Mpls Area Synod ELCA

God Shots
2024-08-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
God Shots: Learning to find God in everyday things
There is no event, conversation, or experience that doesn’t hold the possibility for insight, for learning, or for connecting to a higher purpose or power. This webinar is an invitation to explore how to cultivate God Shots. This one-hour free webinar featuring Libbie Stella, MDiv, is hosted by the Center of Addiction and Faith.
Wednesday, August 28
Online
The link to register is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wM56cIaTRSqlx3Pq3KXyzA#/registration

God's Work, Our Hands Sunday
2024-09-08 | Your church!
On Sunday, Sept. 8, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. As you consider opportunities to participate in your community, explore resources to plan and promote your day.
This year we also celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts or food drives until World Food Day on Oct. 16.

Thriving in Ministry: Building Bridges and Crossing Them/Celebrate 10 years of Tapestry!
2024-09-14 08:30 - 13:00 | St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 8400 France Ave. South, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
Thriving in Ministry: Building Bridges and Crossing Them/Celebrate 10 years of Tapestry!
Music workshops teach Latin rhythms for ELW hymns! Educational workshops offer ideas for building and strengthening diverse faith communities. Dr. Sandra Montes, Dean of Worship at Union Seminary, NYC, and author of Becoming Real, keynotes! Venezuelan lunch served!
Saturday, September 14; 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
St. Stephen Lutheran Church
8400 France Avenue South, Bloomington, Minnesota
More information: https://www.tapestryrichfield.org/10-year-anniversary-10o-aniversario.html
Contact person: Pastor Melissa Gonzalez at tapestryrichfield@gmail.com or (612) 703-5223

Christian Nationalism: Origins, Impacts, and Solutions
2024-09-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-09-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Christian Nationalism: Origins, Impacts, and Solutions
Rev. Angela Denker, author of Red State Christians and the upcoming Disciples of White Jesus, will discuss the origins and impacts of Christian Nationalism and explore collaborative strategies to combat it in this two-part series.
September 18 and 25 (two-part series); 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Diamond Lake Lutheran Church
5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis
Events are free and all are welcome. A community meal is served at 5:30 pm.
For more information: Kristine Spanier at Kristine.spanier@dllc.org

Festival of Installation of Bishop Jen Nagel
2024-09-21 10:30 - 13:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
The Festival of Installation of Bishop Jen Nagel
Check out the webpage with more details >
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will install Bishop Jen Nagel as the fourth Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod.
Saturday, September 21; 10:30 a.m.
Central Lutheran Church
333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis
When you arrive at Central, make sure to enter the lot through one of the three open air entrances; do not enter the ramp directly from the street, or you will have to pay for parking. View a parking map.
A light reception will follow the installation service.
Find more information and a sign up for the choir here >

Concert and Community Sing Celebrating Mary Preus
2024-09-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 2315 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Concert and Community Sing Celebrating Mary Preus
A musical event for all ages featuring Bread for the Journey and the OSLC choir, along with community singing, followed by a dessert reception.
September 21; 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church,
2315 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis
For more information: https://oursavioursmpls.org or (612) 871-2967

Gather Around The Campfire
2024-09-22 19:00 - 20:30 | University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
Gather Around The Campfire
Join in the Gather 2024-2025 season kickoff with a campfire and s’mores. Gather organizers are excited to share the many ways you are invited to engage in community this coming year. Grab your pals, your roommates, and your neighbors! Gather is a ministry for young adults in the Twin Cities; a place for those who are hungry for community and connection with other young adults in the metro area.
Sunday, September 22: 7:00 p.m.
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Avenue SE, Minneapolis
Gather:
* Setting the table for connection and rest through worship, meals, and monthly events.
* Helping you deepen in faith as you discover your identity, uncover your vocation, and develop as leaders who do justice in the world. Gather is LGBTQI+ affirming and eagerly invites siblings of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression into full leadership and participation.
Follow Gather’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more information @gathertwincities

Synod Senior Band free concert
2024-09-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities Minnetonka Campus, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN, United States
Synod Senior Band free concert
Come join this fun fall evening of music by the Minneapolis Synod Senior Band. This is a 70-member strong band who play a wide variety of music. It is a free concert open to all at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities’ Minnetonka Campus at 16023 Minnetonka Blvd. Come join in the fun!
Tuesday, September 24; 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities, Minnetonka Campus
16023 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka
For more information: https://bethlehem-church.org
Contact person: Diane Waarvik at dwaarvik@bethlehem-church.org

Life Not Wasted: Breaking Free from Contemporary Addictions with Alex Olshonsky
2024-09-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Life Not Wasted: Breaking Free from Contemporary Addictions with Alex Olshonsky
This one-hour free webinar, “Life Not Wasted, Breaking Free from Contemporary Addictions with Alex Olshonsky” is presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith and hosted by the Rev. George A Wood.
Webinar description: Today, addiction impacts virtually everyone. But, for any number of reasons, few know how to cope. (Even if you do not consider yourself an “addict,” you likely know there are certain habits interfering with your best life. Taking the first steps toward improvement without proper guidance and support can feel daunting, even impossible.) Alex Olshonsky’s course, “Life Not Wasted,” is designed to help folks break free from the grip of contemporary addictions.
Wednesday, September 25; Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wM56cIaTRSqlx3Pq3KXyzA#/registration
Contact person: Louise Olson at glolro@comcast.net

Bishop's Theological Conference
2024-09-29 16:00 - 2024-10-01 12:00 | Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria, MN, 56308, United States
Bishop’s Theological Conference
September 29 – October 1
Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center
Alexandria, Minnesota
Registration and more information can be found at mpls-synod.org/pastors-deacons/bishops-theological-conference

Richard Leider speaking at Westwood Lutheran
2024-10-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
Author, life coach, TED-talker, Richard Leider, will be speaking on his new book, “Who Do You Want To Be When You Grow Old? -The Path of Purposeful Aging”. (NO cost.) Join us for an inspiring hour and reception as Richard shares stories and ideas of how to enter elderhood with a sense of purpose, curiosity and intentionality. For all PRE- and POST- retired folks!
Contact Pastor Tania Haber, 952-767-5565, for more information.

Walking Together: 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger
2024-10-12 08:00 - 15:00 | Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, MN
Walking Together: 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger
Hold the date: Northeastern Minnesota Synod will be hosting Walking Together: 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger.
Saturday, October 12; 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, Minnesota
This celebratory event will include worship with Glocal musicians, a hunger simulation, Action Center, silent auction and public art project. There will also be workshops with ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Advocacy-MN, Eco-Faith Network, Together Here, and Sumud Northland – each tying their ministries to the issues of hunger and justice.
Registration will open in August
Questions or more information: Pastor Taryn Montgomery at taryn.montgomery@nemnsynod.org.

Honoring of Theologian Joseph Sittler, POSTPONED
2024-10-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Minnehaha Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Honoring of Theologian Joseph Sittler
This event has been postponed until April 2025.
An informal gathering to celebrate the life of Joseph Sittler will be held Sunday, October 13, and 3:00 p.m., in Minnehaha Regional Park. The exact location is a mile downstream from the Minnehaha Falls, at a park bench located close to where Minnehaha Creek empties into the Mississippi River.
Why this location? Sittler, a renowned theologian, famously declared that “nature is a theater of Grace”. God’s Word is active in nature, which to the eyes of faith can be seen when Minnehaha rushes to the Mississippi. We gather to honor his path-breaking incorporation of ecology into Lutheran theology by sharing, individually, our favorite ideas from his work. Come and share!
For more information, contact Stewart Herman at herman@cord.edu.

Inspired Life: Music Heals Symposium
2024-10-15 18:30 - 20:30 | All Saints Lutheran Church Minnetonka, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
Inspired Life: Music Heals Symposium
The “Inspired Life: Music and Wellness” series is focused on how music can support all areas of wellness. Come and hear the music and personal stories of Twin Cities musicians. Participants will talk about grief, postpartum depression, addiction, anxiety, cancer, relationships, love, and how music heals. We’ll listen to musicians and sing together — reminding everyone we’re not alone in life’s stumbles.
Tuesday, October 15; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, Minnesota
For more information: https://www.allsaintsmtka.org/inspiredlife
Contact: All Saints main office at aslc@allsaintsmtka.org or (952) 934-3550

Addiction, Trauma, and the Power of Faith to Heal
2024-10-17 10:00 - 2024-10-19 14:00 | Virtual
Addiction, Trauma, and the Power of Faith to Heal
The 2024 Addiction & Faith Conference, “Addiction, Trauma, and the Power of Faith to Heal,” is hosted by the Center of Addiction and Faith. It will be 100% virtual this year.
October 17-19, 2024
Virtual
This conference enhances the awareness of people of faith about scourge of addiction. It brings the best of science, spirituality, compassion, justice, and personal stories to the task of informing and inspiring both church and society regarding addiction in its many forms. Speakers and presenters are top-flight nationally-known experts. The conference is for everyone, clergy and lay, seminarians, healthcare professionals, people in recovery and those who love them, youth leaders, and addiction specialists. We strive to educate faith communities with what they need to help those addicted. This is the Center’s sixth annual conference.
The link to the conference website and to register. https://web.cvent.com/event/ece6a436-2893-470c-a8cc-103433b79ba4/summary

The Center for the Restoration of Behaviorally-Impaired Clergy
2024-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The Center for the Restoration of Behaviorally-Impaired Clergy
A one-hour free webinar online where attendees will learn about The Center for The Restoration of Behaviorally-Impaired Clergy (CRIC) led by the Rev. Otto Schultz, hosted by the Rev. George A. Wood, and presented by The Center of Addiction and Faith. The purpose of CRIC is to support church governing bodies as they assist their clergy whose struggles with behavioral health impact their ministries. Some governing bodies are well-balanced in their approach while others are punitive or overly tolerant. Similarly, the quality of care for the congregants served by these clergy and their immediate families also varies widely. Rev. Otto Schultz will tell folks about CRIC and its goal.
Wednesday, October 30; Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Online
More information: http://www.addictionandfaith.com

PAUSE before and after the election
2024-10-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
PAUSE before and after the election
Westwood Lutheran invites the public to join with congregants for PAUSE: Prayer Around the U.S. Elections, a candlelit service designed to welcome people from all spiritual traditions and political backgrounds. It offers a peaceful space to step back from the noise in order to sing, listen, and draw strength from being in community with others during this significant time.
Pre-election: Wednesday, October 30; 6:30 – 7:15 p.m., service; 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., meal
Post-election: Wednesday, November 13; 6:30 – 7:15 p.m., service; 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., meal
Westwood Lutheran Church
9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park
No RSVP required; donations are welcome but not required.

2024 Fall Joint Ministerium
2024-10-31 08:30 - 12:00 | Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield, MN, 55423, United States
Reformation Rekindled: Practicing A Living Catechism
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 W 76th St, Richfield
Join us at the Joint Fall Ministerium of the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area synods at Woodlake Lutheran Church, Richfield!
Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism as a teaching tool for faith, using all of the media at his disposal – stained glass windows, hymns and beer songs, paintings, and buildings. Today we have infinite media at our fingertips. What would it look like to introduce a Living Catechism to help share a vital and active faith with our people? Church Anew and the Lutheran Center at St. Olaf have been working with hundreds of faith leaders to shape such a resource. Join a conversation where they share learnings, experiments, and invite all of us to co-create A Living Catechism for this time and place.
Featured speakers: Dr. Deanna Thompson, Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community and Martin E. Marty Regents Chair in Religion and the Academy; Rev. Matthew Fleming, Executive Director of Church Anew; and Rev. Peter Carlson Schattauer, Associate Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community.

Register Now

"World of Difference" Women's Gathering
2024-11-02 08:30 - 16:00 | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Dr. Jacqueline Bussie
Join WELCA for Women’s Gathering: World of Difference

Connect with other Twin Cities women over coffee and interactive, guided sessions and renewal worship

Explore your impact with dozens of Explore Stations related to social justice and spiritual growth speakers and ministry partners to teach and inspire you to the action that is right for you in this season of life
​Enjoy coffee, breakfast and lunch, complimentary massage therapy and healing touch, shopping at the Fair-Trade Global Market, Music with Rachel Kurtz
Learn choose from interactive sessions that will inspire faithful living that honors creation and humanity
Be inspired by our Keynote Speaker Dr. Jacqueline Bussie—award winning author of “Love without limits: Jesus Radical Vision for Love with NO Exceptions”
There will be a kids program with puppet shows, STEAM activities, and more.

Pay what you can. Register at www.mplswomenofelca.org

New Frontier Lutheran Radio Show with Bishop Jen Nagel
2024-11-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
New Frontier Lutheran Radio Show with Bishop Jen Nagel
The big election is over [note the event date] but the outcome is in doubt. Who will be the new congregational president of New Frontier Lutheran Church? Hilarity ensues in this modern rendition of a classic “radio” comedy show. With special guest Rev. Jen Nagel, the newly elected Bishop of the Minneapolis Synod. Staffed nursery available. Community meal served at 5:30 pm.
Wednesday, November 6; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Community meal at 5:30 p.m.
Diamond Lake Lutheran Church
5760 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis
Free and all are welcome.

Inspired Life: Alison Young
2024-11-12 19:00 - 20:00 | All Saints Lutheran Church Minnetonka, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
Inspired Life: Alison Young
Alison Young, former world-class musician and classic music radio host, and now hiker, podcaster, and speaker, will weave together insights into music, hiking, and her own personal journey. Alison will be joining us on the heels of her first TEDx talk in October.
Tuesday, November 12; 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, Minnesota
For more information: https://www.allsaintsmtka.org/inspiredlife
Contact: All Saints main office at aslc@allsaintsmtka.org or (952) 934-3550

PAUSE after the election
2024-11-13 18:30 - 19:15 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
PAUSE after the election
Westwood Lutheran invites the public to join with congregants for PAUSE: Prayer Around the U.S. Elections, a candlelit service designed to welcome people from all spiritual traditions and political backgrounds. It offers a peaceful space to step back from the noise in order to sing, listen, and draw strength from being in community with others during this significant time.
Post-election: Wednesday, November 13; 6:30 – 7:15 p.m., service; 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., meal
Westwood Lutheran Church
9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park
No RSVP required; donations are welcome but not required.

2024 EcoFaith Summit: A Spirit of Power, Together
2024-11-16 09:00 - 15:00 | University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
2024 EcoFaith Summit: A Spirit of Power, Together. (2 Timothy 1:7)
The EcoFaith Network of the Minneapolis Area Synod invites you to join us for its “2024 EcoFaith Summit: A Spirit of Power, Together.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Join together with others for a day of worship, community, and action at University Lutheran Church of Hope. Workshops and the keynote include opportunities to learn how to improve energy efficiency at your church or home, bring faith practices into your life that center creation and climate justice, and take action using your own powerful stories to inspire change.
Saturday, November 16, 2024
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Avenue SE, Minneapolis
Registration is $25 and helps to cover food and other event costs. If registration cost is a barrier for you, a scholarship will be provided.
To register: https://mplsareasynod.regfox.com/2024-ecofaith-summit
The schedule for the day:
9:00 a.m. — Registration and coffee hour
10:00 a.m. — Worship
10:45 a.m. — Breakouts on faith practices, powerful storytelling, and energy efficiency
12:00 p.m. — Lunch with vegan option
1:00 p.m. — Keynote
2:00 p.m. — Action fair
2:30 p.m. — Sending

Synod Boundaries Training
2024-11-21 09:00 - 16:00 | St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 15600 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth, MN, United States
November 21, 2024: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

As people who work in ministry, we know the importance of relationships. We also know that healthy relationships depend upon clear and respectful boundaries. Rostered ministers especially need thoughtful and consistent training around boundaries because of the variety of their relationships.
Minneapolis Area Synod rostered leaders must attend Boundary Training Workshops every 3-5 years. Church staff members are encouraged to do the same. The workshop will be led mostly by LeaderWise with portions presented by Bishop Jen Nagel. The training costs $75 per person and includes materials, snacks, and lunch.
Register now >
More information at mpls-synod.org/boundaries-workshop
Contact person: Karen Ohm at k.ohm@mpls-synod.org

Family Drama Trauma: Navigating the Holidays
2024-11-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Family Drama Trauma: Navigating the Holidays
Caroline Beidler, MSW, and her mother Diana Dalles, MSSW, authors of the book, You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree, will join host George A. Wood at this free one-hour webinar presented by the Center of Addiction and Faith.
The holiday season can bring up all sorts of family drama — or family trauma. Family hurt and trauma is real. Caroline and Diana will suggest how to prepare for holiday drama, … and begin healing from your family trauma. Transformation is possible and healing is a choice. Caroline’s experience in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery inspires her to use her gifts to help others find recovery in all its varying forms.
Tuesday, November 26; 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6E9jMFBxQXG2gChZFFyrQQ#/
For more information: http://www.addictionandfaith.com
This event is hosted by the Center of Addition and Faith.

Inspired Life: Erinn Frees
2024-12-03 19:00 - 20:00 | All Saints Lutheran Church Minnetonka, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
Inspired Life: Erinn Frees
Erinn Frees, MA, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist at Children’s Minnesota who brings years of experience and insights into the power of music to bring healing and hope to all ages. Leave with insights into the power of music and how you can draw upon it in your own life to find renewal and healing.
Tuesday, December 3; 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, Minnesota
For more information: https://www.allsaintsmtka.org/inspiredlife
Contact: All Saints main office at aslc@allsaintsmtka.org or (952) 934-3550

Lessons + Carols for Weary Leaders
2024-12-09 10:00 - 12:00 | The Neu Neu, 514 N 3rd St #101, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Church Anew is inviting rostered leaders from the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods for a restorative service of lessons and carols with Holy Communion based on the O Antiphons. We will provide the words and the way; all you need to do is be present. During this weary and weighty season in the church and in our world, come be fed, nourished, and renewed for the work of leading in this time.

Conspirare Christmas Concert
2024-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Conspirare Christmas Concert
The renowned Grammy®-winning vocal ensemble Conspirare is bringing their captivating Christmas concert to Minnesota for the first time. Come share a holiday tradition experienced and cherished by tens of thousands since its debut. Minnesota native, Craig Hella Johnson, and his company of voices are comprised of accomplished musicians from around the country, selected to come together to rehearse, perform, and record.
Wednesday, December 11; 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Central Lutheran Church
333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis
For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conspirare-christmas-concert-tickets-1000969947057

Caritas Concert to Support Cherish All Children
2024-12-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 Dale St N, St. Paul, MN, United States
‘Twas the Night – Caritas Concert to Support Cherish All Children
Join Cherish All Children for an afternoon of Christmas mystery and joy with musical stories performed by Caritas Vocal Ensemble.

Sunday December 15, 3:00 p.m. with treats following
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 Dale St. N, Saint Paul
Suggested donation $25 online or at the door

Your contribution allows us to reach children and families with education, tools and skills to stay safe from in-person and online exploitation, sextortion, and trafficking. Join us to make a difference!
Contact joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren.org with any questions.
