Christ Church Lutheran, Minneapolis

Happy Saarinen birthdays!

We hope you are celebrating (or at least raising a toast in honor of) the shared birthdays today of Eliel and Eero Saarinen, the architects of Christ Church Lutheran's sanctuary and Education Wing! Here's a recent photo of one of the sweetest mid-century spaces at Christ Church, the Luther Lounge. Paneled in teak, and filled with original Scandinavian and American modern furniture, with a wonderful wall of windows, it never fails to enthrall visitors!

"With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us; unite us as one in this life that we share."
ELW 547

Merciful God, heal the hearts of all those who grieve the death of Sonya Massey. Tear down the walls that divide us as we seek peace and justice for all people. Free our hearts and our communities from the sin of racism. Give courage and strength to all those engaged in the work of law enforcement that they might know and do what is good and right for the sake of all. In Christ, our peace, Amen.
The Rev. Dr. Greg G. Busboom
Bishop
Central/Southern Illinois Synod—ELCA

A Pastoral Statement on the Killing of Sonya Massey A statement from Bishop Busboom.

Our group has returned safely from the Boundary Waters! Thanks to everyone who supported our youth as they prepared for this adventure. We can't wait to hear all about it!

Christ Church Lutheran, Minneapolis is out! We are so proud of how their love for the Boundary Waters grew this week, and are so excited to see them next year!

Welcome to the waters of Holy Baptism, Wren! We look forward to supporting you in your faith journey.

Cantors past and present!

We give thanks for the gifts, wisdom, leadership and faith of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and siblings in Christ. We ask the Spirit to embolden us in advocating for social, institutional and legislative change that reflects justice, total inclusion and God’s boundless love for humanity in all its diversity. (ELCA Prayer Ventures)

There's still time to visit our Mid Century Modern masterpiece!

Today is the first day of Doors Open Minneapolis!

What a beautiful day for tours as part of Doors Open Minneapolis ! Stop by if you are in Longfellow!

We’re throwing our doors open on May 18-19, 2024! Join Christ Church Lutheran for Doors Open Minneapolis and explore your city and our place in Minnesota’s cultural history.

These sunny mornings show off the church beautifully, getting us in the mood for May tours: May 12 at 11 a.m. for the free monthly public tour, and May 18 and 19 for Doors Open Minneapolis!

Join us on Sunday, May 5 at 11:15 a.m. as we observe Yom Hashoah, the internationally recognized Holocaust Remembrance Day with a special musical program. Soprano Siri Caltvedt, alto saxophonist Kurt Claussen, and pianist Kristine Denton will perform works written either by a Jewish composer, or with some connection to the Holocaust. The featured work on the program is a chamber cantata for soprano voice, alto saxophone and piano entitled, “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” by composer Elwood Derr. All are welcome.

Image credit: One Spring, Gurs Camp, 1941
Karl Robert Bodek (1905–1942) and Kurt Conrad Löw (1914–1980)
Collection of the Yad Vashem Art Museum, Jerusalem

“Creator God, you have called us to be keepers of your earth. Through greed we have established an economy that destroys the web of life. We have changed our climate and we drown in despair. Let oceans of justice flow. May we learn to sustain and renew the life of our Mother Earth. We stand with indigenous people worldwide who are demanding restoration of their ancestral lands. We pray for our leaders, custodians of Mother Earth, that they may negotiate with wisdom and fairness. May they act with compassion and courage; and lead us into the path of justice for the sake of our children and our children’s children. Amen” (A prayer of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, ACS, p. 48).

During this season of resurrection, we were pleased to welcome the Rev. Cody J. Sanders, Ph.D. to speak to us about the history and ethics of death care practices. Dr. Sanders is an Associate Professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN and co-author (with Mikeal Parsons of Baylor University) of Co**se Care: Ethics for Tending the Dead. Thank you for a thoughtful and moving discussion!

Thanks to this crew for bringing our fountain back to life for the season! Our fountain is special to both members and neighbors, many of whom stop by on their daily walks.

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim neighbors!

Our choir loft was full today as we gathered to hear Russell Draeger talk about pipe organs! We got a crash course in the instrument's technological and liturgical history plus a look at the different pipes and how they work. Some lucky folks even got to see our own from behind the screen. Many thanks to Russell, who operates an organ servicing company, for sharing his expertise!

He is risen! Festival worship begins at 9:30 a.m. with a special Easter coffee hour to follow. All are welcome!

The Easter Vigil begins at 8:30 p.m. Join us for this moving service that includes lighting of the new fire, readings from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, affirmation of baptism, and gathering around the altar for the first communion of Easter. This is the night!

Good Friday worship 7 p.m.

Maundy Thursday worship 7 p.m.

Friends, receive these joyful words: 
You are entirely and completely forgiven for all of your sins.
You are entirely and completely welcomed as God’s beloved child. 
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are released to live out God’s love in a world that needs such joy. Amen.

Confession and Forgiveness for Lent
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Holy Week takes us through the heart of our faith: love for each other, service to others and our communities, and hope in the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus. Join us as we enter the Great Three Days.

Maundy Thursday, March 28, 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, March 29, 7:00 p.m.
Easter Vigil, March 30, 8:30 p.m.

God of abundant goodness,
pour out on us the joy of your presence and heal what we have harmed.

Confession and Forgiveness for Lent
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God of abundant goodness,
forgive us for what we have done and for what we have failed to do.

Confession and Forgiveness for Lent
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We wish our Muslim neighbors a blessed Ramadan as they journey through their holiest month of the year.