Minneapolis, Minnesota
2020
To facilitate the full participation of worshipers from all faith backgrounds by enhancing both the physical space for worship and the forms of music and visual arts in the liturgy.
Provide a brief summary of the purpose and goal of your grant.
We hoped the grant would allow us to bring in guest musicians, speakers, pastors, etc. to join us from different cultural backgrounds, in an attempt to reflect the wide diversity of our student population. This project's funding will go to building our choir's resources (getting new music for their collection in collaboration with the choir director), paying the guests we hope to bring in, and finally, paying for the setup and tear down of our audio services.
What are two questions that have generated reflection on worship and helped shape your project?
We have been reflecting on how racial justice, equal representation, and space for grief fits into our work. This past year has sent our Minneapolis community on a roller coaster of emotions with the death and trial of George Floyd and the event more recent death of Daunte Wright. How do we lead our students through prayer during a time of hurt, anger, and fear?
Also, we continue to grapple with how to return post-pandemic in our prayer.
What impact has your project had on the worship life and habits of the congregation?
We have largely been unable to build on this year's grant because of our remote learning situation. However, we hope to pour resources and energy into the end of our school year's planning.
What have been your greatest challenges (or challenging opportunities)?
Our greatest challenge has undoubtedly been our remote learning. We have only had a small number of students in person for a few weeks at this time. Secondly, our Mission and Identity director transitioned to a new job at the start of this year. He was our priest, guide, and site supervisor. Thus, planning these events without our leader has made for significant challenges.
What would you like to share with other Project Directors?
That we are grateful for an extension on our posters and final report. Now that we are transitioning back into person work, we are very eager to jump into the planning and execution of this grant. We have a lot of ideas for how we can put these funds towards our community's prayer life. thank you.
