Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church     

We have provided a mobile website for The Urban Refuge and it is optimized for use on smartphones.  Keep in mind that this mobile site is in continued development and will change over time. You can easily place a shortcut icon on your Apple or Android device for The Urban Refuge's mobile website.

View instructions for iPhones >>

View instructions for Androids >>

We have provided a mobile website for The Urban Refuge and it is optomized for use on smartphones.  Keep in mind that this mobile site is in continued development and will change over time.

You can easily place a shortcut icon on your Android-based phone for The Urban Refuge's mobile website by doing the following:

Step 1

Load your browser and go to the mobile site by typing in the following in the address bar:

theurbanrefuge.axisapp.com

The Urban Refuge mobile site will load.

Step 2

Press the "Menu" button on your phone and select "Bookmarks".

You can change the name of the shortcut...

Step 3

Press and hold on the Bookmark you just created, and select Add shortcut to Home. This will put a shortcut icon on the current Home screen that allows one-touch access to the page.

We have provided a mobile website for The Urban Refuge and it is optomized for use on smartphones.  Keep in mind that this mobile site is in continued development and will change over time.

You can easily place a shortcut icon on your iPhone for The Urban Refuge's mobile website by doing the following:

Step 1

Load the Safari browser and go to the mobile site by typing in the following in the address bar:

theurbanrefuge.axisapp.com

Step 2

The mobile site will load...

Step 3

Click on the "Share" button  and choose "Add to Home Screen" on the following window:

Step 4:

Type in a name for your shortcut...

...and click the "Add" button.

You will now see the icon on your iPhone...

Discovery - 3 & 4 Years

Children will discover God and His love for them as they join our journey through timeless Bible stories, fun crafts and the joy of music. Due to the structured nature of this class, children should be potty-trained, able to sit for 15 minutes and follow directions.

252- K thru 5th Grade

Our “252” program is designed for kids from Kindergarten through 5th grade. We have three classes for them, K-1st, 2nd-3rd, and 4th-5th grades. All of our “252” kids are participating in our 252 Basics curriculum, allowing a consistent teaching and discussion for the kids that can be continued at home with handouts provided weekly. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”  Luke 2:52

Children’s Service Progression

After checking kids in prior to the service, they are to remain with their parents for the first two worship songs of the service. They are then released by the worship leader to their teachers in the Sanctuary, who will then escort them downstairs to their class.

All of the kids, K thru 5th grade, meet together in the Activity Room for the first portion of their class. They will participate in an interactive group teaching which may include dramas, PowerPoint, or video presentations. The kids are then escorted to their class-specific room for a smaller group discussion, along with creative arts and activities that make the time meaningful and enjoyable for your kids. Upon completion of the service, parents are to pick up their children at the appropriate classroom as listed below.

Check-in and Pick-up (K thru 5th Grade)

Upon arriving to church, please bring your children to the Kids Check-In table in east hallway, upstairs. Your child will be given a color-coded badge to signify which class they belong, along with a notification number specific to your child. The parent is given a matching number to present to the teacher at the end of class to retrieve their child. This same number can also be put up on the electronic number board located in the Sanctuary and Fireside Room (video simulcast room) to notify you if your child needs assistance during the service.
Children are to be picked up at the end of service at their home class room:

3 & 4 year olds: Room 215 (upstairs, south hallway)
K thru 1st Grade:  Room 115 (downstairs, south hallway)
2nd thru 3rd Grade:  Room 114 (downstairs, south hallway)
4th thru 5th Grade:  Activity Room (downstairs, north side)
One a Month

About once a month we have the 2nd-5th grade kids join us for the entire service. This provides a great opportunity for families to build a habit of discussing what they learn together.

SECURITY MEASURES

We carefully screen all volunteers and staff through applications, reference checks and interviews to provide this safe environment. We also have bilingual volunteers. For security purposes, each child wears a number on his or her name tag. Each parent receives a tag that corresponds to the number of their child. This tag must be presented when you pick up your child. We also have a paging system so that you can be notified in the sanctuary if your child needs you.

March 17th
Mary Knox

Walk Before Me
Mary shares how God has taught her to walk with Him as His slave, fearfully and wonderfully made, which has led her to grow in freedom and security regarding "her place" within the church body.

February 18th
Crystal Vander Heiden

Multiple Intelligences
Crystal explains the theory of multiple intelligences with the goal of a deeper awareness of how we can glorify God with the gifts, talents, and smarts He has given each of us.

January 21st
Jean Johnson

Wounded Wounded or Wounded Healer?
Jean draws from her experiences as a missionary in Cambodia to share how God can cultivate effective lives not through our wholeness but through our "woundedness."

December 8, 2011
Mellany Zepelak

"Lies Women Believe" 

September 17, 2011
Crystal Vander Heiden

Message 
 

Welcome to the urban refuge HelpDesk

We offer a few different types of support at our HelpDesk:

Please know that we cannot provide personal technical assistance to non-staff personnel.

To submit a ticket to the Help Desk please email:  helpdesk@evergreenchurch.com

Include in your email:

1. A summary description of the issue.
2. Any solutions already attempted.
3. A URL link if referring to a website issue.
4. A desired "due by" date if needed.
5. Your name and, optionally, your phone number.

If you are a member of The Urban Refuge (Evergreen) staff and would like a login to the Help Desk portal, please email Paul at planhart@evergreenchurch.com

The benefit to using the portal is that it is a direct connection to our Help Desk and offers a simple input form for submission and allows you to look at your existing tickets and history.

Forming a deeper connection with those around us can strengthen our faith as we walk together as disciples of Christ. Sometimes churches can feel “family-centric,” which can make it difficult for singles and married couples without kids to find that connection with others. The Urban Refuge saw a need within this unique group and formed UR Threads, which is designed to give young adults a place to grow and connect together.

Through social events, service projects, spiritual discussions and worship, the group strives to live out Urban Refuge’s vision of doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God. It serves as an environment where its members can form deeper friendships and ultimately strengthen each other in Christ. The events and gatherings are purposefully designed to be a casual and inviting atmosphere where both regular attenders and people new to the church will feel at home.

Get updates

For more information about Threads and our exciting events, like us on Facebook, visit the Urban Refuge information table at our weekend service, watch the bulletin for announcements, or can contact Chantel at (612)367-6279 or Mike Marx at (612)367-6453 or mikeymarx@gmail.com.  Text "eccmobile urthreads" to 368674 to subscribe to text updates.

 One Habit That Will Transform Your Life

The most important spiritual habit for a follower of Jesus is to read the Bible daily. Through reading, meditating, and applying God’s Word, we get to know Jesus better and understand his will for our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us:

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The Word is our source of joy and encouragement, it gives us perspective and wisdom and it helps to shape our values and determine our priorities. Our greatest desire at The Urban Refuge is to help every person develop this all-important habit so that together, we may reap the benefits of knowing and following Christ more intimately.

To help us get more of reading the Bible, we encourage everyone to use a journal (there are some available at The Urban Refuge). The goal of Bible reading is not just to just check a box and move on; it’s to read, think, meditate, and to pray over what you’ve read, allowing it to sink in and change you. Take some time to study the text by utilizing cross references and Bible commentary. There are many great Study Bibles available. As you read, underline or highlight the verses that stand out. When you are finished reading, write one of them down in your journal. Begin each entry with the date. Try to do this each day of the week. If you miss a day, don’t worry about it; just keep going the next day. If you fall behind, simply start again in whatever month it is. God will be there, waiting to meet you, and the Holy Spirit will lead as you read and listen.

After you’ve written in your journal, take at least ten minutes to talk to God out loud. Ask Him to use this verse in your life and help you believe it with greater resolve. Tell Him your worries and concerns, and remember to thank Him for all He’s done in your life. Try to read over your journal of verses regularly and reflect on what God has been teaching you. Think about the verses and try to apply them to your life. 

Bring your journals to church and to Small Group. At church, write down whatever insights God reveals to you through the messages or any questions you might have about what was said. At your Small Groups, we will discuss the weekend teaching and also allow some time for people to share verses from their daily journal entries. It is our hope that we will encourage and spur one another on in our faith and pursuit of loving and knowing God.

Our Faith Journey

In November of 2008, we together envisioned the possibilities that could come with owning our own facility. In two short years, we have seen a harvest spring forth beyond what we could imagine, yet we know there is much more God wants to do and much more God wants us to believe him for.

Join with us for a three week series, “Committing Today, Building Tomorrow… Our Faith Journey” as we celebrate what God has done since we began the journey, and look ahead to what God is calling us to do and our faith steps needed to continue on this journey.

Download the campaign book here. (Adobe PDF file.)

Download the commitment card here. (Adobe PDF file.)

Prayer guides

• Download Week 1 Prayer Guide (pdf)
• Download Week 2 Prayer Guide (pdf)

You can have confidence in The Urban Refuge’s financial management

God requires that money be handled in a faithful manner (Luke 16:10, 11).  Our goal is to manage all financial gifts given to The Urban Refuge with integrity.  Our financial system is designed to provide appropriate accountability, authority, and responsibility to trustworthy people in handling and spending the gifts entrusted to The Urban Refuge.

The board of trustees

Final responsibility and authority for financial management at The Urban Refuge rests with the Board of Trustees.  The Board is made up of one pastor, the Finance Director, the Operations Manager and a lay person from each of our five locations.  The Board carries out their responsibility in a number of ways:

1. Approving the annual operating budget.
2. Monitoring the budget and the financial health of the church on a quarterly basis.
3. Approving all major church financial transactions.
4. Developing financial, legal, and employment policies.
5. Determining the employee compensation and benefits plans.

The finance director

In addition, the Board, through audits and quarterly updates, monitors the performance of the Finance Director. The Finance Director carries out the day-to-day activities of managing the money.  He cannot, by himself, approve any budget, authorize any expenditure, or spend any money.

He fulfills his responsibilities by:

• Leading the Finance Department
• Enforcing policies enacted by the Board
• Ensuring that controls, division of authority, and other safeguards are followed by all people who handle money
• Overseeing a number of volunteers and staff who do various finance related tasks
• Coordinating staff in putting together budgets and long range financial plans
• Making sure that The Urban Refuge is complying with tax and other legal matters

ministry & budget leaders

Each ministry at The Urban Refuge is lead by a Ministry Leader.  These people are responsible for putting together a budget and then spending that budget wisely to meet the needs of their ministry.  Ministry Leaders approve all expenditures.  If the expenditure is over $1,000 then that location’s Budget Leader must also authorize the expenditure.  As a safe guard, Ministry Leaders cannot write out The Urban Refuge checks and those who can write out checks cannot authorize expenditures.

Ministry Leaders work with a Budget Leader in developing the budget.  The Budget Leader is a Pastor who coordinates the budget for a location and helps see that money is spent wisely.  The Budget Leader’s main responsibility is to see that the budget and spending at a location is done in a manner that supports the goals and vision for that location.  Budget Leaders can authorize expenditures but they cannot write out checks.

Over all, the financial system at The Urban Refuge is designed to give Ministry and Budget Leaders authority and responsibility to spend money to accomplish the ministry that God has entrusted to them.  The Finance Department handles the money, writing out checks as directed by appropriate Ministry and Budget Leaders.  The Finance Director oversees all day-to-day activities related to money management, while the Board of Trustees has final authority and decision making over all financial issues and policies.

Independent Auditor Gives Church a Clean Audit Report

The Urban Refuge’s goal is to handle all financial gifts with integrity and to spend them wisely.  On an annual basis, the financial records for all five of our church locations are audited by an independent auditor in order to verify that financial gifts are being handled with integrity, that the financial reporting is accurate, and that the financial system is sound.  The Board of Trustees hired the accounting firm of LarsonAllen LLP to perform the annual audit.  The auditor has repeatedly found the church’s financial statements to be complete and accurate.  He has also been greatly impressed with the efficiency of our administrative operations and has high praise for our staff and financial management systems.

A complete copy of the most recent auditor's report is available here:  Audit Report

If you have any questions regarding the management of The Urban Refuge’s finances, please contact Jim Bird, Finance Director at 952-564-3771.

A SACRED TRUST

From the dawn of creation, God has been revealing himself so that people might know and follow Him. He sent his Son Jesus to demonstrate how much he loves every person in the world. Jesus then committed to his followers the privilege and responsibility of revealing God’s heart to a broken world.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Century after century has gone by where ordinary men and women, just like us, took this commitment to heart. Our faith in God is in large part due to the many that have gone before us. Every day we have the opportunity to be a continuation of this great history.

Click to jump to:

• Our History
• Building Tomorrow
• Imagine...
• Committing Today
• Q and A
• Your Role

our history

CHURCH PLANTING DNA

The Urban Refuge is part of Evergreen Church which has embraced a “one church, many locations” strategy for reaching the Twin Cities and beyond with the love of Christ. Since 1988, five new locations have been founded: four in the Twin Cities and one in Berlin, Germany.

In 1999, Pastor Andy Gray led a team of volunteers on a “Mission to the City,” a new outreach committed to demonstrating Christ-like kindness to the people of Minneapolis. God used that time and stirred members’ hearts to plant a church in the city, and in January of 2003, The Urban Refuge was born in the Uptown Area at Jefferson School.

THE LEARNING YEARS

While Jefferson School met our needs for weekend services, three obstacles to growth became apparent. First, our vision was more suited for a neighborhood church, where relational and service investment could take place. Uptown is a highly transitional community that was not conducive to this approach. Second, there was a need for a gathering space during the week which Jefferson School did not provide. Third, the majority of people attending The Urban Refuge lived in the Nokomis neighborhood or further south, which limited opportunities to invite neighbors to church. We decided to relocate.

FOLLOWING GOD’S HAND

In the spring of 2005, God graciously led us to Edgewater Baptist Church, where a faithful group of believers that had been living witnesses for over 50 years, were praying for God to bring “new life” to their church. A partnership was formed and The Urban Refuge moved to 55th and Chicago, meeting on Saturday evenings. The Urban Refuge stabilized as a church and slowly began to grow.

KERNELS OF WHEAT

Edgewater chose to end their ministry as a church in 2007. Though this was a difficult time, their commitment to our common sacred trust remained. Commendably, they laid down their ministry in the same sacrificial way that Jesus laid down his life - so that others may live.

To this day, we remain grateful to Edgewater members and friends for the great love they showed us and their wonderful example of sacrificing for a cause greater than themselves.

NEW LIFE BEGINS

With the closing of Edgewater, The Urban Refuge moved its services to Sunday mornings in April of 2007 and began renting the facility from the Minnesota Baptist Conference. Since that time the church has grown by more than 50%, with the majority of new attendees coming from nearby neighborhoods. Relationships are being formed and deepened in the community and with each other.

OUR OPPORTUNITY

We have now been given the opportunity to purchase this facility at a discounted price because of our relationship with Edgewater. The Minnesota Baptist Conference has accepted our offer, contingent upon a successful capital campaign. This is our opportunity to follow in the footsteps of previous generations by sacrificing for a cause greater than ourselves.

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building tomorrow

There he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish.
- Psalm 107:36-38

God gave us this promise over three years ago and he’s fulfilling it right before our eyes. He brought our hungry souls here to grow in our faith and to plant seeds of hope in this community. He has blessed us with significantly changed lives and a growing church. We believe this is just the beginning and that God will reveal himself in greater ways as we make this facility our permanent home.

Over three years ago, this map was used to help guide us to a new church home. As we prayed about moving to this location, we sensed God’s confirmation when we discovered that this location was just a few blocks from the very center of the map. (The small "x" marks the location of the Edgewater facility.)

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Imagine...

Imagine God revealing himself through a permanent facility.

impacting families

Families at The Urban Refuge are learning what it means to follow Christ in meaningful ways together. Marriages are being strengthened and parents are serving with their children—building foundations of faith that will last a lifetime. Imagine generations of committed Christ followers growing up here and being sent all over the world to spread the Good News of Christ.

impacting the community

The Urban Refuge is drawing people from the surrounding neighborhoods. Over 75% of people new to the church are from South Minneapolis or Richfield. Imagine those who feel alone and discouraged coming to The Urban Refuge and finding hope in a meaningful relationship with Christ and connecting with a community of people who really care.

impacting the world

In March of 2008, The Urban Refuge launched a Kids Against Hunger satellite location. Since then we have packed more than 188,000 meals to help malnourished children in Nicaragua and Haiti. Imagine the millions of people whose lives will be saved with all the meals we pack in the future and the opportunities they’ll have to learn about the love of Jesus Christ through this program.

impacting community organizations

Relationships with South Minneapolis organizations such as the Southside Boys and Girls Club and Minnesota Teen Challenge are established and growing. Imagine the potential harvest as we continue to serve and reveal God’s light year after year.

impacting immigrants

Mission to the City has been able to expand by using this facility as its headquarters. Hundreds of lives have been impacted through selfless love and service. Participants have had their eyes opened to the dynamic globalization of Minneapolis. Imagine the participants returning home with a passion to reach immigrant populations in their cities after their experience here.

impacting ministries

We have been blessed to share this facility with multiple ministries. Imagine a place where Christians synergistically work together for the Kingdom and how greater investments can be poured into ministry by sharing expenses.

impacting churches

Over 60 churches have left the city in the last 35 years and many more are likely to close in the coming years leaving a spiritual vacuum that is sure to be filled with darkness without the light of Christ. Imagine our church and ethnic churches multiplying here to plant churches throughout the metro area and beyond.

impacting the future

This is just the beginning. Imagine with us how owning this facility will help us establish a greater community presence, provide us greater opportunity for ministry expansion to enhance discipleship, and afford us greater opportunity to spread the Gospel locally and abroad.

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committing today

STEPS OF FAITH

While we are excited about the possibility of owning a building for our church home, we believe God is even more excited about building our faith. Our walk with the Father is a journey in which we decide if we are going to commit to taking steps of faith with Him or just watch others walk. Think about Peter hearing Jesus’ invitation to come and then stepping out of the boat in faith amongst the crashing waves. He walked on water, while the other disciples only watched. Have you wondered why they didn’t step out of the boat? Maybe it never occurred to them that they too could follow his voice in the midst of the storm.

Each one of us should ask the same question Peter asked, “Lord if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water” and then listen. The pastoral staff and leadership team at The Urban Refuge have asked this question and believe that God is calling our church body to “Come” and take the steps of faith to buy this building even though there seem to be storms all around. We have the opportunity to get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus and we’re asking you to commit to joining us. It won’t be easy, our shoes may get wet, but the joy of being closer to Jesus will be worth it.

the journey

As we follow in the footsteps of the many faithful generations that came before us, we hope that future generations will look back and be inspired that the ordinary men and women of the Urban Refuge followed God’s leading and made sacrifices so that others could know God.

Please prayerfully consider how the Lord would have you contribute financially on this journey. Remember that He has designed the Body so that mighty things happen when every part contributes. It’s not important that we all commit to giving equally, but it is important that we all commit to sacrificing equally.

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Q and a

Why buy a building?

God has shown us that an inviting, functional, full-time facility is a critical tool in realizing His passion for expanding the Kingdom and transforming lives. We believe God will expand His Kingdom through our location in this facility in four main ways.

• Strategy - A full-time facility operates a base for creative local outreach as well as developing workers for future church plants in the years to come.
• Stability - A permanent home sends a strong message to our church family and our community: ‘We are here for good—for this generation and generations to come!’
• Security – Bottom line: If we don’t buy, we will have to move to a new location.
• Stewardship – Financial benefits of being an owner verses paying rent indefinitely.

Why this building?

God went before us in unmistakable ways several years ago as He led us to this location for our ministry. We have invested three years in service and outreach to this community. We feel a strong calling from God to reach out to this particular community. Additionally, the demographic study that we conducted four years ago showed that this building is located in a very strategic location for our congregation. We have also invested a significant amount of “sweat equity” and resources into the renovation of the building.

How much do we need for this campaign – “Committing Today, Building Tomorrow”?

This campaign has two parts:

Part 1

We will be raising $125,000 in financial commitments to be given by participants to the church in the months of December 2008 and January 2009.  Of this amount, $100,000 “cash in hand” is needed to fully fund a down payment at the time of closing which is set for January 2009. The remaining $25,000 will be used to cover the costs associated with conducting this campaign, the building closing costs, and to set up office systems.

Part 2

In addition to the $125,000 raised in Part 1, we will be raising another $725,000 in campaign commitments to be paid over a three-year period from February 2009 through January 2012.

We will be asking everyone to make their commitments to both parts of this campaign at a special service on Sunday, November 23rd.

What are the terms for the purchase of the building?

• Purchase price is $825,000.
• $100,000 down payment due upon execution of the contract for deed.
• The unpaid balance is $725,000; we will make monthly payments of simple interest only (3.5% per annum) on the unpaid balance for 3 years.
• The unpaid balance will be reduced by one principal reduction payment on January 30, 2012 for $100,000.
• Starting February 1, 2012 we will make monthly payments of $6,629 (including 5% interest) on the unpaid balance of $625,000 for up to 10 years.
• We do have the right to fully or partially prepay this contract at any time without penalty and will do so if possible.

Do we have a working budget and can we really afford the building?

Yes, we have a working budget based on information we have received from the previous owners and have thus determined that we can afford the building. The ongoing operating expenses of this facility are comparable to renting a school auditorium and auxiliary spaces for Sunday mornings alone. A thorough building inspection was also completed to identify future building expenses.

Is the building purchase price reasonable?

Yes, in fact it’s very reasonable. The building was valued by assessors to be worth over $1.2 million. Our relationship with Edgewater Baptist and the Minnesota Baptist Conference has enabled us to purchase the facility at a discounted price. In addition, the purchase price includes the majority of the contents in the building such as tables, chairs, kitchen equipment, etc. The inclusion of these contents significantly reduces costs we would incur if we were to purchase another facility.

What happens if we don’t raise all of the money needed?

Based on the results of the campaign and anticipated expenses, our Board of Trustees will make the final decision to move forward with the purchase or not.

Will more campaigns like this be needed in the future?

We cannot say with certainty that there will be no future campaigns. We are hopeful that this campaign and the future growth of ministry, in terms of attendance and giving, will cover the purchase price and all of our anticipated building expenses and operating costs. If the campaign goal of $850,000 is not met and/or attendance and giving do not grow as we hope, we may need to follow up with a smaller secondary campaign to pay off the building and/or cover some building expenses such as window and roof replacement.

Are there other things I can give to the campaign in addition to monetary gifts?

Non-cash gifts such as stock, property and other similar type investments are welcome. Please contact our Finance Director, Jim Bird, at 952-564-3771 or jbird@evergreencc.com to discuss the details.

Will the Urban Refuge staff or others know how much I pledge?

No, only our Financial Director, Jim Bird, will know the amount of your pledge.

I am already giving regularly to The Urban Refuge.  How can I be expected to give more?

We greatly appreciate your faithfulness in giving regularly to The Urban Refuge.  Your gifts to the general operating fund are absolutely critical to the ongoing ministry accomplished through The Urban Refuge.  We know that giving above and beyond that is an uncomfortable challenge.  But we ask you to prayerfully consider what God would have you do.  Kingdom work here on earth is never ending and God directs that this work be funded by gifts from His people.  Through faith we are able to do far more for God than we might at first believe.  This requires that we live with different priorities and some amount of sacrifice.  Please go to God and ask Him what you might do.

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your role

COMMITTING TODAY

As we follow the faith filled example of generations that came before us, we hope that future believers will look back and be inspired by the ordinary men and women of the Urban Refuge who followed God’s leading and made sacrifices so others could know God.

Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Please prayerfully consider how the Lord would have you contribute financially on this journey. Remember that He has designed the Body so that mighty things happen when every part contributes. It’s not important that we all commit to giving equally, but it is important that we all commit to sacrificing equally.

BUILDING TOMORROW

What is needed to fulfill the vision God has called us to?

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10 REASONS TO BELIEVE THE BIBLE

Many people in the world today claim to be "Christians." How many of them truly know what it means to be a "follower of Christ"? Do you know? "10 Reasons To Believe" is dedicated to not only helping Christians understand what they believe, but also helping those who do not "follow Christ" understand what Christianity is all about. This site contains the copy of a very good booklet called, "Ten Reasons to Believe the Bible." Go!

CHRISTIAN ANSWERS

This site is a great source on how to answer some tough questions like: Is the Bible truth or tabloid? How do we know the Bible is true? Is the Bible is full of mistakes? When we say that the Bible is the Word of God, does that imply that it is completely accurate, or does it contain insignificant inaccuracies in details of history and science? How can the Bible be infallible if it is written by fallible humans? Go!

MORE CHRISTIAN ANSWERS

More tough questions with great answers! Go!

• Is it true that there is no way of knowing what Jesus actually taught, since the church has distorted His teachings so badly?

• How can it be true that the Bible doesn't contain any errors, since there are so many different versions containing different wordings?

• What evidence supports the New Testament?

IS THE BIBLE THE WORD OF GOD?

"There are many books today that claim to be the Word of God. The Koran, the Islam holy book, claims to be the Word of God. The Book of Mormon claims to be the Word of God. The Hindus believe the Bhagavad Vita is the source of eternal truth. Karl Marx, with his atheistic worldview, claimed his writing, The Communist Manifesto, was the ultimate truth.

Christians believe the Bible to be the Word of God and the eternal source of truth to live by. How do we know the Bible is the Word of God? Can we actually prove that the Bible is truly the Word of God? The answer is yes." Go!

baptism according to the new testament

why be baptized?

Because you want to follow Christ's example.
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." Mark 1:9

Because Christ commanded it.
"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.'" Matthew 28:19-20

Because it shows you are a believer.
"…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8

Because obeying Christ's command shows you know him.
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands." 1 John 2:3

the meaning of baptism

It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he rose again." 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." Colossians 2:12

It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

 "By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised form the dead also we might live a new life!" Romans 6:4

Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9

how are we to be baptized?

Like Jesus was--by being immersed in water.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
(example) "…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…" Acts 8:38,39

The word "baptize" literally means "to dip under water." The Greek word "baptizo" means "to immerse of dip under water." It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection. The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther… "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."

John Calvin… "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

John Wesley… "Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

who should be baptized?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.
"Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized." Acts 2:41

"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ they were baptized, both men and women." Acts 8:12

"Simon himself believed and was baptized…" Acts 8:13

The one requirement for baptisms is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and choose for themselves to follow Christ.

when are we to be baptized?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay. As soon as a person has decided to believe in Christ, he can and should be baptized.

"Those who believed…were baptized…that day!" Acts 2:41

"Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, 'Look here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' The official answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." Acts 8:36-39 (paraphrase) 

things to know about baptism

what about being baptized twice?

We recommend you be baptized again only if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to obey the teachings of the New Testament and follow Jesus’ example.

can a family be baptized together?

Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage family members to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

will I have to say something?

At the beginning of the baptism portion of the weekend service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. Following that, the pastor will introduce you and give you an opportunity to tell briefly how you came to Christ. If you are not comfortable sharing, that is fine. After being briefly lowered just under the water, you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with others.

Other things to note

We are very happy that you want to follow the Lord's example in baptism. There will be others baptized with you. Many people like yourself have been baptized at Evergreen.

Baptisms are held twice a year– usually in the fall and spring. Watch the bulletin announcements for specific dates. If you are unable to make one of these times, talk to a pastor or your Small Group leader to see what else can be arranged.

• One person at a time will be baptized. You can have a pastor or anyone who is a believer (who has been baptized) perform the baptism.
• Bring a towel and any thing else you'd need after going swimming. We encourage women to wear a swimsuit with dark shorts and a dark t-shirt over the suit. Men may wear a swimsuit and a plain t-shirt. You will be able to change clothes in designated “changing rooms” if you desire.
• If you'd like pictures, don't forget your camera.
• Don't be surprised when people clap at your baptism. It is a happy experience for every Christian when someone publicly identifies himself as a believer by being baptized.

WELCOME TO the urban refuge

Thanks so much for coming and checking us out. We’re glad you gave us a try. You probably want to know a little about us. We are a contemporary, nondenominational, evangelical Christian church. We are affiliated with Great Commission Association and the Willow Creek Association of Churches. Our vision is to attract others to Christ in all that we do. That vision fills every aspect of our programs and ministry so that you experience it in ways that are tangible, practical and meaningful. The Urban Refuge is a part of Evergreen Church. There are five locations throughout the Twin Cities. You can learn more about our locations by visiting the Locations tab in the upper right hand corner of this page.

our weekend services - sundays, 10:00 a.m.

BRINGING SHALOM

One of the main messages that we would like to communicate at our weekend service is our need as a church to bring Shalom to the city. Maybe you're asking “What is Shalom?” The common translation for Shalom is the word "peace". However, it’s broader than that. Shalom refers to peace in all areas of one's life, so this entails physical, mental and of course spiritual.

Now, not only do we want to communicate the need to bring shalom to the city at our weekend service but our main hope is to experience shalom as a community at the service. A few ways we do this is by singing together, learning together and just being together.

If you broke it down to the bare minimum it might look like this:

• The teachings bring shalom because they give us direction for life.

• The music brings shalom because it heals and expresses our need for a savior.

• Community brings shalom because it reminds us that we are not alone.

Try our weekend services for a few weeks and see if you experience shalom for yourself.

Looking for an evergreen church location?

We are one church family, but with many locations. Each location has a different feel and personality - much like members of a family. Choosing an Evergreen location might be as simple as checking out the map below and finding a church close to home. Or, check out a more detailed description of our locations to help you choose one that fits your life and family needs.

Evergreen-New Hope

Sundays at 10:15 AM - New Hope east of 169 and north of 394
A family oriented community church with a desire to make an eternal difference. Our goal is to help people take root in their faith, to reach out to those who don’t know Christ, and to plant seeds of kindness and good deeds in our community.

the rock

Fridays at 7:30 PM - South Minneapolis on 55th Street and Chicago Avenue
A church designed to meet the needs of singles, college students, and young couples. The Rock is striving to develop young men and women who are wholeheartedly committed to the cause of Christ and who desire to be disciples for Christ. 

the urban refuge

Sundays at 10:00 AM - South Minneapolis on 55th Street and Chicago Avenue
An urban community church that seeks to grow into a multi-racial church and is committed to raising fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ by being a people that:  Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly. 

Evergreen-Bloomington

Fridays at 7:15 PM, Sundays at 9:15 & 11:15 AM - Bloomington just south of the Mall of America
A family oriented community church with a desire to develop "Committed Compassionate Christians" by having the people who attend our church take root in the truth, grow in community, and sow by giving both in the church and in the local community.

Evergreen-lakeville

Fridays at 7:15 PM, Sundays at 9:15 AM* - Lakeville on the corner of County Roads 5 & 46
A family oriented community church striving to become a 3-D church, transforming people by attracting them to a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ and transforming communities by offering multiple services and planting new church locations. * These are Lakeville's summer hours. An 11:15 AM service is added after Labor Day.

ARC RETREAT CENTER

www.arcretreat.org, 1680 – 373^rd Avenue NE, Stanchfield, MN 55080, 763-689-3540 l  arcretreat@hotmail.com

 ARC is located 55 north of Minneapolis (ten minutes north of Cambridge) on 90 acres in central Minnesota’s pine woods.

BUG-BEE HIVE RESORT LODGE & RETREAT CENTER

www.bugbeehiveresort.com, 29659 Queen Bee Lane, Paynesville, MN 56362, 320-243-4448, FamilyFun@BugbeeHiveResort.com

Bug-Bee Hive Resort is located just three miles south of Paynesville off of County Road 181 on the northwest shore of Lake Koronis; 90 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

CEDAR VALLEY RESORT

www.cedarvalleyresort.com, 905 Bench Street, Whalan, MN 55949, 507-467-9000 l cvresort@acegroup.cc

 Cedar Valley Resort is located in the Root River Valley and beautiful bluffs of Southeast MN near Lanesboro; approximately 3 hour drive from the Twin Cities.

EAGLE HAVEN RETREAT CENTER (KEN NEUHARTH)

W7949 140^th Street, Hagar City, WI 55077, 952-484-0112 l ken_neuharth@yahoo.com

This vacation home is available all year around for group gatherings and retreats. Just a short, scenic 45 mile drive SE of the Twin Cities in the bluffs along the Mississippi River, Eagle Haven offers great views of the back channel of the river, with 14 acres and lots of privacy.  Easy access to historic Red Wing.

Amenities:

• Spacious 3600 sq ft A-frame style home with lots of window
• Three Bedrooms and a large loft area which divides into two additional rooms. Plus 2 futons and 3 sleeper sofas
• Easily sleeps 15-20
• Dining room with existing seating for 12, with room for 2 more tables for a total of 24 people
• Updated kitchen
• Sitting room with wood-burning fireplace.
• Large great room with TV, DVD, VCR, and lots of movie selections.
• Basement has rec room with pool, ping pong, air hockey, large screen TV, video games and wet bar.

Outdoors: You can enjoy the wrap around deck with views of the water, gas grill, swimming pool, volleyball, basketball and fire pit. The home is air conditioned and heated with lots of parking. Boat launch area just minutes away.

LINDISFARNE RETREAT CENTER

www.lindisfarneretreat.org, 7727 Sod Road, Brook Park, MN 55007, 320-629-6666 l mjcummins@usa.net

Lindisfarne Retreat Center is located 7 miles NW of Pine City on 80 acres; 75 miles north of the Twin Cities.

LUTHER PARK CAMPING AND RETREAT CENTER

www.lutherpark.com, 30376 Lakes Drive, Danbury, WI 54830, 715-656-7244 l camp@lutherpark.com

Luther Park Camping and Retreat Center is located about 2 hours from the Twin Cities just outside of Danbury, WI.

THREE CROSSES RETREAT CENTER

www.threecrosses.org, 11266 335^th Street, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, 651-239-6956, rtcrc@earthlink.net

Three Crosses Retreat Centeris located 40 minutes south of the Twin Cities.

WILDERNESS FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES

www.wildernessfellowship.com, 21897 Spirit Lake Road W., Frederic, WI 54837, 715-327-8564, Wilderness@centurytel.net

Wilderness Fellowship Ministries is just east of Grantsburg, WI on Hwy. 70; 90 minutes from the Twin Cities.

YOUNG’S CABIN IN CABLE, WI (JOHN & WENDY YOUNG)

763-476-1771 l wendy.young@comcast.net

Amenities:

• Full kitchen, with microwave, stove, fridge, pots & pans, etc.
• Three Bedrooms/two baths – accommodate 14
• Each bedroom has queen sized bunk bed (sleeps 4 per room)
• Futon in family room sleeps two more
• Free-standing fireplace between the kitchen and family room

Outdoors: Charcoal grill on big deck.  Fire pit in woods.  Part of Telemark Resort so you can use the lodge facility with pool, sauna, canoe rental, etc. (1 mile away).  The cabin is surrounded by woods and is on a cross-country skiing and mountain biking trail.

PERSONAL RETREAT CENTERS

MOUNT OLIVET CONFERENCE & RETREAT CENTER

www.mtolivetretreat.org, 7984 257^th Street West, Farmington, MN 55024, 952-469-2175 l ssteinhoff@mtolivetretreat.org

The Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center is located just 45 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis - and 30 minutes south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

PACEM IN TERRIS RETREAT CENTER

www.paceminterris.org, P.O. Box 418, St. Francis, MN 55070, 763-444-6408

Pacem In Terris Retreat Center has 16 individual hermitages spread out in a secluded wooded area.  Pacem In Terris Retreat Center is approximately 19 miles north of Anoka on Highway 47. 

THE SPIRITUALITY CENTER

Spirituality Center, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374, 320-363-7116, dmanuel@csbsju.edu

 The Spirituality Center at Saint Benedict’s Monasteryin St. Joseph is a place to seek solitude, quiet and peace. Women and men of all faith traditions and cultures are invited to our Center and hermitage for individual or group retreats.In addition to rooms in our Spirituality Center, Subiaco hermitage, a simple cabin with full amenities, is available.  The Spirituality Center is located 80 miles west of the Twin Cities in St. Joseph.

WILDERNESS FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES

www.wildernessfellowship.com, 21897 Spirit Lake Road W., Frederic, WI 54837, 715-327-8564, Wilderness@centurytel.net

Wilderness Fellowship Ministries is just east of Grantsburg, WI on Hwy. 70; 90 minutes from the Twin Cities.

looking for work?

There are three things that you may need right now

1. Connections and a network for job leads
2. Spiritual and relational support
3. Access to Information and Tools

Evergreen Church welcomes the opportunity to assist you by providing information here that will aid you in your job search.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Jobs on LinkedIn

ECC has created a Jobs Network on LinkedIn. At this site you can network with other Evergreeners as you look for leads and job opportunities. You can get “linked in” by following Steps 1-4 below. 

1. Go to the LinkedIn site. LinkedIn is free to join. They offer a premium version that provides more tools for finding people, whether or not they are in your network, but you should not need this functionality. All relationships on LinkedIn are mutually confirmed, and no one appears in your LinkedIn Network without knowledge and explicit consent.
2. Set up a free LinkedIn account including your e-mail address, and create a password. Check your e-mail to confirm.
3. Enter your profile information, and “connect” with people you know. This is a good way to manage the professional information that people (connections) will see about you. 
4. Click on “Groups”, and search for “Evergreen Church Jobs Network,” and request to join the group. Once you join the group, you can see who else is in the group and you can ask other people you know to join. You can read, add to the discussions and begin to proactively connect with people who you think may be able to help you or who you want to meet. 

Hebrews 10: 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

resources

Evergreen Church provides the following resources for informational purposes only. The decision to include a specific organization is not intended to be an endorsement of the organization or its services and Evergreen assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of or reliance on such information. Those interested in contacting any of the organizations listed below should conduct their own research to determine whether the organization meets their specific needs.

transition support groups

There are many job transition groups that host guest speakers and offer group discussions on topics related to job search. These groups provide an opportunity to network for job leads and the chance to gain support from other job seekers. Here are some to consider:

BURNSVILLE

The Job Connections Group Prince of Peace Christian Life - Center Rooms 200 - 202 200 E. Nicollet Blvd. Tuesday 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Networking, speakers addressing job search skills and small group discussion/support
952-898-9388 www.princeofpeaceonline.org

EDEN PRAIRIE

St. Andrew Lutheran Church - 13600 Technology Drive Eden Prairie Wednesday 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Networking 952-937-2776 http://www.standrewlu.org/ Job Transition Support Group

St. Andrew Lutheran Church Transitions Group - Monday 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Networking, Speakers & Small Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JITSG or ITSG@yahoogroups.com Wednesday 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Speakers, small group for Techies ITGroup_Minnesota@yahoo.com

Crossroads Career Network Grace Church of Eden Prairie - 9301 Eden Prairie Road Eden Prairie, 1st Thursday of the Month 7:30AM - 9:30AM Room 209
Expert Speakers and varied career search topics, facilitated and informal networking, prayer and support. Small groups available. www.ccnatgrace.com

Wooddale Job Transition Support Group Wooddale Church - 6630 Shady Oak Road Monday 7:15 AM
Networking, Accountability, Encouragement, and Prayer Support Don Rasmussen, 952-927-1668 Wooddale Church, 952-944-6300 jtsg@wooddale.org

EDINA

Christ in Career Support Christ Presbyterian Church - 6901 Normandale Road Room 316 1st & 3rd. –Saturday 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Job Support Workshop 952-920-8515

Minneapolis Job Support Workshop Christ Presbyterian Church - 6901 Normandale Road Room 107 Tuesday 6:30 PM $3.00 donation
Job Support Workshop for Managers, Professionals and Others www.mjsw.org Phone: 612-720-6532

Women Networking Group Christ Presbyterian Church - Room 20 on the lower level, Thursday 6:30 p.m.
Focuses on career/life skills development and job search with special emphasis on challenges that women face. www.MJSW.org Eleanor Ling 952.944.4054

Saint Stephen’s Job Search Support Group Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church - 4439 W. 50th Street Edina, Every Saturday 8:30 am – 9:30 am in the library
Support, encouragement, and networking for job seekers jobsupport@ststephens.com, 952-920-0595

LAKEVILLE

Career Connections Avodah Services Hosanna! Lutheran - 9660 163rd St West Lakeville, MN 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Room 8 1 0n 1 Meetings room 2 Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 pm
Prayer focus with Networking and support Biblical Workplace values Job placement www.hosannalc.org 952-435-3332 www.avodahservices.org

MINNEAPOLIS

Employment Transitions, Westminster Presbyterian Church - 12 St. and Marquette Ave., Minneapolis Sat. 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Bates Room www.ewestminster.org

information

Evergreen Church provides the following resources for informational purposes only. The decision to include a specific organization is not intended to be an endorsement of the organization or its services and Evergreen assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of or reliance on such information. Those interested in contacting any of the organizations listed below should conduct their own research to determine whether the organization meets their specific needs.

Weekly e-newsletter titled "Love Your Work"
Sign up for weekly vocational insights from career expert Dan Millera at:
http://www.crosswalk.com/newsletters/

Bi Monthly e-newsletter:  How-To Articles on Career Coaching, Hot Job Markets, Resume Branding, Job Search Secrets and Career Resources.
http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com/freearticles.php

The Best Local Career Search Sites

• 1st St. NW contract and direct opportunities http://www.fsnw.com/
• Americas Job Bank ( Minnesota) http://www.ajb.org/mn/
• Direct Employers consortium of businesses http://www.directemployers.com
• Employment Planet http://www.employmentplanet.com/
• Employment Action Center http://www.eac-mn.org/
• Hired non-profit employment services http://www.hired.org/
• Medsuds Medical network group http://www.medsuds.com
• Minnesota Careers http://www.mncareers.org.
• Minneapolis Star Tribune Work Avenue http://www.startribune.com/stories/1549/
• Minnesota & Twin City jobs http://www.mn-jobs.com/
• Minnesota Work Force Center’s web site http://www.mnworkforcecenter.org/
• MN Cities and Counties http://www.state.mn.us/local/index.html#counties
• MN Council of Non-Profite http://www.mncn.org/jobs
• Minnesota Employers http://www.mnworkforcecenter.org/links/emp8.htm
• MN Job Bank Unemployment services http://www.mnworkforcecenter.org/
• NetSuds IT networking group http://www.netsuds.com/
• State of Minnesota http://www.doer.state.mn.us
• St. Andrew’s Job Transition Group http://www.standrewlu.org/jobtransition.shtml
• St. Paul Pioneer Press http://www.pioneerplanet.com
• Twin Cities Emp. Weekly http://www.gelwork.com
• Twin cities jobs and Minnesota jobshttp://www.mn-jobs.com/
• Twincities.techies Technical positions http://twincities.techies.com/
• University of MN http://www.umn.edu/ohr
• University of MN Biomedical & Bioscience http://www.mbbnet.umn.edu/
• Venture Capital www.directebook.com/

FINANCIAL COUNSELORS

Access Christian Credit Counselors site that Evergreen-Lakeville Pastor Mark Bowen has mentioned in his series on managing finances. You can call them directly at 1-888-520-4422.

BENEVOLENCE MINISTRY

Following the biblical example of the Good Samaritan, Evergreen wants to assist people with extraordinary financial needs. The Benevolence Ministry provides financial assistance and financial counseling for Evergreen members and attendees. If you are in need of assistance and want to find out if the Benevolence Ministry can help, call the church office at 952-895-1773.

FAMILY AND PERSONAL COUNSELING

For a list of Christian family and personal counselors, contact the church office.

Support & Recovery

Monday nights at evergreen are filled with hope

This all-location event includes tools and people to help us get back and stay "on track" in life. We meet weekly from 7:00-8:30 PM in Evergreen-Bloomington's North Hall (Door H) at 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425. Visit the Support & Recovery page for details.

urban refuge three-year bible reading plan

 Join others at the Urban Refuge to read the Bible through in three years. Click here for the reading schedule.

Get more out of your Bible Reading >>

12 DIFFERENT BIBLE READING PLANS

View each plan on the web and/or be reminded by receiving it each day by email. Each plan is available in several languages and translations. There are no charges or strings attached. You will not be sent any advertisements or have your name added to other lists if you subscribe. You can un-subscribe from any plan any time with one click.

Choose and combine plans to meet your needs and time schedule. For example, combining the OT in two years with the NT on weekdays is only 2 chapters each day, yet allows you to read the NT every year, and the OT every two years. When you need wisdom, take a month and read the Proverbs.

To get acquainted with Jesus better, take a month and read the Gospels. During a particularly trying time, give yourself a boost by reading the Psalms in a month. To read the whole Bible in a year, you could also combine the NT on weekdays with the OT in one year. That gives you more variety than the regular plan of reading the whole Bible straight through in a year. Go!

HEARTLIGHT DEVOTIONALS & READING PLANS

Heartlight has brought together several Bible reading plans.Go!

• Straight Through

• Different Topics, each day of the week, you'll be reading from a different section of the Bible.

• New Testament and Old Testament

• The Story of the Bible, a chronologically arranged reading of the story of the Bible.

• New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs

deacon and deaconess qualification tests

Download the PDF test for deacons and deaconesses. 

ELDER QUALIFICATIONS TEST

This is a wonderful tool available to help you evaluate your character and spiritual maturity. This test is used by our association of churches to evaluate potential pastors. Test yourself and make copies to get input from others. It is a great tool to give yourself a sense of direction for growing spiritually. View the test.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTHS?

the s.h.a.p.e. test

Looking for help discovering your God given talents and abilities? Here's an online spiritual gifts assessment. And here's a pdf spiritual gifts assessment test, S.H.A.P.E., that will help you determine your role in the church.

These values are what motivate us. While many of these core values are common to many churches, there are some that are more specific to our church. These core values are what we seek to build into our people.

Our Core Values:

Click to jump to a section below.

1. THE GRACE OF GOD
2. COMMITMENT TO GOD AND HIS WORD
3. ALL NATIONS REACHED WITH THE GOSPEL
4. THE CHURCH
5. CHURCH LEADERSHIP
6. ONENESS (LOVE AND UNITY)
7. RAISING GODLY FAMILIES
8. EVERY MEMBER A MINISTER

I. THE GRACE OF GOD

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Grace is defined as “unmerited favor.” We believe that it is God’s unmerited favor that saves us—not our own efforts, good deeds, or best attempts. God is to receive all the glory.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We believe that His mercy and grace inspire us to offer ourselves completely to God. God’s grace is to be our motivation to follow Him and not the fear of punishment or guilt. The right motivation is foundation for a fruitful life.

2 Peter 1:5-9 (NIV) For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

We believe that living in full view of God’s cleansing is a lifelong pursuit, foundational to character development, and is easily forgotten. God’s grace is central to a growing Christian.

II. COMMITMENT TO GOD AND HIS WORD

Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

We believe that the pursuit of knowing and loving God is paramount to being a committed follower of Christ. Our love for God and devotion to Him must be our deepest passion and greatest motivation—more than possessions, human relationships, and accomplishments.

John 1:1-2 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

We believe that when you are reading the Scriptures, you are not just reading about God, you are engaging God Himself. God’s foremost means of communicating with His people and expressing His will is through the Bible.

1 Peter 2:2 (NASB) …like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.

Ezra 7:10 (NIV) For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

We believe that a personal, daily habit of reading, obeying, and teaching His Word is critical for spiritual growth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We believe that the Bible is our final authority for truth. It is our instruction manual for all of life. It guides us in our relationships, raising our families, and even our behavior in the workplace!

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

We recognize that the Bible is sometimes difficult to understand and was originally written in different languages and to different cultures. We must work hard to correctly understand it. 

We desire to develop our Biblical understanding in community. We believe that listening to different opinions, experiences, and perspectives and working them out together inevitably gives us a clearer picture of the true meaning of the Scripture.

III. ALL NATIONS REACHED WITH THE GOSPEL

1 Timothy 2:3-6 (NIV) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

We believe God has a heart for all people and wants to save every one. God is inviting us to share His heart for people. He is inviting us into His mission to save people. He is inviting us to co-labor with Him.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

We believe that God desires every individual in the church to personally embrace the Great Commission. We are all “missionaries” wherever we are located. All believers are to be “on mission,” to do their part in reaching their city, nation, and the world for Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

We believe every individual needs to be able to give reasons for their faith.

Acts 13:2 (NIV) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Acts 8:4-5 (NLT) But the believers who had fled Jerusalem went everywhere preaching the Good News about Jesus. Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah.

We believe God calls ordinary people in extraordinary ways to expand the Kingdom.

IV. THE CHURCH

Acts 2:42,47 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…and each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.

1 Timothy 3:14-15(NLT) I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I can’t come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.

We believe that the local church is the primary means by which God builds fully committed followers, raises up leaders, and fulfills the Great Commission. Therefore, every believer should be devoted to the local church.

Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Colossians 1:6-7(NLT) This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God’s great kindness to sinners. Epaphras, our much loved co-worker, was the one who brought you the Good News. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us in your place.

We believe that spreading local churches is the primary means of fulfilling the Great Commission. In the New Testament, churches were planted in new areas. Then through the influence of that church, the surrounding area received the Gospel. As those believers grew and matured, more churches were planted and the Gospel spread throughout the world. Ordinary Christians participated in church-planting.

The Timeline of Evergreen Community Church, The Rock, The Rock-Berlin, and The Urban Refuge.

• 1988 Evergreen Community Church opened doors in Bloomington. 
• 1994 Evergreen, New Hope was planted.
• 1997 Evergreen, Lakeville was planted. 
• 1999 The Rock was planted in the Uptown area of Minneapolis.
• 2001 The Rock, Berlin was planted. 
• 2003 The Urban Refuge in South Minneapolis was planted.

All these church and location planting efforts were accomplished through the committed efforts of “ordinary” people in our church. We are compelled by God’s love to plant churches in areas where an evangelical presence is needed.

V. CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Of all our core values, our practice of church leadership is the most unique. Our desire is to base our practice on the instruction and example of New Testament church and not on church tradition. Church leadership practice has great implications to the health and well-being of a local church.

Acts 20:17,28 (NIV) From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church….”Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”

There was only one type of leader in the local, New Testament church. The Bible refers to this person with four different titles: elder, overseer, shepherd, leader. See also 1Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 5:1-2; Ephesians 4:11; Hebrews 13:7,17.

Philippians 1:1( NIV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons…
See also Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1.

There were at least two pastors in each church. We believe a plurality of pastors is important for mutual support and accountability, spreading the burden of leading, and better building of the church.

The Bible outlines the qualifications of an elder or pastor:

1Timothy 3:1-7,NLT It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility. For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money. He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil’s trap and be disgraced.

We believe a pastor must fulfill the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

Titus 1:5. (NIV) The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

We believe pastors come from within the congregation rather than from without. In this way, the church knows the man and the man knows the church.

1Timothy 3:1,NLT It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility. For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against.

We open the office to any man. The qualifications of a pastor in the New Testament define the position as a role for men. See also 1 Timothy 3:1, 2:12.

VI. ONENESS (LOVE AND UNITY)

John 17:22-23 (NIV) "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

We believe that unity demonstrates and glorifies Christ. Genuine love for one another is the best proof of our faith to an observing world.

We advocate unity within all of Christendom. God desires unity between believers both within and without our churches.

Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

We recognize unity does not happen without effort. It requires patience, grace, and love. We believe that unity is a supremely important and worth every effort to deepen in our relationships with one another. We emphasize healthy relationships with every believer.

John 13:34-35 (NIV) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

We believe that the best place for developing unity in love is in our “small groups” in homes. Only in small groups can the “one another” commands be practiced successfully.

We believe spiritual growth occurs best in small groups. This is why we require regular participation in small groups for membership.

VII. RAISING GODLY FAMILIES

Ephesians 5:21-6:4 (NIV) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” “This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

We believe in developing strong families. Strong families demonstrate God to the world. Two of the main pictures God uses to describe His relationship with the church are marriage(we are the bride of Christ), and parenting(we are God’s children).

We believe that God designed men and women to be different. The husband and wife have differing but complementary roles in the family. The husband is the head of the household, loving and leading his wife, as Christ as his example. The wife is to support and respect her husband.

We believe parents are responsible for their child’s upbringing in matters of spiritual, academic, and personal training. The church’s role is to support the families by building parents and equipping them for the training and nurturing of their children. We encourage parents to be involved with their children in youth ministry.

We believe we are called to aim young. The future of our church and the future of our world depend on the ability of parents to pass their faith to their children. We also desire to position our church to reach out effectively to young people.

VIII. EVERY MEMBER A MINISTER

1 Corinthians 12:7,12 (NLT) "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church….The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ."

We believe that every believer has at least one spiritual gift to help the church. The church is like a body. If all the “body parts” are working as designed, then the church succeeds.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

We believe that the role of leaders is not to do all the ministry of the church, but to prepare God’s people to do ministry. We believe every believer is qualified and needed for doing true ministry. Therefore, we believe every pastor is an “ad-minister and every believer is a minister.”

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

We believe in the equal status of every believer. Rather than a clergy-laity system, we affirm the “priesthood of all believers.” All believers have equal access to God and are called to be workers in the church and in the world.

We believe that the success of the church and personal spiritual growth is dependent on using our spiritual gifts. Therefore, we require participation in a ministry as duty of membership.

How it Began

Evergreen Community Church began as a dream in the minds of pastors Brent Knox and Mark Darling. It was the late 1980’s, and they were co-pastoring a church in south Minneapolis. They both shared the desire to meet the personal and spiritual needs of young singles and families. Since more than 70 percent of these people didn’t attend church regularly, Brent and Mark wanted to find out why. They started by looking at survey results. By doing this, they discovered what people say when asked why they didn’t go to church:

“The sermons were dull and didn’t relate to my life.”
“The people were unfriendly, and I was uncomfortable.”
“The church didn’t take good care of my children.”
“Going to church wasn’t convenient for my schedule.”
“Church services were predictable and boring – a waste of my time.”

church people looked forward to attending

Mark and Brent decided that they needed to create a church that would be different in all these areas. They wanted a church with relevant teachings, friendly people, a comfortable atmosphere, good quality childcare and convenient scheduling. They wanted a church that people would look forward to each week. As they wrestled with some ideas and sought God, they came up with the vision for Evergreen Community Church.

With a core of approximately 120 people, Evergreen officially opened its doors in June of 1988 at the Oak Grove School auditorium in Bloomington. Attendees were surprised and very pleased with the relaxed atmosphere and contemporary music played by the band. They found messages that were biblically based, but applicable to everyday life. But they were most taken in by the friendly and caring people - it didn’t feel like church anymore! Over the years, Evergreen has continued to keep up with the changing times, meeting personal and spiritual needs even as they have grown and expanded to five locations throughout the Twin Cities.

Great Commission churches

Evergreen Community Church is affiliated with Great Commission Churches, a US based fellowship of churches and ministries united around shared values, a common history and especially the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

For more information, see the following website:

Great Commission Churches: www.gccweb.org

The Scripture

The sole basis of our beliefs is the Bible, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. It was uniquely, verbally, and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and was written without error in the original manuscript. It is the supreme and final authority in faith and life in every age.

God

There is but one God, infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, Creator of the universe, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—each of whom possesses all the attributes of Deity and the characteristics of personality.

Man

God created man in His own image, and man as he was originally created, was innocent before God. But man chose to sin by disobeying God, and therefore was alienated from his Creator and came under divine condemnation. Thus all human beings are born with a corrupted nature and without spiritual life, and are totally incapable of pleasing God in and of themselves.

Jesus Christ

God the Father, by His own choice and out of love for sinful men and women, sent Jesus Christ into the world to reconcile sinners to Himself. Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He was God in the flesh, both true God and true man. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and voluntarily suffered and died as our substitute to pay the penalty for our sins, thus satisfying God’s justice and accomplishing salvation for all those who trust in Him alone. He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He lived and died. He bodily ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, makes intercession for His own. He will return to earth personally, visibly, and bodily to judge all men and establish His kingdom.

Salvation

Men and women are freed from the penalty for their sins not as a result, in whole or in part, of their own works, goodness, or religious ceremony, but by the undeserved favor of God alone. God declares righteous all who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has come into the world to reveal and glorify Christ, to convict men and women of their sins, and to impart new life to all who place their faith in Christ. He indwells believers from the moment of spiritual birth, seals them until the day of redemption, and empowers them to live a life pleasing to God.

Assurance

All who are born again of the Spirit can be fully assured of their eternal life from the very moment they put their faith in Christ. This assurance is not based on any kind of human merit, but upon the fact of God’s election, upon Christ’s complete payment for our sins, and upon the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whom is the deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.

The Resurrection of the Dead

At physical death, the believer enters immediately into eternal, conscious fellowship with the Lord and awaits the resurrection of his or her body to everlasting glory, and blessing. At physical death, the unbeliever enters into eternal, conscious separation from the Lord and awaits the resurrection of his or her body to everlasting suffering, judgment, and condemnation.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Jesus Christ has instructed those who believe in Him to be baptized in water as a symbol of their new birth in Christ. Baptism is only for those who have personally believed in Christ. Our practice is to baptize by immersion. The Lord also instituted the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His suffering, death, and resurrection. Neither baptism nor the Lord’s Supper has any merit in helping a person obtain eternal life.

The Church

All true believers make up the church worldwide and should assemble together in local churches for worship, prayer, fellowship, and teaching, in order to become conformed to the image of Christ and to become equipped to carry out the ‘Great Commission’ that Christ gave His followers in Matthew 28:19-20.

General Fund

General fund monies support the ongoing operations of the church. 

Capital Campaigns

Four of our church locations are all currently seeking gifts for the purpose of paying for permanent facilities.

Bloomington - Show Me Your Glory!

Lakeville - Legacy

New Hope - Own It 

Urban Refuge - Committing Today, Building Tomorrow

KIDS AGAINST HUNGER

Three of our church locations have Kids Against Hunger ministries and accept gifts to fund their food packing programs.

Bloomington – Kids Against Hunger

Lakeville – Kids Against Hunger

Urban Refuge – Kids Against Hunger

electronic giving

What is the benefit in ELECTRONIC GIVING?

Online giving offers convenience to you, the giver and supports your desire to faithfully support the ministries of Evergreen Church.  You can prioritize giving in your budget.  It is easy to let our good intentions be compromised by the press of personal and household expenses.  The consistency of regular online giving also helps the church plan more effectively.  If you give electronically using a credit card, we ask that you pay your entire bill off each month as a good steward of God’s resources.

Prefer cash or check?

If you prefer to give by cash or check, collections are taken at our weekend services.  You may also mail in your gift directly to the office:  Evergreen Church, ATTN: Finance Department, 2300 E. 88^th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

WAYS TO GIVE ELECTRONICALLY:

Automatically Giving through Electronic Funds Transfer or ACH

You may choose to give by authorizing the church to initiate automatic withdrawals from your checking or savings account (ACH) once or twice a month (5^th and/or 20^th).  To begin ACH, click here to download the authorization form.  Mail the completed form with a voided check attached to Evergreen Church, ATTN: Finance Department, 2300 E. 88^th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Online Bill Pay

Many financial institutions offer an online bill paying service free of charge that you can use to give to Evergreen.  Check your financial institution’s website for further information on this service in which the bank writes checks, not you!  It is important to indicate to your bank which fund(s); general or building (campaigns) that you wish your gift to be designated to.

credit Card/Debit Card Online Giving

Please use a credit card only if you are able to pay off your entire balance in full each month. 

Our online giving via credit or debit card is handled through GiveMN.org.  The church does incur a 2.9% processing fee on all credit/debit card transactions.  There are currently 12 giving options (called “projects by Evergreen Church” on GiveMN.org) – please click on the appropriate link below to make your gift. 

You can give a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift.  You will receive confirmation of your gift from the Razoo Foundation – save or print the email as a receipt of your gift for your records; your online credit card/debit card gifts will NOT appear on your church year-end giving statement.  For more information please read the Frequently Asked Questions (below) about giving online through GiveMN.  If you have any other questions, please contact Jim Bird at 952-564-3771.

Projects by EVERGREEN CHURCH

• Bloomington - General Fund
• Bloomington - Building Fund
• Bloomington - Kids Against Hunger
• Lakeville - General Fund
• Lakeville - Building Fund
• Lakeville - Kids Against Hunger
• New Hope - General Fund
• New Hope - Building Fund
• The Rock - General Fund
• Urban Refuge - General Fund
• Urban Refuge - Building Fund
• Urban Refuge - Kids Against Hunger

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT GIVING ONLINE Through GiveMN.org:

Is there a minimum donation amount?

Yes. Your donation must be a minimum of $10 to be processed through GiveMN.

Do I need to have an account with GiveMN to donate?

No, you are not required to become a member of GiveMN in order to give a gift to the church.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes. Your gift is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.

What information do I need for my taxes?

To claim a gift as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, you will need an official receipt of your gift. For gifts made to the church through GiveMN this receipt is issued by the Minnesota Community Foundation. The receipt will be emailed to you once your gift is complete, or you can retrieve it from your giving profile on GiveMN.org.   Gifts made to the church through GiveMN will NOT appear on your church year-end giving statement. 

I didn't receive an email confirming my transaction. How do I know it was processed?

You may want to first check your email spam filters in case your email client thought it was spam. You may also contact their customer service team via email (support@razoo.com) or call them toll-free at 1-866-437-1952.

FOR MINISTRY USE: Ministry leaders can reserve use of our facility for ministry events only directly through our online reservation system.  You will need to have your login name and password.  If you do not have one, you may request one from Paul Lanhart.

FOR NON-MINISTRY USE:  Outside groups, non-members, or attenders who would like to use the building for non-ministry events can use our online form to request use of the building. Please do not use the reservation system or online form for weddings or funerals.

wedding planner

You can download, view or print this Wedding Planner document to help you plan this very special event!

Funeral plannING

You can download, view or print this Funeral Planning document to help you plan this event. 

Production Equipment Checkout

Use this form to sign out various production equipment.

Speaker Release Form

Used for guest speakers to give permission to duplicate their message or testimonial in recordings.

Announcement/Flyer Request Form

Fill out this form to have an announcement placed in the bulletin and online and/or an information panel for a ministry table or handout. Must be submitted by a ministry leader or be approved by a local pastor. Announcements and flyers requests are due by 3:00 PM the Tuesday before the weekend that you would like the announcement in the bulletin or the flyer available. Please do not sumit an announcement request earlier than 5 weeks before your event.

request for administrative assistance - pastors only

Fill out this form to submit your request to the office; please do NOT use this form for technical support.

Identity Standards

Wondering how to use our logos, or which logo should be used on what documents? Check out our Identity Standards document for all the details to use our logos successfully. Download a ZIP file of our logos (includes all-location logos, Evergreen, Rock and Urban logo files.)

web site suggestion/request form

Fill out this form to submit a suggestion, request or correction for one of our web sites.  Please keep in mind that corrections should come from the person who is involved with that particular ministry, event, announcement, etc.  Also, we will consider all suggestions but we cannot promise that your suggestions will be implemented.  Also, please do NOT use this form for technical support.

media center message info form

Fill out this form to submit information about the current week's message for the Media Center.

Flash Slide Request Form

Fill out this form to submit information about what flash slides you would like on the website for next week.  PASTORS ONLY, please.

Financial Forms can be filled out electronically and then printed. Appropriate signatures are still required.

• Check Request
• Direct Contribution Authorization
• Expenditure Reimbursement
• Fundraising Authorization
• Funds Collected by Ministry Report
• Purchase Authorization

If there are cancellations or postponements due to inclement weather or other factors you will find those postings here.  If services are cancelled you will also be able to hear that information on our main greeting at 952-895-1773.

We will create blogs when we have an event or subject matter that warrants some public discussion.  In a blog you will be able to see the posts and comment on them.

God Created You For A Purpose

"We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

The Urban Refuge Needs You

Most of what you see going on at The Urban Refuge is done by regular folks who have determined to give their time and energy serving in the way God has designed them. Every person has a part to play, and every part is important! There are no small jobs at The Urban Refuge. Everything from serving in the nursery or greeting at the door to leading a small group or playing in the band has the opportunity to touch the lives of others and make an impact in the Kingdom of God!

What's My S.H.A.P.E.?

God has uniquely designed each one of us to play a necessary part in the life of the church, and to make a difference in the lives of others. Your S.H.A.P.E.—Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences—all work together to determine how God has designed you for ministry. What God has made you to BE determines what He intends for you to DO! Periodically, you can take our S.H.A.P.E. class to define just what God formed you to do. The class incorporates teaching, self-examination, and coaching to help you determine the ministry that’s right for you.

Interested in joining a ministry team?

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator Randy Schmidt at 952-895-0134. The following are just some of our volunteer teams:

• Audio/Visual
• Compassion
• Data/Stats
• Finance
• Hispanic Ministry
• Men's Ministry
• Music/Band
• Nursery
• P.A
• Prayer
• Promiseland
• Recordings
• Refreshments
• Singles Ministry
• Small Groups
• Teen Ministry
• Usher/Greeter
• Women's Ministry

We will be adding Small Group Leader tools as they become available.

Small Group Info Submission

Use this form to send the church office information about your NEW small group.

If you have a change or update to your group info, please email the Office with the specific changes.

Small Group lesson database

Click this link to view the small group lesson\handout database.

LTM Messages

Audio from the April 10, 2012 LTM Meeting

urban refuge Location Address:

5501 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417

Administrative Office Address:

2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425

YOUR ROLE IS VITAL

God is on the move today and just as He did throughout the pages of the Bible, He is inviting His people to join Him. Being on the move with God is an exciting venture of faith and sacrifice. Together we’ve opened new doors, and now God is moving us to take the next step in building his Kingdom! Would you prayerfully consider how the Lord would have you financially join Him in this move? We urge you to ask God, “How are you asking me to participate?” Remember that He has so designed the Body that when every part contributes mighty things can happen! Through your gifts we look forward to a greatly increased ability to fulfill our mission.

Download a commitment card. >>

HOW TO GIVE

Faithful Steps in Sacrificial Giving

PRAY

Pray for God’s guidance with an open mind. Ask God to place an amount on your heart to give to the On the Move campaign.

STUDY

Study Bible examples and principles of giving and stewardship.

ASK

Ask, “What does sacrificial giving mean to me?” Ask yourself what amount you desire to give and what you believe God could provide for you to give.

DECIDE

Decide to honor God in a sacrificial way. Ask yourself these questions: Am I joyous about giving this amount? Is my gift sacrificial? Am I demonstrating an expression of my faith in God with this amount? Am I convinced that I can give this amount with a motivation of worshipping God; showing my thankfulness?

REJOICE

Rejoice in the satisfaction of finding and following His will.

MAKE

Make your commitment joyfully.

FOLLOW

Follow through as God provides.

What is the On the Move campaign?

On the Move is a three-year stewardship campaign that we launched on July 1, 2007 and it runs until June 30, 2010. The campaign’s primary focus was the purchase of a permanent facility for our location.

What were the terms of the loan that we took out to purchase the Trinity property?

Lakeville purchased the Trinity E-Free property in June 2006 for $3,200,000. 

Loan amount $2,560,000 - ($3,200,000 purchase price minus down payment of $640,000).

Interest only payments from July 2006 – June 2010 plus required principal payments of $760,000.

Interest and principle payments start in July 2010.

Current interest rate 7%.

What is the status of the On the Move campaign today?

Status of On the Move campaign as of January 1, 2010

At the end of the campaign June 30, 2010 there will still be a $1.8 million dollar loan balance; how do we plan to pay for the principal and interest on this balance?

Using a 25 year amortization schedule and the current interest rate, the monthly principal and interest payments on this loan balance will be approximately $12,725 per month. We will need to see a similar dollar increase in our monthly general fund giving in order to cover these monthly payments from our general operating budget.

using our facility

The Urban Refuge welcomes the opportunity to serve you by providing information here that will aid you in deciding if our facility can be of help to you or your group.

You can view our Facility Use Policy, make maintenance suggestions, view maps and pictures of the facility and make reservations (non-members and outside groups can fill out a reservation request form). Download our Facility Use Policy here. 

missing something?

Everyone needs strong relationships. Families, neighborhoods, schools and communities used to be a reliable source for providing a healthy network of relationships. Today, these support systems are in distress. Broken families are commonplace. Neighbors tend to keep to themselves. Schools are less safe. People uproot frequently. The result is that the need for meaningful relationships has never been felt more acutely. This is where Urban Refuge small groups come in.

a vital part

Small groups are a vital part of the larger Urban Refuge community. A small group is like having your own family within the larger church. Groups are made up of 10-20 people who get together in members' homes, or at the church, several times a month. In a small group you participate in relevant biblical discussions that will help you grow in your relationship with God. This happens as you learn together how to apply the teachings of the Bible to your daily living. You also develop close friendships as you spend time “doing life” together.

a group that fits your life

You can visit the information table at the weekend service to pick up a brochure on the Welcome Table listing open groups or see them listed HERE. Contact the office at 612-338-7226 or info@theurbanrefuge.com with questions.

a season together

Each year, for the months of September and October, we usually embark on a 6 to 8 week small group discussion that is driven by the weekend teachings and complimented by a book.  We have found these times to be very powerful for our congregation as we focus together on a particular thought or topic for a season.  

growing Deeper

After taking a short break over Thanksgiving and Christmas, our small groups start up again in early January with their own group specific topics, or may fall along with the weekend teaching, digging into God’s Word together. Small groups either meet every week, or every other, until they wrap up by the end of May to take a break through the summer months.

Getting Better

Are there circumstances that are holding you back from experiencing joy and peace in your life? Perhaps you're going through a divorce, fighting an addiction or struggling with depression. Check out our Support & Recovery groups through Monday Nights. These groups meet at our Evergreen Community Church location in Bloomington, drawing participants from all of our Evergreen church families.

fulfilling our potential in christ

Be it through a long chat, good laugh or shared concern, women have a special way of relating to each other. Our Women’s Ministry exists to help women fulfill their potential in Christ. The Women’s Ministry sponsors events where women can interact with each other, grow in their faith and have fun. Events are for all women at The Urban Refuge— students, singles, married and their guests.

Girls Night In - 1st Friday of Every Month, 6PM to Midnight

These nights, done throughout the year, offer a great chance to get out of the house and yet feel right at home in the cozy Fireside room. They are "come as you are", for however long you want to stay, and your friends are always welcome. Of course, these are great opportunities to deepen your friendships with other ladies in the Urban Refuge family, while developing some new ones. We regularly put reminders in the bulletin of upcoming Nights. If you have any questions, contact Crystal at crystalvandy@comcast.net or 952-893-3892.

Women's Bible Studies

Keep an eye out in our announcements for Women's Bible Studies that are offered at different times through the year. We usually have one in the Spring or Summer that may run for 10 or 12 weeks at a time.

There is a tendency in our society for men to isolate themselves and become “rugged individualists.” At The Urban Refuge we we believe that men need to establish strong, godly relationships with other men. Our Men’s Ministry provides such an opportunity by focusing on what it takes to be a man who is growing spiritually and making a difference in our world.

Topics addressed include purity, spiritual leadership and passing the torch to the next generation. Events are for all men—students, singles, married and their guests. Men's events are scheduled periodically throughout the year.

Dad's Workshop

Grow in your faith and connect with other men at The Urban Refuge by participating in, Dad's Workshop. We meet the second Saturday of the mouth from 7:00 to 9:00 AM. Check the announcements for the next meeting and other special men’s events. Contact Andy Gray for more information.

Our Memory Madness program is a fun yet effective way for God’s kids of all ages to memorize key Bible passages that will bless them for the rest of their lives.  Verses are learned in “missions” of 10 verses.  Each week one verse is recited after a weekend service.  At the end of each mission participants “mad smash” (recite all the verses from all the missions they have completed so far).  This constant review is the key to retaining these verses for life.  Kids earn stickers and fun money along the way to be spent at the Memory Madness store during Mad Smash weekends. 

Monday nights at evergreen are filled with hope

Each Monday we meet in groups to help us get and stay "on track" in life. 

Contact the leader for more information or just show up 7:00-8:30 PM on Monday Nights--September 19th through Monday, May 21, 2012 at Evergreen Bloomington 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Groups available:

Single and parenting

Single and Parenting group sessions offer effective parenting strategies, encouragement and insights on how to find rest and hope as you parent alone.  Led by single parents.

Semina:  thebooksfam@yahoo.com  651-815-7428

Julie:   julie.varnam@gmail.com  612-998-1179

Steps to Sanity

The Steps to Sanity program is a simple Christ-centered “12 Step” program of recovery where we provide support for those seeking freedom from self-destructive lifestyles. Our weekly meetings provide a safe place to gain freedom and God’s healing alongside those recovering from similar self-destructive tendencies-- drug addiction, alcoholism, pornography, gambling, uncontrollable anger/fear, depression, and eating disorders. 

Rob: rp720@yahoo.com  612-867-0320 or Adam: lozanmax@gmail.com  651-246-6778

Caryn: cparrish105@yahoo.com   952-334-1030

Divorce Care

Womens’ Depression Support Group

Come for prayer, discussion and support. The group is facilitated by an Evergreen woman that has struggled with depression.

Kim:  jjkss@msn.com  952-454-0519

GriefShare

GriefShare is a grief recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one.  Whether recent or not a loss affects us.  GriefShare helps to cope and grow.

Bob:  952-221-5675

More information

CHILDCARE  IS PROVIDED FOR ALL GROUPS

For more information about Monday Nights contact Pastor Mike Olmstead at 952-564-3781 or contact a group leader directly.

Evergreen-Bloomington 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

about urban refuge singles

We believe that God gives us the foundation, hope, and purpose of our lives (single or married) and being a part of a church family fosters these important aspects of our lives.

Our Singles Ministry provides a safe and fun environment for single adults while they investigate and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether you are single, single-again, dating, engaged or a single parent, our desire is to provide a fresh atmosphere where you will experience God through loving relationships, relevant teachings and a myriad of great social events.

We hope you will join us, not only at our events, but in our continual pursuit of a real and authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. We know this “God thing” can be intimidating (as it has been and still can be for us), but we hope to be there for you in the same way that many others have been for us.

For Urban Refuge Singles small group information, call 612-33-URBAN or email us.

all-location singles events

We also host many all-location events throughout the year, such conferences and larger social events. It is our hope that these events will not only build community, unity, and friendships within our singles, but we desire these events to be a comfortable environment for our regulars to invite friends, coworkers, and neighbors to join in on the fun!

If you wish to get more involved, we’d love to have you! When attending a weekend service, stop by the Information Table to find out what all-location singles events are coming up. We try to keep the latest and most detailed information at these tables for your convenience. 

fit to be tied premarital seminar

Many couples never learn what makes a marriage successful before they get married. That’s why we offer the pre-marriage seminar “Fit to be Tied.” This ten-week seminar helps couples learn the basics of a happy, successful and fulfilling marriage. Topics include communication, conflict resolution, finances, physical intimacy, expectations, husband and wife roles and parenting.

The format for each meeting includes a short talk by the facilitator followed by smaller group discussions. Weekly projects are assigned for the couples to complete outside of the class. Attendance at this seminar is required for couples who desire to get married by an Urban Refuge pastor. For upcoming seminar dates, watch for a “Fit to be Tied” announcement in the bulletin.

SMALL GROUPS FOR COUPLES

While marriage and parenting are some of the happiest and most rewarding life experiences, they are equally intense and stressful. We want to help your family be a success. We offer a variety of small groups that are designed to meet the needs of couples. You will find support and encouragement as they get together with other couples to share the victories, joys and struggles of marriage and parenting. 

marriage and FAMILY EVENTS

Many families at The Urban Refuge are eager to connect with one another just to have fun and develop new friendships. Several times a year we offer social events specifically for this purpose. These activities are a wonderful way for families that are new to The Urban Refuge to get acquainted with others. In addition to social events throughout the year, we hold annual marriage workshop weekends as a chance for our couples to grow deeper in their relationship with one another and with Christ.

Weekly meetings

We meet two times a month on Wednesday nights from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM at our church on the corner of Highway 5 and County Road 46. Typically we will have a Large Group time with both Jr. High and Sr. High students where we hang out, worship with our own teen band(s), play games, and hear relevant Biblical messages with engaging skits and multimedia. Also, we take time to split up into assigned Small Groups which are led by our parent leaders and provide students with opportunities to discover Christ as they connect with other students, engage in lively and relevant discussions, and in general share their lives together. View the calendar for this year’s schedule. In addition, there are a number of other supporting ministry components:

Teen Band

Our teen band director is also the full-time church Music Director, Dave Durry. Dave works with our students to produce skilled musicians that learn not only how to play together as a band, but also how to worship together as a team.

Next Step

This is an additional opportunity for Sr. High students who are interested in going deeper in their faith through Bible discovery and evangelism training and outreach. Currently they are meeting every other Friday night, 8:45-9:45 PM. View the calendar for this year’s schedule.

Conferences

Conferences give students the chance to break away from their normal daily routines and environments, and have a blast experiencing a spiritually impactful time with other students and leaders.

Spring Conference

The Spring Conference is typically a weekend conference in March, held near McGregor, MN. It’s a time for Jr. High (6th-8th grade) students to invest in a time of extended worship, Biblical teaching, and fellowship. It's definitely one of the highlights of the year.

High School Leadership Training (HSLT)

HSLT is a summer conference for 9th graders and on up that is held in Northfield, MN in conjunction with our Northwest Regional Churches. Students grow deeper in their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ and participate in the Great Commission. View the calendar for the dates of this year’s HSLT Conference.

Faithwalkers

Faithwalkers is an annual conference sponsored by Great Commission Churches. This year's conference is held from Dec. 27-30 in two locations: Omaha, NE and Asheville, NC. It is a rallying conference for everyone: young people, couples, parents, and families, to help them continue in GCC’s tradition of "New Testament Christianity in Action Today." Visit the Faithwalkers site for details.

Service Opportunities

Service Opportunities such as Mission to the City and participating in community kindness projects provide an opportunity for students to get a “mission trip” type experience right here at home. These events give students a chance to work hard while building relationships with others in the youth group. We have found when it comes to serving, it is truly “better to give than receive.”

Short Term Missions

Short Term Missions give students and their parents a chance to live out the “Great Commission” given in Matthew 28:19 where Jesus says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” These week long excursions usually combine a service project, for example digging a drainage system, with outreach activities such as dramas and puppet shows. Students also get a chance to experience the joy of sharing the Good New of Jesus Christ with those in a foreign country. This is a challenging and encouraging time that is not soon forgotten.

Parenting Philosophy

We Believe:

• The traditional family is God’s building block for society and therefore must be nurtured and protected
• Children are, and therefore should be recognized as a blessing from the Lord
• Children don’t automatically inherit a place in God’s kingdom based on their parents faith, and therefore must make a faith choice for themselves
• It is Dad and Mom’s opportunity and responsibility to be the primary faith former in their children’s lives
• It is the church’s responsibility to come alongside Dad and Mom to support them in producing faith-filled children

Vertical Teen Ministry Philosophy

We believe that this ministry:

• Should NOT be considered a substitute for the parents primary role as faith-formers with their children
• Should be seen as a resource and a support to the parent(s)
• Should be led by parents who are actively involved and unified around our mission
• Should be integrated with the rest of the church and must not be seen as separate and disconnected

Studies have shown a very disturbing trend; nearly seven out of ten teenagers who grow up in evangelical churches and come through modern youth ministries end up abandoning their faith in Jesus Christ once they reach college. This same study shows that a majority of these students don’t return to their faith or the church later on in life. (Josh McDowell and Ron Luce, It’s Time for a Revolution in Youth Ministry, May 2003)

Families at war

Dads and Moms:

You may not realize it, but you are at war! You’re family is being attacked! The hearts, minds and souls of our children are being constantly assaulted by three very powerful enemies: Satan, the world (and its philosophies) and their own flesh! Daily, these enemies seek to destroy our children by keeping them from knowing God. Parent, you must fight for your children! You have been commissioned by God, as the primary faith former in your teenager’s life, to fight these enemies. God has also given you, as the parent, the greatest influence with your children.

There is good news! You are not alone in this battle -- this church and ministry exist to help you. You can win! George Barna, in his recent book Revolutionary Parenting states: “…one of the lessons that emerged from the research which my earlier book was based was that churches alone cannot have much influence on children. In fact, the greatest influence a church may have in affecting children is by impacting their parents.” Josh McDowall, a man who has ministered to young people for more than 40 years, gives us a very clear perspective when he says “…we must bridge the gap that exists between traditional youth ministries and parents”.

Evergreen and the Vertical Teen Ministry exists to help equip and support parents to win with their teenagers. This ministry recognizes the unique role that God has given parents and we cannot do what you can do. We believe that there is no youth ministry that can have the depth of influence that parents have with their children. We are committed to ministering to our teens while creating opportunities and space for parents to connect with their sons and daughters.

Ages grade 6 to 18 are welcome. Join in the fun and meet teens your age. For more information about
the UR Youth Group, e-mail teens@theurbanrefuge.com or call Byron at 612-702-1117.

Teen Conferences

Conferences give students the chance to break away from their normal daily routines and environments, have some fun while experiencing a spiritually impactful extended time.

Winter Conference

The Winter Conference is a weekend conference in mid-January, held near McGregor, MN. It’s a time for Jr. High (6th-8th grade) students to kick back and spend time together in an extended time of worship, Biblical teaching, and fellowship. Snow tubing and broom ball are among some of the winter activities the students can enjoy. It's definitely one of the highlights of the year that the Jr. High students and leaders look forward to!

Spring Conference

The Spring Conference is a weekend conference in mid-April, held near McGregor, MN. It’s a time for Sr. High (9th-12th grade) students to kick back and spend time together in an extended worship, Biblical teaching, and fellowship. It's definitely one of the highlights of the year.

High School Leadership Training (HSLT)

High School Leadership Training (HSLT) is a summer conference for 9th grade and up that is held in Fort Collins, Colorado in conjunction with our Northwest Regional Churches. Students grow deeper in the 3D aspect for “Delivering the Gospel” as they go deeper in their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ and practice the Great Commission.

Service Opportunities

Service Opportunities such as Mission to the City and participating in local Servfest community kindness projects provide an opportunity for students to get a “mission trip” type experience right here at home. These events give students a chance to work hard while building relationships with others in the youth group. We have found when it comes to serving, it is truly “better to give than receive.”

Short Term Missions 

Short Term Missions give students and their parents a chance to live out the “Great Commission” given in Matthew 28:19 where Jesus says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

These week long excursions usually combine a service project, for example digging a drainage system, with outreach activities such as dramas and puppet shows. Students also get a chance to experience the joy of sharing the Good New of Jesus Christ with those in a foreign country. This is a challenging and encouraging time that is not soon forgotten. 

Discovery - 3 & 4 Years

Children will discover God and His love for them as they join our journey through timeless Bible stories, fun crafts and the joy of music. Due to the structured nature of this class, children should be potty-trained, able to sit for 15 minutes and follow directions.

252- K thru 5th Grade

Our “252” program is designed for kids from Kindergarten through 5th grade. We have three classes for them, K-1st, 2nd-3rd, and 4th-5th grades. All of our “252” kids are participating in our 252 Basics curriculum, allowing a consistent teaching and discussion for the kids that can be continued at home with handouts provided weekly. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”  Luke 2:52

Children’s Service Progression

After checking kids in prior to the service, they are to remain with their parents for the first two worship songs of the service. They are then released by the worship leader to their teachers in the Sanctuary, who will then escort them downstairs to their class.

All of the kids, K thru 5^th grade, meet together in the Activity Room for the first portion of their class. They will participate in an interactive group teaching which may include dramas, PowerPoint, or video presentations. The kids are then escorted to their class-specific room for a smaller group discussion, along with creative arts and activities that make the time meaningful and enjoyable for your kids. Upon completion of the service, parents are to pick up their children at the appropriate classroom as listed below.

Check-in and Pick-up (K thru 5^th Grade)

Upon arriving to church, please bring your children to the Kids Check-In table in east hallway, upstairs. Your child will be given a color-coded badge to signify which class they belong, along with a notification number specific to your child. The parent is given a matching number to present to the teacher at the end of class to retrieve their child. This same number can also be put up on the electronic number board located in the Sanctuary and Fireside Room (video simulcast room) to notify you if your child needs assistance during the service.
Children are to be picked up at the end of service at their home class room:

• 3 & 4 year olds: Room 215 (upstairs, south hallway)
• K thru 1st Grade:  Room 115 (downstairs, south hallway)
• 2nd thru 3rd Grade:  Room 114 (downstairs, south hallway)
• 4th thru 5th Grade:  Activity Room (downstairs, north side)

One a Month

About once a month we have the 2nd-5th grade kids join us for the entire service. This provides a great opportunity for families to build a habit of discussing what they learn together.

SECURITY MEASURES

We carefully screen all volunteers and staff through applications, reference checks and interviews to provide this safe environment. We also have bilingual volunteers. For security purposes, each child wears a number on his or her name tag. Each parent receives a tag that corresponds to the number of their child. This tag must be presented when you pick up your child. We also have a paging system so that you can be notified in the sanctuary if your child needs you.

a safe, fun environment

While parents attend services, the Urban Refuge nursery provides quality childcare for children under the age of five. Our nursery is well stocked with toys and staffed with caring people, making for a warm and enjoyable atmosphere. We strive to provide a safe, nurturing place for your children so you can enjoy our service, free from worry or interruption.

Security in the nursery

For security purposes, each child wears a number on his or her nametag. Each parent receives a tag that corresponds to the number of their child. This ensures that only the parent who turns in the matching tag will be able to pick up the child. We also have a paging system so that you can be notified in the auditorium if your child needs you. There is no need to sign up ahead of time for the nursery. But if you are new, you might want to come early to talk with the nursery coordinator if you have any questions.

Fireside Room

Our fireside room, right outside the sanctuary is available for nursery-aged, discontent children. This room is equipped with a video screen and audio so you can view the service in progress. We encourage parents to use this room when necessary so the service will not be disturbed by upset children.

Youth are important people!

Kids. They are the future of the church, but they are the present as well. At The Urban Refuge we desire to teach them about Christ’s love–the most exciting lesson they will ever learn– with an approach that is fun, child-targeted and relevant. We desire to partner with you in cultivating the spiritual growth of your children and teens. We want you to be successful in guiding them toward becoming fully devoted followers of Christ. We are here to support you in this endeavor.

Our part in this mission is to provide the best possible care and instruction in the Word of God for your children, as well as tailored, relevant programs and services for teens. We teach biblical truths in a targeted, relevant, and creative way in large groups. And we offer growth group participation—a loving, biblical, community where life change happens best, facilitated by caring adult volunteers—living examples demonstrating the love of God and life changing principles.

We carefully screen all volunteers and staff through applications, reference checks and interviews to provide this safe environment. We also have bilingual volunteers.

Youth Pages:

Nursery_(0-2_years)

Discovery (3&4 years) & "252"_(K-5th_Grade)

Youth_Group_(Grade 6-Age 18)

Our vision is to be a church committed to raising fully-devoted

followers of Jesus Christ by being a people that:

Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly.

"And what does the Lord require of you?
But to do justice, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8 (NAS/NIV)

DO JUSTICE

There’s an ancient word in Hebrew – shalom. We translate it peace, but it’s bigger than that. It has a connotation of wholeness & well being – a webbing together of all things under the arch of God and in His love. Whenever we see the fabric of life unraveling, whether it’s emotionally, physically or spiritually, it’s an opportunity for us engage with God to build shalom. 

LOVE MERCY

One of Jesus’ most profound commands was that we ought to love one another the way that he loved us. This cannot be accomplished by human strength alone, for we all have our limits. It takes understanding, absorbing, and relishing in the love that God demonstrates toward us every day, so that we in turn can demonstrate Christ-like love towards others without limits. 

WALK HUMBLY

We are wonderfully and fearfully made, at the same time we are all flawed. Failing to recognize our tendency to “go our own way” quietly sabotages our lives when we don’t even realize it.  When we approach God and His Word, both alone and together, we seek to do so in humility, knowing God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. We readily admit that we need The Great Shepherd to show us how and where to walk.

andy gray

Andy Gray was an electrical engineer before he became a pastor at Evergreen-Bloomington in 1997. As a pastor his primary responsibilities in serving God include leading, teaching, discipleship, and shepherding. Since 1999 Andy has lead, the annual summer events of Mission to the City. He breaks down typical social, economic, and racial barriers through his compassion, genuine kindness, and heart for all of God’s people and nations. Andy co-founded and pastors the Urban Refuge in Minneapolis, which opened its doors in January 2003.

As pastor, Andy desires to see God continually grow the Urban Refuge into a multi-cultural and multi-generational congregation that develops relationships and partnerships with other multi-cultural churches for God’s glory. Andy has been married to his wife, Laura, since 1992 and is a father of three children: Isaiah, Simon, and Elizabeth.

Contact Andy

chad oltman

Chad Oltman is most often characterized as an artist which may be a nice way of saying that, at times, he can be a bit odd.

In the early 90’s Chad decided to go look for the meaning of life by traveling across Europe with nothing but his backpack and a guitar. After looking into numerous things throughout Europe, he ended up staying at a Christian Youth Hostile in the heart of the red light district of Amsterdam. There he witnessed Christian missionaries authentically loving the people that nobody else seemed to care about.  Chad was moved by this experience but still skeptical that he had found what he was looking for.  After returning home from his journey there was nagging in his soul that wouldn’t go away.

A couple years after that experience Chad received a flier to attend Evergreen Church in the mail.  The nagging returned with a vengeance.  Following the pull, he attended the service that next Sunday and that’s when everything changed.  While listening to the message he realized that Jesus Christ is the true meaning of life.  He put his faith in Yeshua (Jesus) and he entered into the upside kingdom where the greatest will be the servants.

A couple of weeks later, he felt a distinct calling to be a pastor and he began pursuing the character qualities of that title… 15 years later that calling came to be.  God has done amazing things and has molded Chad into the man that he is today. Chad got married in 1997 and has been heard to say “I won the lottery of life when I married Carol”.  He’s been blessed to have three children whose names are Cayden, Cora and Cohen.  He believes parenting may be the best seminary training of all.  

In 2006 he felt called to learn about Jesus in His context.  He traveled to Israel 3 times following that leading which has ignited a passion for the Word and its many treasures. God has grown Chad in ministry by allowing him to be a part of planting two churches in the Minneapolis area: The Rock and The Urban Refuge. In 2003 Chad was brought on full time as a music director. In 2007 he began speaking on a regular basis and in January 2009 he was raised up as a Pastor.  

As a pastor, Chad’s main responsibilities include: Teaching, worship director, counseling and overseeing the Kids Against Hunger program which was started in March 2008. Chad has deep passion for serving Christ by being a part of reweaving what has been unwoven in the world. 

Contact Chad

What kind of church is The Urban Refuge?

We are a contemporary, nondenominational, evangelical Christian church. We are affiliated with Great Commission Association and the Willow Creek Association of Churches. Our vision is to attract others to Christ in all that we do. That vision fills every aspect of our programs and ministry so that you experience it in ways that are tangible, practical and meaningful.

Does The Urban Refuge have more than one location?

Yes! The Urban Refuge is a part of Evergreen Community Church. There are five locations throughout the Twin Cities-- Evergreen-Lakeville, Evergreen-West, Evergreen-Bloomington, The Rock and The Urban Refuge. The three Evergreens have a contemporary format and a casual style, meeting the needs of families and singles. The Rock is twenty-something church meeting in Uptown Minneapolis that is designed to meet the needs of students, young couples and singles. You can learn more about our locations visiting the "Locations" tab in the navigation menu.

Although we meet in five different locations throughout the Twin Cities, Evergreen is just one church. We operate according to the same church by-laws, are financially supported as one organization and all members become members of the same church. We chose this strategy to keep our leadership team together, maximize office efficiency and create a greater sense of unity in our mission to reach the Twin Cities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What is a small group?

Small groups are one of the most vital functions of the church. In small groups people have the chance to meet each other’s needs as they develop relationships. It’s easy to get involved in an Urban Refuge small group. You can visit the information table at the weekend service to pick up a brochure listing open groups or contact the office at 612-33-URBAN.

How can I become a member?

Church membership is an important step for any growing Christian. We offer a new member seminar held periodically throughout the year that covers the history, philosophy and strategy of The Urban Refuge, your purpose in life, your personal walk with God as well as basic Christian principles. God wants you to be involved with the greatest and most fulfilling work on this earth, and that work is taking place in the church! This seminar will give you an opportunity to become a member in God’s church and become united with other believers as we pursue God’s will together, growing in our faith and impacting our world.

How do I obtain a recording of the messages?

All teachings are recorded and available from our media library. Reviewing past messages reinforces what you’ve already heard and can help you grow in your spiritual life. You can listen while commuting, cleaning, exercising — the possibilities are endless. Click here for our online messages. If you would like to purchase a CD of a message, place your order by calling the media center at 952-564-3772.

The Urban Refuge is located at 5501 Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis. We're on the corner of 55th Street and Chicago Avenue.

Directions from I-35W From the South:

Take 35W north to Diamond Lake Road. Turn right (east) at the ramp onto Diamond Lake Road. At Portland Avenue, a T-intersection, turn right (south). Take your immediate left (east) onto 55th Street. Follow to Chicago Avenue. The Urban Refuge will be on your right. A parking lot is located on the south side of the building.

From the North:

Take 35W south to Diamond Lake Road. Turn left (east) at the ramp onto Diamond Lake Road. At Portland Avenue, a T-intersection, turn right (south). Take your immediate left (east) onto 55th Street. Follow to Chicago Avenue. The Urban Refuge will be on your right. A parking lot is located on the south side of the building.

Directions from Hwy 77:

Take Hwy 77 to Cnty Rd 62 West. Exit off on Portland Ave and travel north to 55th Street. Take a right and go three blocks to Chicago Avenue. The Urban Refuge will be on your right. A parking lot is located on the south side of the building.

Directions from Hwy 62

Take Hwy 62 to the Portland Ave exit (which is west of Hwy 77-Cedar Ave and east of 35W). Go north on Portland Ave to 55th St. Take a right (east) on 55th St to Chicago Ave. The Urban Refuge will be on your right side.

sundays at 10:00 am, 55th & chicago ave.

BRINGING SHALOM

One of the main messages that we would like to communicate at our weekend service is our need as a church to bring Shalom to the city. Maybe you're asking “What is Shalom?” The common translation for Shalom is the word "peace". However, it’s broader than that. Shalom refers to peace in all areas of one's life, so this entails physical, mental and of course spiritual.

Now, not only do we want to communicate the need to bring shalom to the city at our weekend service but our main hope is to experience shalom as a community at the service. A few ways we do this is by singing together, learning together and just being together.

If you broke it down to the bare minimum it might look like this:

• The teachings bring shalom because they give us direction for life.

• The music brings shalom because it heals and expresses our need for a savior.

• Community brings shalom because it reminds us that we are not alone.

Try our weekend services for a few weeks and see if you experience shalom for yourself.

the shalom of kids!

Seems like society has made kids out to be something that just needs to be tolerated. However, when you read the Bible you find that Jesus had a special place for them in his heart and used them as examples often.

Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:13 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

“For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these?” Wow, that's a big statement; and it’s one we don't take it lightly. We believe our Promiseland Kids Program volunteers 'get' what Jesus was talking about when He made those statements. We aim to include children as part of the whole by having families worship together at the start of our service while recognizing their need to learn about God at a level they can digest and allowing them to be kids during our Promiseland Kids Program during the message portion of the service. Ultimately, our hope is that our church will be a place that builds shalom within your family.

Discovery Years & 252  – For kids 3 years old to 5th grade.

Nursery Program  - For kids 0-3 available during the entire church service.

After the service, we'd love to meet you!

After the service is over, feel free to chat for a few minutes, then enjoy some free refreshments and an opportunity to make some new friends.

Hear a sample of our weekend messages

All of the weekend messages are recorded and are available after the service on CD or cassette tape. Stop by the Urban Refuge Resources table to pick up a copy, and pick up an extra to give to a friend. You can also listen or download our messages for free on our Media Center.

Our location

The Urban Refuge meets at 5501 Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis. We're on the corner of 55th Street and Chicago Avenue. View a map and get driving directions.

sundays at 10:00 am, 55th & chicago ave.

BRINGING SHALOM

One of the main messages that we would like to communicate at our weekend service is our need as a church to bring Shalom to the city. Maybe you're asking “What is Shalom?” The common translation for Shalom is the word "peace". However, it’s broader than that. Shalom refers to peace in all areas of one's life, so this entails physical, mental and of course spiritual.

Now, not only do we want to communicate the need to bring shalom to the city at our weekend service but our main hope is to experience shalom as a community at the service. A few ways we do this is by singing together, learning together and just being together.

If you broke it down to the bare minimum it might look like this:

• The teachings bring shalom because they give us direction for life.

• The music brings shalom because it heals and expresses our need for a savior.

• Community brings shalom because it reminds us that we are not alone.

Try our weekend services for a few weeks and see if you experience shalom for yourself.

the shalom of kids!

Seems like society has made kids out to be something that just needs to be tolerated. However, when you read the Bible you find that Jesus had a special place for them in his heart and used them as examples often.

Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:13 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

“For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these?” Wow, that's a big statement; and it’s one we don't take it lightly. We believe our Promiseland Kids Program volunteers 'get' what Jesus was talking about when He made those statements. We aim to include children as part of the whole by having families worship together at the start of our service while recognizing their need to learn about God at a level they can digest and allowing them to be kids during our Promiseland Kids Program during the message portion of the service. Ultimately, our hope is that our church will be a place that builds shalom within your family.

Discovery Years & 252  – For kids 3 years old to 5th grade.

Nursery Program  - For kids 0-3 available during the entire church service.

After the service, we'd love to meet you!

After the service is over, feel free to chat for a few minutes, then enjoy some free refreshments and an opportunity to make some new friends.

Hear a sample of our weekend messages

All of the weekend messages are recorded and are available after the service on CD at our Welcome Table. You can also listen or download our messages for free on our Media Center.

Our location

The Urban Refuge meets at 5501 Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis. We're on the corner of 55th Street and Chicago Avenue. View a map and get driving directions.