Happenings
January
Events
OD KIDS 4th AND 5th GRADE MEGA FUN RETREAT
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. Register here.
When: Jan. 10 – 11, 2025
Where: Camp Lebanon
Contact: Sarah Pederson | spederson@thedoor.org
Cost: $75 (scholarships available)
YOUNG ADULTS LUNCH
Meet some young adults and have lunch together after church. Whether you’re starting college or starting your career…we all need to eat! Whether we are at church or at a local restaurant, just show up and we’ll save you a spot. Follow us on Instagram for the most current location: odyoungadults
No registration needed.
When: 1st & 3rd Sundays through April, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Open Door Chapel or Local Restaurants
Contact: Tricia | tniznik18@gmail.com
SLOVAKIA MISSION TRIP INFO. MEETING
Interested in going on a mission trip? Come find out more about the next Slovakia mission trip happening next summer, where Open Door is joining GoodSports for the 29th annual summer baseball / sports / English camp in Klačno, Slovakia. See how you can be Jesus with skin on for the youth and volunteers!
When: Jan. 12 and Jan. 26, 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Chapel
Contact: Tom Johnson | tjohnson@thedoor.org
GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP INFO. MEETING
Come hear about Open Door’s partnership with Food for the Hungry in Guatemala and consider joining the next trip August 10-17, 2025. We get the joy of supporting the small village of Caserio Lopez, visiting sponsored children and continuing to build relationships with the community members and leaders. Each trip is unique!
Applications are due February 28th. Register here.
When: Jan. 19, after the gathering
Where: Open Door, Chapel
Who: Ages: 16+ (unless with parent)
Contact: Dawn Wood | dwood@thedoor.org
Approximate Cost: $2,000-2,500
NEWCOMER’S GATHERING
Get to know the leadership of Open Door at one of our Newcomer’s Gatherings. Here you’ll find space to ask questions and share what brought you to Open Door.
When: Sun., Jan. 26, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Window Room
Contact: Jenn Tjepkes | jtjepkes@thedoor.org
SMALL GROUP COMMUNITIES
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 this month.
Click here to register or click here to learn more!
When: Monthly (or more often)
Where: In homes
Contact: Jenn Tjepkes | jtjepkes@thedoor.org
Weekly Learning & Fellowship 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
TRANSFORMING FELLOWSHIP
Join us for a book study on Transforming Fellowship by Chris Coursey, which provides a pathway for developing deep love and the skills we need to live like Jesus. Transforming Fellowship covers 19 critical relational skills to live with resilience, peace, and joy. Register here. To order the book, click here.
When: Tuesdays, January 14 – March 4; 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Contact: Lisa Nygard, lisa.thirsty@gmail.com
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
Support & Prayer
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
WOMEN’S WORSHIP GATHERING
Women and teenage ladies, come join us as we worship Jesus and experience ministry time for each other through worship and prayer.
When: 2nd Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Window Room
Contact: Cheryl Skelly | heavenlydirected@yahoo.com
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
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
STUDENTS WEDNESDAY NIGHT GATHERINGS
Students from 6th – 12th grade, join us for Wednesday Night Gatherings to encounter Jesus, study scripture, and worship! Sign-up here.
When: Sept. 11 – May 21; 7 – 8:45 p.m.
Where: Open Door
Contact: Jacob Martin | jmartin@thedoor.org
OD KIDS 4th & 5th GRADE WEDNESDAYS
Do you 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 where we will explore the Bible through games, questions, study and conversation. And of course, there will be SNACKS. Register here.
When: January 15 – March 5, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door
Contact: Sarah Pederson | spederson@thedoor.org
OD KIDS OPEN GYM
School’s out, so let’s gather our kids and drink some coffee together! We’ll have the gym open and coffee brewing. Bring your own snacks and join the fun!
When: Monday, Jan. 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Open Door, Gym
Contact: Tami Madison | tmadison@thedoor.org
Service Opportunities
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN
Lack of access to healthy food is a problem for many people around the world and you can help make a difference! Have fun with family and friends by packing meals together at Feed My Starving Children (Coon Rapids location). Register by the Friday before the event.
When: Jan. 18, 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
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, Starting Feb. 9, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Open Door, Chapel
Contact: Dre Monseth | dremonseth@gmail.com
OD KIDS WINTER BASH
Join us for some open-house-style winter fun on Sunday, Feb. 2 anytime between 12 and 2 p.m. Bring your lunch or door dash it and eat lunch in the “warming house” (room 23). Bring sleds and dress warm (we will have tables in the back hall to store your snow clothes/lunch on during the service). No registration required.
When: Sunday, Feb. 2, anytime between 12 and 2 p.m.
Where: Open Door
Contact: Tami Madison | tmadison@thedoor.org
BAPTISM
Baptism is an important step on our spiritual journey, a way to affirm the faith which has taken root in our hearts. Come celebrate with others in the experience of baptism! All candidates (kids, youth, and adults) will go through a short preparation process once we receive your information. Register by Feb 8th.
When: Feb. 9 after the gathering
Where: Open Door, Baptismal
Contact: Annie-Claude Toll | atoll@thedoor.org
OD STUDENTS WINTER RETREAT
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to Camp Lebanon for the winter retreat. It’s a great time to get away from distractions, dive deeper in your faith, make new friends, deepen relationships and have a lot of FUN! Scholarships are available. Register before we fill up or by February 5.
When: Friday, Feb. 14, 5:00 p.m. – Sunday, Feb. 16, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Camp Lebanon
Contact: Jacob Martin | jmartin@thedoor.org
Cost: $160 (scholarships available)
OD KIDS VOLUNTEER FIESTA FUEL UP!
The OD Kids’ team is so grateful for you! We want to show our appreciation for all the ways you share the love of Jesus to our kids and their families. You and your immediate family members are invited to join us for a Fiesta Fuel-Up Taco Lunch on Sunday, February 23rd at 12:00 p.m. in the Gym. Register by Feb 16.
When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 12:00 p.m.
Where: Open Door Gym
Contact: Sarah Pederson | spederson@thedoor.org
PICKLEBALL
Join us for some fast-paced action and friendly competition on the pickleball court! We rented the whole place out for an 18 + Open Door Round Robin Tournament. Sign up for a slot and bring a snack to share. We’ll supply the refreshing off-court drinks (pop & water). Suggested donation is $10/player. All skill levels welcome!
Sign up by Saturday, Feb. 22
When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 3-4:25 p.m. or 4:35-6 p.m.
Where: Pickle in the Middle, 7700 68th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Contact: Sarah Adams | sassysarahadams@gmail.com
Cost: Suggested donation of $10/player
MEN’S BREAKFAST
You’re invited to a free breakfast with other men from Open Door (and beyond!) to experience connection, good conversation and story. Please register by February 20th, so we have a good idea of how much food to prepare. Register here.
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Open Door, Chapel
Contact: Ben Monseth | benmonseth@gmail.com
CHILD DEDICATION
Dedicate your child to God’s trustworthy and loving hands and publicly state your intention to raise them in the Christian faith. Dedication happens in the Sunday Gathering on February 23rd. Parents, please plan to attend a preparation class on Sunday, February, 16th at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Register by Sunday, February 16th.
When: Feb. 23, during Sunday Gathering
Where: Open Door
Contact: Allison Anderson | anderson@thedoor.org
