Here are our top picks for joining a broader community in arts, community engagement, and/or social justice – around the state, the region, and the nation.
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MN SUICIDE PREVENTION CONFERENCE FOR RURAL FAITH LEADERS
Rural clergy, spiritual and faith leaders and congregational suicide prevention advocates are invited to this free event in Bemidji and Mankato, to discuss, learn, and share suicide prevention information and resources.
The agenda and speakers are identical at both locations, but panelists vary. The conference focuses on helping faith communities position themselves to be informed communities of hope, healing, and support. Lunch is included.
Learn more here. Register here or by phone:
- 218.308.2148 – Bemidji
- 507.344.2747 – Mankato
Bemidji – September 27, 2022
Mankato – September 29, 2022
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ENGAGE: ELECTION 2022 AND GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
In 2021, 571 Minnesotans died of gun violence; 176 by homicide and 391 by suicide. ENGAGE is inviting politicians and persons connected with various GVP organizations to talk gun safety legislation that makes a life-saving difference. We will urge support of candidates of all parties who will commit to passing gun safety laws.
Register here for the zoom link and join the St Paul Area Synod ELCA ENGAGE Gun Violence Prevention work group in conversation.
Thursday, September 29, 2022; 7:00 PM CT
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RESTORATIVE JUSTICE LUNCH HOUR CONVERSATION
Co-hosted by Luther Seminary and Interfaith Action, the conversation will put a spotlight on restorative justice work form Twin Cities restorative justice trainer and facilitator Brian Burnside, Asst. County Attorney Ann Kahn from the Ramsey County Pre-Trial Justice Division, and Interfaith Action’s Executive Director Randi Ilyse Roth.
Learn more here. Register here.
September 30, 2022; 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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MN CHORALE CONCERT – SINGING TRUTH: AN AMERICAN CONVERSATION
The MN Chorale welcomes guest conductor Alexander Lloyd Blake and joins Border CrosSing in presenting Singing Truth: An American Conversation. Dr. Blake, the founding artistic director of the internationally acclaimed choral ensemble Tonality, will share music of composers Saunder Choi, Melissa Dunphy, Christian Larios, Joel Thompson and others in a pair of thought-provoking performances.
Learn more about the concerts and reserve tickets here.
Saturday, October 1, 2022; 7:30-9:30 PM CT: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, MN
Sunday, October 2, 2022; 4:00-6:00 PM CT; Unity Church-Unitarian, St Paul, MN
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WESTMINSTER TOWN HALL FORUM: HEALING OUR HOUSE DIVIDED
Are we hopelessly divided? Are the rifts in our politics, culture, and world so wide that common ground simply does not exist?
Not according to the Town Hall Fall Speakers:
SERVICE: THE ANTIDOTE TO POLARIZATION
Jonathan Reckford is chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International. He will speak about how where we live and community service can build connection across difference.
Wednesday, October 5, 2022; 12:00/Noon CT
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RESETTING THE TABLE: A TWO-PART PEACEMAKERS SERIES
Minnesota Council of Churches Respectful Conversations is partnering with a variety of organizations to better equip Christian and other faith leaders with the education, reflection, skills and capacity to help their congregations be makers of peace in their mission fields.
The Peacemakers series is not a cohort requiring attendance at each meeting, but a way for faith leaders and communities committed to fostering peace and opposing violence to learn, reflect, pray and plan together for how they will be God’s agents of love in our state. The focus in each session will be ultimately on the prevention of violence.
Resetting the Table is comprised of two highly interactive character-shaping workshops:
- Part 1 will focus on following meaningful questions: expect to share personal formative experiences.
- Part 2 will focus on demonstrating understanding: expect to be in conversation with people with whom you may disagree about something important.
Learn more and register here.
October 6, 2022; 1:00-3:00 PM (online)
October 13, 2022; 1:00-3:30 PM (online)
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WESTMINSTER TOWN HALL FORUM: HEALING OUR HOUSE DIVIDED
Are we hopelessly divided? Are the rifts in our politics, culture, and world so wide that common ground simply does not exist?
Not according to the Town Hall Fall Speakers:
MENDING THE RURAL-URBAN RIFT
Lisa Pruitt’s roots in rural American go back five generations. She will argue against conflating rurality with whiteness, while also seeking a more nuanced understanding of rural and working-class whites, especially in the era of Trump.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022; 12:00/Noon CT
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DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY’S ROOTS IN CLIMATE INJUSTICE
Calvin Lee and Marisa Prince are Believers of Color – and frustrated Evangelical outsiders – seeking more for the American Christian Church. The 30-minute documentary, Are We There YET follows their cross country Road Trip to better understand the Doctrine of Discovery, its connection to contemporary Christian Nationalism, and if it’s possible to chart a new course for the American Christian Church.
One step in the process is to listen to people’s stories. Har from many voices in the viewing; then visit with the film’s creators.
Learn more and register here.
October 25, 2022; 7:00-8:00 PM CT
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WESTMINSTER TOWN HALL FORUM: HEALING OUR HOUSE DIVIDED
Are we hopelessly divided? Are the rifts in our politics, culture, and world so wide that common ground simply does not exist?
Not according to the Town Hall Fall Speakers:
A CONVERSATION WITH ERIC HOLDER
Since leaving the Obama administration, Former Attorney General Eric Holder has been organizing for voting rights and redistricting. He will speak about his work and his new book Our Unfinished March: The Violent Past and Imperiled Future of the Vote – A History, A Crisis, A Plan
Tuesday, November 22, 2022; 6:00 PM CT
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RESILIENCE AS PART OF DISASTER RELIEF
Join Lutherans Restoring Creation in welcoming Avery Davis Lamb (Creation Justice Ministries) who will speak about the Faithful Resilience resources and hear voices from Lutheran Disaster Response.
Register now for the zoom link and to submit questions.
Learn more here; register here.
November 29, 2022; 7:00-8:00 PM CT
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WESTMINSTER TOWN HALL FORUM: HEALING OUR HOUSE DIVIDED
Are we hopelessly divided? Are the rifts in our politics, culture, and world so wide that common ground simply does not exist?
Not according to the Town Hall Fall Speakers:
WHY WE FIGHT: GLOBAL CONFLICT AND HOW TO AVERT IT
Chris Blattman is an internationally renowned expert on violence and peace building. He will speak about his new best-selling book, Why We Fight, which explains the five reasons why conflict (rarely) blooms into war, and how to interrupt that deadly process.
Thursday, December 8, 2022; 12:00/Noon CT
These programs are free and open to all; join in person or watch live-streamed here.
Learn more here.
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