Adult Faith Formation: The Branches

All are invited to Normandale’s Adult Faith Formation Hour: The Branches 
Sundays • 10:10 a.m. 

Every Sunday between worship services, we gather to continue growing together. 

The Branches is our weekly adult faith formation series, offering thoughtful conversations on Scripture, theology, Christian life, and the questions shaping our communities and our world. 

Throughout this fall, topics will include: 

• Homelessness and housing instability  

• Caregiving, mental health, and flourishing  

• Death, dying, grief, and Christian hope  

• Racial justice and equity  

• Biblical and theological studies  

• Guest speakers and special forums  

Like the branches of a tree, these conversations reach in many directions while remaining rooted in the same gospel.

UPCOMING at The Branches:

-Sunday, 10/18: Death, Dying & Doing it Well: Part 1

Are you or your loved ones aging? Do you like to be prepared? Come to The Branches for a series called Death, Dying, & Doing It Well starting this Sunday, October 18. We’ll cover the nuts & bolts of estate planning, making memories, funeral preparation, how to have conversations with your loved ones, grief & loss, and what it’s like to be in the sandwich generation, caring for children and aging parents simultaneously. This is a safe place to think, learn, wonder, laugh, and ask questions in a supportive environment.
Made possible in part by an M Health Fairview Interfaith Health Collaborative Mini-Grant and by the Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness. 

-Sunday, 10/25: Death, Dying & Doing it Well: Part 2
The Long Goodbye Starts Now: Legacy that Lasts
with Rev. Katie Jorgensen, Chaplain at Ebenezer

-Sunday, 11/01: Death, Dying & Doing it Well: Part 3
Death & Dying, Grief & Loss
with Prof. Ginger Morgan, United Theological Seminary

-Sunday, 11/08: Meals on Wheels: Empty Bowls Event
You’re invited to Crosstown Meals on Wheels’ Empty Bowls Community Lunch to enjoy soup, bread and dessert donated by local restaurants and handmade bowls donated by local potters. Select a bowl, make a donation and keep your bowl as a remembrance that many people are in need of food assistance.

-Sunday, 11/15: Death, Dying & Doing it Well: Part 4
Estate Planning, Financial & Legal Logistics
with Lowell Stortz

-Sunday, 11/22: Sandwich Generation Podcast, sponsored by the Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness
Let’s Get Real about The Sandwich Generation
with Robyn Frank & Eliesa Johnson of The Sandwich Generation Podcast and sponsored by The Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness

-Sunday, 11/29: Intergenerational Arts Experience

-Sunday, 12/06: Swimming in our Culture: Part 1 – with Olivia Mastry
Swimming in Our Culture: a Reflective Examination of Values Our faith and an increasingly diverse world draw us into greater connection with people of differing cultural norms, perspectives and ways of navigating life. This three-session series led by Olivia Mastry explores the invisible norms and perspectives in which many of us were raised and swim daily, examines their impact, and helps us intentionally choose how we show up in the world with others.

-Sunday, 12/13: Understanding Homelessness (Part 1 of 4) with Lutheran Social Services
-Sunday, 12/20: Art Presentation
-Sunday, 12/27: Christmas Carol Sing-a-long
-Sunday, 1/3: Building Relationships (Part 2 of 4) with Lutheran Social Services
-Sunday, 1/10: Swimming in Our Culture: Part 2 – with Olivia Mastry
-Sunday, 1/17: Frameworks (Part 3 of 4) with Lutheran Social Services
-Sunday 1/24: Dust & Color: Why Art in Church Matters
-Sunday, 1/31: Next Steps (part 4 of 4) with Lutheran Social Services