We had an inspiring, well-attended brain-storming session during the February 9, 2025, Adult Ed session about how St. Luke should respond to the threats posed by the current administration against the oppressed and marginalized and to democracy itself. We will be looking to partner with existing organizations that have experience and expertise in each of these areas.

Transgender Protection

Moderate estimates are that well over a hundred thousand trans people (individuals, couples, trans parents with children, and straight parents with trans children) are fleeing red states. We will be working with Transmission Ministries and other organizations to help with the resettlement of these refugees. We wish to offer a soft-landing place for folks, offering temporary housing (ideally in people’s homes), help in finding permanent housing and employment, and providing emotional support.

To get involved, contact Christina Gregory.

Immigrant Protection

An estimated 80,000 Minnesotans are vulnerable immigrants and live with the constant threat of deportation. We wish to join with other communities of faith who are already rising up to find ways to help. We will investigate what it would mean to once again become a sanctuary church and what legal risks we would be taking on.

To get involved, contact Judy Schlichting.

Support of Our Long-Term Organizational Partners

Many of our long-term partners now face added threats. These organizations include Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, the Division of Indian Work, ICA Food Shelf, Interfaith Power and Light, Pine Ridge Reservation, and 21st Century Academy

To get involved, contact Gail Nordhaus.

Political Advocacy

We seek to keep the congregation regularly informed about actions that individuals can take. We will offer training and practice sessions on how to make legislative phone calls and will invite Representative Kelly Morrison to meet with us.

To get involved, contact Cathy Murphy.

Internal Community Building

Relying on community is one of the key ways in which all of us are going to get through the coming tumultuous years. And as Zach has said, one of the best ways to deepen relationships is to waste time together. We are going to be creating more opportunities for us to gather together simply to have fun. We welcome your ideas.

To get involved, contact Marcia Yockers.

Promotion of St. Luke

At a time when our country has been taken over by Christian Nationalists and the very notion of what it means to be Christian is being so perverted, we need to shout from the mountaintops that we are a different kind of faith community, one that is unapologetically progressive and that stands in solidarity with the oppressed.

To get involved, contact the office.

Contact the office