Community Life
This area focuses on how to understand, cultivate, and maintain the community of God. You’ll find ways to connect through community events, groups, and classes exploring a wide range of topics.

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Thursday, September 14 from 6:30–9pm
In Person | Shepherd of the Valley | No Cost | Register at sotv.org/events
Minnesota continues to have some of the worst racial disparities in the nation. Jim Crow of the North charts the progression of racist policies and practices in real estate from the advent of restrictive covenants after the turn of the last century, their elimination in the 1960s, through to the lasting impact on our cities today. Join for an optional discussion following the movie.
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Monday, September 18 from 6:30–8pm
In Person | Prince of Peace | No Cost | Register at popmn.org/register
Topics include: Five factors to consider when deciding to apply for benefits; when it makes sense to delay benefits—and when it does not; innovative strategies for coordinating benefits with your spouse; and how to coordinate Social Security with your other forms of retirement income. Rolf White (owner and lead collaborator of Business and Family Advisors LLC) is licensed in MN and WI and has been in business for over 20 years.
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Tuesday, September 19 from 1–3pm
In Person | Shepherd of the Valley | No Cost | Register at sotv.org/events
Library manager, Jeanne Bielke-Rodenbiker, will give a presentation about the Minnesota Genealogical Society and the library, explaining the many unique resources, such as vertical files, manuscript collections, school records, and voting records. She will also talk about how you can become a member and volunteer. Sponsored by the Purposeful Retirement Ancestry Affinity Group.
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Thursday, September 21 from 6:30–8:30pm
Hybrid | Shepherd of the Valley | No Cost | Register at sotv.org/events
This book by Resmaa Menakem informs us about how past and current traumas impact society and changes DNA, impacting the “fight, flee, or freeze” responses. My Grandmother’s Hands is a call to action for all of us to recognize that racism is not only about the head, but about the body, and introduces an alternative view of what we can do to grow beyond our entrenched racialized divide. He provides several tools for healing our society (individually and collectively) from the sin of slavery. Purchase book on your own ahead of the discussion.
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Tuesdays, September 26–October 10 from 1–2:30pm
In Person | Prince of Peace | No Cost | Register at popmn.org/register
September 26: Burnsville Police will be here to talk about safety for seniors in our community. They will discuss frequently reported issues, including identity theft, mail fraud, and internet & phone scams. You’ll have time to ask our local law enforcement about how you can stay safe and aware.
October 3: Chuck Squires, retired VP in business development, avid volunteer, and adventurer will help us think about how to shape (or reshape) retirement. He is eager to share experiences and encourage us as to why being semi- retired or retired can be rewarding. We will talk about finding new possibilities for learning and giving back as we journey into the next season of life. Participants are welcome to ask questions, share their own stories, and add to our dialog.
October 10: Dr. Ken Joslyn, MD, MPH, semi-retired physician with a 50+ year career in medicine, will join us for a conversation around screenings that pertain to seniors. In the age of prevention, we now have many options and many guidelines about what, when, and how to stay healthy through preventive screening tests--and it can be confusing. Dr. Joslyn will share best practices and evidence-based answers around screenings and tests.
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Tuesdays, September 26–October 24 from 6:30–8:30pm
In Person | Prince of Peace | No Cost | Register at popmn.org/register
This course is a fun and easy way to help those with chronic illness deal with the stress, fatigue, frustration and pain that are common for people who live with chronic conditions. You will gain the self-confidence to manage your illness as you discover and believe in the possibility of abundant life through hope, strength, joy and anticipation for a future filled with promise. Marilyn Tubbs has been a lay minister at POP for over 40 years and has had Rheumatoid Arthritis all of her adult life. Pat Kasell has worked in health care for 35 years focusing on healthy education and behavior change. Register before September 15. Limited to 30 people.
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Starting in October, Dates and Time TBD
In Person | Easter | No Cost | Registration at easter.org/justice
Many of us have good intentions, working hard to welcome immigrants with hospitality and solidarity. But how can we do that in a way that empowers our immigrant neighbors rather than pushing them to the fringes of white-dominant culture? Karen Gonzalez draws from the Bible and her own personal experiences to examine why the traditional approach to immigration ministries and activism is at best incomplete and at worst harmful.
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Thursday, October 12 from 6:30–9pm
In Person | Shepherd of the Valley | No Cost | Register at sotv.org/events
This 2022 movie tells the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who was brutally lynched in 1955 while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. She worked to expose the racism behind the attack and bring those involved to justice. Join us for an optional discussion following the movie.
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Tuesday, October 17 from 6:30–8pm
In Person | Prince of Peace | No Cost | Register at popmn.org/register
You’ll learn how the current tax system, Social Security rules, and other factors interact to either cost or save you money. We will discuss what an effective marginal tax rate is and why it matters more than your tax bracket and how the timing of withdrawals from different retirement income accounts impacts what you keep and what you pay in taxes. Rolf White (owner and lead collaborator of Business and Family Advisors LLC) is licensed in MN and WI and has been in business for over 20 years.
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Tuesday, October 24 from 1–3pm
In Person | Shepherd of the Valley | No Cost | Register at sotv.org/events
Have you wondered how best to digitize your vintage photos and other ancestral material to preserve and make them available to other family members? Paul Falde will provide guidance and examples of an approach to accomplish this. Sponsored by the Purposeful Retirement Ancestry Affinity Group.
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Wednesday, October 25 from 6–7pm
In Person | Easter | No Cost | Register at easter.org/families
A fun and safe way to enjoy Halloween, this event will happen rain, snow or shine. If needed, we will go inside. Kids wear a costume and stroll through the decorated trunks in the parking lot while gathering treats, tricks, or trinkets! This event is held at the Easter by the Lake location.
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Saturday, October 28 from 10–11:30am
In Person | Prince of Peace Parking Lot | No Cost, walk-in event
This is an annual community event celebrating the less spooky fun of Halloween. There will be outdoor games, activities and plenty of spots for tricks or treats. Inclement weather may move the event indoors. To volunteer, contact Dawn at dridgway@popmn.org.
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Thursday, November 9 from 6:30–9pm
In Person | Shepherd of the Valley | No Cost | Register at sotv.org/events
In 2006, eighteen-year-old Jamal Malik, an Indian Muslim from the Juhu slum of Mumbai, is a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Before answering the final question, he is detained and tortured by the police, who suspect him of cheating. Through a series of flashbacks, Jamal recounts the incidents in his life that provided him with each answer. Join us for an optional discussion following the movie.
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Thursday, November 16 from 6:30–8:30pm | Register at sotv.org/events
Hybrid | Shepherd of the Valley | No Cost, purchase book on your own
From the 1840s through the end of the Civil War, southern slaveholders and their wealth were invited into the free state of Minnesota as investors and property owners. Author Christopher Lehman has brought to light this hidden history of northern complicity in building slaveholder wealth.
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Saturday, December 9 at 9:30am
In Person | Easter | No Cost | Register at easter.org/families
Get in the Christmas spirit by hearing the Christmas story in a whole new way through skits, music and games. Everyone is invited so gather your family, friends and neighbors! It’s an experience you will never forget! This event is held at the Easter by the Lake location.
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Thursday, December 14 from 6:30–9pm
In Person | Shepherd of the Valley | No Cost | sotv.org/events
In this documentary produced by Malala, a U.S. Marine plots a terrorist attack on a small-town American mosque. His plan takes an unexpected turn when he comes face-to-face with the people he is about to kill, forcing him to confront his own actions. Join for an optional discussion following the movie.
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Wednesdays, starting in September at 11:30am
No need to sign up, just bring a mat! Classes taught by registered yoga instructor, Linda Emeott. All ages and genders welcome! This class is held at the Easter on the Hill location.
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In Person | Prince of Peace | Varying dates and times September–May
MOPS is an opportunity for moms with infants, toddlers and preschoolers to experience a supportive community through activities and guest speakers. Moms Next offers the same supportive community for moms with children in grades K-5. More info at popmn.org/registration/mops.
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Thursdays starting October 5 from 9:30–11am | In Person
Easter | No Cost or Registration
Kids 5 and under with a grown up are invited to play, run, and join Bible Story circle time. Free coffee and tea for adults! This class is held at the Easter by the Lake location.
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Schulze Beach Trailhead, 860 Cliff Road | Saturdays at 10am
Info at easter.org/manup
Enjoy hiking and fellowship!
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3rd Monday at 6:30pm | All Year In Person | Eagan, MN
Enjoy a meal and study the Bible together. More information and location at easter.org/manup.
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2nd Saturdays at 8am
In Person | Easter | No Cost
Connect with other men and grow in faith together. Each gathering includes a speaker who shares their faith journey, a Bible study and more. More info at easter.org/manup. This event is held at the Easter on the Hill location.
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3rd Mondays at 6:30 pm
In Person | Prince of Peace
Single people are invited to meet others through activities such as visiting restaurants or attending local performances. Our monthly meetings last about an hour. New members welcome! Contact Marlene Robertson at 952-942-7046 or marrobe@usfamily.net.
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2nd & 4th Thursdays from 10-11:30am | No Cost
In Person | Prince of Peace
Senior adults are invited to savor life together as we embrace the well-being of aging. Contact Marilyn Tubbs at mmtubbs@aol.com or 952-890-1723.
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Shepherd of the Valley
More info at sotv.org/events
This group hosts a variety of service, learning, and social events at SOTV and locally.
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Shepherd of the Valley
sotv.org/purposeful-retirement
Find new purpose in the next chapter of life by learning new things and helping others. Enjoy monthly presentations and small group discussion.
Optional affinity groups are centered on specific interests including ancestry, biking, book clubs, cards, downsizing, knitting, legacy, lunch, pickleball, travel, and service. Anyone nearing retirement or already retired is welcome.
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Prince of Peace
This member-led group focuses on justice issues in our community. Contact Jay at jayolstad@gmail.com or Emily at ehagen@popmn.org.
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Shepherd of the Valley
This group focuses on issues of racial injustice. We educate, equip, and empower advocates for racial equity and justice to be active ministers of healing and unity in our community. Contact Julie at julie.opheim@sotv.org.