Giving Hope, Growing Love

Hope thrives where love is nurtured—and in a world where LGBTQ+ lives are under relentless attack, we need both now more than ever. That’s why the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ is proud to participate in Give OUT Day 2025, the only national day of giving dedicated to LGBTQ+ causes.

Early giving begins May 22. Give OUT Day is June 5.

Together, we can transform lives and create a world where all are welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated. Every $10 gift strengthens the movement for LGBTQ+ inclusion in church and community, ensuring that love and justice prevail over fear and discrimination.

Every gift, every share, and every friend you invite helps us give hope and grow love.

Gender Identity: The Basics

On Tuesday, June 10 at 7  p.m. Merie Kirby will present an introduction to the many forms of gender identity people claim.  This event is one of Family of God’s contributions to 2025 PRIDE in the Grand Cities.  Please invite anyone interested.  On Tuesday, July 8 at 7 p.m. Roxanne Moore will read from her book Out of the Blue, the story of her family’s journey with their transgender son.  These two events are held at Family of God and may become a Tuesday series for Allies - people who want to support the LGBTQIA+ community well and would like better information on how to do that.  If you would like to help develop future events, please let Gretchen know.

Online Giving Now Available

Thank you for your generosity and your willingness to support Family of God Church.

Online giving is now available and provides a safe and secure way to make financial contributions to Family of God’s mission. This is an easy and convenient way to make one-time and recurring gifts. Monthly giving offers a sustainable way to support our ongoing efforts, ensuring we can confidently plan and execute our services.

Family of God serves the community through service and making our building available to community groups. Financial gifts make our work possible. Thank you for your support.

Click on the link below to give.

Unforgettables Concert

You are invited to the Unforgettables Concert on May 14, 2025 at 11:00 am at Calvary Lutheran Church 1405 S. 9th St.  Lunch will be served following the concert for a free will donation to support the choir. 

The Unforgettables Choir is a 50 voice community chorus for people living with memory loss, early to middle stage dementia of any type, and a care partner. We rehearse weekly (Sept-May) and celebrate at the end of each session by presenting a concert for the community. 

Great Plains Harmony

For the first time in years, 4-part a cappella gospel harmony returns to Grand Forks.

Fargo/Moorhead’s award-winning chorus, Great Plains Harmony, will present its annual gospel show “There’s a Meet’n Here Tonight” on Thursday, May 22 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks  – 1405 S. 9th St. – at 7:30 pm.

Great Plains Harmony is under the direction of Mark McLaurin, well known for teaching music at schools in Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Grafton, and Minto.

The concert also features gospel music performances by audience-favorite quartet Fallcreek and newly formed quartets, Nightcap, Mannhaven St., & Senior Moments.

Tickets are available at the door, or on-line at GreatPlainsHarmony.org

Around Our Table

Saturday, April 26, 2025
Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S 9th St,Grand Forks, ND
Doors open at 9:30. | Brunch at 10 a.m.
Online quilt auctions ends at 12 p.m.

The Valley Senior Living Foundation host's the 10th Annual Around Our Table. This church and individual sponsored event will consist of beautifully decorated tables

Join us online for our Second Annual Quilt Online Silent Auction from April 18th - April 26th.

All proceeds support the Chaplaincy Ministry Program at Valley Senior Living. Pastoral Care and the Chaplaincy Ministry Program at Valley Senior Living were born out of a strong tradition of spirituality, At Valley Senior Living we are committed to the wellness of the body and spirt. This commitment to the spirituality of our residents sets Valley Senior Living apart form similar organizations. It is an essential part of the bond which holds our care communities together. 

Our Chaplaincy Program provides these services to residents and family members:
- Worship Service
- Support At End Of Life
- One-On-One Visits
- Bible Studies
- Advances Healthcare Directives

Trans Day of Visibility

Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.

International TDOV was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall. Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, established TDOV to create a day where people could re-focus on celebrating the lives of transgender people, empowering them to live authentically, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible.

This TDOV, let us celebrate and show support for the lives and contributions of trans people and uplift the voices of those in the community.

Monday, March 31, 2025
6:00 PM 8:00 PM
Christus Rex
3012 University Avenue, Grand Forks, ND

Are Human Rights Thriving in North Dakota?

Sadness can become Resolve.
Pain can become Action.
Outrage can become Hope.

ND Human Rights Coalition Grand Forks Chapter stands in opposition to hate, extremism and any movement that attacks democracy and liberty. Regardless of the underlying ”ism,” hate is hate and it is unacceptable to target a person or group for inherent characteristics such as race, gender, identity, or religion. Extremism is a growing area of concern in North Dakota.

Our Mission

Welcome to NDHRC, where we strive to empower individuals and organizations to become effective advocates for human rights. Our mission is to promote and protect human rights, supporting those who have been marginalized and working towards fostering a more inclusive and just society. Join us in creating a world where everyone's rights are respected and upheld.

Our Coalition is… a community acting from intention and purpose.

Our Coalition has… a foundation of shared values concerning justice, equity and inclusion.

Our Coalition wants… a state and a world where the fundamental rights of all beings are respected and supported in law and in practice.

Our Coalition needs… membership made up of compassionate people and organizations who care about the health of North Dakota’s land and its people.

Our Coalitions envisions… achieving a voice powerful enough to be heard by all.

What We Do

  • Monitor bills introduced in the ND Legislature

  • Take a stand on key legislation through testimony, outreach by members, and social media

  • Receive and log reports of hate actions, discrimination complaints, and other information, and determine if additional Coalition action is appropriate

  • Monitor national issues for their impacts on the people of North Dakota, such as refugee rights, tribal sovereignty or the rollback of established rights

  • Coordinate and promote summits, trainings, speakers, and other educational forums on the many aspects of human rights work

  • Serve as the primary sponsor and home for the annual LGBTQ+ summit, the Human Rights Summit and the Arc of Justice Awards

You are invited to join the ND Human Rights Coalition and local human rights advocates at The 701, 33 South 3rd St., Grand Forks, ND the second Saturday of each month, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Join us as we connect and organize to create a better community through furthering human rights.

Refugee Settlement Update

We welcome you to join us for an update on refugee resettlement. We will share the impact of recent changes to our work, and how you can help support Global Friends and newcomers during these uncertain times.  Church World Service, of which we are an affiliate, is passing on information to us as they learn the impacts of federal funding on refugee resettlement. We will share as much as possible. 

Music provided by Ron Franz  |  Appetizers will be available

Changing Lives

Thank you Family of God for partnering with North Country Food Bank to help save hunger!

The warmth of your generosity has been felt by families and individuals all across northwest and central Minnesota. You helped them even though you will probably never meet them, and they will never be able to tell you how much they appreciate you.

On behalf of the children, seniors, and families nourished by your support, thank you. We hope you feel their heartfelt love and appreciation.

Spud-Tacular!

The annual East Grand Forks Music Booster fundraiser Spud-Tacular will be held on Monday, March 3, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the East Grand Forks Senior High School gym and cafeteria. Enjoy student performances throughout the evening. Free will donation for potato bar. Pies sold by the slice and themed raffle baskets and baked goods are also available. (Food served from 4:30 - 7 p.m.) Proceeds benefit the East Grand Forks music program.

Cancer Support Group

First meeting February 16, 2025

Have you been impacted
by any type of cancer?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Please join us at the
Cancer Support Group.

Share with people who understand what you’re going through in a comforting place to receive support, give strength and share. This will be an informal group which will not offer medical advice. Open to all cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and support people.

Meeting times are at 4:30 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at Family of God Church. For more information please contact Patrick and Rody Schultz at 701-203-6058 or Gretchen Graf at 218-791-8687.

Holiday Giving

11 different items were included in each bag for the homeless.

Our children in grades K-10 meet monthly to enjoy supper, games and a mission project.  We recently gathered together at the church and wrapped gifts for Valley Senior Living residents in pillow cases made by Family of God Crafters.  We also filled 24 bags of personal care items to be given through Homeless Helpers to those who are provided shelter in area hotels.

Social Workers Appreciation Luncheon

Wednesday Kids are proud of the great job they did decorating for the lunch to thank area social workers!

Family of God hosted an appreciation luncheon to say thanks to all the social workers in the community who support folks in crisis and help us share our Community Fund.  We served homemade soups and breads for a buffet lunch on Thursday, November 14 to 45 area social workers.

Ready to welcome social workers to lunch. We served 45 people and they said they felt appreciated.

LaGrave Appreciation Event

As we came to the end of our meal ministry at LaGrave, the folks planned great meals for a strong finish.  A closing celebration to thank all the volunteers who have made this project possible was held November 3, at LaGrave on First for all who have helped cook and serve meals over the 5+ years of this ministry.

Fall Afternoon Dance Series 2024

North Country Fiddle and Dance
Fall Afternoon Dance Series 2024

2:00 to 4:30 pm
East Grand Forks Senior Center  
538 Rhinehart Dr. S.E.

Saturday, October 26

Tickwood String Band
Caller : Jeanne O'Neil

Saturday, November 23

Leatherwood String Band
Caller : Jeanne O'Neil

Live Music!  All Join Hands! All ages; families, couples, singles; Reels, squares, circle mixers and more...   all dances are taught and easy to learn.

Saturday, December 7

Concert with The O'Neil Family Band
Christmas and Mid-Winter Carols and Songs- 2:00 to 3:00 pm 

Donations
at the door

Overcoming Racism Conference

Identifying concrete steps toward repairing the harm of racism

Welcome to the Overcoming Racism Conference!

Date: Friday, November 8, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. CST. Doors at 8 a.m.

Location: Northland Community College, 2022 Central Avenue Northwest, East Grand Forks, MN 56721

Registration: Open to the public. Tickets: $5 - Morning session; $5 - Afternoon session. Lunch included. Click link below or email communityconnectionsmn@gmail.com

Join us for a day of insightful discussions and meaningful connections as we work together towards a more inclusive society. This event is a great opportunity to be part of the change we want to see in the world. Let's come together to create a brighter future for all!

Live Stream Speakers and Panel
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Pamela Ngunjiri is co-director of racial justice at the Minnesota Council of Churches and the current pastor if St, James AME Church in St. Paul, MN

James Bear Jacobs is the creator of Healing Minnesota Storiess, Minnesota Council of Churches, which is dedicated to sharing Native American voices.

Afternoon Speaker and Panel
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Linsey McMurrin, executive director of Peacemaker Resources, will discuss historical trauma and how it impacts our lives, our bodies and our relationships.

Scholarships and CEUs available.

Rise Up for Women's Rights

You're invited to our Rise Up For Women's Rights event on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Archives Coffee House, 3012 University Avenue, Grand Forks, ND.

We're excited to energize and mobilize women for the upcoming election, especially around women's rights! Our hope is that the event creates community. as well as serves as an entry point to help out D18 & D42 in the last few weeks.

We'll have complimentary breakfast snacks & coffee, Planned Parenthood merch, postcards to encourage voting, build your own trucker hat, a legislative update, feminist art for purchase, and a few speeches from community leaders to get folks energized. We're looking forward to a great event!