Rutlen Lecturer is William P. Brown
William P. Brown Named Rutlen Lecturer for 2026
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.; Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Avenue, St. Paul
The annual Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation in 2026 will explore the value of God’s creation in Job and for us all in the face of climate crises. Under the title "Be-Wilded by Wonder: Just Creation in the Book of Job," Rev. William P. Brown will address questions such as: What would it be like to read the story of Job by reading the ending first? How does one understand the book of Job as a whole, with creation taking center stage? And what about all those wild animals God presents for Job’s consideration?
William P. Brown is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary. His work explores justice, creation care, and hope form bibilical and theological perspectives. He is author of several books, including Sacred Tension: Embracing Dialogue and Dissonance in the Old Testament and Deep Calls to Deep: The Psalms in Dialogue and Disruption.
If you care about home, you are invited to participate in the Losing Sleep, Losing Homes Vigil starting Tuesday, November 25. Participants can join the vigil in person or virtually by committing to one or more one-hour shifts to stay awake, contact your member of Congress, and hold vigil. Those who are able are especially encouraged to come in person for the opening and closing hours to help create a strong, visible presence. When: 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 25 - Wednesday, November 26 Where: Virtual -or - The Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N orth17th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
You are invited to join a special screening event of Gabe Polsky's The Man Who Saves the World? , playing this coming Tuesday, November 18, at the Riverside Theatre in Minneapolis at 7:00 p.m. , which is about someone I know: Patrick McCollum. There will be a post screening Q&A’s with Gabe and Patrick McCollum. This is more than a movie, and after sold-out events in Sedona, San Rafael, Ojai, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, & NYC, it is exciting that this film, with its unforgettable characters, and powerful message, is coming to audiences in Minneapolis as it continues its nationwide rollout! -- Jen Kilps
Tuesday, November 18, 1:00 - 2:25 p.m.; St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 1660 County Road B West, Roseville In its continuing effort to bring together local faith communities to have discussions on issues affecting our community, Do Good Roseville is sponsoring a training for faith communities on Tuesday, November 18, to address current immigration concerns. The event will include a speaker from the ACLU who will address questions such as: What faith communities can do on their premises. Ways to support families Community updates Time for discussion on what our faith communities are doing or would like to do will be made available.
What if the conversations you're afraid to have this Thanksgiving became the ones that deepened connection? Interfaith Photovoice's " Guide for Bountiful Thanksgiving Conversations " shows you how to use your own photographs to start conversations that actually bring people together around the table.
Noted Journalist to Address Christian Nationalism Sunday, November 9, 2:00 p.m.; House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Avenue, St. Paul As part of its Sunday Series, House of Hope Presbyterian Church is hosting an event featuring investigative journalist Katherine Stewart. She will address issues around the impact of Christian Nationalism. Stewart is the author of the New York Times bestselling Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (Bloomsbury, 2025). Her previous book, The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism (Bloomsbury, 2020) formed the basis of the documentary feature God & Country, produced by Rob Reiner. The Power Worshippers was awarded First Place in the Nonfiction Books category by the Religion News Association.
Addressing the Effects of Christian Nationalism Friday, November 7, 7:00 p.m.; Creekside UCC, 106 East Diamond Lake Road, Minneapolis Minnesota Christians Against Christian Nationalism is hosting an opportunity to hear from two experts on white Christian nationalism and its connection to democratic backsliding in the United States: Rev. Angela Denker and Dr. Matt Taylor. What are the theological and historical roots of white Christian nationalism in the US? Who are the diverse set of religious and political actors operating within this broad movement and what unites them? What is the threat they pose to American Christianity, to the U.S. Government, to those who live in this country, and to the world beyond its borders? What can American Christians who want to protect the vulnerable and defend democracy do in this moment to challenge this movement both theologically and politically.
Currently through November 16; Luther Seminary, Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham Street, St. Paul The question of what it means to be human has never been more important. Christian leaders are increasingly called to engage communities of faith in deep, meaningful conversations around science and religious belief, care for creation, and how being human matters in today’s world. Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays, and videos, “Exploring Human Origins” invites viewers of all ages and faith traditions to explore and learn about milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Hours Monday–Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Closed The exhibit encourages a public conversation that focuses on multiple perspectives of what it means to be human — one that embraces the ideas and beliefs of non-scientists and fosters greater appreciation of the complexity of the science of human evolution. More information
Augsburg University has position opening in multifaith work The Campus Ministry Multifaith Program Associate is a student-facing position that serves as part of the University’s Campus Ministry Team to lead and strengthen the programming supporting students across various faith traditions.
Turkish American Society of Minnesota to host food festival Saturday, September 20, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Turkish American Society of Minnesota, 6565 Oakley Drive NE, Fridley Turkish American Society of Minnesota (TASMN), who will be hosting a Turkish Food Festival on Saturday, September 20 . This is an opportunity to enjoy a vibrant day of community, culture, and delicious homemade Turkish treats. Bring your family and friends; everyone is welcome!
Six leaders of local interfaith activities in communities across Minnesota gathered recently in a video conference call convened by Minnesota Multifaith Network (MnMN) to get acquainted, learn about each others' roles, and share about local activities, as well as the various challenges each faces. Leaders from Moorhead, Duluth, Rochester, Prior Lake, Lakeville, and St. Peter participated in the call. Participants reported on such activities as a bridge-building awards event, tours of houses of worship, day of peace and multicultural festivals, matching volunteers with-nonprofits needing them for services, organizing days of service, establishing an international twin communities relationship, shared concern and support for immigrants and more. The biggest challenge they reported, after Covid halted so much local interfaith activity, has been scheduling time together, mainly due to differing holiday calendars for the various communities and commitments within their own faith communities. MnMN plans another convening with other individuals in communities around the state, both in advance of MnMN's Annual Conference, "The Time is Now: Powering Pluralism," on November 6 in St. Paul, and after. For more information or receive an invitation to a future one, contact volunteer conveners Paula Nordhem (Lakeville) or Tom Duke (St. Paul). An AI summary of this meeting is available upon request.