Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Thursday, May 22
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Spirituality»Prairie Lutheran to host Brunch Church on April 21
    Spirituality

    Prairie Lutheran to host Brunch Church on April 21

    EPLN Staff ReportsBy EPLN Staff ReportsApril 13, 20242 Mins Read
    The informal worship service at the church south of Pioneer Trail will include a free meal, a Bible reading, and conversation. Photo by Joanna Werch Takes

    Prairie Lutheran Church is launching a new worship experience on Sunday, April 21, at 11 a.m.: Brunch Church. It will be an informal, casual worship service that includes a free brunch.

    The idea for Brunch Church started when Pastor Ashley Updegraff, the lead pastor at Prairie Lutheran Church, took a Sunday morning off and went out to brunch with her husband. “The place was packed,” Updegraff said. “I looked at my husband and said: ‘This is where everyone is!’ There is so much talk about decline in the church, but people obviously love brunch. I love brunch, too, so I wondered, ‘What if we combine them?’”

    Submitted image

    That’s just what Prairie Lutheran plans to do on April 21. Worship will be in the Great Hall, at round tables, where a meal of eggs, pancakes, and a variety of sausages will be served family-style. A reading from the Bible will be shared, but there will be no sermon. Instead, conversation will be encouraged at tables, with questions provided to guide discussion. There will be an opportunity for prayer and the Lord’s Supper, also focused around the table groups.

    “The emphasis is on building community and having a more conversational, participatory worship experience. Instead of the pastor speaking ‘at’ you, the experience will be communal,” Updegraff states.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    Stories in the Christian Bible indicate that Jesus was quite fond of sharing meals with his disciples and friends, even eating with those no one else would join. Combining worship with a meal, then, is a distinctly biblical practice, Updegraff says.

    The April 21 event marks the first Brunch Church, but Prairie Lutheran Church is eager to try more, especially if the first is a success. There are plans to experiment with a Brunch Church that meets out in the community at a restaurant, too, for a different experience.

    Updegraff describes her vision for Brunch Church as, “We want people to feel comfortable and welcome. Hospitality plays a huge role in that, and food plays a huge role in hospitality. Brunch Church is for anyone who wants to experience a different kind of worship – one in which they aren’t just spectators, but active participants.”

    All are welcome to this free event. Prairie Lutheran Church is located at 11000 Blossom Road in Eden Prairie, south of Pioneer Trail.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticlePlans to change Met Council governance on hold
    Next Article EP police ramp up April distracted driving patrols

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    Spiritual connections: A time to plant … Ecclesiastes 3:2

    May 12, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Local leaders reflect on Pope Francis as Pax Christi plans memorial Mass

    April 23, 2025
    7 Mins Read

    Catholic but not Roman Catholic? Local faith leader’s book explains

    April 11, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Giant beaver is one signature away from becoming Minnesota’s state fossil

    May 21, 2025

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.