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BUILDING MORAL ECONOMIES WITH DR. CYNTHIA MOE-LOBEDA
Explore the calling to build economies that allow earth’s web of life (including humans) to flourish, and that resist predatory capitalism. This seminar weds knowledge with frameworks for transformative action. We will cultivate a trustworthy learning community. The seminar’s informing undercurrent is the quest for hope and moral-spiritual agency in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
- Audit-style
- Intended for lay leaders, Synodically Authorized Ministers, and anyone interested in the intersection of faith and justice
- Be part of an exciting experiment that rethinks traditional theological education
Fall 2026 / online synchronous
Thursdays / 09.10.26 – 12.17.26 / 4:10-6:10 PM CT
Learn more at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/moraleconomies
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ATWOOD INSTITUTE FOR CONGREGATIONAL COURAGE
CONCERNED ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE?
The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship invites you to the ecumenical 3rd annual Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage, which offers continuing education for lay leaders and clergy on educational, pastoral and action steps for gun violence prevention mission with congregations.
2026 Theme: Cultivating the Heart to End Gun Violence – Ending gun violence requires courage, compassion, and community. The theme invites participants to nurture the spiritual grounding, relationships and practical skills needed to build safer communities. Gun violence prevention work also involves struggle, grief, and persistence. The Institute holds space for both the pain of this work and the beloved community of people taking action together.
Space is limited and registration is open.
September 15-18, 2026 / Kansas City, MO
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LEARN SPANISH WITH TAPESTRY!
Tapestry is a collaborative group of congregations in Richfield, MN. Their mission is to ‘work together to build a comunidad de fe multicultural that shares God’s love with neighbors as we listen to. God, to each other, and to the community. They gather for worship, music, dance, and Bible study and are kid-friendly, multicultural, and bilingual.
Now they invite neighbors to learn Spanish!
This is not a religious class, but they may use hymns/songs or Bible texts in class from time to time.
Childcare is available.
Mostly, they hope folx – who are Levels 1, 2, or conversational – will come to engage with neighbors for a free dinner and Spanish classes.
Cost = $100
Oak Grove Lutheran Church – 7045 Lyndale Ave S – Richfield, MN
To register or with questions: tapestryrichfield@gmail.com
Tuesdays, September 22 – November 24, 2026
- 6:00 PM – Free Dinner
- 6:30 – 8:00 PM – Classes
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CONNECTED PARENTING: RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF RESILIENT KIDS
September 26, 2026 / 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Calvary Church, Alexandria, MN
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LEADING ACROSS THE DIVIDE
A NEXT CHURCH COHORT
The congregations we serve are more diverse than ever: racially, culturally, generationally, theologically, economically. Our good intentions are not enough when the dynamics of power, conflict, and difference are still shaping our preaching, pastoral care, and congregational culture below the surface.
This six-month coaching cohort is built around the Intercultural Development Continuum (IDC), a research-based framework for building genuine intercultural competency. Alongside a cohort of peers in ministry, you’ll move beyond awareness into practice by developing real skills for leading across differences in the congregations and communities you serve.
$849/participants
Wednesdays, September 30, October, 21, November 11, December 2, January 6, and January 27 / 1:30-3:00 PM CT
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BEYOND BELONGING: BRANCH OUT – BRING IN – BUILD TOGETHER / CONNEXT SUMMIT 2026
Join Children, Youth, and Family leaders from across Minnesota for this biennial ecumenical gathering of retreat, networking, learning, and leaning into innovation for transformational ministries.
Plenary leader David Scherer (AGAPE*) will unpack emerging resources and approaches to more expansively inclusive ministries.
Worship & music leaders Alsa and Morgan Bruno will ground us creativity, humor, improvisation, and joy.
A group art project and peer panel on incorporating The Book of Belonging will underscore our belonging to one another.
Rich workshops will round out personal and communal awareness and capacities for belonging in our diverse settings.
We will be surrounded by God’s good creation at Clearwater Forest Camp & Retreat Center – where we’ll rest, walk, play, worship, sing and pray outside (or in, depending on weather).
October 11-13, 2026
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ENNEAGRAM AT CHURCH: LEADING WITH AWARENESS
This cohort from NextChurch will explore the Enneagram, investigate how type expresses itself collectively in a congregation, and activate curiosity about patterns present in ourselves and in the systems we serve.
Cohort begins October 13, 2026
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PREACH: CLARITY – COURAGE – FAITHFUL WITNESS
Every generation must find the words the speak truth into its time.
The world our congregations inhabit has changed. And with it, the preaching moment has changed. The pulpit is no longer insulated from the public square. Silence is often heard as agreement. Ambiguity can be perceived as avoidance. Moral clarity can feel costly – but so can vagueness. With this convening of preachers in 2026, we are helping you both refine your craft and discern your courage.
Learn more and buy tickets here.
In-person or virtual
St Andrew Lutheran Church / Eden Prairie, MN
October 18-21, 2026
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SAVE THE DATE!
EMBODIED ANTIRACISM 4-WEEK INTRO SERIES FOR WHITE CLERGY
4 Thursdays / October 29, November 5, 12, & 19, 2026 / 1:30-3:30 PM CT
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FAITH & RESISTANCE: GUELICH CONFERENCE 2027
Faith & Resistance is a gathering for those who sense that the world can be different – and that faith has a role to play.
Faith & Resistance is bringing together leaders from across the country for conversations on hope, resilience, transformation, freedom, and what we can all do in our own lives to create a better collective future.
We believe that faith, at its best, is not passive belief but courageous action: the holy work of resisting what harms and creating what heals. Together we’ll explore how communities of faith can become communities of resistance: please that nurture liberation, healing, and wholeness for all people.
Meeting House Church, Edina, MN
January 29-30, 2027
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TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY: LEADING CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUAL GROUPS & RETREATS
Designed to equip, encourage, and support those called to create and facilitate contemplative spiritual groups and retreats. Through experiential learning, seminars, reflection, and a sacred learning community, participants will expand their contemplative awareness of the Divine and grow in their contemplative leadership and skills.
FREE INFO SESSION ON ZOOM – AUGUST 6, 11:00 AM CT
Register for the info session here.
Need-based tuition assistance is available. For more information, contact Katy at katy@shalem.org.
Learn more about Transforming Community here.
January – December 2027
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ACTION PROJECT COHORT
Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 ACTION Cohort!
ACTION = A Commitment To Inclusion in Our Neighborhoods
The ACTION Project is a three-year program designed to reflect the critical intersections of learning, accountability, and praxis that are necessary for racial justice. Utilizing non-traditional frameworks, participants learn from the authority, wisdom, and experiences of BIPOC educators.
Year A – History: How did we get here?
Year B – Current Climate: Disparities in community & building racial consciousness and community organizing
Year C – Repair & Solidarity: Tailored consultations toward development of repair ministry in your local community
Participation includes:
- Annual IDI Assessment (learn more here)
- Monthly Community ACTION
- Monthly Cohort Meetings
- Weekly ACTION Newsletter
- Supplemental Experiences
- Ongoing Support
Learn more and register here.
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FAITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS
First Tuesday of Every Month – online / FREE
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We’re excited to share professional development through our partner, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and other excellent teachers and institutions.
See also Association of United Church Educators Continuing Education page.
