Vine: Find Your Way

In late 2021, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville began to work on a congregational partnership called Vine. The mission of Vine is to help people find their way to ministry in their area. Joining Prince of Peace in this project were Shepherd of the Valley in Apple Valley, Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan, and Shepherd of the Lake in Prior Lake.

The vehicle Vine decided to use to help people find their way to ministry was a print and digital ministry catalog. This resource included opportunities for adults such as Bible studies, book and movie discussion groups, topical classes, social events and mission opportunities.

Of course, a project like this needed outside support. The Prince of Peace Foundation dedicated $15,000 to the project in late 2021. In early 2022, the St. Paul Area Synod awarded the project an additional $15,000 with a Gleaning the Harvest Grant. The final round of investment came by way of a Synod Vitality Grant from the ELCA Churchwide office totaling $50,000.

From January to June of 2022, the first Vine catalog was created, providing a picture of all ministries to adults in the four participating congregations. Since then, the 24-page catalog has been mailed to nearly 9,000 households in the geographical footprint of the participating churches and is available digitally here. Vine has also developed social media channels to share up-to-date information on upcoming events and events gone by.

What's Next?

Vine will be produced three times annually, covering fall, winter and spring, and summer ministry seasons. Content is already being gathered for the 2023 winter/spring Vine catalog, which will be available online and in print Dec. 1. While Vine has been sent to households connected to these congregations, anyone is welcome to use Vine to find their way.

Vine will remain an experiment within these four churches through the end of the Synod Vitality Grant process in 2024. In that time, Vine will evolve to include a searchable website where anyone can find their way to ministry in participating churches. Beyond this grant cycle, the vision of Vine is to grow so that it can help all people find their way to ministry wherever they live.

To connect with Vine or to find more information, find us on Facebook and Instagram (@vinefindyourway) or email us at vinefindyourway@gmail.com.

Pastor Jason Kramme

Prince of Peace, Burnsville