Mpls Area Synod ELCA

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 (America/Chicago) | 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 | MN
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.

Unwine Your Mind - A January Reset
2025-12-31 12:00 - 13:00 | MN
Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a one-hour free webinar entitled “Unwine Your Mind – A January Reset”
December 31, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
This webinar will feature Hilary Sheinbaum, founder of GoingDry.co, a company that designs non-alcoholic events and menus, and author of The Dry Challenge, a guide for anyone attempting a dry month. She believes in joyful big living without relying on alcohol. A healthier relationship with alcohol starts with one honest month. This webinar will invite you to go fully alcohol-free for 30 days for the full reset experience, or commit to a meaningful reduction and see how you feel physically, emotionally and spiritually after one month. Hilary will bring humor, compassion, practical tools and a refreshing “no guilt necessary approach during this webinar.
Register >

Synod Office Closed - New Year's Eve/Day
2025-12-31 12:00 - 2026-01-01 17:00 | MN
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

Monthly Children's Ministry Online Meet-Up - January
2026-01-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Monthly Children’s Ministry Online Meet-Up – January
Topic: Resource Sharing
Join the Call >

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.

Monthly Children & Youth Ministry Gathering - January
2026-01-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Wicked Wort Brewing, 4165 W Broadway, Robbinsdale, MN, United States
January Children & Youth Ministry Gathering
Liturgical Seasons: Doing Advent & Lent Differently

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.

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

Taking the First Step—Reclaiming Dr. King’s Dream
2026-01-18 17:00 - 18:30 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
Westwood Lutheran Church is hosting “Taking the First Step—Reclaiming Dr. King’s Dream,” a must-see, multi-disciplinary celebration intermixing the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
with musical performances, dance, audience singing, and spoken reflections.
The concert theme is based on Dr. King’s quote, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, well known for his roles with the University of Minnesota MLK Tribute and VocalEssence, is the curator of this event. Featured artists include: Joe Davis and the Poetic Diaspora, Jhadiya Steele, Tesfa Wondemagenehu, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, Chadwick “Niles” Phillips, and Suzette Gilreath with OneAccord Dance Collective. The program includes
special guest appearances by civic leaders, including Dr. Carlondrea Hines, Superintendent of St. Louis Park Schools.
The family-friendly concert celebrates the life and accomplishments of Dr. King through the performing arts and an on-site service project.
More information >

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
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 >

Welcoming Our Neighbor: A Prophetic Vision for the World
2026-01-24 09:00 - 15:00 | American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, United States
In recent months, cities across the country have experienced heightened intimidation and fear, particularly affecting our most vulnerable residents: immigrant neighbors. How might we then reflect on what meaningful solidarity entails and what we can do collaboratively to shape a future in which our communities flourish? The Minneapolis Area Synod’s Immigration Task Force invites you to join a conversation on Saturday, January 24, dedicated to learning and community building as we collectively address the realities unfolding in Minneapolis and envision the future we seek. Hosted at the American Swedish Institute, this gathering is designed to foster strategic, faith-driven responses to these challenges.
We are honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Gregory Cuéllar, a distinguished scholar from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Drawing on his extensive expertise in the migrant experience and his work on the U.S./Mexico border, Dr. Cuéllar will share insights from both his scholarship and grassroots engagement to help us cultivate a prophetic vision for our communities.
After lunch, a panel of community leaders will offer insights into current challenges and share reflections on possible paths forward. This event provides a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and consider how to be fully present during this critical time.

Details

This event is open to all clergy, lay leaders, and community members.

There is no cost. Donations are welcome and will contribute to the Welcome Fund, a mutual aid fund established to support our immigrant neighbors in the Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA.

Lunch is included. Pre-registration is encouraged for lunch counts.

Register >

About Rev. Dr. Gregory Cuéllar

Dr. Gregory L. Cuéllar is the Full Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and the Ruth A. Campbell Chair in Biblical Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. As an international biblical scholar, Dr. Cuéllar is interested in counterintuitive ways of reading biblical texts, in particular those that are rooted in a decolonizing discourse of liberation. His research explores topics related to the U.S. Mexico-Borderlands, immigration detention (UK and US), anti-black and brown racism, and the intersections of religion and migration. His current book project is titled, Religion in Immigrant Detention: Securing Faiths in a State of Removal (Palgrave, forthcoming). For this book project, he was awarded the Louisville Institute Project Grant for Researches (2019).
He has published his research in a wide range of journals. He is also author of Voices of Marginality: Exile and Return in Second Isaiah 40-55 and the Mexican Immigrant Experience (Peter Lang, 2008). His two most recent books are, Resacralizing the Other at the US-Mexico Border: A borderland Hermeneutic (Routledge 2020) and, Empire, the British Museum, and the Making of the Biblical Scholar in the Nineteenth Century: Archival Criticism (Palgrave, 2019).
He has been a visiting scholar at the Centre on Migration, Policy, and Society (COMPAS) and the Centre for Criminology, Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford.
In terms of advocacy work, he is the co-founder of a refugee artwork project called, Arte de Lágrimas (Art of Tears): Refugee Artwork Project. This project is a traveling art exhibit and archive that aims to create greater public awareness of the lived migratory journeys of asylum-seeking children, youth, and adults.

Money: Let's Make it Less Weird
2026-01-24 09:30 - 12:00 | Center of Belonging, 3501 Aldrich Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, United States
Conversations about money deserve room to be honest, curious, and supported without pressure or shame. That’s why Fabric – Mpls is hosting a free half-day workshop at the Center of Belonging on Saturday, January 24. Young people (ages 14+) are encouraged to participate as well, as we have an additional facilitator for teenage participants.
Together, we’ll unearth the money stories we’ve inherited, get clearer about our “money scripts,” and set realistic financial goals— whether you’re just starting out, living paycheck to paycheck, or figuring out what to do with a surplus. No matter where you fall on the financial spectrum, whether you’re single, partnered, and/or parenting, or how equipped you feel for the conversation, it’s never too early (or too late) to look at money with fresh eyes.
Join Shannon Doyle from the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Financial Counseling team for this interactive, practical workshop from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on January 24 at the Center of Belonging. More info at FabricMpls.com/money

Quarterly Racial Justice Liaisons Gathering - January
2026-01-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, 2315 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55404
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.

When Play Becomes a Problem
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
The Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a one-hour free webinar titled “When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation” on January 28, 2026, from Noon – 1:00 p.m.
The guest presenter, Michael Hsu, MD, will explore the role of internet gaming and digital technology in the lives of children, adolescents, and adults—highlighting both the potential benefits and the risks of problematic or compulsive use. The session will help faith leaders recognize signs of unhealthy gaming or technology use, understand when gaming may be serving deeper emotional or spiritual needs, and offer practical, compassionate ways to support individuals and families while encouraging balance, community, and healthy limits.
Register >

January 2026 Ministerium for Rostered Leaders
2026-01-29 08:00 - 12:00 | Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove, 7401 County Rd 101, Maple Grove, MN, 55311, United States
Who is Christ for Us Today? Hope and Lessons from Bonhoeffer
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove
In our times, marked by political and ideological division and fueled, in part, by the rise of Christian Nationalism, Dr. Lori Brandt Hale (Director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Augsburg) offers a compelling vision for a faithful and courageous response. Drawing on the life and witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Brandt Hale highlights four guiding themes—neighbor, community, grace, and responsibility—that can ground us in justice, compassion, and resilient hope as we work together for the common good.

Agenda:

8:30 a.m. Check-in
9:00 a.m. Worship
10:00 a.m. Fellowship & Refreshments
10:30 a.m. Presentation
12:00 p.m. Sending

Register >

Conference Assemblies: Bloomington, South Minneapolis, and Crosstown Conferences
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | St. John’s Lutheran, Minneapolis, 4842 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55419, United States
More information and registration >
