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October 2, 2024
You may have heard discussion in the media in the past couple months about our mission partner, Minnesota Freedom Fund (MFF). MFF pays cash bails and immigration bonds for those who can’t afford it so that wealth does not decide who is kept in detention and who goes free before trial.
MFF is our mission partner because ECLC’s mission is to “give witness to love and justice at God's welcome table and in the world.” Also take a look at the ELCA’s Social Statement on Criminal Justice, which references bail eight times.
The cash bail and immigration detention systems put a price on freedom that only a few can afford, effectively criminalizing poverty and fueling the growth of mass incarceration. Keep in mind:
So far this year, MFF has paid 375 bails totaling $1,442,190 in more than six Minnesota counties, and 78 immigration bonds totaling $778,000 – and counting.
Join us to watch and witness part of the process in person! This fall, ECLC’s Pre-Trial Fairness team encourages any and all ECLC members to join us each month at Hennepin and Ramsey County Courts to observe hearings where detainees’ bails are set. Our goal is to bring the process into the light and help hold it accountable. We don’t hold signs or wear t-shirts or even speak. We take notes for MFF and use our privilege to show that someone is watching. We learn how a process —that is right under our noses, but often out of our sight — functions for our community.
Join a member of the Pretrial Fairness Team for Court Watch on these dates. An ECLC Pre-Trial Fairness Team member will host each session. Register here with Minnesota Freedom Fund to attend.
Thank you for your advocacy!
September 25, 2024
The program year is off to a great start for Children, Youth, and Family Ministries! Activities began on Sunday, September 8th with a backpack and briefcase blessing and all were invited to pick out a tag for their bags as a reminder of this blessing. The following Sunday, Sunday School students participated in an open house where they found their classrooms, met their teachers, and received a special treat! All youth and their families were also invited to share their feedback on a number of questions through a voting activity and a suggestion bucket. Fan favorites that will return this year include Kids' Night Out and Friday Fun Nights for middle and high school youth! Finally, this past Sunday, elementary students began Sunday School with their teachers, and youth participated in the first youth forum of the year.
Sunday School numbers continue to grow, and this year there are approximately 60 kids ages 0-5th grade registered for the year. A number of volunteers have returned for a consecutive year of teaching, and we are thrilled to welcome some new volunteers to the mix, too! Sunday School students will continue working with Cindi and Julie on singing and music - you can catch the kids' work on Sunday, October 6th as they sing with ECLC's adult choir in both worship services. In the classroom, Sunday School kids will engage in a number of activities from games to crafts, and even baking while hearing stories like Jonah and the Whale, The Battle of Jericho, Moses, and more. We are thrilled to be back in the lower-level classrooms engaging ECLC's youngest friends in classic Bible stories!
The confirmation class has more than doubled in size this year with the incoming 6th graders - we are so excited to have 19 6th, 7th, and 8th graders join us. Curriculum has shifted and will engage students in a number of current event topics and their intersection with faith but will continue to highlight Luther's Small Catechism with things like The Lord's Prayer, the 10 Commandments, and the Apostles' Creed, too. Small group leaders have been added to confirmation this year and will help foster relationships with youth and other trusted adults within the congregation; thank you to Dave, Teresa, and Sarah for their commitment to working with our youth!
Youth Forum is off and running and had 10 youth attend this past Sunday! Youth Forum meets every Sunday between worship services (10:10-10:50am) and is a time for youth in grades 6-12 to hang out, build community, and enjoy treats while engaging in a variety of activities and topics to enhance their understanding and learning about church and the world. Last year, we enjoyed presentations and activities from various mission and ministry partners, and a number of ECLC members. We are always looking for new topics to share with our youth and would love to welcome you to share your passion with the youth. Contact Katie for more info!
It's only been a few weeks of the lower level being filled with laughter and excitement and we are looking forward to similar months to come! Volunteers and visitors are always welcome in any of these spaces, and we hope you'll join us soon!
September 18, 2024
God places a variety of callings on each of our hearts. And, in a congregation as committed to engagement with the world as ECLC…there is something for everyone! Last Sunday, liaisons were blessed in worship as they commit to serving as champions for each of our 20 Mission & Ministry Partners. Keep this list handy as you look for ways to engage through service, learning, advocacy, prayer, and giving in the year ahead.
If you didn’t receive a signup sheet during worship on Sunday, email Deacon Lauren which of these partner liaisons you’d like to receive occasional opportunities from—it’s a simple, low-key way to stay in touch with ECLC’s various partners! Thank you to our liaisons, and to all of ECLC, for the ways we live into God’s hope for the world through our Mission & Ministry Partnerships!
ACT-TC: TBD
Avenues for Youth: Doris P
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative: Jeanie T
Bright Stars of Bethlehem: Gary G
Community Emergency Service: Bill L
Cristo de Paz Lutheran Church: Megan D
Every Meal: Erika L
Household and Outside Maintenance for Elders: Jim O
Interfaith Coalition on Immigration: Maggie P
Loaves & Fishes: Tom D
Global Refuge: Maggie P
Lutheran World Relief: Ronna V
Meals on Wheels Edina: Jen S
Minneapolis Area Synod: Mark V
Minnesota Freedom Fund: Rita L
Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light: TBD
National Alliance on Mental Illness MN: Fern P
ReconcilingWorks: Teresa T
Redeemer Lutheran Church: Lynda T
St. Paul’s/San Pablo Lutheran Church: TBD
September 11, 2024
Sign Up begins now for 2024-2025 House Churches
What can one hour a month really do? It turns out: a lot. Each program year, ECLCers come together in small groups of 5-10 households called House Churches for just one hour a month from October through June and the results have been astounding. Following a simple template written by the rostered ministers, each month House Churches become safe communities for one another while reflecting on issues of faith and life.
Each year, unlikely connections are formed as groups begin to share truth and laughter in these intentional communities together. This year, they will follow the thread of discipleship throughout each gathering, allowing this topic of following Christ to build each month. We hope you will consider being part of a House Church this year! They are offered both in-person or on Zoom, open to the whole congregation or affinity group focused, and offered on a variety of dates over the 2nd week of each month.
Contact Deacon Lauren with questions and sign-up.
September 4, 2024
On September 8 we return to our 9am (with livestream) and 11am worship service schedule, and Community Enrichment returns between services.
Backpack Blessing! We invite all children and youth to bring their backpacks to church for a blessing during worship.
Art Dedication! We welcome Angela Two Stars and her family in worship and between services.
At 10:30 we will hold a special dedication ceremony on the Creekside patio. Angela will present her commissioned work "Fulfilled" and we will celebrate the culmination of our congregation's 75th anniversary together. “We are deeply grateful for Ms. Two Stars’ collaboration with our congregation and for the beautiful public art she has created to honor all who have called this place home. This dedication will be a celebration of Ms. Two Stars’ artistry, our shared journeys on this land, and the power of God’s abundant grace and love.” Karen Boyum, ECLC 75th Anniversary Co-Chair
All are welcome!
August 28, 2024
As you may have heard by now, ECLC's fall theme is:
Steadfast in Hope!
Anchored in Faith!
Bold in Witness!
Throughout the fall we will be exploring how the nonstop cycle of this uncertain time attempts to uproot us, and how our faith can help us to stay rooted. As part of this theme, we will be putting together a series of daily devotionals written by ECLC members - and we want you to write one of them!
A devotional can be a paragraph, a poem, or even a more abstract piece of writing. You can reflect on the upcoming election, a quote you find meaningful, a memory, a Bible verse, or anything that this theme sparks within you. Anyone can submit a devotional, regardless of their age, background, or writing experience. We want submissions that are as varied and diverse as our wonderful congregation!
Contact the church office if you are a member and would like to contribute a devotional. Our goal is to have at least 30 submissions so that we can send out one devotional per day. If there are enough submissions past that, we may find a way to collect and distribute all of the devotionals in digital and/or physical form. The first devotional will be shared in mid-October, so the deadline for entries will be October 1st.
If you are interested in receiving the daily devotionals in your email, contact the church office. Each day's selection will also be shared in the ECLC Member Group on Facebook.
If you have any trouble with either of the above links, or have any questions about this project, please contact Madelyn W. or Pastor Jeff.
August 21, 2024
This week we are lifting up the role of communion server. If you’d like to serve communion, pick up a cross on the wall as you enter the sanctuary. If it’s your first time, talk with the pastors or deacon and they will answer any questions you have.
What are your responsibilities as a communion server?
What do you like best?
What has surprised you?
August 14, 2024
This week we are lifting up the role of a soloist or a musician. If you play an instrument or sing and would like to play with the band or sing a solo/duet, please reach out to Paul and Melissa. This week we hear from Cheryl and Jonathan!
What are your responsibilities as a soloist/musician?
What do you like best?
What has surprised you?
August 7, 2024
This week we are lifting up the role of lector. This is a trained position open to all people–children, youth, and adults. If you’re interested in serving in this role, please reach out to Deacon Lauren to be added to the volunteer list and she will set up a one-on-one training with you. Read on to learn more from two of our lectors, Teresa and Melissa.
What are your responsibilities as a lector?
What do you like best?
What has surprised you?
July 31, 2024
This week we are lifting up the role of usher. This is a trained position open to all people–children, youth, and adults. If you’re interested in serving in this role, please reach out to Deacon Lauren to be added to the volunteer list and she will set up a one-on-one training with you. Read on to learn more from some of our ushers!
What are your responsibilities as an usher?
What do you like best?
What has surprised you?
July 24, 2024
This week we are lifting up the roles of communion prep and communion clean-up. These roles are both Monthly Group roles. During the summer when Monthly Groups are on vacation, we encourage all ECLCers to try two roles during the summer. Deacon Lauren is happy to walk through a role if you’re doing it for the first time or need a refresher. Read on to learn more from some of our volunteers, Kathy, Jen, and Mary.
What are your responsibilities as a communion prep or cleanup volunteer?
What do you like best?
What has surprised you?
July 17, 2024
This week we are lifting up the role of greeter. This is a trained position open to all people–children, youth, and adults. If you’re interested in serving in this role, please reach out to Deacon Lauren to be added to the volunteer list and she will set up a one-on-one training with you. Read on to learn more from two of our greeters, Kathy and Margot.
What are your responsibilities as a greeter?
What do you like best?
What has surprised you?
July 10, 2024
This week we are lifting up the many roles of fellowship and hospitality. This role encompasses many smaller roles—making coffee, bringing treats, and cleaning up. These are all monthly group roles. During the summer when Monthly Groups are on vacation, we encourage all ECLCers to try two roles during the summer. Deacon Lauren is happy to walk through a role if you’re doing it for the first time or need a refresher. Read on to learn more from two of our hospitality volunteers, DeeDee and Bev.
What are your responsibilities as a hospitality volunteer?
What do you like best?
What has surprised you?
July 3, 2024
This week we are lifting up the role of livestream volunteer. This is a trained position open to all people–children, youth, and adults. If you’re interested in serving in this role, please reach out to Deacon Lauren to be added to the volunteer list and she will set up a one-on-one training with you. Read on to learn more from one of our livestream volunteers, Luke.
What are your responsibilities as a livestream volunteer?
What do you like best?
What has surprised you?
June 26, 2024
This week we are lifting up the role of assisting minister. We train all confirmation students to serve as assisting ministers, but anyone can be an assisting minister. Talk with Pastor Anna if you’re interested. Read on to learn more from two of our assisting ministers, Lydia and Anita.
What are your responsibilities as an assisting minister?
What do you like best about this role?
What has surprised you?
June 12, 2024
Recognizing the value of all of God’s abundant and diverse creation, ECLC strives to live into anti-racist values through our own ministries, systems and structures. Quarterly, leaders from all of ECLC’s committees are invited to gather to share ideas, learn together, and reflect on their work through the lens of anti-racism in order to take action. This May, over 25 ECLCers representing over 15 ECLC ministries and committees gathered at our Racial Justice Quarterly Forum.
We invite you to consider your ministry within ECLC, as well as your personal or professional lives, through this same anti-racist lens. Here are some of the ways we reflected together:
Finally, each Quarterly Forum includes a meal from a local BIPOC owned restaurant or small catering business. This month, we all enjoyed a meal from Muddy Tigger right here in Edina. What local restaurant might you try next? Have a nearby option to recommend? Email Deacon Lauren!
Deacon Lauren on behalf of the Racial Justice Vision Committee
June 5, 2024
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has invited ECLC members to be their guests for a guided tour of their public exhibit Mdwewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake. We will have an opportunity to learn more about and better understand the Mdewakanton Dakota people and their history.
The Mdewakanton (pronounced “Med-ah-wah-kah-ton”) people migrated south two centuries ago from home territory around Mille Lacs (Spirit Lake) as the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and other Great Lakes bands filled in from the north and east. The Mdewakanton were nomadic inhabitants of much of Central Minnesota and what is now considered the greater Twin Cities area when U.S. treaties turned over their land to European newcomers. The Mdewakanton Dakota were and are among the nations of the Seven Council Fires (Oceti Ŝakowiŋ), which Europeans came to call the Sioux Nation.
Join us for this inspiring opportunity! The public exhibit is housed in beautiful Hoċokata Ṫi, the recently built Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Center. We have two Saturday options, June 15 and June 29, because guided tours are limited to 20 people. The tours begin at 11 a.m. and are suitable for upper-elementary ages and up. You can sign up using this form.
This opportunity is brought to you by ECLC’s Indigenous Rights group as response to our commitment to “truth telling that leads to healing” (per the ECLC Land Acknowledgement). Please contact Catherine with questions.
May 22, 2024
The 2023-24 program year has come to an end, but we are gearing up for all things summer! Over the past few weeks, we celebrated the end of the year with multiple groups - Sunday School kids, Confirmation youth, CYF volunteers, and more!
Confirmation wrapped up on Wednesday, May 8th with dinner as a group followed by various rounds of Kahoot! Confirmation students tested their knowledge and what they learned from the confirmation year in the form of trivia - competition was hot and prizes were awarded! We were so impressed with how much the youth retained this year - from questions on youth forum to worship practices, to the Bible and Prophets, these youth knew it all!
Sunday School finished the year on Sunday, May 12th with a large group activity while celebrating the teachers and enjoying cookies from Cookie Cart. We gathered outside near the front doors to play with chalk and bubbles and engage in conversation with each other. The art that came from the kids was so fun to see! Many of them worked together to create masterpieces on the sidewalk - seeing friendships being built between all ages at ECLC is definitely a highlight of this community.
On Saturday, May 18th, CYF volunteers and staff gathered at the Irwin’s for a volunteer picnic to celebrate the end of the program year. We give great thanks to the Irwins for hosting this event - it was a wonderful night enjoying each others’ company in the beautiful weather!
The third annual JAM Camp starts on Monday, June 24th and will be the kickoff to CYF summer activities at ECLC! Camp will run through Thursday, June 27th and will conclude at our partner congregation, St. Paul/San Pablo’s in Minneapolis.
Close to 25 kids and youth will head off to various overnight camps this summer - in July, our middle and high schoolers will venture to Wilderness Canoe Base in the Boundary Waters and meet our intergenerational campers at the end of their week. In August, our elementary and middle schoolers will spend time at Camp Wapo in Amery, WI for a time of faith, learning, and fun!
Mark your calendars for family fun nights this summer! We’ll gather together on July 10th and July 31st for intergenerational fun - stay tuned for further details regarding activities and sign ups. We are grateful for such a fabulous year with all of ECLC’s kids and youth and their families, and we look forward to all that is to come in the next few months as we continue to build relationships in this amazing community!
May 15, 2024
Farewell John! John Anthony was celebrated in worship last Sunday, and with coffee and donuts Wednesday morning at church. He is embarking on retirement, and we give thanks for his service as our Business Administrator! We say farewell but not goodbye! John and Connie will continue as active members at ECLC.
Hello Anne! Anne Gustafson will begin her position as Director of Finance and Administration on Monday morning, May 20th! We look forward to getting to know her as she steps into this important and multi-faceted role. Please take a moment to greet her! Her email is: agustafson@eclc.org.
May 8, 2024
This past weekend, the 137 congregations of the Minneapolis Area Synod gathered for our annual assembly. At these gatherings, we are reminded we are part of the larger Lutheran Church and inspired by the breadth of the church as we worship together, make funding decisions, learn about the larger ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, lean into Bible Study together, vote on resolutions to further our synod’s ministry, and more! This year, we also celebrated Bishop Ann Svennungsen’s 12 years of service and participated in the discernment of a new Bishop, electing Bishop-elect Jen Nagel to serve a six-year term. You can read more here about Bishop-elect Nagel and the business of the synod assembly.
ECLC is deeply committed to our participation as part of the wider Church. Thank you to all of ECLC’s voting members for their commitment to be present; here are reflections of the experience from each of them:
One thing we did at Synod Assembly was:
One thing I learned at Synod Assembly is:
At Synod Assembly, I experienced God:
After Synod Assembly, I feel:
May 1, 2024
Public Art Design Presentation
Join us this Sunday when Angela Two Stars, our 75th Anniversary commissioned artist, returns to share her final design for the public art that will be installed this summer/fall in ECLC's creekside backyard. Angela is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and was born and raised on the Lake Traverse reservation in South Dakota. All are encouraged to join the conversation!
April 17, 2024
Happy Earth Day! ECLC’s commitment to care for all God’s creation is year-round…but we have a meaningful weekend of eco-justice opportunities ahead this weekend.
ELECTRONICS & SMALL APPLIANCE RECYCLING: Stop by ECLC’s parking lot between 10am-2pm this Saturday, April 20th to recycle your hard-to-dispose electronics and small appliances. See what’s accepted at https://ecyclemn.com/items-accepted-for-recycling/. Share this event organized by ECLC’s EcoFaith team with your neighbors and friends via email and Facebook.
SUNDAY WORSHIP—WEAR GREEN: You’re invited to wear green as we give thanks to God for all creation and recognize the struggling of the Earth in worship using ECLC’s Green Liturgy this Sunday at 9am and 11am.
SUNDAY RESOURCE TABLE: Grab resources following worship from ECLC’s EcoFaith team including information on native plants, community support agriculture boxes, and details on recycling with a purpose.
SUNDAY COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT: Between worship services, join ECLC’s EcoFaith team and ECLC member Briana S. in conversation about Not “Fast Fashion.” How we can make fashion choices that are enjoyable, but also repurpose, reuse, and care for the Earth.
SUNDAY KIDS’ STUFF FREE SWAP: Gather up kids’ books, toys, clothes, and gear and bring it to ECLC on Sunday morning before 10am. Put items on the designated tables upstairs in the library and conference room. After 10am, all are invited to “shop” for free and take any items they can use! ECLC will donate the remaining items at the end of the day. Help kids’ items be re-used and re-loved by another kiddo.
THE ECOFAITH TEAM would like to recognize the incredible work our mission partner Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light does in fighting for climate justice. They have three climate actions we can take to honor Earth Day at: https://www.mnipl.org/take-action/earth-day-2024/ Let's celebrate Earth Day everyday and recognize MNIPL for their amazing work!
April 10, 2024
ECLC welcomes guest preacher Pastor Margaret Kelly! Pastor Margaret is a clinical social worker with particular expertise working with folks on the margins of our communities. She has worked in mental health crisis stabilization, adult and children’s mental health case management, and housing support for people with mental illness. Pastor Margaret was a mission developer (church planter) in the ELCA. She received significant recognition for developing Shobi’s Table into a community run food truck that brought worship to the streets of St Paul. Pastor Margaret thrives at the intersection of social service implementation and faith-based communities. She serves as the Executive Director of the Dignity Center, a ministry of Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church. She resides in South Minneapolis with her 2 kids, a calico cat, and two black kittens.
Guest Community Enrichment Speaker on Sunday morning at 10am in Fellowship Hall. We will welcome Chris LaTondresse, President & CEO of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. A recent Hennepin County Commissioner, Chris’ experience at the intersection of housing, advocacy, and faith is now being put to work to advance Beacon’s commitment to ensuring that all people have a home.
March 20, 2024
As we’ve journeyed through the Lenten season, we’re reminded of the profound significance of Holy Week and the joyous celebration of Easter that awaits us. With hearts full of anticipation, we invite you to join us for a transformative week of reflection, prayer, and worship at ECLC.
Palm Sunday worship on March 24 at 8:50am (with livestream) and 10:50am on the front steps. Note early start!
Journey to the Cross Join us on Wednesday, March 27 for a new intergenerational Holy Week event. We will journey to the cross together through interactive stations and activities while hearing of Jesus' final days before his death. This is a drop-in event - please come anytime between 5:30-6:30pm to ensure enough time to get through each station. Light refreshments will be served!
Maundy Thursday worship on Thursday, March 28 at 7pm (with livestream) includes the ritual foot washing and Holy Communion. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so are we called to give and receive love in humble service to one another.
On Good Friday worship on Friday, March 29 at 7pm (with livestream), we will lament the pains of this world. As we stand with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we will pray for the whole world with an ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life for all.
The Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 30 at 6pm (with livestream) reenacts the ancient stories of God’s saving power and we rejoice in the gift of baptism.
On Easter Sunday on March 31, we discover once again the joy of proclaiming “Alleluia!" with worship services at 8:00, 9:30 (with livestream) and 11:00 am.
March 13, 2024
Lutherans believe that loving our neighbor includes advocacy for just systems and government policies. This legislative session, ECLCers have been busy advocating! See what we’ve been up to with our Mission & Ministry Partners—and how to quickly and effectively engage your faith through advocacy from home.
IMMIGRATION: ECLC is a supporting congregation of the North Star Alliance, seeking just immigration policies. ECLCers joined Interfaith Coalition on Immigration and our siblings from St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran for a rally.
PRE-TRIAL SYSTEM: ECLC’s Pre-Trial Fairness Team joined Minnesota Freedom Fund to advocate for clearer and more just pre-trial judicial practices, including the end of cash bail.
ECO-JUSTICE & INDIGENOUS RIGHTS: ECLCers attended the Rise & Repair rally co-organized by Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light and Indigenous leaders to discuss e-waste recycling, climate justice curriculum in schools, land transfer, and more.
HOUSING: ECLCers joined Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative for two housing lobby days. Contact your legislator to pass $500 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds, reform zoning, and pass the Family Supportive Housing bill.
Not everyone can make it to the Capitol during the week. Find your legislators’ contact information here and write or call from home about the issues that matter to you and your faith. And, join ECLCers and Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative at ECLC on the evening of Wednesday, April 3rd for an advocacy conversation about housing with Representative Heather Edelson from Edina. All are invited.
For questions about advocacy opportunities, contact Deacon Lauren.
March 6, 2024
We welcome Shari Speer to ECLC on Sunday, March 10 for our Community Enrichment in fellowship hall. Shari Speer is currently professor of voice at St. Olaf College. As a project during the pandemic, she designed, constructed, and painted a 36-foot canvas Labyrinth for the chapel space at Concordia University Saint Paul. Shari will share background on the meaning of a labyrinth, the process she used, and prepare us to walk this sacred path. The Labyrinth provides an opportunity for self-reflection, prayer, and centering. We will have the beautiful labyrinth filling much of our sanctuary with opportunities for members to experience its spiritual impact, March 10-14. Instructions will be available, as well as resources for meditation and clean stockings to wear. The labyrinth is on loan to ECLC; please do not walk on the labyrinth in street shoes or step on it unless walking in meditation. Please contact the church office if you are interested in walking the labyrinth.