St. John's Lutheran Church sits in the Tangletown neighborhood of South Minneapolis, its Gothic Revival building at the corner of 49th and Nicollet Avenue a familiar landmark for neighbors who walk by each Sunday morning. Members know the congregation as an active ELCA community that takes its music seriously, opens its building to the surrounding neighborhood through a long-running Child Care Center, and gathers for retreats at a lakeside camp outside town. The congregation's motto is simple: Find your community in Christ at St. John's.

Sunday Mornings at Ten

Worship is held every Sunday at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary, with Holy Communion celebrated most Sundays. The service is traditional and music-filled, drawing on classic hymns played on the Hendrickson organ and accompanied by vocal and instrumental music from members and guest musicians. There is no dress code. Visitors are invited to come as they are.

Children are at home in the service. Edith Bohardt, the Cross+Generational Ministry Director, offers a brief "Word of the Week" message for children of all ages early in the service. After the message, children are welcome to remain in the pew with their families, head to "Grace Space," the children's area inside the sanctuary, or attend Sunday school when offered. A nursery is staffed during the service for children from birth through age four.

The building is ADA-accessible through the lower-level entrance under the burgundy awning labeled Church Office. Inside those doors are the elevator and ADA-accessible restrooms. The parking lot sits to the north of the building, with access from Rustic Lodge Avenue off Nicollet Avenue.

For those who cannot attend in person, services are livestreamed each Sunday at 10:00 AM Central on the church's YouTube channel. The worship bulletin is posted online so viewers can follow along, and a live chat runs alongside the stream for those who want to greet other viewers.

A Sanctuary Built for Music

Music is one of St. John's most distinctive gifts to the neighborhood. The Hendrickson organ anchors the sanctuary, and the congregation has built an ambitious Music Series that brings professional-level performances to South Minneapolis free of charge.

The flagship event is the annual performance of Handel's Messiah in December. St. John's Oratorio Chorus performs the oratorio with orchestra, soloists, and Music Series Artistic Director Brandon Berger conducting. Two performances are offered each December, and the concerts are open to all at no charge, with a free-will offering taken to help defray costs.

The Music Series also hosts other concerts throughout the year, including an afternoon performance by The Minneapolis Brass Ensemble in the sanctuary and guest appearances by area musicians. The church supports several musical ensembles (the choir, the bell choir, and the Oratorio Chorus) and welcomes community members to participate. Visitors can expect a steady stream of musical programming, all of it free to the public.

The Child Care Center on Nicollet Avenue

For more than half a century, St. John's Child Care Center has been part of the church's ministry to the neighborhood. Tucked inside the church building with its own secured entrance on Nicollet Avenue (look for the awning labeled St. John's Child Care Center), the center serves around 100 to 130 children each year from the surrounding neighborhood and the south metro.

The center offers toddler care for children 16 months and older, child care and preschool for children 33 months and up, and before- and after-school care for school-age children. All-ages child care runs Monday through Friday from 7:15 AM to 5:45 PM, year-round, with full-day care offered on school release days, breaks, and during summer. Preschool-only sessions run 9:00 to 11:30 AM on weekdays during the school year and on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings in summer.

The program is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services for up to 102 children at a time and has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) since 1992. The child care philosophy emphasizes social interaction, emotional growth, literacy, language, and cognitive skills, alongside large and small motor development. While religion is not explicitly taught, the Christian setting acknowledges Christian holidays and symbols.

The Child Care Center is led by Director Myesha Ray and Assistant Director Venita Ditlevson. Families interested in the waiting list or a tour can call the center at 612-827-1237.

Chi Rho Center at Lake Sylvia

About an hour's drive west of Minneapolis, near Annandale, Minnesota, St. John's operates a rustic lakeside retreat on Lake Sylvia. The Chi Rho Center hosts camps, small groups, family gatherings, and the congregation's own retreats.

Each summer, the congregation gathers for a weekend at Chi Rho Center, with overnight accommodations, shared meals, and a chance to join the Greater Lake Sylvia Association Picnic on Saturday evening. Outside groups are also welcome to schedule their own retreats at the center, with inquiries directed to the church office.

Learning and Faith Formation Across Generations

Faith formation at St. John's is intentionally intergenerational. The Cross+Generational Ministry team coordinates education and fellowship for all ages, from Sunday school and the nursery through adult small groups.

Confirmation is offered for those who were baptized as children and wish to publicly affirm their baptism. Adults can join Holy Conversations, which meets on Thursday mornings at 10:30 AM for Bible study, lectionary text discussion, theological reflection, and conversation about timely topics. Recent book discussions have included God Meets Us in Our Suffering by Rolf Jacobson, Karl Jacobson, and Mike Pancoast.

A two-year program called Renewing Congregational Imagination walks participants through collaborative learning, community building, and spiritual practice through Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices.

The church also produces Faith in the Real World, a podcast hosted by Pastor Mark Tiede and media hosts Graham Zima and Matthew Tiede. Episodes and clips are available on St. John's YouTube channel, with audio-only versions of past seasons on the church's Spotify channel.

Service in Tangletown and Beyond

St. John's members serve in Christ's name through a long list of community partnerships.

The Missionary Circle meets eight times a year and supports local and global mission through donations and fundraisers. Recipients include LPGM, which sponsors three boarding school students in Tamil Nadu, India; Harbor Light Shelter in Minneapolis; the Justice Page Food Backpack Program; the Union Gospel Mission; the Marie Sandvik Center; VEEP; Chi Rho scholarships; the St. John's Child Care Center summer activities fund; and TRUST.

The Community and Neighborhood Committee (CAN) oversees the food backpack program that sends weekend food home with children who might otherwise go hungry, and also organizes a Prayer Chain, Prayer Shawl Ministry, fleece blankets for Camp Noah, Adopt-a-Drain, Wreaths of Love for Redeemer Health and Rehab Center, and Meals on Wheels tray favors.

Several times a year, the Fellowship Hall becomes a Red Cross Blood Drive. The church hosts the Tangletown Neighborhood Association's annual Clothing Swap each summer and welcomes neighbors for a Blessing of the Animals around the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in early October, with blessings offered before and after Sunday worship.

Journey Cafe, a TRUST Initiative facilitated by TRUST's Health and Wellness Team, meets in the Lounge on the third Tuesday of each month as "a place for conversations and connections in this journey of life." Family Game Nights are held periodically in the Fellowship Hall. A Green Team (Environmental Committee) works on composting, recycling, pollinator habitats, and other sustainability efforts in partnership with the Tangletown neighborhood.

Reconciling in Christ: Beliefs and Welcome

St. John's Lutheran Church of Minneapolis is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The congregation affirms belief in the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The church teaches that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation and that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit speaking through their authors, recording God's revelation centered in Jesus Christ. The Church itself is described as "a people created by God in Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit."

St. John's is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Its Welcome Statement on Diversity commits the congregation to embracing people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, welcoming LGBTQ+ members and visitors, and committing itself to the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care.

The church's mission statement reads: Fueled by Christ's redeeming love, St. John's is called into a joyful life of welcoming hospitality, grace-filled worship, transformational relationships, and Gospel-driven service in the world. Its four core values are Welcoming, Worshiping, Healing, and Serving. Its vision: a community living faith boldly.

Life Events at the Gothic Revival Building

The Gothic Revival sanctuary hosts baptisms, weddings, funerals, and community events. Baptisms are celebrated during Sunday worship. Weddings are coordinated through wedding coordinator Jeanne and the pastor, who encourage couples to attend a Sunday worship service first to get a feel for the space and the community. Funerals and memorial services can be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.

Spaces available for events include the Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, the Chapel, and the Library and Lounge. The Chi Rho Center at Lake Sylvia is also available for group events. To begin an event consultation, contact the church office at 612-827-4406.

Getting Involved

Membership is not required to serve on any committee at St. John's; just a passion for the mission. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Worship: Reader, Cantor, Communion Server, Communion Preparer, Greeter, Usher, or Acolyte; care of paraments, linens, candles, and flowers; sewing liturgical banners; planning midweek services during Advent and Lent.
• Music: join the choir, bell choir, or Oratorio Chorus; bake cookies for receptions; usher at concerts.
• Missionary Circle: support local and global mission through donations and fundraisers.
• Hospitality: welcome community groups and assist at events like the Red Cross Blood Drive.
• Facilities: help maintain the church at 49th and Nicollet and the Chi Rho Center in Annandale.
• Green Team: composting, recycling, pollinator habitats, sustainability education.
• Cross+Generational Ministry: lead or join a book study, help with Sunday school or nursery, serve as a Fellowship Host, plan new-member welcomes.
• Community & Neighborhood (CAN): food backpack program, Prayer Shawl Ministry, fleece blankets, Meals on Wheels.
• Church Office: library upkeep, mailings, kitchen supplies, pew rack supplies.
• Child Care Center: read to children, help with the Book Fair, decorate for parties, donate to the Christmas Food Drive.
• Chi Rho Center: steward the Lake Sylvia property, help with spring and fall cleanup, host retreats.

Small groups meet under names like Munch Bunch (a Tuesday afternoon faith exploration group) and Craft & Chat (a Tuesday afternoon crafting circle).

Leadership and Giving

St. John's is currently served by Kari Pancoast as Interim Pastor. Edith Bohardt directs the Cross+Generational Ministry, Myesha Ray directs the Child Care Center with Venita Ditlevson as assistant director, David Helm manages the Chi Rho Center, and Brandon Berger serves as Music Series Artistic Director. The St. John's Foundation, established in 1982, supports the congregation's ministries through endowment gifts invested in Endowment Fund A of the ELCA.

Giving can be made online through Breeze, by check, by text ("give" to 612-800-0444), or through ACH transactions arranged with the church office. Legacy gifts and bequests are also welcomed.

Visiting St. John's

St. John's Lutheran Church is at 4842 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55419, in the Tangletown neighborhood. Worship is on Sunday morning at 10:00 AM, with Holy Communion most Sundays. The building is ADA-accessible through the lower-level entrance under the burgundy Church Office awning. Parking is in the lot to the north of the building, accessible from Rustic Lodge Avenue off Nicollet Avenue.

The church office can be reached at 612-827-4406. The Child Care Center can be reached at 612-827-1237. Sunday worship is livestreamed on YouTube and broadcast on Spotify as a podcast for those who prefer to join from home.