- ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON HOSPITALITY 2023

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH

2 PM - 8 PM


"KEYNOTE EXPERIENCE"

TRADITIONAL SIKH LANGAR DINNER

PROVIDED BY

THE SIKH SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA


GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH

700 SNELLING AVE S, ST PAUL

Thank you for your support!

We hope to see you next year!

Those of us living in Minnesota are all too familiar with the concept of “Minnesota Nice.” Highlighting the welcoming demeanor of its residents, “Minnesota Nice” often conveys the message that we as Minnesotans are inherently hospitable and welcoming. What this cultural stereotype does not address, however, are the challenges involved in developing Minnesota as a welcoming place for all people to settle, create community, and thrive. 


This year’s MnMN Convening, A Place of Welcome? A Multifaith Gathering on Practicing Hospitality in Minnesota, invites us to consider the concept of hospitality and what that means for our faith and secular communities throughout the state of Minnesota.


During this convening, leaders and practitioners of Minnesota’s diverse religious communities, interfaith leaders, and young people will gather to discuss and celebrate how different religious and belief traditions practice hospitality. 

The conference will begin with opening remarks on how pluralism can be a means to creating a just and hospitable society. Subsequent plenaries and breakout sessions will focus on how faith traditions practice hospitality, issues around practical hospitality and the challenges we face in creating hospitable communities. Presenters will include faith leaders, non-profit leaders, young people and artists.


This event will culminate in a Langar meal prepared and served by the Sikh Society of Minnesota. “The Langar is a hallmark of the Sikh faith. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, color, creed, age, gender, or social status; to eliminate the extreme poverty in the world, and to bring about the birth of "caring communities". In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness, and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts." It is this act of seva, or "selfless service", which distinguishes Langar as an unparalleled act of hospitality practiced around the world.



We hope you can join us on

Thursday, November 9 from 2 PM to 8 PM at

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

700 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116

to celebrate,  grow together and build multifaith community!

For questions, please contact info@mnmultifaith.org.


As we cultivate a healthy and just network, equity is at the center.  For that reason, there is no set cost for the conference and dinner will be provided for in-person attendees.  Instead of an event fee, MnMN is relying on donations.  For those able, we invite you to give generously to help cover event costs. Most importantly, we desire your presence and participation.  For those not able to make a minimum $1 donation or make a donation via an online option, or for any other registration questions, please contact MnMN at info@mnmultifaith.org.  The first fifty registrants will receive a special donated MnMN carabiner!

The Spirit of Seva at the Langar

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Langar, short for Guru Ka Langar, is a community meal that is served free to all – regardless of an individual’s gender, caste, creed, social status, religion, or race.  Langar is based on the principles of equality and "Seva" - selfless service to humanity.  The institution of Langar started about 550 years ago with a simple, but gigantic, act by Guru Nanak – the founder of the Sikh faith.  He was given funds to start his business. Instead, he bought food and served the hungry. He referred to this noble act as “a true bargain.”  The tradition of serving Langar is followed by all Gurdwaras around the world.


Vegetarian food is prepared and served by volunteers cheerfully and enthusiastically with no expectation of a reward in return. Volunteers take utmost care in preparing meals.  Some volunteers are assigned to clean all utensils, collect all rubbish, and leave the venue clean.  Generally, donations from the Sikh congregation are used to purchase food and supplies for Langar.  Sikhs believe that serving the hungry is to serve their Guru and, thus, the Creator.


Langar addresses many social issues such as inequality, caste and class system, hunger, hatred, discrimination, fear of strangers, ignorance, helplessness, etc. Anyone who wishes to partake in Langar is asked no questions.  Instead, they are merely welcomed as they arrive and thanked when they leave.  All Sikhs feel blessed because serving Langar is serving their Guru.  After all it is GURU KA LANGAR.

- Parliament of World Religion Langar Meal 2023


How to Participate in 3 Easy Steps:

  • Take off your shoes.
  • Cover your head, a scarf will be provided or you can bring your own.
  • Sit on the carpet when in the Langar area; medical and mobility accommodations are provided in the Langar area for all to be able to participate.


Learn more about Langar at SikhiWiki!

PROGRAM

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Art Exhibition

We are thrilled to curate an art exhibition that highlights the significance of bringing people together through art across various faiths, promising a beautifully diverse showcase.


While completing the form, please consider the requirements listed below to participate: 

  1. Artists must be 16 or older to participate.
  2. All mediums of art is accepted. (pencil, clay, watercolor, photography, oil paints, e.t.c.). If submitting a sculpture, it must take up no more than 16 inches x 16 inches when placed on a surface, and must be no taller than 30 inches. 
  3. Kindly submit a maximum of 3 pieces of art. To submit multiple artworks, you can fill this form out again with the information of the other piece.
  4. The deadline to submit final pieces of artwork is November 1st. 


For further questions, please contact mnmnartshow@gmail.com

Tabling @ the conference

Organizations, institutions, and congregations are invited to display material at our conference. Tables are free for MnMN Organizational Partners and $50 for non-partners. The deadline to complete this form is November 1.

To become a partner, please complete MnMN's 

Organizational Partner Form.

Not sure if you are a partner?

Email info@mnmultifaith.org and we will let you know your status.

LODGING

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Carondelet Center offers a total of ten guest rooms for overnight stays


  • Rooms feature double or single beds, a desk and wireless access.
  • A women’s restroom with shower stalls is located at the end of the hall from the guest rooms.
  • A small kitchen on the third floor features a refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and dishwasher, along with a small kitchen table. Dishes and utensils are provided.
  • Linens and towels are provided.
  • Check in: 12pm to 3pm | Check out: 11am.
  • $40 per night per person.

MnMN's 4th Annual Conference is graciously sponsored with help from:

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