Summer/Fall Small Groups
Small groups for summer have started, but this page gives you a chance to see the types of small groups typically offered through Incarnation. Plans for fall small groups are underway and this page will be updated as each new group is ready to go. We look forward to a vibrant fall of connecting with one another and with God.
Contact Small Group Ministry to register or find out more about new small groups.
Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings Small Group
The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus and his message as full of tender compassion and urgent warning. This group will dive into Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings by Matthew Skinner (Luther Seminary). Learn what the Gospel of Matthew meant when it was first written, what it means for today, and how it calls us to God’s work. Order your copy of the book through Amazon or Abingdon Press. Led by Mike Styba. Register: Small Group Ministry.
When/Where: Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Incarnation
Dates: 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5
The Saint John’s Bible Small Group
This summer group has filled, but to express interest or find out more send an email to: Small Group Ministry.
Explore the illuminations (artwork) and calligraphy (written text) of The Saint John’s Bible. Hear how this illuminated Bible was created and how it is being used at Incarnation and in the community to ignite spiritual imaginations. Experience the faith practice of Visio Divina to see and hear how the illuminations speak to you and to others. Led by Grant Rykken. This is an exceptional opportunity – Incarnation has a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible (one of only 300 copies). Past group members have found this small group to be rich with insights and information.
Also check out Incarnation’s webpage on The Saint John’s Bible.
When/Where: Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Incarnation
Dates: 6/25, 7/9, 7/23, 8/6, 8/13
Creation Care – Evening Summer Small Group
What would a Christ-centered view of creation look like? This short, summer small group will learn about creation care, while also connecting with one another. The group will use “Our Kairos Moment”, a study based on the ELCA’s social message “Earth’s Climate Crisis.” What is our place in creation and how is our story in creation part of God’s larger creation story? How is creation care connected to public health, agricultural challenges, care for the vulnerable and other concerns. What are some next steps to care for the earth and for one another? How do we answer climate anxiety with hope by being agents of change? Facilitators: Mike Vant and Nancy Stutzman. Register: nancystutzman@comcast.net.
When/Where: Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at Incarnation
Dates: 7/8, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5
Note: To view or download a copy of the study guide use the link below. If you’d like a printed copy, connect with Nancy Stutzman when you register or with Small Group Ministry.
View and download Our Kairos Moment Study Guide
The Way of Love: Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life
How do we shape our life in a way that follows Jesus? Explore and try out intentional faith practices that guide us closer to a Christ-centered life. This group will use a faith study created by the Episcopal Church with Bishop Michael Curry. You’ll see engaging videos that illustrate how others are living out each faith practice creatively in real life today. Join with others in learning about and trying faith practices to deepen your faith. Facilitators: Mary DeJarlais and Denise Floe. Register: Small Group Ministry. For more information: incarnationmn.org and enter “new small groups” in the search bar.
When/Where: Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m., at Incarnation
Dates: 6/26, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31
Casual Biking Fellowship Group
Enjoy being out in God’s beautiful creation on summer Saturday mornings. Bike at a casual pace, while experiencing creation and connecting with others who enjoy biking. This fellowship group will take easy to moderate trails around the Twin Cities, taking a break mid-point for a devotion and prayer led by the group leaders. See and hear the sights and sounds of local trails, including the group’s fun, informal conversations.
This group will bike for 2-3 hours, covering up to 20 miles (approximately 10 mph). There will also be a one-time service project opportunity. Besides a bike, riders will want to bring a helmet, water, cell phone, sunscreen, and a spare tire tube. Group members will need to drive to and meet at each trailhead. Designed for adults. While space is limited, this fellowship biking group will be a larger size than most small groups. Register with Claudia Wiebold (group leader) at: crwiebold@gmail.com.
When: Saturdays, 8:30 am-12 noon, June and August
Dates: 6/29, 8/3, 8/17
Hiking Fellowship Group for Men
Connect with others who share your interest in hiking and check out a selection of local trails. This small group for men will meet once a month, at Incarnation, and travel to nearby trails. The hikes will be at a moderate pace, starting with a short distance of 2-3 miles. Spend time outdoors on summer evenings in beautiful Minnesota and get to know other hikers. There will also be time for informal conversations and devotions, led by Mark Oswood, the group leader. To register or for more information: Small Group Ministry
When/Where: Once/month on Tuesdays, 6:15-8:30 p.m.
Dates: 6/25, 7/30, 8/27, 9/24
Frequently Offered Small Groups
Tell us you’re interested and we will let you know about the next opportunity. Contact Small Group Ministry.
Living with Purpose in the Life Stage of Retirement – Small Group
If you’re recently retired, considering retirement or want to reflect on your existing retirement, this is the small group for you. We will focus on many of the non-financial aspects that will make your retirement successful and purpose-driven. We will not discuss financial planning for retirement. We will be using the book, How to Retire Happy, Wild and Free and supplement with other resources. Retirement is certainly not one-size-fits-all, but this group is a chance to learn from the questions and considerations of others in the group.
We would like to hear about your interest in future groups on the life stage of retirement. Contact Small Group Ministry.
Creation Care–Responding to Climate Change 
We would like to hear about your interest in future groups on Creation Care. Contact Small Group Ministry.
How are we to respond to climate change? Do small, everyday actions make any difference? How do we understand our role in both large-scale actions and small-scale steps? In a small group context, read and talk about Responding to Climate Change, a publication from the Christian Century, with short chapters and engaging questions. The small group will study and discuss God’s call to care for creation, along with exploring ways to put faith into action. All ages and backgrounds are welcome to join. If you are interested but unable to attend, use this resource for self-study or in another group and/or let us know of your interest in future groups. This is a new group, based on a popular offering last fall, using a new resource. Leader: Mike Vant. Find out more about the resource at: christiancentury.org/free-guide-climate-change.
Weekly/Seasonal Sunday Morning Small Groups
Connect with others to explore short readings, engage in conversation, and try out new faith practices. Sunday morning small groups are open to all and designed especially for those new to Incarnation. They are easy-to-do with no preparation needed and a short commitment, usually meeting for only 3-5 gatherings. Groups typically meet from 10:00-11:15 a.m. (after the 9:00 a.m. worship service) at Incarnation. Groups begin throughout the year. To find out more about upcoming groups, contact Denise Floe at dfloe@incarnationmn.org.
When/Where: Sunday mornings, 10:00-11:15 a.m., at Incarnation
Monthly Sunday Morning Small Group
This group is intentionally designed for those who are new to small groups OR to Incarnation OR looking for a once/month opportunity to connect with others. The group uses a variety of faith studies that are selected and facilitated by the group leader, Grant Rykken. Sunday mornings are a convenient, easy-to-do time to gather with others to connect and grow deeper. The group meets from 10:00-11:15 a.m. Find out more or register: Small Group Ministry.
When/Where: Once/month on Sundays, 10:00-11:15 a.m., at Incarnation
More On-Going Small Groups…
Connect with an on-going small group interested in adding more people. Many of these groups will restart in Fall 2025.
Monday Evening Small Group
Topic: Connect around a variety of faith topics and fellowship (men and women)
When/Where: Once/month on Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., restarting in Fall 2025
Leader: Tracy Strantz
More information: dfloe@incarnationmn.org
Knitting/Needlework Small Group
Topic: Bring your own knitting/needlework and share in a short devotion
When/Where: Once/month on Mondays, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Incarnation (Zoom option available), restarting in Fall 2025
Leader: Ruth Tillquist
More information: ruth@tillquist.net
Thursday Evening Small Group for Women
Topic: Book study and fellowship/service activities for women (primarily moms of middle/high school students)
When/Where: Twice/month on Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m., restarting in Fall 2025
Leaders: Sonya Wilson and Elizabeth Nelson
More information: wilsonsj@gmail.com
Connecting Threads Small Group
Topic: Bring your own needlework projects (knitting, embroidery…)
When/Where: Once/month on Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m., restarting in Fall 2025
Leader: Cindy Spellman
More information: rooskie0825@gmail.com
More Ways to Connect
Visit the Faith Formation area of this website to find out about more group opportunities and other ways to connect with other people, as you deepen your faith.
Visit the Serve area of this website to find out about the many ways to connect with others as you serve in the community or at Incarnation.
How do I sign-up?
Tell us you’re interested in a small group by contacting Denise Floe, Director of Small Group Ministry, at dfloe@incarnationmn.org.