Justice & Mercy Team:  Dory Dahlberg, Ann Nelson, Tom Sibley, Adam Whitten, Olivia Beck, Betty Schlangen



ABIDE Workshop — it continues! 

In September, five people from our congregation (including two from the Justice & Mercy Team and 2 from the Trauma Responsive Team) participated in something called the ABIDE Summit. It is an opportunity for congregations to get training, new ideas, and implementation strategies for how to move from being welcoming to actually being inclusive of all people in and outside of their congregations, connecting the church to the wider world. 

“My hope is that participants will begin to see the brilliance in their community, creating spaces where families and children feel fully accepted for who they truly are,” said Tapia. “I want pastors and community members to work together, seeing themselves reflected in their church just as they do in their libraries, grocery stores, and schools—to work with and learn from community members.” said Sabrina Tapia, Director of Racial Justice & Equity for the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

In September, we covered a range of topics. On November 9th in St. Paul, we will be focusing specifically on getting ready within the congregation. On February 8th we’ll be visiting the Science Museum, whom we’re partnering for the ABIDE Summit, to explore the Race Exhibit and delve deeper into cultural difference and inclusion. On May 17th we’ll gather for a last time to focus on curriculum and resources, as well as making goals for the coming year. 

Want to get involved? Contact Pastor Leah.



November Communion Offering

Emma Norton Services

Emma Norton Services is a trauma-informed organization that promotes healing and recovery, operating at a scale that brings a full array of resources to women, individuals, and families who have experienced homelessness. Housing and services are exemplary, offered in collaboration with key community partners.

The programs at Emma Norton have consistently successful outcomes. Every individual journey of recovery is unique, and across our organization we can measure the direct impacts we’ve had on moving those journeys toward wholeness. We know every little victory is a part of a success story worth celebrating.

In 2021, 76% of individuals who lived at Emma Norton Residence for six months or more increased their independent living skills, a step forward that will make their next steps that much easier. At Emma’s Place in 2021, 100% of families accessed supportive services and community resources. Additionally, 100% of the families in the Scattered-Site program received support services to resolve crises that could harm their housing stability.