COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

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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METRO BLOOMS EVENING OF CONNECTION AND SUPPORT

Raise funds for Metro Blooms where:

• Together, we care for the earth through community-centered partnerships rooted in environmental justice.
• Together, we expand pollinator habitats and clean watersheds.
• Together, we provide sustainable landcare training and future employment opportunities.

Your support allows Metro Blooms to focus energy and resources where they make the biggest difference – in the communities they serve.

• Special Guest: Erin Sharkey, editor of A Darker Wilderness
• Staff and community partners will share their work.
• Appetizers and beverages
• Visit native plantings outdoors and check the main floor exhibits

Find details and registration information here.

RSVP by June 9, 2023

Thursday, June 15, 2023; 5:30-7:30 PM CT – Bell Museum, St Paul, MN

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CELEBRATE 2023 TWIN CITIES PRIDE!

Twin Cities metro congregations are invited to come together to celebrate at the 2023 Twin Cities Pride Festival. Leaders from nine Twin Cities area UCC congregations and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities have been organizing a UCC presence at this year’s festival.

Other denominations are encouraged to bring cohorts as well!

Join the Pride March on Sunday morning; register to reserve your place using this form by Tuesday, May 23.

Create a Pride Festival Booth for the whole weekend – set-up Friday afternoon and tear-down Sunday evening. Learn more about creating additional vendor booths here.

June 23-25, 2023

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BIPOC FAITH LEADERS LUNCHEON WITH REV. DR. OTIS MOSS III

The Minnesota Council of Churches Truth & Reparations is partnering with Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III to offer pastoral comfort to BIPOC faith leaders and laypeople in Minnesota.

Rev. Moss has a great heart for the work faithful Minnesotans of color have been doing in the three years since George Floyd was murdered. On the three-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, BIPOC leaders and lay people are invited to lunch, where Moss’ remarks will relate to his latest book, ‘Dancing in the Darkness’, a guide to uplift our spirits in the work of justice during turbulent times. Copies of the book will be provided as a gift.

This event sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation.

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III will also be speaking that evening at an event open to the public: 5:30-7:30 PM. Register separately for that event here.

Hosted at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis.

For more information, on the BIPOC leader event, scan the code in the image, above.

May 25, 2023; 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

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OPEN FLAME THEATRE PRESENTS: THE GARDN

The Garden is a psychological, operatic thriller which follows Hayden Loralai, a young trans man put into conversion therapy against his will. In his desperation to escape conversion therapy, he opens a portal into hell where he hopes to find sanctuary with The Devil from the horrors of the clinic. Instead he finds himself thrust into the midst of a spiritual and existential battle where he must learn to reclaim what he has been taught to fear if he is going to survive at all…

The Saturday, May 27 showing will have a panel following the performance facilitated by United professor, Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis.

Learn more and find tickets here.

May 26-28, 2023; 7:30 PM CT – The Southern Theatre

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GATHERING AT THE HEADWATERS

While we celebrate an important Water Protector win in Clearwater County (which dropped all 51 of its cases against non-Indigenous Fire Light Encampment protestors), the fact remains that the US Government and the State of Minnesota failed to honor their treaty obligations when they approved the construction of Line 3, without consent, across the 1855 Treaty territory. ‘This is still our fight.’

Whether you are new to following the Water Protectors or a longtime ally, you are invited to join MNIPL at this year’s Headwaters Gathering to deepen relationships with Water Protectors and honor that we are ALL Treaty People.

Learn more and register here.

June 2-4, 2023

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FIFTH ANNUAL DULUTH MONARCH FESTIVAL

Keynote Speaker Emily Stone will share ‘Ecology of Overwintering Monarchs in Mexico’; then enjoy ‘Be a Citizen Scientist… Yes, You Can!’ and a Monarch Movie – AND eggs, caterpillars, butterflies, kids’ activities, milkweed & native pollinator plants for sale, vendors, and food!

Coppertop Church; 230 E Skyline Parkway, Duluth, MN

Learn more on Facebook or their website.

Saturday, June 3, 2023; 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT

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WE RISE TOGETHER: CARITAS VOCAL ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT

This season, Caritas performs a selection of songs to highlight care for each other and the world. Contemporary and classic expressions of cooperation and support draw us in and send us out inspired and refreshed. Join in, as We Rise Together.

Now in its 21st season, Caritas has raised more than $200,000 for local charitable organizations. Continuing its mission of raising money and awareness for people in need, Caritas will perform seven concerts this season – only two remain!

Performances are open to the public with a free will donation or tickets benefiting a local, nonprofit organization.

• Benefiting: Avenues for Youth
  • Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
  • 7217 W Broadway Ave; Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
  • Register & Purchase Tickets

Learn more here.

Sunday, June 4, 2023; 3:00 PM CT

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SUMMER CONCERTS & WOOD-FIRED PIZZA

Roll on over to the Berne Church near Zwingli for a fantastic night of outdoor live music and wood-fired pizza. Along with great live bands, there are scheduled theme nights including an Art & Alpaca Family Event; Classic Car & Bike Cruise-in (monthly); Kids Night w/ Zollman Zoo; Artisan Market Night; and a Brewfest.

Check out the 2023 schedule, General Information, and more details here.

Every Wednesday, June 7 – August 30, 2023; 5:00 – opener; 6:30 headliner

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CHERISH ALL CHILDREN HYBRID 5K

Join Cherish All Children for their Hybrid 5K!

You have the option to walk or run at a time and location that works best for you, or meet up with Cherish All Children’s church and community partners for a group walk.

The goal for each participants is $300. Enlisting others to sponsor you is an easy way to accomplish this goal, such as asking 10 fiends to sponsor you for $30 each. If you’re unable to participate, you may also sponsor a racer or make a general gift and support this work of keeping children safe from sexual exploitation.

Learn more here.

June 9-11, 2023 – own time/location

Sunday, June 11, 2023 – Group walk/run; Victory Memorial Parkway, Minneapolis

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TOTALLY FABULOUS, ALL-GENERATIONS QUEER PROM

Whether you are young or young at heart, this is an event for all generations to come together and dance the night away. Folx from all walks of life are welcome to celebrate who they are and who they love. The sis a night to dress up, let loos, and have fun with your queer and trans family.

There will be a free will collection for Iowa Safe Schools, which provide safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments and communities for LGBTQ and allied youth in Iowa through education, outreach, advocacy, and direct services. Learn more about Iowa Safe Schools and donation information here.

There will be a family-friendly Iowa Drag Queen group performing, along with a DJ and phot-booth.

There are also opportunities to volunteer, co-sponsor, and/or participate in various ways to make this event a success. Find info and forms here.

Youth groups are welcome provided they are accompanied by at least one adult.

Learn more here.

SpringHouse Ministry Center – 610 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Find directions and more here.

Friday, June 16, 2023; 7:00-10:00 PM

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CLIMATE CHANGE WITH METEOROLOGIST PUAL DOUGLAS

Join MNIPL for a discussion on climate change with meteorologist Paul Douglas – free and open to the public.

Copper Top Church (First United Methodist)

Saturday, September 30, 2023; 11:00 AM CT

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COMMUNITY CONNECTOR CIRCLE

Do you share climate justice information and opportunity from MNIPL with your congregation, community, or team? Join The Ministry Lab in attending MNIPL’s new Community Connector Circle! We’ll share ideas, ask questions, celebrate successes, and get to know each other. Come as often as you like!

Learn more and get the zoom link here.

1st Tuesday (4:00 PM C) & 1st Thursday (12:00 PM /Noon) of each month.

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TREATY & WATER COMMEMORATION

September 29, 2023

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