WASH: Water and Sanitation for Health
Oct. 2, 4:30-8:00 p.m., Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul. St. Paul Partners presents a benefit for their Tanzania Water Development Partners program. Come for a free Tanzanian dinner, learn about the new focus for St. Paul Partners, incorporating greater Tanzanian community involvement in developing local water committees and sanitation education along with clean water well drilling. Displays and shopping for Tanzanian merchandise. More information at www.stpaulpartners.org.

Living Well Day for Professional Church Workers
Oct. 5, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Nicolette Island Pavilion, Minneapolis. An event for professional church workers that focuses on wellness. An uplifting day, both professionally and personally, with speakers, devotions, fellowship, and sharing! Free of charge. Sponsored by Wheat Ridge Ministries and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. More information and registration at www.wheatridge.org/lwd. For questions, please call Wheat Ridge Ministries at 800.762.6748.

China: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Oct. 8, 7:00 p.m., China Place, 1407 Cleveland Ave. North, St. Paul. China Service Ventures presents Dr. Carol Hamrin, an independent author, speaker, and consultant for nonprofit organizations supporting the growth of China's third sector. Contact Chris Harris, director of U.S. operations, at 763.291.9038 or charris@chinaserviceventures.org for more information.

Agora Growing Church Seminar
Oct. 9, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Calvary, Golden Valley. Theme is "Who Is My Neighbor?" Dr.
David Lose and Pastor Nirmala Reinschmidt will be a keynote speakers; congregational leaders will share their stories of engaging the new neighbors in their communities. For more information and to register go to www.agoraministry.org.

The Spiritual Dimensions of Depression and Anxiety Through Western Science and Eastern Wisdom
Oct. 15, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Kagin Commons, Macalaster College, St. Paul. Dr. Henry Emmons will speak about how psychological and spiritual practices can enhance personal resilience and explore depression as a spiritual experience, and discern when it can interfere with spiritual growth. Dr. Emmons is the author of "The Chemistry of Joy." Contact Loyola Spirituality Center at 651.641.0008 or loyolasrr@comcast.net for more information.

Book of Faith Tool Kit
Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon. Incarnation, 4880 Hodgson Rd., Shoreview. Dr. David Lose will be the plenary speaker for our synod's 2010 Book of Faith Tool Kit. Dr. Lose is the author of the popular series Making Sense of Scripture. This event is designed to strengthen congregational leaders in Bible discussion leadership and the use of scripture within congregational ministries. All Saint Paul Area Synod congregations are invited to participate. Download the Book of Faith brochure (PDF)>

Global Health Ministries Fall Conference
Oct. 23, Lord of Life, Maple Grove. "GHM and You: Making a Difference in the World," features a number of exciting workshops, speakers, stories, and more. Great opportunity to learn, share, network, and fellowship as we continue this ministry of healing and hope for the world's poor and sick through Lutheran health care programs around the world. More information at www.ghm.org.

Healthy Congregations Facilitator Training
Oct. 28, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Oct. 29, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Luther Seminary, St. Paul. Healthy Congregations is a series of six workshops, each five sessions in length.  It was designed by Dr. Peter Steinke to help congregations move forward in their ministry. Healthy Congregations workshops are based on systems theory in their understanding of congregations. This perspective has helped hundreds of congregations understand the dynamics of working together. By participating in this facilitator training event, you will be able to purchase the materials and to lead the workshops in the congregation you serve. More information and registration (PDF)>

Singing the Faith hymn festival
Oct. 31, 7:00 p.m., Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary, St. Paul. Luther Seminary to honor founding of Scandinavian Augustana Synod at the annual Singing the Faith hymn festival, a service of choir anthems, hymns, and readings celebrating the Lutheran Reformation. The guest choir is the Gustavus Adolphus College choir under the direction of Gregory Aune. Service proceeded by the annual festival buffet dinner for $15. Contact Lynne Moratzka at lmoratzk@luthersem.edu or 651.641.3419 for reservations.