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Sometimes the most meaningful spiritual moments happen far from sanctuaries and outside of church walls. Oftentimes I experience the Sacred on a shaded path, with the sound of leaves whispering overhead, the crunch of dirt beneath my boots, and the steady rhythm of conversation and silence shared in good company.

Trail Church is an invitation to journey together and experience the mini-miracles of nature as a community. From the glint of dew on a wildflower to the gentle call of a songbird, these small wonders can stir the soul and remind us of God’s presence in our everyday world. Walking side by side allows us to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect not only with the beauty around us but with one another.

On Saturday, August 23 at 9:00 AM, you’re invited to join us for Trail Church at Lebanon Hills’ Jensen Lake Trailhead (1350 Carriage Hills Drive, Eagan, MN). We’ll begin with a short devotional, then walk an easy 45-minute trail at a casual, conversational pace. Along the way, there will be opportunities to reflect, connect, think, wonder, and engage one another in meaningful dialogue. After the hike, we’ll enjoy snacks and time for a bit more connection.

Trail Church is a POP-up ministry for everyone—families, children, friends, solo walkers, and people from all spiritual or religious backgrounds. Whether you’re seeking fresh air, fresh perspective, or simply a place to belong, you’ll find a warm welcome here. Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and expect to notice the sacred in the small things: a shaft of sunlight, the kindness of a companion, the quiet joy of moving together in harmony. Let’s walk. Let’s listen. Let’s discover the Holy that waits for us along the trail.

– Peace,

Pastor Rory Philstrom

Below is an outline of the process and timeline for our strategic planning initiative. This document is fluid but gives individuals an idea of the timeframe for this process.

Part 1: Formation and Listening (September and October, 2024)

• Strategy Task Force is built.
• Strategy calendar is built for guiding process.
• Congregational survey is deployed, results collated and curated and shared with Strategy Team and other core stakeholders.
• FaithX Neighborhood Insights Report is obtained and debrief held between the Strategy Team, GSB consultant and Mary Frances of FaithX.
• Neighborhood Survey Teams are deployed to engage local neighbors and businesses.
• Digital assessment of Prince of Peace’s digital presence made using EVOKE Engagement Experts with a report out of findings.

 

Part 2: Identity Reflection (November and December 2024)

• Identity Advance is held (usually in-person, day-long retreat) to review and reground current (or build whole cloth new) mission, vision and values statements and to perform a congregational SWOTT or SOAR analysis with leaders. Strategic priorities will begin to emerge at this retreat as well.
• Identity pieces – mission, vision and values – are built or revised as needed through several working group sessions.

 

Part 3: Strategy Design and Deployment (January and February 2025)

• A Strategy Advance is held, and strategic priorities are identified as an outgrowth of the Listening work and the Identity work. Champions are identified to lead initiatives, and some basic team design and empowerment is begun.
• Task Forces finish building their teams.
• Strategic Initiative Teams take strategic initiatives, and then design goals for each initiative, and actions to support execution of the goals. All of these are married to timelines and accountable parties.

 

All of that work is curated into two documents:

• A tracking spreadsheet that allows for easy updating of each task force’s work, for insight into progress and for accountability.
• A forward-facing document that will be professionally designed that attractively communicates the identity pieces and the strategic planning pieces. The document will come in several formats for page display as attachment to digital communications, a bleed out version for professional printing and a version for internal printing and use.

 

Part 4: Execution (March 2025 and Beyond… )

• Various communication strategies are used to communicate strategic initiatives to the congregation and larger community.
• Task Forces begin to work at their particular initiatives.
• Coaching Support meeting held with Nathan at month 4.
• Coaching Support meeting held with Nathan at month 12.