11/17/24 and 11/24/24  Roots of Resilience – Education, Gender, Climate Change, Faith, and Courage in Tanzania.  The rapidly melting glacier atop Mt. Kilimanjaro is a vivid symbol of climate change. In the plains of northern Tanzania below, disrupted climate patterns have impacted food and water security, damaged health, and altered socio-economic lives, including education. As the ecosystem shifts, so too does education. How have school communities in Tanzania understood and responded to climate challenges? How are their stories connected to ours in Minnesota? Musa Kamaika and Laura Wangsness Willemsen share findings and stories from their recent research in rural Tanzanian schools confronting an accelerating climate crisis. Focusing on the experiences and wisdom of Maasai people, one of the indigenous peoples of Tanzania, these two forums offer an opportunity to deepen our understanding of, and connections with, our partners in the Kilengapasi congregation in Iringa, Tanzania, as well as with indigenous peoples globally.  Musa Kamaika is a Maasai cultural guide, researcher, teacher, and development expert who worked with Laura during her year in Tanzania. Laura Wangsness Willemsen is a member of Gloria Dei and a professor in the Department of Doctoral Studies in Education at Concordia University, St. Paul.

12/1/24 —  O, Come, O Come! Since at least the 8th Century, Christians have sung “O” Antiphons with Mary’s Magnificat at evening prayer during the days of Advent. These ancient phrases remind us of Hebrew Scripture’s (Old Testament) names for God which we learn to apply to Jesus. We continue to sing the Antiphons in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel each year. Through the four Sundays of Advent, we explore these ancient prayers and consider how they open our prayers in this season of hope and promise.  Baya Clare, member of Gloria Dei and spiritual director, introduces us to the Antiphons, and Dr. Corri Carvalho, professor of theology at St. Thomas University, helps us explore O, Adonai (“Lord”).

Good News 4U Bible Study meets weekly on Mondays at 10 a.m. in the church and studies the next week’s lectionary texts. Email renaas@comcast.net with questions. 

Meets weekly on Wednesday from 9:30-11 a.m. during the school year.  We’ll gather for the first time this fall on September 11.    

We read a variety of books from a faith perspective. We’ll discuss a few chapters at a time each week, with opportunities for bible study, faith sharing, and getting to know each other. Each meeting begins with reading the gospel text for the upcoming Sunday. Contact Pastor Lois for more information.

See our reading schedule here: 2024-2025 Schedule.

Books we’ve previously read: History of Titles.

First Saturday of each month year-round discussions of a new title, 8:30 a.m.  Find upcoming titles to be discussed.

Contemplative Writing as a Spiritual Practice 
Share your words, if you wish, with this weekly writing group on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., led by Nancy Agneberg. 

Contact Nancy Agnebergfor information and to join.

Faith and Science meets on the fourth Thursday of month. Each month it looks at an aspect of our world where faith and science intersect. Meetings are hybrid in-person/Zoom. Contact Ron Felt to learn more or get the Zoom link at  ronfelt118@comcast.net.

Opportunities for service, fellowship and learning for young adults. For more information email here or join the chat here.