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Fall 2024
WEDNESDAY ADULT CLASSES
Come together to deepen relationships, grow in faith, and to take time to intentionally nurture your spiritual life.
Conviction and Compassion
Taught by Rev. Steve Wiens
September 11, 18, & 25
4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. in the Colonnade
Political discussions tend to bring out the worst in people. Can we learn to express our convictions with compassion rather than self righteousness? Join Rev. Steve Wiens and Rev. Dan Stark as we learn to view politics through the lens of faith so we can express our convictions with a posture of humility and understanding. Our deeply divided culture can begin to heal if we let curiosity lead the way and if we listen with compassion and intentionality.
All In: Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength
Taught by the Clergy Team
October 2, 9, 23 & 30*
4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. in the Colonnade
This four week class offers a chance for further exploration and discussion of our Sunday sermon series. The clergy team will explore Mark 12:28-30, in which Jesus describes what’s most essential in a faith-filled life: “To love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as ourselves.” We’ll offer space for lots of questions as well as spiritual practices that allow each of us to take a next step towards a life that is “all in.”
* There is no class on October 16th, due to MEA.
How To Plan a Loved One’s Funeral
Wednesday, November 6
4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. in the Colonnade
Taught by Rev. Lindy Purdy
Whether you are drawn to this topic for yourself or for a loved one, this forum will get you thinking about the Celebration of a Life. This class will be focused on remembering how precious life is and acquiring tools, planning resources and ways to share vital information. Your participation will be a gift to your family and loved ones and you will be equipped to talk about this important event with them. Bring your thoughts and questions, your favorite verses, poems, clippings, and music.
Contemplative Prayer Sampler
Taught by Dana Essex, Ph.D.
November 13 & 20
4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. in the Colonnade
This November we will stumble together through the divine mess of life with humor and grace, learning to breathe, let go, and pray from the heart. Join us as we embrace imperfection, find stillness, and connect with God through four contemplative practices; Self-Compassion, Loving-Kindness, Centering Prayer and the Examen. All you need to bring is an open heart. (There are no classes on November 27.)
CARE MINISTRY
Called to Care
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Mithun Hall
Led by Rev. Lindy Purdy
Tuesdays, October 15, November 19, January 21, February 4, March 18 and April 15
This unique, year-long lay pastoral care curriculum prepares clergy and laypeople to minister to the needs of members of our congregation and community. This 18-20 hour course includes topics such as Active Empathic listening, the power of story, boundaries and confidentiality, Scripture and prayer and other resources and tools. Those who complete this curriculum will receive a certificate and an endorsement to provide lay pastoral care in our ministry setting.
MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY
Inspired Life: Music Heals Symposium
Tuesday, October 15
6:30-8:30 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church, 15915 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka
Join us at All Saints Lutheran Church on October 15 for Music Heals, an Inspired Life event presented in collaboration with Mental Health Connect, All Saints Lutheran Church, and Wayzata Community Church. Music Heals is a spiritual experience. We’ll talk about grief, postpartum depression, addiction, anxiety, cancer, relationships, love, and how music heals. We’ll listen to musicians and sing together— reminding everyone we’re not alone in life’s stumbles. There will be a free will offering for Mental Health Connect at this event.
THURSDAY FAITH BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays, September 19 through December 12
10:00 a.m. in the Colonnade
Thursday Faith Bible Study resumes September 19, at 10:00 a.m. in the Colonnade, led by Lindy Purdy and Dan Stark. We will be using different Translations, Maps and Visuals to dig deep into our sacred text. This fall we will be exploring the Book of Hebrews. Bring your curiosity and your questions. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite Bible. All are welcome!
SATURDAY SEEKERS
Saturdays beginning September 21 in Holmes Room, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
(No meetings Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends.)
Saturday Seekers is a lay led discussion group with a wide range of topics, i.e. faith journeys, theology, social justice, etc. All are welcome. We agree to disagree, being respectful of differences. We also request that members lead at least one session as needed. How was your summer? Did you make some good memories? Maybe some unexpected upheavals? How do you find support? Sometimes families are not an option. Do you agree or not? As each of us grow our faith through all the seasons of life we learn more about seeking, searching with many lessons and experiences. Most English versions of the Bible have about 300+ verses that include the words seek, seeking, seekers. What are you seeking in the months to come? Let’s talk.
If you’re interested in learning more about Seekers, please contact Judy Reed at reeddj2@comcast.net