Twin Cities Merge for Mission Project Timeline
February 2024 - Gather WELS TC is launched by concerned city church members.
March 2024 - Gather WELS TC hosts first “Gathering” event in Northeast Minneapolis at a neutral rented space to present the concept of rallying our resources together.
Phase 1: Exploration
April 2024 - Gather WELS TC hosts 2nd “Gathering” event at Mount Olive
We discussed Phase 1 of the WELS Merge for Mission program with Pastor Jon Hein of WELS Congregational Services
Highlight Reel Recap of M4M Phase 1 meeting
Phase 2: Envisioning
May 20th, 2024
The five urban center Twin Cities churches have opted into the M4M phase 2 program.
June 2nd, 2024 - Joint Worship and Meal at Wabun Picnic Area
We had our first joint worship experience together at Wabun Picnic area near Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. Pastor Dustin Sievert preached and musicians from St. John St. Paul and Mount Olive played acoustic guitar. Fantastic fellowship time followed and kids played at the playground.
Phase 2 - Official Committee Kick Off
After the busy summer draws to a close, we kick off the M4M effort in earnest.
August 22th, 2024
Congregational leaders from the 5 city churches met for the Phase 2 Kick Off meeting, led by WELS Congregational Services’ Pastor Eric Roecker. Committees were formed and initial meeting dates set.
August 28th, 2024
The Executive Committee met and discussed a high level framework or “Baseline” for the sub-committees to work from. This presentation and accompanying video below was unanimously approved for this purpose.
September 12th, 2024
All committees have met once. Timeline and work plan is in development. Meetings expected to occur roughly monthly.
September 22nd, 2024
Joint Worship at St. John’s Minneapolis. About 140 people in attendance.
Fall and Winter Joint Congregational Activities
While committees are busy working - we intentially work to collaborate and connect.
September 24th, 2024 - Joint Bonfire Fellowship at Como Park
About 75 people enjoyed food and drinks on a lovely fall evening by the fire and playground at Como Park in St. Paul.
November 24th, 2024 - Resource Kit Packing Event at St. John’s Minneapolis
About 30 people met at St. John’s to pack resource kits for those experiencing homelessness. Many more from all the congregations donated to make it possible. The effort was organized and carried out by a joint group of individuals from all the congregations.
December 11th, 2024 - Joint Advent Song Service at Mount Olive
About 80 people came to share their musical talents and join voices, and then connect in fellowship time together afterward.
2025
March 2nd, 2025 - Joint Worship at St. John St. Paul
St. John St. Paul hosted a joint worship service where about 135 people praised God together.
Lent 2025
Throughout Lent, there have been several opportunities to share in the message of Jesus’ road to the cross and share in meals together.
February 2025 Assessment Report
All the work that the subcommittees have done summarized into a brief report. This is NOT the final report. It is meant to provide more transparent information and insight into what was done to create the final recommendations and scenario proposal.
March 16th, 2025 Final Report and Unification Proposal
Released March 16th, 2025
Printed and bound (~2 color binders / congregation) - ask your leaders for access if needed.
All materials printed are available here in this report which includes links to appendecies and reference materials.
