Ally Support Group
Join us on the second Tuesday of the month at Family of God Church for an hour of learning and encouragement in support of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and friends. Check our calendar for the most current program.
On Tuesday, October 14, 7 p.m., Fr. Harvey Henderson from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will discuss Christian Nationalism and its impact on safety for the community.
Grand Forks Pride
Grand Forks Pride is an annual event that celebrates the diversity of Greater Grand Forks. Join us in celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with events open and inviting to all.
Grand Forks Pride will take place from September 7th through September 14th, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a week full of exciting events. On September 13th, we will host Pride in the Park—a fun vendor fair and community gathering—followed by a dance in the evening, which we are hoping to hold at the American Legion in East Grand Forks. The week will culminate with the very first-ever Grand Forks Pride Parade on September 14th in downtown Grand Forks. Join them for this historic and vibrant celebration of unity, pride, and inclusivity! Learn more here:
PRIDE Worship
Sep 07, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Christus Rex Lutheran Campus Center and Tabula Coffehouse, 3012 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND
A welcoming Pride-themed worship service with participation from multiple local churches, followed by a community meal.
Library Craft Night – PRIDE Beads
Sep 08, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2110 Library Cir, Grand Forks, ND
Come get creative with Perler beads! Make pride-themed bead art and take home your creations. Supplies provided.
Trans Panel
Sep 09, 2025, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Family of God Church, 327 5th Ave SE, East Grand Forks, MN
Hear directly from trans individuals in the Grand Forks area. Panelists will share experiences, answer questions, and offer insight on local trans issues.
PRIDE Bingo
Sep 10, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Christus Rex Campus Center, 3012 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND
Join us for a fun-filled Pride Bingo evening packed with laughter, connection, and community! Whether you’re a bingo pro or playing for the very first time, this event is all about coming together and enjoying quality time.
PRIDE BBQ & Open Mic Night
Sep 12, 2025, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Christus Rex Lutheran Campus Center and Tabula Coffehouse, 3012 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND
BBQ and community meal outside, with open mic performances inside. Share your voice, poetry, music, or stories in a supportive space.
PRIDE in the Park
Sep 13, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kittson Ave, Grand Forks, ND
18+ PRIDE Mixer
Sep 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
American Legion, 1009 Central Ave NW, East Grand Forks, MN
Dance the night away at this Pride-themed party! Music, lights, and fun for LGBTQIA+ adults and allies.
PRIDE Parade
Sep 14, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:10 PM
1 S 3rd St, Grand Forks, ND
PRIDE Drag Show
Sept 20, 7:00 PM
TBA
Good Trouble Lives On: A National Day of Action
Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.
-JOHN LEWIS
Plan to join us on the evening of July 17, 6:00 PM, as we protest near the Town Square to honor civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis on the anniversary of his death.
Our goals are to demand an end to:
The extreme crackdown on civil rights by the Trump administration,
The attacks on Black and brown Americans, immigrants, trans people, and other communities,
The slashing of programs that working people rely on, including Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security.
Good Trouble Lives On is being supported by a range of other groups including the 50501 Movement, which also helped organize the "No Kings" demonstrations.
World Refugee Day
Global Friends Coalition is recognizing World Refugee Day in Grand Forks on Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Town Square Farmer’s Market (1 South 3rd Street).
The program begins at 10 a.m. with remarks from area leaders, amazing cultural performances from you, and programming from our community partners.
You help make Grand Forks ‘home’ for newcomers. Help us continue to welcome and support refugees.
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.
