Gleaning From the Harvest Ministry Grant Awards

The Saint Paul Area Synod created the Gleaning From the Harvest grant program for synodically recognized and affiliated organizations for exploration and experimentation in the following areas: evangelism, racial justice, “we never did that before” and worship training & technology. We received 74 applications; 19 ministries were recommended by a taskforce which evaluated and ranked the applications. We are pleased to announce that funding was approved for the following 19 ministries at a total of $113,000:

St. Luke, Cottage Grove – $15,000

Engagement of Rev. Brandon Robertson, the “Tik Tok Pastor,” to lead a community-wide event and discussions regarding intersectionality and inclusion, particularly to raise awareness and authentic welcome for the LGBTQIA community.

Prince of Peace, Burnsville – $15,000

In partnerships with several nearby ELCA congregations, the creation of a platform and online/mobile application for ministry engagement and resource sharing opportunities for the hybrid church.

Racial Justice Ministry Team, Trinity, Stillwater – $15,000

Intentional engagement in racial equity work and relationship building with Native Peoples through an education series with Vance Blackfox, listening to native stories, and an online and permanent visual exhibit.

Lutheran Campus Ministry-Twin Cities – $7,500

A two-year pilot program for campus ministry at Century College in partnership with nearby ELCA congregations. This funding recommendation would fund the pilot for the first year and allow LCM-TC and partners to procure funding for the second year.

Lakeview, Maplewood – $5,000

Expansion of the congregation’s annual National Night Out community event to a monthly Neighbors Night Out during the summer.

Community Sharing, Our Redeemer, St. Paul – $5,000

Funding support for an existing ministry of evangelism and community outreach through the congregation’s weekly Wednesday night dinner partnership with Loaves and Fishes.

Bethlehem and House of Mercy, St. Paul – $5,000

These congregations were at the heart of meeting the neighbor’s needs in the Midway neighborhood after George Floyd’s death and neighborhood protests. Their neighbors expressed a need for more community events in the outdoor, green space. Creation of a series of outdoor, summer events for the neighborhood.

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Roseville – $5,000

This congregation will utilize funds for three listening sessions with catered food for the community, congregation and local elementary school with a goal of creating a more formal partnership between the school and congregation.

Humble Walk, St. Paul – $5,000

Pastor Jodi Houge and members are collaborating with Central Lutheran, Minneapolis and other partners to provide a local Twin Cities Youth Gathering this July after the cancellation of the ELCA Youth Gathering.

Grace, Shepherd of the Valley, Christus Victor (Apple Valley) + All Saints, Mount Calvary, and Easter (Eagan) – $5,000

A six-congregation partnership for a shared racial justice and equity initiative utilizing the knowledge and leadership of consultants who are persons of color. This initiative would emphasize education, awareness, and training in anti-racism work.

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, St. Paul – $5,000

In recognition of the congregation’s deep ties with the African American community of the Rondo neighborhood, funds will be utilized towards the creation of a new initiative – the Children of Rondo Walker/West Music Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund will enhance access to music education and instruments for low-income neighborhood children.

Newport, Newport – $5,000

A partial grant to aid the congregation in procuring technology for online worship and faith formation opportunities. Currently everything is recorded on the pastor’s smartphone and worship is not available if the pastor is on vacation.

Cross, Maplewood – $5,000

This congregation has formed a partnership with John Glenn Middle School for food ministry. This grant would aid the congregation to update its technology for worship and to create an online presence and platform to engage with the neighborhood youth and food partners.

Christ, Marine on St. Croix – $4,600

Creation of an outdoor bread oven that can be utilized to form community connections and provide a safe, outdoor space for building relationships among congregation members and with their neighbors.

Amazing Grace, Inver Grove Heights – $4,000

With a strategic mission and demographic data in hand, this congregation is trying a novel approach to form community connections through a Pop-Up Car Shop to aid low-income families in car maintenance and repair.

St. Philip’s, Hastings – $2,500

The community of Hastings has experienced a lot of conflict due to political divisions in the past few years, particularly around race, class, and LGBTQIA rights. The congregation is forming an art partnership with the community and offering a Paul Oman “Drawn to the River” public event for conversation and healing.

St. Timothy, St. Paul – $2,500

A four-part session in partnership with ISAIAH for congregation and community members to learn more about the class-race narrative and how to engage further in racial equity work in a predominantly white neighborhood.

Hmong Central, St. Paul – $1,000

Funds to aid the congregation in updating technology access to connect with the Hmong community.

Fish Lake, Stark – $900

A very creative and engaging community social sports event with food provided.