Open to possibilities.

New Branches is home to three unique congregations, deeply rooted in faith and focused on possibilities. Together, we share a call to do justice and love mercy within and beyond our walls, into the community and into the world. Our innovative collaboration opens doors to expanded justice and community efforts.


New Branches congregations are Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, Living Table United Church of Christ, and Spirit of St. Stephen’s Catholic Community. Each congregation brings a unique flavor and energy to the ecumenical partnership.


In the news.


The StarTribune profiled New Branches in a story published on Dec. 25, 2022, marking the first Christmas the three churches celebrated under one roof.  As the article noted, "At a time when thousands of churches across the country are closing every year amid shrinking membership and growing expenses, these congregations have reimagined their church as an abundant resource to share instead of being a financial burden." Read the story here.


The Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA shared a story about the New Branches collaboration in a Nov. 15, 2022 blog post. "Choosing to exist in ecumenical partnership is an act of branching out. Sharing time, staff, resources, and passion for faithful community are all acts of branching out. Living Table, Spirit Catholic Community, and Lake Nokomis are setting themselves up to be connected by strong and beautifully tangled branches. " Read the story here.


Three congregations. One home.

The New Branches partnership came out of years of creative conversations, imagining what we can do together. Our congregations were drawn together by shared values and priorities, including racial justice and LBGTQIA+ inclusion. Sharing one physical space reduces our environmental footprint – and allows us to focus financial and human resources on mission and ministry. We're doing more together.

An extensive building renovation makes it possible for each congregation to worship separately, retaining its individual faith identify. Building ownership and management is equally shared. 

Created for community.

One of the priorities of New Branches is being an active partner in the community. Individuals and organizations who share our inclusive values are invited to use our space for one-time or ongoing gatherings and events. The newly renovated building is a welcoming and flexible space for meetings, rehearsals/performances, receptions, celebrations, and more. Let us know what you're interested in and we'll explore options together!

Who calls New Branches home?


Meet our new New Branches tenant, The Angela Day School—a Spanish-bilingual, tuition-free public charter school. Founder Dianna Myles explains that it’s based on the Montesorri approach with a culturally-responsive, anti-racism focus, inspired by her hopes for her own children. In this opening year, they’re serving preschool and kindergarten-age children. Learn more here.

 

Blooming Heart Sangha is a community joyfully studying and practicing mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. ‘Sangha’ is the Sanskrit and Pali word for ‘community.’ They gather on Thursday evenings and welcome people of all ages, faiths, backgrounds and levels of experience.  Learn more about their community and practices. 


Welcome to Boone’s Next Level Food Café, a growing food truck and catering business. Greg Boone uses our New Branches commercial-grade kitchen to prep his ‘next level’ food that draws on his parents' Memphis roots. Check out his website to learn more about his story—and to see when and where you’ll find Boone’s Next Level food truck in the neighborhood. 

 

You're invited.

Curious about New Branches and what happens here? You’re invited to check us out and join us for gatherings and events. 

View the New Branches events here.

Join one of the faith communities for worship.