Our Story

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”

- Acts 2: 42-47

In fall 2018, a group of women in the Twin Cities came together to imagine a young adult ministry in the metro area that could be a landing place for those who are looking for community; a point of connection with other young adults in the wider Twin Cities area.

Images of the early church in the Book of Acts gave guidance for this vision. The goal became to gather young adults together to remind them that they are not alone in their questions, in their seeking, in their joy, in their pain, in their faith, and in their doubt. To remind them how deeply connected we are to one another.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Minneapolis Area Synod (ELCA)’s Ministry Imagination Grants, this vision came to life in early 2019. Named “Gather”, this ministry seeks to set the table for fellowship, meal, and prayer (Acts 42); a place for those who are hungry for community and faithful connection with other young adults in the Twin Cities.

Specifically, this will be done through evening contemplative worship and meals.

We know there are countless young adults in the Twin Cities who are searching for a young adult community of faith…

If you are searching for a congregation or a place to land in the Twin Cities…

If you are engaged in a local ELCA congregation, where you find deep connection and faithful conversation…

If you have never stepped foot in a church, or left long ago…

If you have had meaningful experiences of faith previously (camp, campus ministry, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Holden Village, Young Adults in Global Mission, etc.) and find yourself unsure how faith plays a role in your life in the wake of those experiences…

If you work in at a church and are looking for a faith community outside of your place of work…

If you’re brand new to the ELCA…

We are so glad that you are here.

Regardless of who you are or what you bring into this space, we are setting the table for you to create authentic relationships and to experience community with other young adults. We hope to get young adults connected with one another and with ministries in the Twin Cities, as well as offer a place of rest and rejuvenation in the whirlwind of life.

Gather is LGBTQIA+ affirming and eagerly invites siblings of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression into full leadership and participation. You are fully welcome here and we are grateful for your presence.

Hannah Loeffler-Kemp is currently working to coordinate Gather; any collaboration or ideas are very welcome! Please contact gathertwincities@gmail.com if you’re up for a cup of coffee and some brainstorming.

Logo and design were created by Megan Murrell Illustration.