Here are our top picks for joining a broader community in worship, arts, community engagement, contemplative practice, and/or social justice – around the state, the region, and the nation:
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CLERGY & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE RE: PROPOSED CHANGES TO PERMITTED USES OF SPACE IN HOUSES OF WORSHIP
The City of St Paul Planning Commission released proposed Zoning Code amendments about “Religious Accessory Uses”, (how houses of worship can use their space), with a public hearing set for Friday, October 29th at 8:30 AM on zoom. These proposed code amendments may have significant impact on faith communities in St Paul in the areas of providing programming, receptions, education events, hosting families experiencing homelessness, hosting food shelf, and more.
Learn more about the proposed changes and prepare for the public hearing with Interfaith Action’s Roundtable discussion with St Paul City Planner Bill Dermody.
All are welcomed to join this important conversation!
Direct questions to Sarah Peterka (speterka@interfaithaciton.org).
Register for the link here. Zoom link will be emailed 24 hours before the event.
Thursday, October 21st; 9:00 – 10:30 AM
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CHAIN REACTION THEATRE PROJECT: WHITE PRIVILEGE: UNCOMFORTABLY REAL STORIES SURROUNDING THE BLACK EXPERIENCE
White Privilege, written by Malaina Moor and directed by Justin Cervantes, tells raw, true stories about the consequences of white privilege on the Black experience in America. Performed in a series of vignettes by both Black and white actors, the play explores a wide range of issues surrounding race, cultural appropriation, the eduction system and police brutality. It is recommended for ages 13+ due to strong subject matter and some profanity. Performances run in varying locations. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test result in the past 712 hours are required for attendance.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
October 22 – November 7, 2021
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AUTUMN WAKAN TIPI SACRED SITE HIKE
Natural colors, relationships, ethnobotany abounding autumn. Experience your watershed and Dakota community with a Sacred Site hike of Wakan Tipi as guided by the Lower Phalen Creek Project. Reserve spots for your congregation by emailing heidi@growinggreenhearts.com.
October 24, 2021; 2021
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ON DEMOCRACY: LATOSHA BROWN: ENSURING BLACK VOTERS MATTER
LaTohsa Brown is a nationally recognized, “go-to” expert in Black Voting Rights, Voter Suppression, and Black Women’s Empowerment. As the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, she’s been a lead organizer in recent elections in places like Georgia and Alabama. She will speak at the Forum about turning grassroots activism into political power as we as voter suppression efforts launched since the 2020 election.
Learn more and find the livestream on the Forum website here.
SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST, CHASTITY BORWN
This Forum will open with a musical performance by Minneapolis’ own Chastity Brown, starting at 11:30 AM.
October 26, 2021; Music – 11:30 AM; Forum – 12:00 PM
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COME TOGETHER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
TRUST: How do we establish and maintain it?
How does it function differently for different identities?
What moves BIPOC folx to risk potential harm for the sake of community?
How do white folks acknowledge a long history of systems that don’t merit trust from the BIPOC community?
Join hosts Rev. Kelly Chatman, Rev. Paul Slack, and Jodi Harpstead for the launch of a monthly online series called Come Together for Racial Justice.
Join the zoom here.
Learn more and register here.
Thursdays, October 28, November 18, & December 16, 2021; 7:00-8:30 PM CST
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FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN MOBILEPACK
Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview, invites the community at large to join them in its 14th Feed My Starving Children MobilePack. The “All Hands on Hope” event seeks 2,810 volunteers to pack 614,304 meals to feed 1,683 children around the world for one year. Meals will be packed on-site at Incarnation. Food packing takes place in two-hour shifts with adults and children (ages 5+) filling and sealing bags at work stations. Volunteers must wear masks.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit All Hands on Hope, Feed My Starving Children MobilePack here.
Direct questions to:
Becky Benson: 651.560.7058 / bbenson@incarnationmn.org
October 28 – November 1, 2021
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JRLC HOUSING WEBINAR SERIES
If you are concerned about persons impacted by homelessness, the high cost of rent and the scarcity of affordable or supportive housing and want to understand these issues from a variety of perspectives, you are invited to attend one or more of the monthly Housing Webinar Series offered by the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC):
- Nov. 4: Homelessness: Understanding Impact, Creating Opportunities
- Dec. 2: Racial Equity and Housing
- Jan. 6: Special Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusion
- Feb. 3: Legislative Solutions and Advocacy for 2022 Session
Download the flyer for more information here.
Contact Joan Miltenberger (ph: 612.230.3232) for more information.
Register here for the program and small group discussion.
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CIVIL RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE
Join this journey across the South, from Atlanta to Memphis, to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, visit the sacred sites where lives were lost and freedom won, and be inspired for the work that must still be done so that all people are guaranteed the rights and privileges of citizenship.
Learn more here.
Register here.
November 5-13, 2021; in person.
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NATIONAL LUTHERAN CHOIR: ALL SAINTS 2021
To commemorate All Saints Day this year, the National Lutheran Choir is offering both live performances and virtual programming. Live concerts, “All Saints: We Remember”, will be held in person at two locations. These performances offer a space to mourn and heal as we emerge from such an uncertain time. Names of loved ones no longer with us may be submitted for reading during the performance. The virtual program, “Requiem Aeternam”, features recordings with added visual art to deepen the impact of All Saints at such a crucial time of remembrance, patience, and hope.
Learn more here.
November 5, 2021; 7:00 PM – Central Lutheran, Minneapolis
November 7, 2021; 4:00 PM – St Andrew’s Lutheran, Mahtomedi
November 6-8, 2021; available online
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WADE IN THE WATER EDUCATIONAL EVENT
Community and church leaders! Growing Green Hearts, The Ministry Lab and a team of community partners created a FREE ecotheology curriculum that is hyper-local yet adaptable to anywhere; super interactive; intergenerational; and absolutely good for the out-of-doors.
Join the 2.5 hour online unveiling event featuring FUN enviroSTEM activities; FAITHFUL spiritual practices; and FRUITFUL water justice discussions.
Learn more and register at Growing Green Hearts, via the flier, or directly, here.
November 18, 2021; 10:00 AM – 12:30/NOON CST
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ADVENT BREATH PRAYER RETREAT
This online retreat – a companion to Dr. Christine Valters Paintner’s recent book, breath prayer – will immerse participants in the practice of breath prayer with extra wisdom from Christine in weekly live Zoom sessions, weekly scripture reflections from John Valters Paintner, reflection on biblical art from Dr. Amanda Dillon, and invitations into contemplative movement through breath with Dr. Jamie Marich. This Advent, allow the centuries-old practice of breath prayer center you on the sacred in everyday life.
The live session will be recorded for those who pre-register but are unable to attend at the scheduled time.
Learn more and register here.
Mondays, November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 2021; 9:00-10:00 AM CST
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WINTER WAKAN TIPI SACRED SITE HIKE
As the stillness of winter sets in, reflect upon our roles in care of water, place, culture and community through a Sacred Site hike of Wakan Tipi as guided by the Lower Phalen Creek Project. Reserve spots for your congregation by emailing heidi@growinggreenhearts.com.
December 5, 2021
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REST, RESTORE, AND EXPLORE: WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE WATER
The 2022 NEXT Church National Gathering is an invitation to rest, restore, and explore stories that need to be told – about why we rest, why we resist rest, and why some [of us] cannot rest. Held in the Montreat Conference Center.
Catch a trailer here.
Learn more about the theme here.
May 16-19, 2022
Save the date. Registration opens in December, 2021.
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