Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Communicators Gathering on Branding
2026-02-26 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Serving Multiple Generations with One Congregational Identity
In person at Central Lutheran in Minneapolis OR on Zoom!
Some congregations are serving five generations of faithful disciples or are looking to engage with younger generations. Doing so has many church leaders reactively communicating everywhere, all the time, and to everyone in the way they prefer. An impossible and overwhelming task it seems. Yet, through God, along with a cohesive congregational brand identity, anything is possible.
During this two-hour hybrid session, Kelly Champagne, founder of Evoke Engagement Experts, will teach you how to develop a visual identity that accurately reflects the congregation’s personality. You will also learn how to build an effective six-month communication plan which reaches and inspires all generations. This session will not expand your to-do list. Instead, we hope to refine how you invest your precious time to better serve God’s people.
What you will learn:
• What are the five most effective aspects of a congregational identity and brand
• Why brand guidelines are necessary for clear, cohesive communication
• When to include voices from the congregation to inform your identity process
• How to develop a six-month communication plan which reflects who you are and what you value
• Simple best practices to follow for more cohesive and engaging communication to serve all generations
Time for Practice
At least 30 minutes of this session will be allotted for co-working time to practice the tools and best practices presented, assess your communication channels, share insights and learn from each other, and begin to develop your congregation’s unique identity.
Who Should Attend:
Church communicators, administrators, rostered ministers, communication committee members or teams

About the Presenter:
Kelly Champagne is the founder and co-owner of Evoke Engagement Experts. As a cradle Lutheran, Kelly served in various church lay leadership positions including youth adult leader, council member, hospitality team member, and capital campaign marketing chair. She saw firsthand how important it was for churches to have communications-minded person on their teams. In 2018, Kelly left a 10-year career in product marketing to pursue her dream of helping nonprofits and churches effectively tell their story and engage with new generations of people. In 2024, Evoke merged with a talented freelance designer, Emily Christenson, to expand Evoke into a full-service communications agency. Kelly and Emily now co-own Evoke and have served over 70 churches (mostly Lutheran) and nonprofits with nine staff supporting our partner organizations.
Kelly has extensive experience in building effective marketing and communication plans, seeing results utilizing data-driven processes, and implementing industry best practices within both for-profit and nonprofit environments. She has a degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and is a lifelong Packers, Brewers, and Badgers fan (sorry Minnesotans!). You can find her reading or exploring Northern Virginia, where she resides, with her husband and two dogs.
Register >

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 >

Monthly Children's Ministry Online Meet-up - March
2026-03-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Monthly Children’s Ministry Online Meet-up – March
Topic: AI in the Church World
Join the Call >

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.

Monthly Children & Youth Ministry Gathering - March
2026-03-11 15:00 - 17:00
March Youth Ministry Gathering
Getting Excited for the 2027 Minneapolis Youth Gathering!

Learn Together Over Lunch Series: Moving Beyond Land Acknowledgements
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Led by Dr. Kelly Sherman Conroy, this conversation will discuss how to create a land acknowledgement for your ministry and how to use it in worship.
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 >

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.

Becoming Dementia Friendly - Conference & Retreat
2026-03-16 - 2026-03-18 | Charlson Meadows, 1601 MN-7, Victoria, MN, 55386, United States
This conference is designed for faith communities and senior care organizations to learn about and explore tactics and programming of becoming dementia friendly. Become a Dementia
Friend Champion. Learn about the power of Memory Cafes. Discover evidence-based programs for caregivers and people living with dementia. Lesson in ASL. Tai Ji Quan Class.
Experience Dementia Live. Screening of “Alive Inside”. Networking and Reflection Time.
This is an in-person event with some virtual options available on 3/17.
Event flyer >
Register >

Luther Seminary Sampler Weekend
2026-03-20 - 2026-03-22 | Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
Immerse yourself in the Luther Seminary community! Meet with current Luther Seminary staff, faculty, and students.
Enjoy a weekend in Minneapolis and St. Paul as you wonder how God is calling you forward in your life and ministry.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, March 20 – Gather for an optional group dinner in the Twin Cities (6:00 – 9:00 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21 – Full Day Seminary Sampler (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. includes lunch & dinner)
Sunday, March 22 – Attend a local congregation and brunch with a member of the seminary community (approx. 9:00 a.m. – Noon)

Housing available as needed Friday and Saturday and travel reimbursement up to $100.
More Information >

Buy Nothing Event
2026-03-21 09:00 - 13:00 | Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 11000 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
Come and shop for free! Neighbors and friends donate their gently loved items they no longer need – clothing, furniture, home decor, books, baby gear, toys, puzzles, pet supplies, bedding, toiletries and more. Volunteers from Transfiguration Lutheran sort and display the donations on Friday and all shoppers are welcome on Saturday to come and get whatever treasures they need.
More information >

MAS Retired Rostered Leaders Gathering
2026-04-07 13:00 - 14:30
Retired Rostered Leaders of the Minneapolis Area Synod are invited you to gather the afternoon of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
More details and RSVP coming soon.

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 >

Monthly Children's Ministry Online Meet-Up - April
2026-04-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Monthly Children’s Ministry Online Meet-Up – April
Topic: Fall & Welcome Back Events
Join the Call >

An Afternoon with Rev. Alan Storey
2026-04-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
Rostered ministers of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods are invited to spend an afternoon with Rev. Alan Storey.

Rev. Alan Storey is a recently retired Methodist Minister from Cape Town, South Africa. Rooted in the South African context, Alan is a Gospel storyteller and facilitator of personal and political change.

Over the years, Rev. Storey has been involved in numerous civil society organizations addressing gun violence, racism; state-capture corruption; xenophobia; homophobia; transphobia; spatial apartheid inequality; sex worker discrimination, and campaign for a universal basic income.

Rev. Storey has an Honors degree in Theology and a Masters in the Philosophy of Applied Business Ethics. He is a recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award and a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative (part of the Aspen Leadership Institute). Over the years, Rev. Storey has been part of the Holden Village Teaching Staff.

Rev. Storey’s lifelong work remains the experimental practice of the Sermon on the Mount. Through presentation and conversation, this session will offer theological depth and imagination to rostered ministers in need of a sustaining and nourishing Gospel word in these turbulent, troubling times.

Register >

Monthly Youth Ministry Gathering - April
2026-04-14 15:00 - 17:00
April Youth Ministry Gathering
Topic TBD
Location TBD

How to Help Older Adults: Locating Community Resources
2026-04-16 09:15 - 13:00 | Online
This symposium will help FCNs and faith communities in the Twin Cities metro area identify several resources to help older adults with various needs in housing, transportation, health, and financial issues.
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
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 >

Manna & Mercy Retreat
2026-04-17 - 2026-04-25
Using Pastor Dan Erlander’s book, Manny and Mercy, South African pastor Alan Storey has developed a weekend retreat to take a fresh look at scripture through the interpretive lens of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and God’s overall call for each one of us to partner with God in mending this fractured world. The hope is that after we have done so, our interpretations and use of the scriptures will be truly liberating and life-enabling for all of creation.
Two retreat options:
Twin Cities: April 17-18, 2026
Northfield: April 24-25, 2026
Rev. Alan Storey is a gospel storyteller and facilitator of personal and political change. He is the author of the 2025 Andrew Murray Desmond Tutu Prize winning The bell, banners & blasphemy
More information >

Healthy Boundaries Training for CYF Leaders
2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
ELCA Region 3 Synods are hosting an online Healthy Boundaries Training for CYF Professionals and Volunteers
Participants will explore their own relationship to power, boundaries, and authority, gaining insights into how these dynamics shape their leadership. Beyond personal reflection, the workshop will also equip leaders to actively foster wise boundary-setting skills in the young people they serve. Through discussion and practical strategies, attendees will be empowered to nurture healthy, trust-filled ministry spaces.
Cost: $10 donation to the Region 3 “ICE Response Fund” helping impacted congregations in our communities.

Quarterly Racial Justice Liaisons Gathering - April
2026-04-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Salem Lutheran Church, 4150 Dupont Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, 55412, United States
Join the Minneapolis Area Synod’s Racial Justice Team at their quarterly Racial Justice Liaisons gathering.
Racial Justice Liaisons at MAS worshipping communities are invited to come together to meet, network, and connect.
Email Pastor Jen Collins if you have questions or are interested in attending.

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.

Learn Together Over Lunch Series: Narrative Budgets
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Rev. Tim Brown is the Director for Congregational Stewardship at the ELCA and will lead attendees in building narrative budgets to highlight the missional work that takes place in faith communities.
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 >

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

Woven Together: Rostered Ministers Gathering
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-09
Now more than ever, in this time of seemingly endless chaos and disconnect, it’s essential for us to remember the ties that bind us together. Rostered leaders of the ELCA are invited to gather for a time of intentional connection to renew their strength, enjoy camaraderie with colleagues and reflect on the Holy Spirit’s continuing work among us.
All ELCA deacons, pastors, bishops (under call, on leave or disability, or retired) and candidates approved for call are invited to the Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 6-9, 2026, in Indianapolis, Ind. They’ll gather under the theme “Woven Together” and center ourselves each day on a thread of that theme:

“Woven Together With God.”
“Woven Together for Creation.”
“Woven Together as Community.”
“Rostered Ministers Woven Together.”

Learn More and Register >

2026 WELCA Annual Gathering
2026-07-16 - 2026-07-19 | Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, MN, 50309, United States
Save the date!
The Triennial Gathering brings together 1,000-3,000 WELCA leaders and participants for four days to worship, hear inspiring speakers, engage in service projects, participate in a 5K run, and interact with others in a large exhibit hall with educational, service, and shopping experiences.

Event registration will open July 15, 2025!
More information >

Quarterly Racial Justice Liaisons Gathering - July
2026-07-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Location TBD

2026 Bishop's Theological Conference
2026-09-27 16:00 - 2026-09-29 12:00 | Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria, MN, 56308, United States
Save the date – more info coming soon!

ConNext Summit 2026: Beyond Belonging: Branching Out - Bringing In - Building Together
2026-10-11 - 2026-10-13 | Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center, 16595 Crooked Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN, 56444, United States
Practice branching beyond belonging to build communities where all can thrive with Dave ‘Agape’ Scherer.
Registration in late spring.
October 11-13, 2026
More information >
The ConNext Summit’s biennial 2-day/2-night retreat-style conference creates a space to inspire Progressive Christian faith formation leaders as they reflect together, form networks, and cultivate innovative and sustainable ministries with children, youth, families and adults. Both newer and more seasoned leaders create a community in which to connect and grow!
