Zion has been a part of the Lyndale Community since 1893. Situated in the heart of south Minneapolis, Zion is active in building community in the Lyndale Neighborhood by opening our doors to many neighborhood organizations, ministries and events. Zion is actively involved in the community through ZOOM House (Zion Originated Outreach Ministry), an affordable housing program for families in transition and / or experiencing homelessness. Zion is home to the weekly Lyndale Community Dinner, Pillsbury Alcoholics Anonymous and Youth Farm and Market Project. This past summer Zion hosted the Blaisdell YMCA’s Summer Power youth program and the Youth Farm and Market Project’s summer program. Zion was also the host site for the 2008 Walldogs on Nicollet block party and fundraiser event.
Lyndale Community Dinner
Wednesdays at 6:00pm
Building community within the Lyndale neighborhood is one of the cornerstones of our mission at Zion. And nowhere is this more important than in the heart of the city. Neighbors who know and watch out for each other keep neighborhoods safe and make them better places to live. The Lyndale Community Dinner provides a place where neighbors can simply meet and share a meal.
Zion created the Lyndale Community Dinner in the fall of 2006. We serve a hot nutritious meal to everyone who comes, anywhere from 40 to 75+ people. There are a lot of families with children, as well as older people who come for the fellowship as much as the meal. Adults are on hand before and after dinner to help the kids with their homework. Certified nutritionist and cooking instructor Karen Blanchard oversees all food preparation and educates the community on food preparation, nutrition and healthy eating.
Zion’s 4th Annual Sharing Thanksgiving Community Dinner took place on Thanksgiving Eve 2009 and served more than 200 people.
In 1999 Zion Lutheran Church began ZOOM House. Zion Originated Outreach Ministries is a Transformational Housing Program that assists single parents to move from the experience of homelessness toward self sufficiency, offering resources, guidance and support in their journey. ZOOM House adopted the term “transformational housing” to emphasize that program participants, volunteers, community organizations and churches are equal partners working together for positive change. All of us are transformed in the process as we journey together in community. Through the ministry of ZOOM House, it is our hope to provide participants with the opportunity to make a positive difference in their own lives as well as their family’s, and the community in which they live.
Lyndale Neighborhood Association
Zion is an active member and participant in the Lyndale Neighborhood Association. Zion has ties to many ecumenical and social organizations in our neighborhood. We seek to build relationships with our community members.
Building Community in our Neighborhood
- Community events with the Lyndale Neighborhood Association, Blaisdell YMCA, Luther Seminary, United Theological Seminary
- Homework Help
- Latino Women’s Group
- Little Flock Community of Faith
- Lyndale Community Dinner
- Lyndale Neighborhood Association
- Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA
- Operation Bootstrap Africa
- Pillsbury Alcoholics Anonymous
- Reconciling in Christ
- Youth Farm and Market Project
- ZOOM House
Building Community / Opportunities Within Zion
- Zion Annual Bazaar and Meatball Dinner
- Zion Congregational Council and Committees: Congregational Life, Learning/Education/Youth, Community Outreach, Property, Recovery, Stewardship/Finance, Worship and ZOOM Board Liason
- Zion Endowment Fund
- Zion Originated Outreach Ministry (ZOOM) House
- Zion Prayer Chain
- Zion Weekly Prayer Group
- Zion Quilters
- Zion Summer Outdoor Worship Services
- Zion Volunteers
- Zion Weekly Bible and Text Study
- Zion Youth and Family