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Events

Calendar View
Click here to view upcoming events in calendar format.

Event Listings
You can view all posted events on this page, or click on any one of the below links for different types of events.

Policy
For information on what events the synod accepts for publication and how they are publicized, download the full version of the synod's publication policy.

Please follow the event submission guidelines when submitting events.

Sept. 11, 2010 (Sat.): Annual Fall Festival
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Rolls & Coffee
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Meatball Dinner
First Lutheran Church
140 3rd Ave. SW
Glenville, MN
Cost: Freewill donation for rolls & coffee; $5/adults, $2.50/children 5-10, free/preschool for meatball dinner

All day there will be a "Farmer's Market" with produce and homemade jam & jellies etc. Also a bake sale, a Treasure Chest sale (used items), handmade items, plants and raffle items. At the end of the day leftover items will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. It is a fun day and a very good meal.

For more information, send an or call 507-448-2925. (added 8/20/10)

Sept. 12, 2010 (Sun.): Zumbro River Band Leads Worship
8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. worship hours
Zumbro Lutheran Church
624 3rd Ave. SW
Rochester, MN

The Zumbro River Band (formerly known as the Zumbro Bluegrass Band) will lead worship at Zumbro Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 12. Bluegrass band leader Bob Giere wrote the original bluegrass liturgy and, along with a number of toe-tapping tunes and hymns, it has become one of the most popular services. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Kristy Giere, 507-288-2649 or by (added 9/1/10)

Sept. 12, 2010 (Sun.): Pilot Mound Lutheran Church 100th Anniversary Celebration
10:00 a.m.
Pilot Mound Lutheran Church
32386 Harrow Road
Chatfield, MN

Mark your calendars for a very special service with great music and fellowship. Lunch will be served after service. For more information, send an or write to the above address. (added 1/27/10)

Sept. 14, 2010 (Tues.): Heavenly Harp Concert
7:00 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church
509 Kansas St NW
Preston, MN
Cost: Free will donation

Please join us for this special concert as Karin Gunderson performs "Springtime Serenity." This unique event features inspiring stories, harp, and vocal music.

To preview Karin's music, visit www.ChristianHarpMusic.com. For more information, contact Christ Lutheran Church at 507-765-2161. (added 9/1/10)

Sept. 18, 2010 (Sat.): Harvest Run for Hunger
Sponsored by Zion, Lemond; St. Paul, Meriden; Pontopidan, Ellendale; and First, Hope
7:30 a.m. - On Site Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4K Walk from Township Hall Begins
9:00 a.m. - 7K Run from Zion Begins
Zion Lutheran Church (Lemond)
7126 SW 98th St
Ellendale, MN
Cost: 7K run - $25/person, $30/person after Sept. 4; 4K walk - $20/person, $25/person after Sept. 4

Join us for our first annual "Harvest Run for Hunger." The benefits of this event are immeasurable! Not only will 100% of the proceeds benefit the local food shelf, but you will also benefit from the exercise, great company, beautiful scenery, and fun atmosphere. Please bring along an item for the food shelf. Each participant will receive a t-shirt.

Awards given in the following 7K run age groups: 16-22, 23-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and 61 and older.

For more and registration visit www.harvestrunforhunger.com (updated 6/16/10)

Sept. 18, 2010 (Sat.): Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Hosanna Lutheran Church
2815 57th St. NW
Rochester, MN
Cost: $6.00, Children 5 and under free

Join five Lutheran Churches; Bethel, Gloria Dei, Good Shepherd, Hosanna and Mount Olive; for a pancake breakfast and silent auction hosted at Hosanna Lutheran Church to benefit Kids Against Hunger, an international food relief organization. Enjoy "all you can eat" pancakes, sausages, juice and coffee. Bid on themed baskets and various items at the silent auction during the breakfast. To pick up tickets stop by Hosanna's office.

For more information, call 507-285-0092 or send an (added 8/25/10)

Sept. 18, 2010 (Sat.): Good Earth Village Quilt Auction
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Quilt Review
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Special Music
9:30 a.m. - Concessions begin
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Silent Auction
11:00 a.m. - Live Auction
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN

Please join us for our biggest fundraiser of the year! All proceeds go to support the ministry and programs of Good Earth Village.

For more information, click here, call 507-346-2494, or send an (added 7/2/10)

Sept. 19, 2010 (Sun.): 100th Year Anniversary
2:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
140 3rd Ave. SW
Glenville, MN

All are welcome to share in our 100th year celebration!

For more information, send an or call 507-448-2925. (added 8/20/10)

Sept. 21, 2010 (Tues.): Hearing on the Draft ELCA Social Statement on Genetics
7:00 p.m.
Bethel Lutheran Church (in the chapel)
810 3rd Ave. SE
Rochester, MN

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is preparing a social statement that addresses issues in genetics and biotechnology. A task force authorized by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly was formed in 2007 to lead this process and craft a proposed social statement to be considered by the 2011 Churchwide Assembly.

Hearings like this one provide an opportunity for participants to share with the task force their concerns, appreciation, and suggestions about the draft of a social statement. They also provide a place of sharing in which participants can hear what others are thinking. This hearing is sponsored by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod in cooperation with the program unit for Church in Society.

A record of comments from each hearing is shared with the task force, who will consider this feedback while developing a revised document called a "proposed" social statement. The proposed statement is scheduled to be finished in February of 2011.

Click here for more on the statement, including downloading a draft of the statement. Please read the draft before the hearing! (And bring it with you to the hearing.)

Publicity materials including a bulletin or e-mail announcement, flyer, and PowerPoint slide are available here. (added 6/29/10)

Sept. 23-26, 2010 (Thur.-Sun.): 'Ethics of Eating' Leadership Training
Sponsored by ELCA World Hunger for Region 3
Concordia Language Village
Near Marine on St. Croix, MN
Application: Opens August 15 and stays open until filled

Are you concerned about the way what you eat and the way we produce
food in this country impacts the environment, those who are hungry,
and those who work in food production? Do you want to explore these
issues through workshops and conversations with farmers and activists?

These issues will be explored from a theological perspective: how
should we eat such that it is just, and healthy for human beings and
the environment? We will ask this question with respect to urban,
local, organic, and conventional farming, and their relation to
hunger, food worker rights, and the environment. Participants will brainstorm about how what we learn should inform the work of the church,
particularly with respect to organizing, fundraising, education and
the lifestyle of members of the church. Afterwards, each participant
is expected to host an event of their choice in their local area.

Open to ELCA Members in the following synods: Western North Dakota,
Eastern North Dakota, South Dakota, Northwestern Minnesota, Northeastern Minnesota, Southwestern Minnesota,
Minneapolis Area, Saint Paul Area, and Southeastern
Minnesota.

To apply: Contact Romelia Almaraz by or 773-380-2696.

For more information, visit www.ELCA.org/hunger/ethicsofeating or contact Rev. Eva Jensen by or 612-353-6636. (added 8/16/10)

Sept. 24-26, 2010 (Fri.-Sun.): Faith and Drama: A Retreat in 3 Days
Additional Dates: Aug. 27-29
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN
Cost: $250/person double occupancy, $225/person triple, $350/person single (cost includes lodging, linens, programming, meals, and transportation to and from Lanesboro)

Good Earth Village is partnering with the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro to bring you a retreat full of faith and drama. Join us for a retreat and enjoy BIble study, two productions at the Commonweal (Picasso at Lapin Agile and Enchanted April), a pre-show workshop, and much more.

For more information, call 507-346-2494 or send an (added 7/2/10)

Sept. 25, 2010 (Sat.): Book of Faith Fall Festival
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
1600 Oakland Ave. West
Austin, MN
Cost: $25/person or $20/person for 3 or more from the same congregation (includes lunch and book)
Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 19

Presenters:

  • Dr. David Lose, Luther Seminary, author of Making Sense of Scripture
  • Dr. Diane Shallue - "Who Me? Leading Bible Conversations Using No-Prep Bible Study"
  • Bishop Harold Usgaard - "Bible with the Bishop"

Discover:

  • How to engage Book of Faith in your congregation
  • Confidence, inspiration, effective tools for facilitators of Bible conversations
  • New and creative ways to open Scripture and join in conversation

Each participant receives a complimentary copy of Making Sense of Scripture.

Click here to download a PDF flyer/registration form or here to register online (if you have difficulties with the online registration or have never registered online with us before, click here for some frequently asked questions). (added 7/29/10)

Sept. 25, 2010 (Sat.): Confirmation Kick-Off
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN
Cost: $25/person (chaperons are free, please bring one adult per 8 youth)

This one-day retreat is designed to get youth excited for their year of confirmation. It's an opportunity to meet other confirmation youth and know that they aren't alone in this aspect of their faith journey. AND it's a great chance for you to introduce your confirmation program for the year.

For more information, click here, call Gretchen at 507-346-2494, or send an (added 7/2/10)

Sept. 25, 2010 (Sat.): Mission Interpreter Training
Additional Date: Sept. 28
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
St. John Lutheran Church
1301 Lincoln Ave. SE
Owatonna, MN

Anyone who is committed to or interested in being a Mission Interpreter for is encouraged to attend either this training or the event on September 28.

It is a goal to have at least one Mission Interpreter in each congregation to tell the story of the ELCA. Find out more in the Mission Interpreter brochure (PDF).

Contact Shirley Gangstad (Synod Vice President and Mission Interpreter Coordinator) at 507-346-7679 or by for more information about Mission Interpreters or the training events. (added 9/1/10)

Sept. 28, 2010 (Tues.): Mission Interpreter Training
Additional Date: Sept. 25
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
2830 18th Ave NW
Rochester, MN

Anyone who is committed to or interested in being a Mission Interpreter for is encouraged to attend either this training or the event on September 25.

It is a goal to have at least one Mission Interpreter in each congregation to tell the story of the ELCA. Find out more in the Mission Interpreter brochure (PDF).

Contact Shirley Gangstad (Synod Vice President and Mission Interpreter Coordinator) at 507-346-7679 or by for more information about Mission Interpreters or the training events. (added 9/1/10)

Oct. 1-10, 2010 (Fri.-Sun.): Village-to-Village - Good Earth to Holden
Holden Village
Washington (state)
Cost: $900/person, $875/senior over 62 (includes train, ferry, and all meals and lodging at Holden; meals en route are at own expense)
Discounted Registration Deadline: Register by April 1 and receive a $25/person discount

Holden Village is an ecumenical retreat center rooted in the Lutheran tradition. Once the home of one of the largest copper mines in the United States, Holden Village has converted the original buildings into sleeping accommodations, dining hall and worship space. Enjoy Bible study, lectures, hiking and good food!

For more information, click here or contact Jenni at 507-346-2494 or by (added 3/17/10)

Oct. 2-3, 2010 (Sat.-Sun.): Fair Trade Market
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
2124 Viola Rd. NE
Rochester, MN

Sale of handmade crafts by artisans from 35 countries. All proceeds from the Market are returned to those growing and producing the gods.

International foods served Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Snacks served on Saturday.

Click here to download a flyer (PDF) to publicize in your congregation. (added 9/1/10)

Oct. 3, 2010 (Sun.): Family Fall Festival
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN
Cost: $5/person, family cost not to exceed $20
Registration Deadline: Sept. 27

Good Earth Village invites you to enjoy an afternoon of hiking, wagon rides, crafts, and great food! Children can visit the pumpkin patch to pick their own pumpkin. A cook-out of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, beverage, fresh pies, and ice cream will be served. Come for all or part of the afternoon!

For more information, click here, call 507-346-2494, or send an (added 7/2/10)

Oct. 8-9, 2010 (Fri.-Sat.): Youth Blast!
Additional Dates: Oct. 15-16, Oct. 29-30, and Nov. 12-13
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN

A retreat for grades 3-6. In addition to Bible studies, there will be time for games, hiking, worship, singing, and meeting new friends!

For more information, click here, call Gretchen at 507-346-2494, or send an (added 7/2/10)

Oct. 9, 2010 (Sat.): Norwegian Dinner
Settings at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Central Lutheran Church
259 W Wabasha St
Winona, MN
Cost: $15/adults, $7/children 6-12, free/pre-school children

We will be serving lutefisk, meatballs, lefse and other Norwegian favorites. There will be only 200 tickets sold.

To make reservations call LouAnne Schwarz, 507-454-3410.

We are located on the corner of Huff and Wabasha Streets, near the Winona State Campus. (added 8/16/10)

Oct. 15-16, 2010 (Fri.-Sat.): Youth Blast!
Additional Dates: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 29-30, and Nov. 12-13
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN

A retreat for grades 3-6. In addition to Bible studies, there will be time for games, hiking, worship, singing, and meeting new friends!

For more information, click here, call Gretchen at 507-346-2494, or send an (added 7/2/10)

Oct. 15-17, 2010 (Fri.-Sat.): Scrapbooking Retreat
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN
Cost: 115/person (includes lodging, linens, programming, breakfast and supper on Saturday, and brunch on Sunday). Lunch on Saturday is available for an additional $6/person.

Join us for a weekend of scrapbooking! We'll take care of the meals, dishes, and clean up. All you have to do is enjoy a weekend of relaxing, renewing, and scrapbooking!

For more information, click here, call 507-346-2494, or send an (added 7/2/10)

Oct. 16, 2010 (Sat.): Kids Against Hunger Packaging Fill
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bethel Lutheran Church
810 3rd Ave. SE
Rochester, MN
Cost: free will donation

Participate in the 4th Annual Kids Against Hunger Fill to package 100,000 meals at $.15 per meal for hungry children around the world and in Rochester. Ten percent of the meals are donated to Channel One. Jobs include filling bags, weighing and sealing bags, making boxes, loading the semi-truck or serving food for volunteers. All ages can work, some are sit down jobs.

Sign up to donate or work at the fill by calling 507-285-0092 or sending an (added 9/1/10)

Oct. 29-30, 2010 (Fri.-Sat.): Youth Blast!
Additional Dates: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 15-16, and Nov. 12-13
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN

A retreat for grades 3-6. In addition to Bible studies, there will be time for games, hiking, worship, singing, and meeting new friends!

For more information, click here, call Gretchen at 507-346-2494, or send an (added 7/2/10)

Nov. 7-9, 2010 (Sun.-Tues.): Fall Theological Conference
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Minneapolis International Airport - Mall of America
Bloomington, MN

A synod-sponsored continuing education event for pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, interns, professional church workers and their spouses. (added 2/9/10)

Nov. 10-16, 2010 (Wed.-Tues.): Synod Trip to Colombia
Travelling in Colombia, South America
Cost: approx. $1,500 (includes airfare, lodging, in-country transportation, and most meals)
Registration Deadline: Aug. 18

Join us in visiting our companion synod - the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO). We will make every effort to visit congregations that trip members' congregations are partnered with. We will also witness some of the many programs supported by IELCO, learn about the country and the people, and build relationships.

For more information or to register, contact Katie Livingood at the synod office at 507-280-9457, 800-426-6376 in Minnesota, or by (added 7/2/10)

Nov. 11, 2010 (Thur.): Luther Seminary PREVIEWS
Luther Seminary
St. Paul, MN
Registration opens Oct. 1

Previews is a youth-focused event for selected high school students and their pastors that helps youth explore their gifts, callings and various ministry opportunities.

Click here for more information. (added 3/24/10)

Nov. 12-13, 2010 (Fri.-Sat.): Youth Blast!
Additional Dates: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 15-16, and Oct. 29-30
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN

A retreat for grades 3-6. In addition to Bible studies, there will be time for games, hiking, worship, singing, and meeting new friends!

For more information, click here, call Gretchen at 507-346-2494, or send an (added 7/2/10)

Nov. 13-14, 2010 (Sat.-Sun.): Church Youth Fest
Luther College
Decorah, IA
Cost: $45/youth, $30/adult sponsor
Registration available in August.

Energized worship, interactive workshops, and a chance to meet great people. For grades 9-12.

Guest Speaker: Carl-Eric Gentes
A 2002 Luther grad, Carl-Eric brings his unique theological lens and fearless attempts at sharing the gospel through mixed-media.

Music: 100 White Flags.

For more information, visit www.luther.edu/ministries/congregations/cyf or call 563-387-1271 (added 7/19/10)