LUTHERANS CONCERNED – St Cloud

             A positive Christian ministry affirming GLBT people

 

Who are we?

     A group of Gay and Lesbian Christians who meet monthly to support each other in our Christian faith.  Our members are mostly Lutheran from various central Minnesota congregations, but also include people who are Catholics, from other Protestant denominations or Unitarian.

     We are affiliated with the national Lutherans Concerned organization.

 

How long have we been here?

     We began meeting in 1998, first in homes and later in a public meeting space.

 

Who comes to our meetings?

     In the past, we have only had gay and lesbian participants at our meetings, sometimes with invited guests.  This year we have decided to include interested persons who are allies for GLBT causes.  We normally meet the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at University Lutheran Church of the Epiphany in St Cloud.

 

What do we do?

     Our monthly meetings begin with a 25-30 minutes worship service, using LBW liturgy, hymns, prayers, and a homily.  After a short social we usually have a topical meeting on some aspect of GLBT issues either revolving around the life of the Church, or an exploration of how an issue impacts our daily lives.

     We also co-sponsor a number of events in the community which either overtly or tangentially relate to GLBT causes.

     We have also given presentations on matters of faith to GLBT student forums on the St Cloud State University campus.

 

What kind of services do we provide?

    Besides the monthly topical meetings, Lutherans Concerned-St Cloud has built a library of resource materials, recommended reading lists and collection of videos relating to Christianity and gay life.  These materials are available on loan to area congregations upon request. 

     Some Lutherans Concerned members are also willing to participate in local congregation forums (adult education, etc.) on matters of sexuality, especially gay life in the Lutheran church.

 

For more information, contact:

 

     Rev. Darius Larsen, Pastor, University Lutheran Church of the Epiphany

     Signe Gray, Associate in Ministry, University Lutheran Church of the Epiphany

     Phone:  (320)  252-6183