Aging Splendidly: Demystify Hearing Loss
Sept. 9, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Immanuel, 104 Snelling Ave. South, St. Paul. Aging Splendidly lunch and speaker series presents Mary Bauer, Minnesota Department of Human Services–Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, who has worked with deaf and hard of hearing persons and their families since 1980, on "Demystify Hearing Loss." Call 651.699.5560 for lunch reservations ($7) and/or a free hearing screening between 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon before the presentation.

Agora Discipleship Academy
Sept. 11, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, Central Lutheran, 333 South 12th St., Minneapolis. The academy meets every other Saturday from September 2010 through March 2011. Sessions include the study of scripture, church history, areas of congregational life, and leadership. More information and registration at www.agoraministry.org.

Amazing (G)Race
Sept. 11, 9:00 a.m. Registration, 10:00 a.m. Start, Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill, St. Paul. On your mark, get set, go! St. Paul will be filled with teams racing around the city to earn the ultimate bragging rights of winning the Amazing (G)Race competition (fashioned after the popular TV show, "Amazing Race"). Youth from Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill, St. Paul are coordinating this event to raise funds for a 2011 trip to Guatemala. Racers can expect to participate in challenges that will take strength, agility, mind power, and speed. More>

Redeemer Through the Arts Event: Robert Robinson In Concert
Sept. 11, 7:00 p.m., Redeemer, 3770 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake. Limited seating available. Tickets $20 each. Call 651.429.5411 for more information or to order tickets.

Living Word Workshop 
Sept. 13-17, Crossways International, Minneapolis. Crossways International offers this revitalizing workshop to equip clergy, seminarians, and lay ministers to teach the biblical narrative more effectively. The seminar uses the highly acclaimed courses and visual teaching graphics developed by the Rev. Dr. Harry Wendt, founder of Crossways International. For more information or to register, call 800.257.7308 or 952.832.5454 or go to www.crossways.org.

College of Retired Church Workers Luncheon
Sept. 14, 12:00 noon, Bethlehem, 4100 Lyndale Ave. South, Minneapolis. Retired clergy, associates in ministry, church workers, and their spouses are invited to the College of Retired Church Workers Luncheon. Dr. Mark Wegener, who currently serves as the official advocate of the Book of Faith Initiative in the Minneapolis Area Synod, will be the presenter on this vital subject. The cost is $12 per person, $20 per couple. Everyone welcome.  Reservations required.  RSVP by September 10 to Cyndi Berg at 651.224.4313.

Community of Nations Block Party
Sept. 19, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Christ the King, New Brighton. The theme of this year's block party is partnerships, focusing on the ways we are united in our mission to share Christ's love as partners called and sent to work side by side within the gifts of our diverse community settings. Worship at 11:00 a.m., followed by food, music from Latino music group Mexico Axteca, games, and activities.

ELCA World Hunger “Ethics of Eating” Region 3 Leadership Training
Sept. 23-Sept. 26, Concordia Language Village, Marine on St. Croix. Are you concerned about the way what you eat and the way we produce food in this country impacts the environment, those who are hungry, and those who work in food production? Do you want to explore these issues through workshops and conversations with farmers and activists? This event is for those who want to explore these issues from a theological perspective, and to share what they discern with their congregation, campus, community, or synod. Brainstorm how these values should inform the work of the church, particularly with respect to organizing, fundraising, education, and the lifestyle of members of the congregation. Afterwards, each participant is expected to host an event of their choice in their local area. World Hunger is underwriting the cost of participation. Applications will be approved on a rolling basis starting on Aug. 15 until all the openings are filled. More information and the application available at www.elca.org/hunger/ethicsofeating.

Fall Theological Conference
Sept. 27-28 (note: new two-day schedule), Arrowwood Resort, Alexandria, Minn. An opportunity for rostered leaders in the Minneapolis Area and Saint Paul Area Synods to join together for worship, theological reflection and discussion, and recreation. This year's theme is "Reading the Bible with Martin Luther: Reexamining His Approach to Scripture." Presentations and discussion around this theme will be led by Timothy Wengert, Ministerium of Pennsylvania professor of the history of Christianity at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Wengert will lead four sessions that will help reacquaint participants with the heart and soul of Luther's unique approach to the Bible, as it relates to Christian proclamation and life. Registration for this event will be handled through the Saint Paul Area Synod, and questions should be directed to Julie Keefe at 651.224.4313. Registration details on the Theological Conference page.

Forum on Health Care Reform 
Sept. 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Gloria Dei, St. Paul. Second annual Forum on Health Care Reform: “Healthcare in America: What has happened? What needs to be done?” Panelists include U.S. Representative Betty McCollum, Jan Malcolm, CEO of Courage Center and past Minnesota health commissioner, and David Moen, medical director of Care Model Innovation at Fairview, Inc. Mark Hallberg, attorney and member of Gloria Dei, will facilitate the conversation focusing on the legislative, physician’s, and health care administrator’s perspectives. Learn what the health care bill offers and how we can advocate for ourselves and all children of God. Call 651.699.1378 for more information.