New and Upcoming Small Groups
Contact Denise Floe to register or find out more about new small groups.
Summer is a chance to try something new in a shorter timeframe. Dive into the Book of Acts (Incarnation’s summer sermon theme) or learn about The Saint John’s Bible (using Incarnation’s Heritage Edition) in a summer small group. Continue to explore Awe (Incarnation’s spring sermon theme) while reading An Altar in the World or in a group watching for awe in nature, music, visual arts, stories and more. Consider how to have civil conversations, using a study and proposed statement by the ELCA. Or, simply enjoy creation outdoors with others.
Small Group: Acts – Catching Up with the Spirit
Explore six key themes found in the Book of Acts that are capable of igniting our imagination about the Christian message, the work of God’s people, and the challenges of living faithfully in a complex and changing world. This small group will take a closer look at the Book of Acts (the theme for summer Sunday worship). Led by Mike Styba, the group will read short chapters and watch DVD videos from Acts: Catching Up with the Spirit by Matthew Skinner from Luther Seminary. No experience needed.
When/Where: Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at Incarnation on 6/19, 6/26, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, and 7/31.
Small Group: The Saint John’s Bible 
Explore the illuminations (artwork) and calligraphy (written text) of The Saint John’s Bible. Hear how this illuminated Bible was created and how it is being used at Incarnation and in the community to ignite spiritual imaginations. Experience the faith practice of Visio Divina to see and hear how the illuminations speak to you and to others. Led by Grant Rykken. This is an exceptional opportunity – Incarnation has a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible (one of only 300 copies). Past group members have found this small group to be rich with insights and information. Register or find out more: dfloe@incarnationmn.org.
When/Where: Five Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Incarnation on 6/13, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25 and 8/8.
Small Group: Civic Life and Faith
The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) in 2019 authorized developing a social statement on government, civic engagement and the relationship of church and state that will be presented to an upcoming ELCA general assembly. The fundamental ELCA commitment: as we talk together about tough social issues, we form a community of moral deliberation.
You have an opportunity to engage in study and discussion of civic life and faith based on a study by the ELCA in small group sessions facilitated by Carol Lacey. Each gathering will include prayer, scripture, discussion, and a chance to get to know one another. The group will not cover specific issues, but rather how to engage in conversations around civic life. Group members will prepare by reviewing materials and videos and, following each session, will be able to send survey responses to the ELCA. Group members will also be able to be part of Kairos forums on this topic (Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2). Sign up for the summer OR fall group (there are two separate groups) or take part in a self-study. Register or find out more: dfloe@incarnationmn.org.
Summer Group: Wed., 7:00-8:30 p.m., Hybrid (Incarnation/Zoom), on 6/28, 7/12 and 7/26.
Fall Group: Thurs., 7:00-8:30 p.m., Hybrid (Incarnation/Zoom), on 9/7, 9/14 and 9/21.
Small Group: An Altar in the World
Watch for sacred moments in the small things we do and see every day. Simple practices such as walking, shopping for groceries, working around the house, and prayer can become meaningful ways to experience awe, wonder and a sense of God’s presence. This small group will read and talk about selections from An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor. Whether you are new to this book or have already read it, this is an opportunity to discover new insights in conversations with others. The book encourages us to find altars in the world as we “live with purpose, pay attention, slow down and revere the world we live in.” The group will read one chapter before each gathering. Leaders: Connie Aram and Jane Trapp.
When/Where: Tuesdays, 1:00-2:30 p.m., at Incarnation on 6/27, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1.
Small Group: Everyday Awe and Wonder
What inspires awe for you? Is it possible for us to become more aware of the awe and wonder around us on ordinary and extraordinary days? This group is a chance to talk about the awe found in nature, music, visual art and design, the stories of others and our shared experiences. Extending the spring sermon series on “Awe,” this group is a chance to find practices that open us to experiencing awe. The group will draw on insights from a collection of articles, podcasts, videos, sermons and the book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner. Led by Grant Rykken and Denise Floe.
When/Where: Tuesdays, 4:15-5:45 p.m., at Incarnation on 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, and 8/8.
Summer Fellowship Group: Walking
Enjoy walking on trails in Lino Lakes/Shoreview on Wednesday evenings. This small group will meet at a local trail and walk 2-3 miles at a moderate pace for 75-90 minutes. The evening will also include devotions and prayer, led by Nancy Stutzman and Martie Martin (group leaders). For more information contact dfloe@incarnationmn.org.
When/Where: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., on 6/28, 7/12, 8/2 and 8/23.
Summer Fellowship Group: Men’s Hiking
Hike a selection of local trails in this hiking group for men, led by Mark Oswood. The group meets once a month to hike 2-3 miles, at a moderate pace on local trails. There is also time set aside for devotions and conversation, led by the group leader. This group is returning with both new and former group participants. For more information contact dfloe@incarnationmn.org.
When/Where: Once/month on Tuesdays, 6:15-8:30 p.m. (approximately), May-September
Summer Fellowship Group: Casual Biking
Spend Saturday mornings enjoying a bike ride. Bike at a casual pace, while experiencing creation and connecting with others who enjoy biking. This fellowship group will take easy to moderate trails around the Twin Cities, taking a break mid-point for a devotion and prayer led by Claudia Wiebold (group leader). See and hear the sights and sounds of local trails, including the group’s fun, informal conversations. The group will bike for 2-3 hours, covering up to 20 miles (approximately 10 mph). There will also be a one-time service project opportunity. Besides a bike, riders will want to bring a helmet, water, cell phone, sunscreen, and a spare tire tube. Group members will need to drive to and meet at each trailhead. Adults are welcome. This fellowship group will be a slightly larger size than most small groups. This group is returning with both new and former group participants. Register with Claudia Wiebold (group leader) at: crwiebold@gmail.com.
Six Saturdays, 8:30 am-12 noon on 6/10, 6/24, 7/8, 7/22, 8/12 and 9/9.
Coming this Fall
Sunday Morning Small Group
This group is intentionally designed for those who are new to small groups OR to Incarnation OR looking for a once/month opportunity to connect with others. The group uses a variety of faith studies that are selected and facilitated by the group leader, Grant Rykken. Sunday mornings are a convenient, easy-to-do time to gather with others to connect and grow deeper. The group meets on a rotating schedule (after the 9:00 a.m. worship service OR before the 10:30 a.m. worship service) to be available to those worshipping at either time. Find out more or register: dfloe@incarnationmn.org.
When/Where: Once/month on Sunday mornings, Incarnation, resuming in Fall 2023
Recent Small Groups
Interested in one of the small groups that has been offered recently? Connect with Denise Floe to share your interest and find out about upcoming groups on similar topics or themes.
12 Tiny Things: Moms of Preschoolers
Connect with other moms! This small group will get together to meet one another and share life experiences in a faith setting. Each gathering will focus on a topic from the book, 12 Tiny Things by Heidi Barr and Ellie Roscher. The book has short, easy to read chapters (attend even if you haven’t had a chance to read). Childcare for infants to kindergarteners while space is available. Register: dfloe@incarnationmn.org.
Interested in another group using 12 Tiny Things? This group has started, but we’d like to hear about your interest. Contact dfloe@incarnationmn.org
Questions God Asks Us Small Groups
Dive into the book, Questions God Asks Us, by Trevor Hudson, in a small group that gathers for five sessions. Trevor Hudson explores the Bible as a book of questions from God to us, drawing from stories in the Old and New Testament. God wants to enter into a conversational relationship with each one of us. God asks questions and our answers draw us into a relationship of deeper sharing with God. Order your book at: Cokesbury or other booksellers. To express interest in a future group using Questions God Asks Us, contact Denise Floe at dfloe@incarnationmn.org
Living Less Distracted Small Group
Distractions—they are all around us! You may be distracted by something else right now while reading this! While it may seem like distractions are simply an annoyance, truthfully, they also pull us away from our purpose and from the people who we care about. It may seem like we are paying attention, but our minds are elsewhere. This small group will connect every other week on Sunday morning to watch and talk about a video series by Bob Goff, Undistracted. Through Bob Goff’s exuberant storytelling and meaningful conversations in the group, the group will move closer to what matters most in our faith, our relationships and our life purpose. The group will be hybrid with participation in person and by Zoom available. Interested in a future group or being placed on an interest list? This group has filled, but we are interested in starting another group. Contact Denise Floe at dfloe@incarnationmn.org.
Continuing Small Groups
Connect with an on-going small group interested in adding more people.
Knitting/Needlework Small Group
Topic: Bring your own knitting/needlework and share in a short devotion
When/Where: Once/month on Mondays, 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Zoom
Leader: Ruth Tillquist
More information: ruth@tillquist.net
Thursday Evening Small Group for Women
Topic: Book study and fellowship/service activities for women (moms of middle/high school students)
When/Where: Twice/month on Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Incarnation
Leaders: Sonya Wilson
More information: wilsonsj@gmail.com
Connecting Threads Small Group
Topic: Bring your own needlework projects (knitting, embroidery…)
When/Where: Once/month on Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Incarnation
Leader: Cindy Spellman
More information: rooskie0825@gmail.com
More Ways to Connect
Visit the Faith Formation area of this website to find out about more group opportunities and other ways to connect with other people, as you deepen your faith.
Visit the Serve area of this website to find out about the many ways to connect with others as you serve in the community or at Incarnation.
How do I sign-up?
Tell us you’re interested in a small group by contacting Denise Floe, Director of Small Group Ministry, at dfloe@incarnationmn.org.