WELCOME! Visit Your Neighbor Tour, Sunday, September 10

Join a walking tour of five houses of worship, six congregations on Summit Avenue in St Paul on Sunday, September 10, starting at 12:45 pm.


12:15 Rabbi Spilker has invited us to attend “Shofar on the Roof,” a light and brief 15-minute introduction to the spirit of the High Holy Days. Meet outside. Tour will start in the sanctuary directly thereafter.

12:45 Mount Zion Temple, 1300 Summit Avenue

Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker, Rabbi Esther Adler, Cantor Strauss-Klein, and Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker

Welcome to Mount Zion, the oldest synagogue in the Upper Midwest. You will be visiting our fourth building since our founding in 1856. Placing this building, designed by the internationally renowned modernist, Bauhaus architect Erich Mendelsohn, on Summit Avenue in 1953 was a way of marking the full inclusion of Jews in the fabric of St. Paul cultural and civic life. The congregation was founded before the State of Minnesota by eight German Jewish families and today is about 680 households. In 1897, the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society founded Neighborhood House in the West Side Flats to welcome Eastern European Jews, and Mount Zion members continue to support this important work. The congregation conducts an active religious school twice a week, three weekly study groups, a full adult learning and social calendar, and daily services along with Shabbat (Sabbath) and Festival services. After a two year “Mount Zion 2040” strategic visioning process, the Board adopted a new vision: Our Jewish congregation envisions a community and a world where all people experience Shalom (wholeness and peace), Tzedek (justice), Shayachut (belonging), and Simcha (joy). No drinks in the sanctuary. Restrooms available. www.mzion.org


1:30 The House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Avenue

Rev. Dr. Scott Kenefake, Transitional Pastor; Rev. Dr. Julia Carlson, Associate Pastor

In 1914 two Presbyterian congregations who worshiped in downtown St. Paul since 1849 and 1855 merged and moved to the grand new Gothic Revival building on Summit Avenue designed by architect Ralph Adams Cram. Formally dedicated in 1917, it subsequently emerged as The House of Hope Presbyterian Church, a "high church” among Presbyterian churches with magnificent music, a focus on liturgy and preaching, and ongoing learning. The House of Hope organ is the magnum opus of Charles Fisk, one of the first to use “tracker actions.” At the core of House of Hope is a deeply embedded commitment to the greater community exemplified by its major participation in what became Prior Crossing housing for homeless youth, the Jeremiah Program, the Ain Dah Yung Center, Habitat for Humanity and the community garden. The church is home to a choir school, maintains an art gallery, continues to host programs in all of the arts and sponsors a Speaking Series and Theological Seminar featuring the outstanding thought leaders of our time. Drinks allowed in sanctuary. Restrooms available. www.hohchurch.org


2:15 St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 900 Summit Avenue

Rev. Sarah Brouwer, Lead Minister and Rev. Eli'jah Carroll, Associate Minister; Moderator Rick Panning; Geoff Olson, organist, host

Building completed in 1952, Mid Century. Original Organ, Wicks Organ Company, brought up from the old church; additional pipes added in 1952 by the Hunt Organ Company. SPUCC was started 143 years ago by German Immigrants. The current building was constructed because the previous building in downtown St. Paul was torn down to build an approach to the state capitol. The congregation was part of the German-American Evangelical and Reformed Tradition, which was a denomination formed in the wake of the Reformation as some German Protestants reformed beyond Lutheranism. Five streams of Christian denominations in the United States came together, officially, in 1957, and St. Paul's Church joined the United Church of Christ. Of interest, the congregation almost closed 12 years ago, having gotten down to about 30 members. But, they decided to revitalize, called their first female Senior Minister, Norma Rae Hunt, and now number at approximately 350, including children. The St. Paul Childhood Center, a renowned program for infant through Pre-K is located in our building. Our programs consist of Worship, Music and Spiritual Life; Belonging and Community; Social Justice and Outreach; and Faith Formation across the age span. SPUCC acknowledges its position on historic Dakota land in a Land Acknowledgement. Drinks allowed in sanctuary. Restrooms available. www.spucconsummit.org


Holy Presence Catholic Community

Rev. Colleen Woodley and Rev. Joan Flood

This Old Catholic community holds services in the chapel of St. Paul’s. We are a Community of The Old Catholic Church but our style and thoughts are far from Old! Our name, Holy Presence. was born in the midst of the pandemic. After prayer and contemplation, the thoughts of the things we were most in need of were the presence of the Divine and the much-missed presence of each other. The name Holy Presence was born in the summer of 2020. The Old Catholic Church has its roots in Northern Europe. The seat of leadership is in Utrecht, Netherlands. Old Catholics have many of the same beliefs as the Roman Catholic Church, however, we ordain women and therefore have inclusive rights for all to the sacraments. We are a small denomination but we enjoy a close, relational and Spirit filled, loving community. We have a vigorous schedule of prayer and worship. We celebrate two Masses each week, one virtual and one in person. We have two virtual evening prayer meetings each week and a virtual Rosary each Wednesday. We are members of Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul and actively support Walking With a Purpose, Neighbors Inc, Second Harvest, Hallie Q Brown and Casa Guadalupana. www.holypresence.org


3:00 St. Thomas More Catholic Community, 1079 Summit Avenue

Rev. R.J. Fichtinger, S.J., Pastor; Rev. Peter Etzel, S.J., Associate Pastor; Kellen O'Grady, Director of Liturgy and Music

Church building is considered Romanesque Revival. The parish was founded in 1888 with the construction of the building completed in 1925. The organ is Casavant, Op. 1153 (1926). The parish of St. Luke merged with the parish of Immaculate Heart of Mary and, in 2008, was renamed St. Thomas More Catholic Community. We have many thriving ministries including our parish school, social justice programs (immigrant support, racial equity, & care for creation), young adults group, Ignatian Spirituality programs, free store, and music ministry. We are a parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis run by the religious order the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Drinks allowed in sanctuary, water only in front area. Restrooms available. www.morecommunity.org


3:30 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue

Father Perikles Kallis (“Fr. Perry”); Mr. Stephen Arsenault, host

Byzantine building style. First service in current church edifice July 05, 1968. First church edifice was 1939. Missions and Benevolence Ministry (participation at Loaves and Fishes at St. Matthews CC, FOCUS MN on Rice St.), Philoptochos (women’s philanthropic ministry), MEOCCA Intro to Orthodox Christianity cooperative catechism program hosted at St. George in the fall and winter (12-weeks each semester), Icon writing (painting) classes hosted at St. George in the winter. No food or drink in sanctuary. No restrooms available because of concurrent program in building. www.stgeorgegoc.org

Are You Ready to Deal with Disruptors?

By Bob Hulteen • April 21, 2026
April 29, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Whittier Park Recreation Room, 425 West 26th Street, Minneapolis Jewish Community Action (JCA) invites clergy, lay leaders, and staff of congregations and faith communities to a special training titled “When the Trolls Come Marching In: How to Keep Your Community Safe from Disruptors.” This training is meant to share best practices and lessons learned from the numerous incidents during Operation Metro Surge in which extremist influencers came to our city with bad fai th intentions to disrupt our community to further their own political narratives. For the last six years, JCA has been working with dozens of local community organizations around developing anti-hate and bias programming and policies in the Communities Combating Hate Coalition. Participants will think about how and why today’s disruptors operate the way that they do, use examples of a variety of community responses from the last few months, and hear from subject-matter experts whose analysis and research are valuable resources when evidence of extremist influencers shows up in our community. Pre-registration is required. Presenters: Beth Gendler, Executive Director, Jewish Community Action Geri Katz, Director of Organizing and Coalitions, Jewish Community Action Kate Bitz, Senior Organizer, Western States Center Benny Witkofsky, Senior Research Specialist, Bridging Divides Initiative When and Where: Whittier Park Recreation Room, Apr 29, 2026 5-7pm 425 W 26th St. Minneapolis, MN 55405 Why: Things move quickly in times of crisis, so it’s important to build the skills in advance to handle potential complications, like an agitator targeting our communities, in a unified and agile way. Who should attend? Staff and members of community organizations in Minneapolis such as houses of worship, neighborhood organizations, and cultural institutions. RSVP is required. What do we get out of this? You will leave this event with sample action plans, deeper community connections, and contacts in national organizations that track disruptors. Who is putting this together? Jewish Community Action is hosting this event, with special guest from Western States Center and Bridging Divides Initiative

Trainings in Multireligious Democracy

By Bob Hulteen • April 21, 2026
Tuesdays, April 21 and 28, May 5; Online To build a society where people of every religion — or no religion — have an equal voice in public life is essential in this moment. That's why ICJS works with educators, chaplains, nonprofit and civic leaders, and museum and library professionals. Each session will focus on a different sector where ICJS works: Congregations, Clergy, and Chaplains — April 21 Teachers and Schools — April 28 Nonprofits, Museums, and Libraries — May 5 Each event will be on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to Noon. Come to one or all three. 

Pan-sangha Mindful Walk in Twin Cities

By Bob Hulteen • April 21, 2026
Sunday, April 26, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.; Fair Oaks Park, Minneapolis A pan-sangha Buddhist Peace Walk is scheduled for April 26 at Fair Oaks Park in Minneapolis. In the spirit of Ahimsa -- causing no harm through intention, thought, work, or action -- and in awareness of Earth Day and the rebirth of spring, Minnesota Buddhists will walk, knowing humanity's wellbeing is tied to a the web of life. A ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m., with a 45-minute Mindful Walk to follow . The event will close with sharing and a Dedication of Merit.

2026 Interfaith Symposium: Healing the Earth, healing ourselves

By Bob Hulteen • March 13, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, Noon keynote and 1:00 p.m. lunch; Sateren Auditorium, Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis Rev. Jen Bailey will keynote this year's Interfaith Symposium. The theme is "Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves." Rev. Bailey is an ordained minister and national leader in the multi-faith movement for interfaith understanding and justice. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund, a Nashville-based philanthropic foundation investing in the leadership of young people and the vitality of the natural environment. After the keynote join us for a luncheon and panel conversation with Augsburg students and corporate leaders. Augsburg University’s Interfaith Symposium is an annual invitation to build community, foster collaboration, and create a more caring world through learning about religious/spiritual/worldview diversity, participating in enriching dialogue, and networking with exceptional interfaith leaders. As the most ethnically diverse campus in the Midwest, Augsburg University embraces students with a variety of religious beliefs and worldviews. Join us for this opportunity to learn about building partnerships across differences and how to face the future with hope and determination. Learn More or Register: augsburg.edu/interfaith26

2026 Mahle Lecture to Address 'Just Resistance' Over the Long Haul

By Bob Hulteen • March 13, 2026
Thursday, March 26, dinner at 5:30 p.m., lecture at 7:00 p.m.; Kay Fredericks Room, Klas Center, Hamline University, West Taylor Avenue, St. Paul Minnesotans have born witness to the critical place faith communities have in meeting the moment when crisis comes: Now how do we keep at it when there’s no end in sight? The faith communities and wisdom gatherings that make up Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul have worked for nearly thirty years to shelter families and build pathways toward stability and mobility through Project Home. This year’s Mahle Lecture, under the theme "Just Resilience: How to Stay in the Struggle for the Long Haul," will be an opportunity to explore resilience rooted in different faith traditions, specifically using the fight to end homelessness as a case study for what “just resilience” looks like in practice. If you have questions about the event, contact Chaplain Kelly Figueroa-Ray or Rev. Rachel McIver Morey. 

MICAH's Metro-wide Policy Breakfast

By Bob Hulteen • March 13, 2026
MICAH's Metro-wide Policy Breakfast on Housing is Scheduled Thursday, March 26, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.; Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, 105 University Avenue West, St. Paul Under the theme "Loving Our Neighbors," MICAH will host it's annual housing policy breakfast at Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church on Thursday, March 26. Breakfast and relationship building will begin at 9:00 a.m., with presentations on policy issues to follow at 9:30 a.m. The event will include an online option as well. Information about that will be available on the MICAH website closer to the event. For more information, contact Sue Watlov Phillips or John Slade . 

Beacon Hiring Including Senior Organizer

By Bob Hulteen • February 17, 2026
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative believes in the vision that all people have a home. This collaborative of congregations and housing advocates believes that secure, affordable housing provides the key to safer communities, stronger families, and a healthier economy. Beacon is seeking individuals who are deeply aligned with its mission, bring strong cultural competency, and are committed to ongoing learning and collaboration as the organization works to address bias and racial inequities in housing. Please visit Beacon's website to learn more about its strategies, programs, and values, including collaboration, risk-taking, racial equity, and inclusive decision-making. Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative seeks a Senior Organizer. The Senior Organizer is an advanced practitioner responsible for driving high-level engagement from Beacon’s collaborative of congregations. They are responsible for leading and growing a portfolio of diverse interfaith congregations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area to grow Beacon’s power. The Senior Organizer operates with a high degree of autonomy to develop sophisticated congregational teams and pilots innovative organizing tactics that reach beyond our existing base and serve as models for the rest of the division. The successful Senior Organizer is both self-motivated and collaborative with the Policy and Organizing team. They demonstrate commitment to racial justice and high cultural competency. 

Wisdom Ways Community Iftar

By Bob Hulteen • February 17, 2026
Saturday, March 7, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis  Join Wisdom Ways, in partnership with the Islamic Resource Group and Nasrieen Habib, for a community Iftar on March 7 at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The meal will begin with the traditional breaking of the fast with dates and water and will highlight the deep connection between our Minnesota community and the planet we share. Featuring Nasrieen Habib, founder of EcoJariyah and Amanah Recreational Project, the evening will explore not only what it means to practice Islam, but also how Islamic teachings honor and protect the natural world. Come and share an eco-friendly meal! People of all faiths are invited to attend and celebrate this important time in the Islamic calendar. Muslim attendees are invited to join at no cost. A halal meal will be available to all participants.

2026 Interfaith Symposium: Healing the Earth, healing ourselves

By Bob Hulteen • February 17, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, Noon keynote and 1:00 p.m. lunch; Sateren Auditorium, Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis Rev. Jen Bailey will keynote this year's Interfaith Symposium. The theme is "Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves." Rev. Bailey is an ordained minister and national leader in the multi-faith movement for interfaith understanding and justice. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund, a Nashville-based philanthropic foundation investing in the leadership of young people and the vitality of the natural environment. After the keynote join us for a luncheon and panel conversation with Augsburg students and corporate leaders. Augsburg University’s Interfaith Symposium is an annual invitation to build community, foster collaboration, and create a more caring world through learning about religious/spiritual/worldview diversity, participating in enriching dialogue, and networking with exceptional interfaith leaders. As the most ethnically diverse campus in the Midwest, Augsburg University embraces students with a variety of religious beliefs and worldviews. Join us for this opportunity to learn about building partnerships across differences and how to face the future with hope and determination. Learn More or Register: augsburg.edu/interfaith26

Encounter World Religions Offers Course on Aspects of the Sacred

By Bob Hulteen • January 14, 2026
Wednesdays on January 28, February 4, 11, and 18, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.; online Religion can be more than what is contemplated in the mind. Often it is a feast for the senses that draws us in, makes us feel awe or mystery, and sometimes even enlightens us. Encounter World Religions is offering a new winter series titled "Sounds, Spaces, and Celebrations: The Feel of the World's Religions." Participant will explore the poetry and perspectives of sacred texts; the sights, sounds, and spaces that move us; and the celebrations that connect us. Those involved will learn how beauty is central to the religious experience. Each of the four talks will explore the richness of many religions, rather than learning about a single tradition. 
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