The September 2026 Newsletter is now available for download. Celebrate what we accomplished this summer!

2nd - Knitting, Quilting, and Crafting Group, 1pm
8th - Beautiful Souls Grief Support Group, 10am
9th - Saints Chorale First Rehearsal, 7:15pm
13th - Kickoff Sunday Worship, 10am
13th - Kids Connection Begins, 10am
13th - Kickoff Sunday Ministry Fair, 11am
13th - Crossroads Confirmation Orientation, 11:15am
16th - Knitting, Quilting, and Crafting Group, 1pm
16th - Carillon Choir First Rehearsal, 6pm
16th - Crossroads Confirmation First Wednesday, 7pm
24th - St. John's Bible Day Trip, 9:15am-5pm
27th - Adult Study, 11:15am
27th - First Session of FLOW, 6:30pm 

On a beautiful summer evening, 46 people of all ages gathered out at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park for our annual summer intergenerational potluck. It was an opportunity for us to share favorite recipes, play games, and engage with meaningful conversation.

After dealing with some stubborn charcoal that refused to light, we enjoyed grilled hot dogs, chips, salsas and dips, salads, mac and cheese, and a variety of desserts. The kids enjoyed playing on the huge playground out at the park. It was the perfect time for them to reignite old friendships and make new ones as well.

It wasn't just the kids who got to build relationships. Adults got a chance to talk about the recipes they brought, their personal lives, and plans for the upcoming program year. These gatherings build our community through sharing in food, fun, and conversation. Come to these community events when you can to build and maintain your own connections.

On the last morning of the service trip, we were unsure if we could finish the work. It was 7:30 in the morning and already 80 degrees out. The sun burned harshly above the rolling plains of western North Dakota as a dry, dusty breeze blew across the desiccated grass and yellowed weeds of the yard. We had weeds left to pull, piles of branches to cut, all of this lawn waste yet to haul away, and two rooms inside that needed a third coat of paint. So, as a crew started making breakfast, some of us donned sweat-stained caps and dusty shoes to finish the work.

It was a bit cooler, in the high seventies, when we all gathered the previous Tuesday afternoon at All Saints to begin our service trip. The dozen of us that were going ranged in age from early elementary to retirement age. Some of us had been on multiple service trips while others had gone no further than Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen. But we all had the same goal: to make a difference during the week.

The twelve of us loaded three vehicles with luggage, work tools, food, and sleeping bags. We’d planned for a variety of contingencies and had the supplies to prove it. The first day of travel went well, save for some traffic getting out of the Twin Cities that evening, and we made it to Fargo in the late evening.

The next day, however, threw the first challenge at us: the rest stop we were planning to eat lunch at was closed for construction. A few texts later, however, and we were enjoying our lunch on the deck of a house in Bismarck. One of the participants had family that lived in the area, and they were gracious enough to let us rest and eat at their home.

We arrived that evening in Belfield to find an empty house awaiting us. The local congregation, whom we would be helping with their food shelf the next day, had an empty parsonage house. In exchange for a place to stay, we also would do cleanup and painting in the house. After moving three carloads of stuff in for the week, we headed into the town of Medora.

Medora is a charming little town, nestled in the valley of the Little Missouri River beneath the towering bluffs of badlands. Quaint shops and bistros stand alongside more modern play areas and water parks. At the top of the bluff to the west of town, built directly into the side of the hill, is the amphitheater for the Medora Musical. We went as a group to enjoy this jukebox musical and revue before the real work of the trip began.

Thursday morning, we slathered on sunscreen, stuffed backpacks with water bottles, and headed into Medora for our first service task. We were asked to help weed the rocky area around a miniature golf course and public area. We set to work beneath the beating sun, moving aside rough rocks to tear out weeds from their roots and then toss them into buckets.

Our crew split into teams. Two teams worked their way around the perimeter of the area, cleaning up the smaller patches of weeds. Another two teams worked from opposite ends of a large patch of weeds, heading towards a meeting point in the center. The jagged, course rocks bit into skin and the dry heat necessitated regular reminders for all to drink more water.

After three hours, we’d managed to clear all of the weeds from the area. A final trek was made to dump the buckets of torn out plants and we headed back to our temporary home for some lunch and a rest before our next task.

In the afternoon, we walked a few blocks to Belfield Lutheran Church, our connection in the area. The Belfield-Medora Food Pantry is an all-volunteer run on the church property. The day we were there, they were having their monthly distribution. We started by helping them set up tents to shade the food, then hauling out breads, pastries, and other non-perishables.

After the initial set-up, there were some house-keeping chores that they needed assistance with. We broke down about fifty cardboard boxes so that they were flat and could more easily be hauled away, clearing off their porch. We also put an old wooden table into storage and moved a milk refrigerator into a new room for them.

As the time for distribution got near, we hauled out the frozen meats, dairy, and vegetables. We also helped restock the tables as items were taken. In total, 112 people were served the day that we helped.

During quiet times, the kids and youth did a Bible study. Since we wouldn’t be back for the Sunday service, they read through the readings and talked about them. These small moments of connection were just as important as the big projects we worked on.

On Friday, our task was to clean up the yard of the parsonage and paint two of the bedrooms. Our crew split into two teams, with several of the youth and kids bouncing between them. In the painted rooms, the crew put up painters tape, remove outlet covers, and got on two coats of paint.

Outdoors, the crew worked to rake up pinecones, trim plants, and pull weeds. Then work moved to trimming the bushes that had overgrown the deck. It was so overgrown that it was nearly impossible to climb the steps up to the front door or access the side door. We’d spent the first few days entering only through the garage.

By the time evening came, a lot of work had been done in both areas. But there were still tons of weeds beneath the deck, large branches that needed to be trimmed, and the rooms needed a third coat of paint.

Saturday dawned bright and hot. We buckled down, grabbed our supplies, and headed out together to tackle the final two projects. By lunch time, the final coat of paint was finished in both rooms. And outside, thanks to a few loaned trash cans from a neighbor, we’d loaded up all of the weeds and brush that we’d taken out. With a happy sigh of relief, we finished the hard work.

The kids made up Birthday Bags for food shelf, so that kids could still have cake and decorations on their birthday. They also wrote thank you cards for all of the people that helped us during our visit.

Construction and scheduling problems changed our plans, heat and wind troubled our work, and time was always working against us. But our teamwork and perseverance kept us going. We utilized our unique skills to make a relevant impact in the communities of Belfield and Medora. We grew closer to each other in shared hardships and triumphs.

As we drove back across the rolling prairie towards home, we knew that we had changed, and had changed the world for the better.

The August 2026 Newsletter is now available for download. Celebrate what we've accomplished so far this summer!

2nd - Summer Story Workshop, 11am
5th - Knitting, Quilting, & Crafting Group, 1pm
9th - Open Choir, 9am
9th - Summer Story Workshop, 11am
9th - Saints on Bikes, 1pm
10th - Visit with Pastor Jennifer, 4:30pm
11th - Moms Group, 7pm
16th - Summer Study – Liberalism, 11am
16th - Visit with Pastor Jennifer, 11:45am
18th - Beautiful Souls Grief Support Group, 10am
19th - Knitting, Quilting, & Crafting Group, 1pm
19th - Caring for Creation Buckthorn Removal, 4–6pm
19th - Intergenerational Potluck, 5:30–8pm
23rd - Summer Story Workshop, 11am
30th - Summer Story Workshop, 11am 

No matter how young or old you are, there are two things that make for a great summer day: Bubbles and Ice Cream. Our bubble dance party and ice cream social has been a favorite activity for families for the last few years, so we are bringing it back again! Join us for a night of bubbles big and small, ice cream and connections with other families in our community! All are welcome so invite friends, family, and neighbors to the fun! Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy, we’ll provide the dessert!

Minnesotans might be better than anyone else at celebrating and enjoying summer! The fact that winter lasts half the year around here really inspires us to make the most of those 12 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Opportunities for cabin weekends, outdoor sports, walks around the lakes, art fairs, and concerts abound for many. Summer is a great time to focus on social wellness–this month, look for posts about letting people in, enjoying informal gatherings, finding time for social connection, and play.

Do you have a story that you’ve always wanted to write? This summer, the WordWorkers writing group is having an 8-session story workshop led by Aaron Achartz. Come with an idea for a story you’ve always wanted to write or just with a ready imagination. Over the course of the summer, we will brainstorm, plan, write, and edit our stories together. By the end of August, you will complete a short story or novelette of 5-12 thousand words. You’ll have a story ready to take home and share with a beta reader or friend!
 
This workshop is for writers of all experience levels and will focus on fiction. Sessions are Sundays after the service beginning on June 21. There will be breaks on July 5, July 26, and one Sunday in August. You are encouraged to register online or at the Welcome Center so we can prepare materials, but everyone is welcome. Even if you can’t make it every week, please come when you can! You’re also invited to join the WordWorkers group on the All Saints App. Connect with other writers to get the feedback and encouragement you need!

The Summer 2026 Newsletter is now available for download.

7th - Pastor Jennifer's Installation, 10am
7th - Visit with Pastor Jennifer, 11:30am
9th - Moms Group, 7pm
14th - Sunday Study - Conspiracy, 11am
14th - Visit with Pastor Jennifer, 11:30am
14th - Saints on Bikes, 1pm
14th - Day Camp Kickoff Bonfire and Potluck, 5-7pm
15th-18th - Day Camp, 9a-2pm
17th - Visit with Pastor Jennifer, 2pm
21st - Summer Story Workshop, 11am
28th - Summer Story Workshop, 11am
28th - Saints on Bikes, 1pm

7th - Moms Group, 7pm
12th - Summer Story Workshop, 11am
15th - Bubble Dance Party and Ice Cream Social, 5-7pm19th - Summer Story Workshop, 11am
26th - Sunday Study - Utopia, 11am

For up to date information and to register for events, visit our Events Page.

Come and sing with the Open Choir on June 7th for Pastor Jennifer's installation. Everyone is welcome to sing that morning. No need to sign up, simply show up at 9am for a brief rehearsal before the service. Contact Music Director Meg Redmond with any questions.

Every summer, we invite camp staff from Water's Edge Ministry (formally Green Lake Lutheran Ministries) to lead our Day Camp for kids (June 15–18 this year). They do a fantastic job making kids feel special and welcomed during the camp day; it is only right for us to make them feel welcomed as well. We are looking for a handful of households who would be willing to provide some hospitality to camp staff. This could be done in a few ways. 

1. You could offer to house 3–4 staff Sunday night (June 14)–Wednesday night (June 17). This includes having a place to sleep each night as well as grab and go breakfast items for them. 
2. You could provide a dinner, either at your house (preferred) or brought to the church. Camp staff will need a total of 3 dinners. About a week ahead of time, you will be told if there are any dietary restrictions and exactly how many staff are coming. 
3. You could provide snacks and/or drinks for staff to have at church, during lunch, or bring to their host house. 
4. You could join us for a potluck dinner and bonfire from 5-7pm on June 14, where camp staff and day campers will gather before the camp week. All are welcome! 

As the weather gets warmer and more consistent, it's time for more outside time and potentially the increase in physical activity. Our wellness focus for May is Physical Wellness. What are some ideas that you have for maintaining or improving your physical wellness? Here's to you and what you already do and what you are looking forward to doing for your physical well-being this spring and summer!

The May 2026 Newsletter is now available for download.

3rd - Annual Congregational Meeting, 11am
3rd - Caring for Creation Garden Cleanup, 12pm
8th - Parents Night Out, 5:30-8:30pm
17th - Confirmation, in worship service
17th - Dads Group, 11am
19th - Moms Group, 7pm
24th - Pentecost Service, 10am
24th - Caring for Creation Meeting, 11am
31st - Last Sunday of Kids Connection, 10am

For up to date information and to register for events, visit our Events Page.

Friday, May 8 • 5:30-8:30pm
Parents Night Out gives parents of young kids the opportunity to have a night with friends, go out to dinner, go on a date, or just have a night to themselves while knowing their kids are well taken care of and get a night at All Saints filled with games, crafts, snacks and a movie.

Parents Night Out is open to all kids ages 2-10. We just ask that they are potty trained as our volunteers do not have diaper-changing training. Parents Night Out is a fundraiser for various family ministry programs at All Saints, so consider what amount is right for your family.

To join Parents Night Out, complete the registration here.

Members are invited to attend this year's congregational annual meeting on Sunday, May 3 following the service. In preparation for the meeting, there will be an informational session to learn more about the proposed FY26 budget. The session will take place in the Lounge (on the Library Level) on Sunday, April 26 after the service.

This past Sunday at the Special Congregational Meeting, members voted to call Jennifer Schneider to serve as Associate Pastor. Jennifer's first Sunday is expected to be May 3.

Jennifer's ordination will be on Thursday, May 14 at 7pm at Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, where she completed her internship. Watch for more details in the May Newsletter and future E-News.

Get ready to feel inspired together! Mental Health Connect's 2026 Stories of Hope Breakfast is Thursday, May 7 from 8-9am at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. This year we lift up the collective practice of hope and the ways we build resilience in community. Enjoy delightful music, savor a delicious breakfast, and mingle with fellow community members. Doors open at 7am for coffee and conversation.

All Saints has a table reserved for 8. Reach out to the church office if you are interested in attending. Let’s come together to hold hope and support one other!

The next Caring for Creation meeting will be Sunday April 19 after the worship service. Please join us in the lounge to share, support, and pray for our beautiful planet and its people.

All Saints Lutheran Church is in the 9 Mile Creek Watershed District. They have arranged an event to clean up Valley Park in Hopkins on May 2 from 1-3pm. Please join us. Meet at the Playground to borrow equipment and sign waivers. Water and snacks will be provided. Register here. Contact Eileen Anderson or the church office if you have questions.

It's April and our wellness focus for the month is Intellectual Wellness. It's a good time to ponder how we approach learning new things, improving a skill, or being aware of our sources of information. Our social media posts and Intellectual Wellness page have more information about taking stock of our intellectual wellness and making some changes this month. 

The April 2026 Newsletter is now available for download.

2nd - Maundy Thursday Service, 7pm
3rd - Good Friday Service, 7pm
4th - Easter Eggstravaganza, 10am-12pm
5th - Easter Sunday Service, 10am
8th - Meet & Greet with Associate Pastor Candidate, 6:30-7:30pm
12th - Special Congregational Meeting, 11am
19th - Retirement Celebration for Chris Heiberg, 11am
19th - Caring for Creation Meeting, 11am

For up to date information and to register for events, visit our Events Page.

As part of the ongoing upkeep of our building and furniture, staff and volunteers renewed the serving credenza in Fellowship Hall. As a well-designed piece, it provided an opportunity for a greener alternative than replacement. The old stain was stripped off and it was re-stained to match the updated flooring. A new, modern top and door hardware were then installed. Thank you to Greg Jackson, Doug Larson, and Dale Lighter for their planning and work. Check it out the next time you're in the building!

Our March Wellness Focus is on Spiritual Wellness. Spiritual wellness includes a sense of connection to something bigger than us and typically involves a search for meaning and purpose in life. As the Lenten season continues, look to explore and embrace a practice that has meaning for you and provides an opportunity to grow in your faith, or live out your faith. Follow the weekly social media posts or check out the Spiritual Wellness page and resources. 

The March 2026 Newsletter is now available for download.

1st - Bonhoeffer, Faith and Purpose Study, 11am
4th - Lenten Community Supper, 5:45-6:45pm
4th - Holden Evening Prayer Service, 7pm
8th - Bonhoeffer, Faith and Purpose Study, 11am
11th - Lenten Community Supper, 5:45-6:45pm
11th - Holden Evening Prayer Service, 7pm
13th - Parents Night Out, 5:30-8:30pm
15th - Bonhoeffer, Faith and Purpose Study, 11am
18th - Lenten Community Supper, 5:45-6:45pm
18th - Holden Evening Prayer Service, 7pm
22nd - Creation Care Meeting, 9am
22nd - Bonhoeffer, Faith and Purpose Study, 11am
25th - Lenten Community Supper, 5:45-6:45pm
25th - Holden Evening Prayer Service, 7pm
29th - Palm Sunday Service, 10am
29th - Bonhoeffer, Faith and Purpose Study, 11am

For up to date information and to register for events, visit our Events Page.

Easter will be here before you know it. On Saturday, April 4, you are invited to our 4th annual Easter Eggstravaganza. There will be returning favorite activities such as the Egg Hunts, Easter Theme Crafts, Easter Bingo and Easter I Spy. New this year are winged visitors! The Raptor Center will be bringing a few birds in for everyone to learn about and get a front row view of these majestic birds.

Reserve your tickets for the egg hunts today!

You are invited to help beautify the sanctuary for the Easter celebration by donating flowers in honor or memory of someone special to you. The suggested donation is $25.
 
To donate, go to the Make a Gift page. Select "Easter Flowers" as the Fund type, as shown below. You can add a note when you make your gift online or indicate in an email the names(s) for whom your donation is in memory or honor. Please donate by Palm Sunday, March 29.

You may also mail your donation and dedication information to: All Saints Lutheran Church, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345, with checks made out to All Saints Lutheran Church, and "Easter Flowers" in the memo line.

ICA is seeing record numbers of families visiting the food shelf. With over 1,000 families visiting each month, their food stock is in constant need of being replenished. Traditionally the spring is a time when contributions of food and financial support begin to decline. In response ICA joins the hundreds of other food shelves in Minnesota to encourage contributions during March Food Share month.

To ensure ICA can continue to provide for neighbors, they need a significant community response. You can make a difference by helping ICA collect 150,000 lbs. of food and $250,000 during the month of March. All Saints has a goal of filling our pallet tote with 500 pounds of food. Last year we collected over 600 pounds of food and donations.

You can bring your gifts of food to the pallet tote by the stairs anytime during the month of March. And you can make financial gifts directly to ICA via their website. When you make a gift through ICA’s website be sure to indicate that you are a member of All Saints.