Happenings
December
Events
CHRISTMAS EVE
Open Door’s Christmas Eve candlelight gathering will be held at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with childcare offered at 3:00 p.m. for ages zero to three-years old. Come join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
DECEMBER 29 – NO WEEKEND GATHERING
In light of a full Christmas season, we will not be gathering as a church on December 29th. We encourage you to slow down and enjoy God’s goodness in whatever way works for you.
COMMUNITY BLESSINGS
Community Blessings is a way for our church family to practice the giving and receiving of hospitality during the holiday season. Do you or a loved one feel a weight that your church family could help support? Or perhaps you feel called to respond to these needs and experience the beauty of blessing a church family member.
Starting December 1st, take a card from the chalk wall, text “Blessing Response” to 77411 and you’ll receive a link to sign up. Fill out the form by entering the card number and short description of the need you’re responding to. We’ll match needs to responses soon. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
When: Collect Needs, Nov. 10 – Dec. 1; Respond to Needs, Dec. 1 – Dec. 22
Where: Chalk Wall
Contact: Dawn Wood | dwood@thedoor.org
ADVENT GATHERING AFTER-PARTY
Donuts, coffee, and kids’ crafts! Meet the church staff team! Engage in Community Blessing or enjoy the Prayer Room! Bring your family & friends! Come back again the next Sunday to do it all over again!
When: Sundays in December, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Gathering Place
Contact: Jenn Tjepkes | jtjepkes@thedoor.org
THE GINGERBREAD EVENT
Candy and creativity await! Invite your friends, neighbors and family to decorate a gingerbread house while you enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and popcorn.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Open Door
Contact: Sarah Pederson | spederson@thedoor.org
SMALL GROUP COMMUNITIES – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Our spiritual journey was never meant to be walked alone. Join a small group community to share a meal, pray and practice the way of Jesus! Sign up with friends to deepen current relationships or on your own to build new ones. Next session launches in January – register today!
When: Monthly (or more often)*
Where: In homes
Contact: Jenn Tjepkes | jtjepkes@thedoor.org or click here
*New groups start quarterly beginning in January 2025.
PRAYER ROOM
Looking for a space to connect with Jesus? Come to the prayer room, take a deep breath, lay down burdens and be filled in a fresh way. We hope you hear Jesus whisper, “enter beloved.” Anyone is welcome, and there are no sign-ups or time restrictions. Just take the elevator to the second floor and enjoy.
When: Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sun. 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
SEEKING PEACE (A PRAYER SESSION)
Would you like to connect with Jesus amid challenges in your everyday life? Are you seeking healing, restoration, deliverance and/or peace? Would you like to sit with another person and invite Jesus’s presence into your life? Sign up for a one-hour session that involves creating space to listen for Jesus and being led through a prayer experience to connect with Him.
When: Dates and Times Vary
Contact: Rose Larson | rlarson@thedoor.org
Weekly Learning Opportunities
BIBLE STUDY HOUR
Whether you’re new to scripture or not, we’d love to have you join us before church for a verse-by-verse study of the Bible in a relaxed and discussion-oriented format. We’ll start in Genesis and decide together where we go next! No sign-ups, just show up. Led by Ronn Johnson.
When: Sundays, 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Where: Open Door, Room 104
Contact: Ronn Johnson | ronnjohnson7@gmail.com
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
If you’re looking to grow in your relationship with God with a group of guys trying to do the same, this space is for you! Join with other men Wednesday mornings to study God’s Word and be encouraged through community and connection. Walk-ins welcome.
When: Wednesdays, 6:45 – 7:45 a.m.
Where: Open Door, Rooms 104 & 112 (Zoom option available)
Contact: Bruce Kuehl | (612) 414-3825 | bruceckuehl@gmail.com
WOMEN’S WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
Gain Fresh Insight and Encouragement from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”
Many women know Psalm 23 by heart but haven’t experienced its power in their lives. Come explore the depths of God’s compassionate care, while learning how you can trust the Shepherd’s goodness throughout each season of your life. Cost is $35.
When: Wednesdays, through Dec. 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Lower Level
Contact: Jenn Tjepkes | jtjepkes@thedoor.org
WOMEN’S THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Gain Fresh Insight and Encouragement from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”
Many women know Psalm 23 by heart but haven’t experienced its power in their lives. Come explore the depths of God’s compassionate care, while learning how you can trust the Shepherd’s goodness throughout each season of your life. Cost is $35.
When: Thursdays, through Dec. 19, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Open Door, Lower Level
Contact: Jenn Tjepkes | jtjepkes@thedoor.org
THURSDAY NIGHT MEN’S GROUP
Hey guys! We’re taking time each month to hang out, share stories and friendship, and deepen our lives with God together. There’s laughter, camaraderie, community and support in a laidback environment.
When: 3rd Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Local Backyards or Open Door (changes monthly; contact Ben to sign up and receive location info.)
Contact: Ben Monseth | benmonseth@gmail.com
ADDICTION RECOVERY FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS
In this group, we’ll learn strategies to invite change in ourselves and others. We will also receive support, tools, hope and a way of being that invites growth and spiritual formation in all our relationships.
When: Thursdays, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Cost: Price of Optional Workbook
Contact: Jill DiLoreto | diloreto5@comcast.net
MOURNING OUR LOSSES, WAITING IN HOPE
Come together in a safe, welcoming space to explore the experiences of grief and loss in our lives and in the life of Jesus. You will have the opportunity to share where you are in your grief journey as well as practice ways of becoming present to God’s loving presence with others.
When: 2nd Sundays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Room 104
Contact: Bob McKenna | Bob@thedoor.org
MARRIAGE IN COMMUNITY
Couples, strengthen your bond and enhance your marriage at this monthly night filled with stories, discussion, and meaningful connection with other couples. Whether you are newlyweds or seasoned partners, this is a great opportunity to invest in your relationship. Join anytime!
When: 2nd Sundays, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Chapel
Contact: Dre Monseth | dremonseth@gmail.com
WIDOW’S WELL (A WOMEN’S GROUP)
This is a place where widows can connect with others who understand what it feels like to lose someone so close. Come together with other women in a safe and nurturing environment to continue to grow and learn in this season of life. Walk-ins welcome.
When: 3rd Sundays, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Room 104
Contact: Annie-Claude Toll | atoll@thedoor.org
Kids and Students
SERVICE NIGHTS (SN) AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT GATHERINGS (WNG)
Students from 6th – 12th grade, join us any Wednesday for Service Nights and/or Wednesday Night Gatherings! Both are opportunities to encounter Jesus whether studying scripture, worshipping, or serving others.
When: SN: 1st Wednesday of the month, Oct. – May, 6:15-9:00 p.m. | WNG: Sept. 11 – May 21; 7 – 8:45 p.m.
Where: SN, varies | WNG, Open Door
Contact(s): WNG Sign-up; SN Questions: Jacob Martin | jmartin@thedoor.org
4th & 5th GRADE WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Want to go deeper in your walk with Jesus but have a hard time reading and understanding the Bible? Join other 4th & 5th grade students for this eight-week study. And of course, there will be SNACKS! Register here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4*, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door
Contact: Sarah Pederson | spederson@thedoor.org
*Study ends Dec. 4
4th & 5th GRADE TUBING
Bundle up and join your favorite 4th & 5th graders for a night of tubing fun at Elm Creek Park. Invite a friend! Both the medical release form and tubing waiver MUST be completed and handed in to attend. Forms will be emailed to you prior to the event once you’re registered. Register here.
When: Wed., Dec. 11, 6:15 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Drop off and pick up at Elm Creek, 12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
STUDENTS 4th AND 5th GRADE MEGA FUN RETREAT – SIGN-UP BY DEC. 20th
Join us for broom ball, sledding, hiking, carpetball, foosball, a juggling unicyclist and more, all while enjoying time away with God and in worship!
This is a great opportunity for our 4th & 5th grade students to build community with one another and with a few of their Sunday morning leaders. They’ll also grow in their relationship with Jesus and get a glimpse of what it will be like to transition to OD Students in 6th grade.
Is cost an issue or would it make it challenging for you/your student to attend? Scholarships are available! Please request a scholarship in your registration or contact Sarah to work out a payment that works for your family budget. We do not want cost to keep students from coming and funds are available.
Additional forms needed by Camp Lebanon will be sent when they are available. Space is limited and registration will close when it is full or on Wednesday, December 20th, so hurry and sign up today! Register here.
Where: Camp Lebanon
When: Jan. 10 – 11, 2025
Contact: Sarah Pederson | spederson@thedoor.org
Cost: $75
Service Opportunities
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN
Access to healthy food is a problem for many people around the world and you can help make a difference from right here in Minnesota! Have fun with family and friends by packing meals together at Feed My Starving Children (Coon Rapids location). Sign up by the Friday before the event.
When: 2nd Saturdays, 9:30-11:15 a.m.
Where: Feed My Starving Children, Coon Rapids
Contact: Kimla Abeler | KimlaAbeler@gmail.com
HEARTS IN ACTION (A MEN’S GROUP)
This group of men helps our church and local community by serving single mothers, widows, and those with special needs through home projects. Men of all ages welcome – bring your sons!
When/Where: 3rd Saturdays, 7 a.m. breakfast; 8:30 a.m. head to work sites
Contact: Maureen | maureensmusic@comcast.net
Upcoming Events
STUDENTS SKATING – OFFSITE OD STUDENTS WEDNESDAY NIGHT GATHERINGS
When: Jan. 8, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Central Park Skate Loop
Contact: Allison Anderson | anderson@thedoor.org
SLOVAKIA INFO. MEETING
When: Jan. 12 and Jan. 26, 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Chapel Room
Contact: Tom Johnson | tjohnson@thedoor.org
GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP INFO. MEETING
Applications are due February 28th. Register here.
When: Jan. 19th after the gathering
Where: Caserio Lopez, Guatemala
Who: Ages: 16+ (unless with parent)
OD KIDS OPEN GYM
When: Monday, Jan. 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Open Door, Gym
Contact: Tami Madison | tmadison@thedoor.org
