For updates during the month, check the Service & Justice bulletin board, the Friday weekly e-news and the Service & Justice website HERE.

Transformational God, we give thanks for the renewal you brought through Martin Luther, your partner in reform. Now, as you transform breathtaking beauty and bountiful harvests to subdued rest and subtle rejuvenation, we are thankful for the renewal you bring to creation. We, too, are new creations in Christ! Continue to transform us to become lifelong learners, gracious givers, selfless servants, ardent advocates and your prayerful partners. Through us, bring reform to your kin-dom. Amen.

VOLUNTEER AT GAME NIGHT

For our first-ever Game Night on the evening of November 1, we need help with set-/clean-up, meal prep/service and leading games! This is a fundraiser for our ministry partner, Cristo Obrero. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up HERE.

PIECEMAKERS' QUILTING

Piecemakers meet to quilt at Immanuel twice a month on alternate Thursdays from 9am-1pm. During 2023-24, the Piecemakers made 115 quilts, 103 of which were donated globally through Lutheran World Relief. Immanuel members delivered 12 quilts to the people living in Kwamorombo village on the outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania. Piecemakers plan to next meet on October 9 and 23. Get more information HERE.

ANNA'S CRAFT SALE FOR ONWARD

Anna’s Craft Sale is back, but since the sale’s founder, Anna Brackett, is off to college, it will be organized by Anna’s sister, Ellie Brackett. Ellie has chosen Onward Eden Prairie as the recipient of the funds raised from this year’s sale. You can support this fundraising effort by donating crafts to be sold during the sale on November 15-16. Craft donations can be dropped off now in Deacon Savannah’s office. For more information, contact Kristi Brackett at ksbrackett@yahoo.com.

NEW! SATURDAY GAME NIGHT

Join us on Saturday, November 1, from 4-8pm as part of our Trunk or Treat festivities for a FUN game night to benefit our Ministry Partner, Cristo Obrero. We will have games of all sorts, such as card games and board games. Come play your favorite games with new friends or try out a game you’ve never played before. There will be options for all ages. We will have hot dogs, chips, etc. as well as food and beverages from Nothing Bundt Cakes and the Eden Prairie Lions Beer Truck (Beer, Wine, Seltzers). Donations will make a difference; contribute what you can. Registration is not necessary. For more information contact Deacon Savannah Olaphson (savannah@immanuel.us or 952-230-0357) or see HERE.

DEMAND FOR DIAPERS

Support our partner Redeemer Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, as they help with a food shelf in their neighborhood. Donations of baby wipes and diapers in all sizes are needed–these items are in high demand for families accessing food shelves. Please bring donations to Immanuel and place them on the shelf in the atrium near the kitchen. For more information and/or to deliver the diapers, see HERE. 

WHAT DOES PROP NEED?!

Do you wonder what People Reaching Out to People (PROP)* could most use at a particular time? You can find out so that you ensure your donations meet the needs of our neighbors. PROP posts an updated list of the “Top 5 Most Needed Items” on its website HERE.

*In addition to addressing food insecurity, “PROP also offers comprehensive support to Eden Prairie and Chanhassen residents facing financial, housing or employment insecurity so that they may reach their goals for a more secure tomorrow” (PROP, 2023).

PARTNER MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT: SWANSONS & INSTITUTE FOR CHILD HEALTHCARE AFRICA

Dr. Steve and Jodi Swanson have been residing and working in Arusha, Tanzania, since 2013 when they moved from Minneapolis to Arusha with their three children–Hannah, Caedmon and Indya. They are working with two Lutheran Hospitals in Arusha.

      Dr. Swanson established the most advanced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Tanzania and is the pediatric inpatient director at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC). He has mentored and trained numerous Tanzanian physicians and nurses. In 2021, his team in Tanzania launched Africa’s largest conference in neonatology, Tiny Feet, Big Steps—Advancing Care of Critically Ill and Premature Babies in Africa. This international training conference is held annually in Arusha, and over the past four years has trained over 600 African doctors and nurses from 20 African countries in the fundamentals of neonatology and how to advance their hospitals’ ability to care for premature infants. The 5th annual conference will be held this November 3-8 in Arusha.

     Jodi, a pediatric nurse, works at Selian Lutheran Hospital and has been instrumental in the implementation of a standardized feeding program for hospitalized children with severe acute malnutrition. She works in hospital settings, feeding clinics and villages to treat and prevent malnutrition in small children.

      Two years ago, they began to dream of expanding and strengthening their work through their newly founded non-governmental organization, Institute for Child Healthcare Africa (ICHA). They desire to see pediatrics and neonatology strengthened throughout Tanzania and the African continent. Through ICHA, they hope to strengthen and sustain the NICU, expand the impact of the conference and establish a pediatric and maternity outpatient center. Their heart is to train and empower the Tanzanians to carry this work forward into the future.

Here is more information about Swansons' work:

• If you would like to donate to the work of pediatrics, neonatology, education and training African doctors and nurses in Tanzania through the Institute for Child Healthcare Africa (ICHA), go HERE.
• Learn more about Tiny Feet, Big Steps (TFBS) African Neonatology Conference, Africa’s largest clinical neonatology conference, HERE. 
• Listen to the Low Tech High Impact. Caring for neonates in Arusha Tanzania (2024) podcast about the Swansons’ work HERE. 
• View video highlights of the Swansons’ team’s innovations, stories of mothers and the annual Tiny Feet, Big Steps Conference on Neonatology Africa HERE.
• View a short video of the Swansons’ story about the ICHA Origins HERE.

WORSHIP WITH OUR PARTNER MINISTRIES

Here at Immanuel, we are blessed with some incredible congregational partners. Continuing into the fall on the first Sunday of each month, we invite you to join Deacon Savannah in attending worship with each of them! See the schedule below:

• October 5- Salem Lutheran (worship starts at 10am, carpool 9:15am)
• November 2- Redeemer Lutheran (worship starts at 10:30am, carpool 9am)
• November 2- Cristo Obrero (Dia de los Muertos Service at 4pm, carpool 3:15pm)
• December 7- All Nations Indian Church (worship starts at 11am and coffee hour at 10am, carpool 10am)
• December 21- Cristo Obrero (Las Posadas Service at 4pm, carpool 3:15pm)

To join Immanuel folks in worship with our partners, sign up HERE.

BUILDING TOGETHER: A NEW SEASON AT ALL NATIONS INDIAN CHURCH

All Nations Indian Church was Immanuel’s 2024 Justice Fund Recipient. It is also a Worship With Our Partner Ministries sites (see above and HERE). Associate Pastor Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy says, “We believe God is calling us into a new way of thinking about mission. For too long, ‘mission’ has meant one church giving while another receives. At All Nations, we are inviting our partners into something much deeper, a relationship of mutual care where we give and receive together. It means seeing one another as kin, not projects. It means asking: How do we show up for each other? How do we share not just our resources, but our hearts, our time, our prayers?” (Guest Blogs, September 8, 2025). Read Dr. Sherman-Conroy’s description of All Nations’ strategic ministry HERE.

GROUNDSWELL: LOOK, NOW IS THE ACCEPTABLE TIME

Groundswell is an event hosted by Faith & Neighboring Practices and the Riverside Innovation Hub for congregations and individuals curious about place-based ministry, community engagement and social transformation. On October 24-25, attendees will gather to imagine what this particular time in our history is calling them to as neighbors and people of faith, and connect with and learn from partners doing meaningful place-based work. Faith & Neighboring Practices and Riverside Innovation Hub leaders will share some of what they've learned accompanying congregations in this work. De'Amon Harges, the Original Roving Listener, and Pastor Mike Mather, the author of Having Nothing, Possessing Everything, will join the group and walk with them as they explore this call to be faithful neighbors. The event will be held at Hagfors Center at Augsburg University, 2001 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Admission is $100, which includes meals for both days. Register by October 9 HERE.

HOPS & HOPE

Join us Thursday, October 16 from 6-7:30pm at Boom Island Brewing, 5959 Baker Rd #320, Minnetonka, MN 55345, as we join together to discuss parts 4, 5 and the epilogue of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán. Find more information about the Hops & Hope: Book and Discussion Group HERE.

SAFETALK SUICIDE PREVENTION CLASS

Learn how to support someone’s desire for safety by recognizing the warning signs of suicide and identifying people who are at risk. This free, in-person event is presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Minnesota (NAMI) and Mental Health Connect. It will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 9am-1pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Minneapolis, 4100 Lyndale Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55409, in the Harrisville Room. For more information and a link to registration, go HERE.

A MESSAGE FROM FORMER PRESIDING BISHOP EATON ON POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Former Presiding Bishop Rev. Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) calls on us to reflect deeply on the role of civic engagement and the moral imperative to reject violence in our political discourse. In her statement on September 11, she said, “This church teaches that disagreement is healthy and can lead to greater understanding and cooperation. But we have lost that sense of respectful debate and have degenerated into a society that treats differing opinions as personal attacks, erasing the humanity of some and abandoning the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must recommit ourselves to reflecting what Christ taught us through acts of forgiveness, healing and new life. I continue to hold that 'God’s resolve for peace in human communities is unshakable.'” Read Former Bishop Eaton’s full statement HERE.

ELLEN KRUG BOOK EVENT

Excelsior United Methodist Church, 881 3rd Ave, Excelsior, MN 55331, is hosting an evening with Ellen Krug on November 3 at 6:30pm to discuss her second memoir, Being Ellen: A Second Chance at Life which shares her journey of self-discovery following her gender transition at age 52. It is about all the challenges and joy that come with finally finding one's authentic voice. "This book is for everyone, regardless of identity, life station, or anything else that separates us." For more information, contact Sarah Heyd at sarah@immanuel.us. Ellie Krug's bio and list of other publications are available HERE. 

EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMAN?

The Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit, “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” is at Luther Seminary’s Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham Street, St. Paul, MN 55108, now through November 16, 2025. Christians have frequent conversations about what it means to be human, science and religious belief, care for creation and how being human matters in today’s world. The exhibit includes panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos that invite viewers of all ages and faith traditions to explore the journey of becoming human. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Find days, hours and more information HERE.

NATIONAL HISPANIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

National Hispanic American Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15. The 2025 theme is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” It is a time to celebrate the historical and cultural contributions our neighbors in the Hispanic and Latino cultures made and continue to make in the U.S. This includes advocacy work, vibrant art, foods and much more. Enjoy the following resources.

• Explore the Smithsonian’s Natural Museum of the American Latino HERE.
• See the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Latino Ministry and, specifically, the Asociación Luterana de Ministerios Latinos E.L.C.A. HERE.
• Visit the Hennepin County Library for books about Hispanic heritage; find books for children HERE and for adults HERE.
• See Living Lutheran’s video, “Joy, Warmth and Sacred Hospitality: In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month” (September 15, 2025), HERE.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY

Observed annually on October 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to learn and acknowledge a more complete, accurate historical record of Indigenous People or Native Americans in the U.S., including the time since the arrival of European explorers. It affirms the resilience, many cultures and enormous contributions of the first people in North America.

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) shares suggestions about how to learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day HERE. 
• The National Museum of the American Indian has information about celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day HERE.
• Information about the Minneapolis American Indian Center’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day Powwow is HERE. 

ELCA STATEMENT ON IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

On September 11, 2025, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA's) Former Presiding Bishop Rev. Elizabeth Eaton issued the “ELCA Statement on Supreme Court Ruling That Allows Racial Profiling in Immigration Enforcement.” She began, “I am deeply troubled by incidents of racial profiling that are happening across this country in the name of law enforcement and national security.” She expressed solidarity with the Latiné community. Bishop Eaton continued, “To meet this moment, God calls us to advocacy. Guided by God’s law in the Scriptures, which demand justice and seek the well-being of all, the ELCA calls upon policymakers and community leaders to:

• Honor or restore constitutional safeguards against racial and ethnic profiling.
• Reverse policies and practices that normalize discrimination or exclusion.
• Reaffirm a shared commitment to justice that upholds the worth of every neighbor.
• Work for an immigration system that protects the dignity of all.”

Read Former Bishop Eaton’s full letter with background and resource links HERE.

HAVE IT YOUR WAY!

How do you like to stay informed about and engaged with current issues? The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA’s) Advocacy division seeks to help you connect your faith with public life in the ways you prefer and that best meet your needs. If you . . .

• prefer monthly newsletters, go HERE.
• want to respond to action alerts, go HERE. 
• enjoy reading blogs, go HERE.
• need resources, go HERE.
• like to view webinars and videos, go HERE.
• listen to podcasts, go HERE.

EMMAUS WALKS

“And [Jesus] said to them, 'What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?'” (Luke 24:17a NRSVue) 

      In Luke Chapter 24, Jesus joins a pair of his followers along the road to Emmaus and listens as they share with him their uncertainty and excitement around news of his resurrection (not realizing it was Jesus himself walking beside them). As they travel together, Jesus offers guidance and instruction. At the end of the day, he breaks bread with them. Then, the followers at last recognize Jesus beside them, and their hearts are ignited once more.

      Deacon Savannah will be extending Immanuel's Emmaus Walks through the fall (weather permitting). She says participants "will walk together and share our own wonderings, uncertainties and anticipations about the world around us as we seek assurance and hope in Jesus’ resurrection." Meet Thursday at noon in Immanuel’s courtyard for an hour-long walk around Round Lake. Deacon Savannah invites folks to "bring your prayers, ponderings and walking shoes, as we meet one another on the road." See more information HERE.

PRAY FOR SCHOOLS IN THE HOLY LAND

Bishop-Elect Rev. Imad Mousa Dawood Haddad, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, said, “As Lutherans, our churches are part of the same vine. You, too, are a church called to abide in Jesus and bear fruit.” Bishop-Elect Haddad continued, “When you speak clearly about justice for Palestinians, together with other Christian, Jewish and Muslim voices in the Holy Land and around the world, that is bearing fruit” (access Bishop Haddad’s remarks HERE). The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA’s) Sumud is committed to relational accompaniment, witness and support of a Christian presence in the Holy Land. As part of that accompaniment, please pray for the five schools that are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land's ministry. Pray for each of these schools by name: 

• Dar Al Kalima Lutheran School
• The Evangelical Lutheran School of Beit Sahour
• Talitha Kumi School
• Al Mohoba Nursery and Preschool on the Mount of Olives
• The School of Hope in Mamallah

      To read the Lutheran World Federation’s call to action regarding the suffering in Gaza City, go HERE.

PRAY FOR PEACE

“O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your church, peace among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship [ELW, hymnal], 2006, p. 76).

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