2025-11-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
A free one-hour webinar titled “Rethinking Addiction: A Faith Leader’s Guide” featuring Rachel Bowling, Director of SAFE Communities at SAFE Project, a national nonprofit working to end the addiction epidemic, and hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Faith leaders are often called upon to support individuals and families navigating the complexities of substance use, addiction and recovery. This session invites participants to help examine how we understand and respond to substance use and share insights from professionals and recovery advocates.

Register >

Digital Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
2025-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join historian, theologian and licensed tour guide Mary Danho for four digital sessions that send your spirit traveling to the Holy Land.

Mary Danho grew up in Jerusalem just blocks from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, listening in on tours long before she was leading them herself. There are fewer tourists and travelers coming to visit these days, but Mary knows there are many who long to make connections between their faith and the very real places she calls home.
Mary is offering a digital Advent series for long distance pilgrims, including some who have traveled with her in the past or hope to join her tours in the future. She is relatively new to teaching online, so this will be a new adventure.
Register as an individual or as a congregation/organization. You’re bound to learn something new about scripture, sacred land and yourself during a season we claim to be too busy for a holy, midday pause like this one.

Monday, December 1 HOPE
Sea of Galilee: The setting of so many miraclces and stories in Jesus ministry.
Monday, December 8 PEACE
Nazareth: The Annunciation – A girl who belonged to herself said yes.
Monday, December 15 JOY
Ein Kerem: The Visitation – Mary & Elizabeth, John the Baptist, too.
Monday, December 22 LOVE
The Shepherds’ Fields: Jesus’ birth is announced to the shepherds.

More information >
Note: EventBrite requires that we list four ticketed dates, but you’re really just buying one ticket and getting one ticket and one reoccurring Zoom link. We’re sorry for the ways it looks confusing. Contact a host if you need help!
Hosted by: Jenny Sung, Natalia Terfa and Meta Herrick Carlson

Webinar: Rebuilding Hope - What's Next for Welcome
2025-12-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
As 2025 draws to a close, Global Refuge reflects on the many ways the work of welcome has been tested—and our conviction to come back better than ever in 2026. This webinar will cover the current state of immigration policy, our programming, and how you can help us meet critical needs and spread hope in the final month of the year.
Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), has been welcoming newcomers since 1939 through advocacy, care and empowerment.

Augsburg University Advent Vespers
2025-12-05 - 2025-12-06 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
For more than four decades, Augsburg University has ushered in the Advent and Christmas seasons with Advent Vespers, a magnificent experience of music and liturgy focusing on the theme of preparation and culminating in the joyful celebration of the Incarnation. You are invited to join on December 6 – 7 at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, for the 46th annual Advent Vespers: “Guide Our Feet Into the Way of Peace.” In times like these, God sends prophets to point us in a new direction, to remind us of God’s loving intentions for the world. While peaceful times may feel far off, we join the defiant song of Zechariah that points towards a future day when the fullness of God’s shalom dawns once again in our lives. Reserve tickets now at augsburg.edu/advent-vespers.
Friday, December 5, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6, 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m

Alternative Gift Market at Christ Memorial
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-07 | Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, Plymouth, MN, United States
Select from 25+ local and international charities as alternative gifts for friends and family. Fair trade items also available for purchase.

Advent Concert & Cookie Exchange
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:30 | St. James Lutheran, Crystal, 6700 46th Place North , Crystal, MN, United States
Join some amazing musicians for an afternoon of Advent music at St. James. There will be a free will offering taken for Agate Housing & Services. There will also be a cookie exchange following the event; bring cookies, eat some, and take a few home!

Silent Retreat Week
2025-12-08 - 2025-12-12 | Mt. Olivet Retreat Center, 7984 257th St W, Farmington, MN, United States
Between the busyness of Thanksgiving and Christmas, give yourself the gift of stillness. Rest in a comfortable hotel-style room, enjoy nutritious meals prepared by our professional chefs, and restore your spirit with access to peaceful amenities—indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, cozy lounges, miles of trails, fire pits, a meditation room, and more.
More information >

Children & Youth Ministry Monthly Gathering - December
2025-12-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Tamarack Taproom, 8418 Tamarack Village, Woodbury, MN, 55125, United States
December Youth Ministry Gathering
Social Time

Faith & Life Conversation: Antisemitism
2025-12-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, 5011 S 31st Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, United States
Faith and Life Conversation
Patrick LaCombe, Steve Hunegs, and Joel Quie strive to address the issue called, “The Longest Hatred”.
Before a business career, Patrick spent 14 years at the State Department supporting the transition from Communism to democracy and free markets in Central and East Europe. He served the State Department in Poland in the 90’s and is dedicated to the study of Holocaust history.
Steve Hunegs has been the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota & the Dakotas since 2006. During this time Steve and his colleagues have been recognized for their work by the United States Attorney for Minnesota; the FBI; International Leadership Institute; Israel Bonds; among others.
Joel Quie is an ordained pastor of the ELCA. Prior to retiring in 2021, he served for 35 years in three states. During his tenure in three congregations he worked tirelessly to build ecumenical bridges in his community.

December Western Suburbs CYF Network Gathering
2025-12-11 10:00 - 12:00 | 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!

CANCELLED - Learn Together Over Lunch Series: How To Write a Resolution (and do you need to?)
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Due to low registration numbers, this conversation has been cancelled. If you have questions about writing resolutions or for the Reference and Counsel Committee, reach out to Liz Farmer.
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Led by the Reference and Counsel Committee of the Minneapolis Area Synod, participants will learn how to write an effective resolution (and learn if a resolution is the best way to accomplish their goals).
Spanish and ASL interpretation will be provided. Join us live for the one-hour Zoom call or watch the recording later.
Register to receive the Zoom link >

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 >

Synod Office Closed - Christmas
2025-12-24 12:00 - 2025-12-26 17:00
The Synod Office will be closed the afternoon of December 24, and all day December 25, and 26.
If you need to reach a Synod staff member in case of emergency, call 612-230-3308.

Synod Office Closed - New Year's Eve/Day
2025-12-31 12:00 - 2026-01-01 17:00
The Synod Office will be closed the afternoon of December 31, and all day January 1.
If you need to reach a Synod staff member in case of emergency, call 612-230-3308.

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 >

Learn Together Over Lunch Series: Church Consolidations and Mergers
2026-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Led by Rev. A. John Bischoff Jr, author of the book, Church Consolidations and Mergers: Working Together for God’s Mission this workshop will conversation will focus on the benefits of churches working together and how to know if it’s the right time to start consolidation and merger conversations.
Spanish and ASL interpretation will be provided. Join us live for the one-hour Zoom call or watch the recording later.
Register to receive the Zoom link >

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.

Monthly Youth Ministry Gathering - January
2026-01-14 15:00 - 17:00
January Youth Ministry Gathering
Liturgical Seasons: Doing Them Differently
Location TBD

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
