Adults
People of God Growing in Faith and Friendship.
Our Adult Ministry is broad and expansive, inviting you to come to know Jesus and his love for us in a wide variety of ways.
Adult Ministry
We offer learning experiences and fellowship opportunities every week, including Bible Studies, small groups, Faith & Life lectures, outdoor programming, spiritual direction, and more
You might find yourself joining a small group pouring over a passage of scripture, around a table sharing stories of faith, in a boat with a line in the water talking about the parables of Jesus, or even on a plane off to explore the places Jesus walked. All are welcome. Come and bring a friend!
Join Us
Explore Upcoming Events
Interested in upcoming Adult Ministry events? The button below will take you to our calendar and registration pages where you can learn more.
Adult Learning
Connecting our hearts and minds with Jesus.
Bible Studies, small group discussions, lectures, speakers, Lectio Divina, book club and more. There’s something going on almost every day of the week year round for adult learners at St. Philip the Deacon.
Contact: Jen Galley, jgalley@spdlc.org, 763-475-7167
Community Series
Faith & Life
The Faith & Life Lecture Series features nationally known speakers who reflect on how Christian faith is related to different dimensions of everyday life. These events are always free and open to the public.
The talks typically last about 50 minutes, followed by a brief period for Q&A. After the Q&A, speakers are generally available for one-on-one discussion with members of the audience during an informal reception.
Contact: Pastor Tim Westermeyer, twestermeyer@spdlc.org, 763-475-7136
Herald music series
The Herald Music Series, a community service of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, features world-class musicians in an intimate and accessible setting. Hosted in our acoustically beautiful sanctuary, the series is a reflection of St. Philip the Deacon’s long commitment to outstanding music. Past performers have included concert organists, jazz ensembles, marimba quartets, and even a silent film with live musical accompaniment.
Contact: Sam Grace, sgrace@spdlc.org, 763-475-7142
Retreats
A number of retreat experiences are offered each year.
St. John’s Retreat
The St. John’s Retreat is held over three days during the summer on the beautiful campus of St. John’s University in Collegeville, is a time for creativity and spiritual growth. Men, women, singles and couples are all invited (and friends are welcome, too).
Contact: Pastor Valerie Strand Patterson vstrand@spdlc.org, 763-475-7126
Women’s Retreat
The Women’s Retreat is a special retreat held over a spring weekend. It offers participants opportunities to reflect and pray in a peaceful community among women.
Contact: Pastor Valerie Strand Patterson vstrand@spdlc.org, 763-475-7126
A Day Away for Moms with Young Children
This annual fall retreat has been held at The Blessing House in Victoria and is designed for moms with young children. The goal of the retreat is to explore some of the rewards and challenges of this season of your life, and what it looks like to build community to support and encourage each other.
Contact: Kathy Hagedorn khagedorn@spdlc.org, 763-475-7138
Women’s Ministry
Women’s Circles
Women’s Circles gather each month in circles (groups of 8–20 women) for fellowship, study, and service. Circles are formed around similar stage of life (for example: working, retired, with children at home, etc.) and each one has a specific mission focus. New members are welcome at any time.
Contact: Cindy Carlson, ccarlson@spdlc.org, 763-475-7110
Men’s Ministry
There are variety of opportunities for men to meet for fellowship, study and service. New members are welcome at any time.
Contact: Cindy Carlson, ccarlson@spdlc.org, 763-475-7110
Men’s Discussion Group
This group explores and discusses a wide range of topics, issues and current events. It is open to men of all ages. This group meets Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. (year-round).
Contact: Bruce Warner, bruce.warner@comcast.net
Men’s Bible Study & Fellowship
During the program year, the group will explore a book of the Bible to read and discuss. Open to men of all ages. This group meets Wednesday mornings at 6:30 a.m. (September–May).
Contact: Ed Wasz, edwin.wasz@gmail.com, 763-218-5351
SPD Outdoors
Nurturing faith through outdoor activity.
SPD Outdoors is a ministry that fosters faith for those who feel a strong connection with God in nature and physical activity. We share in the wonders of creation and care for the earth through devotions, fellowship and special events. SPD Outdoors sponsors group hikes, fishing retreats, camping and more.
Contact: Pastor Mark Schmid, mschmid@spdlc.org, 763-475-7129
Yoga
In Christ we live and move and breathe.
When viewed as a Christian devotional practice, yoga connects us both to God and ourselves as God’s creation. In our classes, we practice yoga as embodied prayer and a way of integrating our body, mind and spirit into time with Jesus.
Each time presents opportunities to improve balance, flexibility and strength as you grow in faith. No registration necessary — a freewill donation is accepted as you’re able, and we invite you to bring your own mat if possible (not necessary for Chair Yoga). First class? Plan to come 10 minutes early so we can get acquainted.
Learn more about our class schedule, here.
Mat Yoga: Amanda Berger, aberger@spdlc.org, 763-475-7139
Chair Yoga: Kathy Hagedorn, khagedorn@spdlc.org, 763-475-7138
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a three-part relationship between you, a trained director, and God.
The director’s role is to accompany you, listening to your story, helping you notice the Holy Spirit’s work, and walking with you in the long, slow journey of faith formation.
The time is usually spent in a mixture of silence, prayer, and sharing your noticings and observations about God’s presence. Occasionally, you’ll be invited to consider spiritual disciplines that may help you discern the Holy Spirit’s work. Spiritual direction is a good fit any time you want to deepen your relationship with God, and especially during seasons of transition, grief, or vocational discernment.
Sessions typically happen once a month for an hour, either at St. Philip the Deacon or via Zoom. There’s no required commitment to a set number of sessions. The cost is $60 per session.
Contact: Amanda Berger, aberger@spdlc.org, 763-475-7139 or Jen Galley, jgalley@spdlc.org, 763-475-7167
Choirs
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir welcomes senior high students and adults of all musical abilities, singing regularly at the 8:15 and 9:30 a.m. services on Sundays as well as special holidays. The choir sings anthems of all musical styles, a cappella and accompanied.
Contact: Sam Grace, sgrace@spdlc.org, 763-475-7142
Handbell Choir
The SPD Ringers are a handbell and handchime choir with a four octave range that accompanies moments of both prayer and song during worship services. The Ringers play approximately once a month from October through May, with additional opportunities available during festivals and conferences. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday Evening at 7 p.m. Basic music reading is preferred.
Contact: JoBeth Ranfranz, sgrace@spdlc.org, 612-859-0423
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Christian Wisdom
“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”
Marian Wright Edelman
