First Covenant Church Minneapolis

10/02/2025

Bid for Good at Agate Housing & Services Auction

Looking for a new way to shop and support our neighbors experiencing homelessness? The Agate Silent Auction is now open!

You can bid on dozens of fun items and unique experiences—all while supporting shelter for neighbors like Claudia.

Claudia lost her apartment when rent became too expensive. For months, she slept outside or on friends’ couches. When she connected with Agate, she found shelter and a team walking beside her. Now, she’s preparing to move into permanent housing that’s safe and stable.

Your bids make stories like hers possible. Every item you win helps support our new women’s shelter in south Minneapolis—adding 54 beds for neighbors just like Claudia.

The auction is open for one more week! Start browsing today and discover amazing items and experiences from local businesses and Agate advocates. Every winning bid creates more homes and more hope.

Good luck—bidding closes October 9 at 4:45 pm! With gratitude from the Agate Team.
See first comment for link to bid in the auction!

07/26/2025

Thanks to Jimmy and Liz Miller for making lots of bags of popcorn for the Brighter Days Recovery Center Grand Opening. They had the distinct honor of being the first volunteers from 1st Cov to use the new kitchen vent hood. They also treated shelter guests to a big vat of popcorn. Jimmy and Liz set the bar high for kitchen clean-up too!

05/27/2025

On Sunday, May 18th, about 15 members and 1st Cov guests bundled up and took a very information tour of Owámniyomni over the Stone Arch Bridge. Our tour guide, Barry Hand, Program Director from Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, described Dakota lifeways, the significance of the River, and the Mní Sóta Dakota Tribes’ vision for cultural and environmental restoration. He was so gracious in welcoming questions and teaching us all how to pronounce "Owámniyomni Okhódayapi." We are all looking forward to seeing their project move forward and reclaiming the banks and riverway for the original flora and fauna of the region. Thanks to Jim Bergstrom for arranging this opportunity!

05/02/2025

Two local gobblers were thwarted by the "no pets allowed" requirement on the new playground sign, designed and installed by Steve Bosmans, 1st Cov's Facilities Director. Unfortunately, the turkeys did not utilize the new pet clean-up station that was provided by East Town Apartments and installed by Steve.

04/19/2025

03/27/2025

On Wednesday, the Animal Humane Society (AHS) hosted a Free Pet Vaccine Clinic in 1st Cov's gymnasium. U of M Veterinary students gave pet exams and administered free vaccines along with help from AHS staff and volunteers. Some of the 21 patients included Moon Shadow, Tuesday, Peanut Butter, Peaches, Lok-Lok, Pixie, and Rah-Rah, many with fur parents who live at Trellis Management properties. Lola and Mimi, a kitten and dog that live in the Agate shelter, were also vaccinated.

03/01/2025

Please join us this Sunday, March 2nd, at 10am for a Contemplative Gathering hosted by Carma Gjerning. She will lead us in exploring March's scripture John 15:1-17 Vines and Branches. Refreshments will follow.

02/21/2025

Join us for the sacred season of Lent as we gather for a Lenten Retreat hosted by Carma Gjerning.

As we retreat with Jesus into the wilderness we will rest, care for our souls, and explore the wilderness and Lenten questions through meditation, creative prayer, art, rest, reflection, sharing, silence and play! Registration closes on Wednesday, March 5th. Free off street parking is available.

TIME Saturday, March 8th from 9:30am-2:30pm
COST $20 to cover lunch and retreat supplies. Make checks payable to First Covenant Church of Minneapolis
TO REGISTER Click on the link in the comments below
QUESTIONS? Please contact Carma Gjerning at [email protected]

11/21/2024

Karen Benson and Gunnard Swanson will soon reach 1st Cov Volunteer super status! On Wednesday, they helped sort clothes for a Winter Donation Distribution event for fire victims and community members, hosted by Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc. at Elliot Park Recreation Centers. Just in time for our first snowstorm!

The clothing and coats were collected by EPNI volunteers and 1st Cov Staff. In addition, two huge pallets full of winter gear and long-sleeved sweatshirts were also donated and delivered by the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Leftover coats, boots, and sweatshirts were donated to GMCC for distribution to kids in need and homeless adults in South Minneapolis.

11/05/2024

We are thrilled to announce that the 1st Cov Gospel Choir led by Robert Robinson will be singing before the Community Table Gatherings scheduled for Sunday, November 17th, and Sunday, December 15th, at 10am. All are welcome to join the Gospel Choir for rehearsals beginning at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 14th, and Tuesday, December 10th. Please email [email protected] if you need information on parking and entering the building.