Feed Your Curiosity. Nourish Your Spirit. Connect in Community.
Join us at Good Earth Village for Lunch and Learn, a special series of engaging mid-day events where you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade lunch, connect with others in a welcoming setting, and explore inspiring topics from local speakers and community leaders.
Whether you're a lifelong learner, a nature lover, or simply looking for meaningful conversation and fellowship, Lunch and Learn is the perfect way to spend your afternoon.
Schedule
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11:00 a.m.
Check-in at Log Lodge
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11:30 a.m.
Lunch is Served
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12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Presentation / Q&A
Separate goodwill offerings will be collected upon entry for lunch and for our speaker.
What to Expect
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Hearty Lunch: Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal in our beautiful Log Lodge dining space.
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Inspiring Presentations: Hear from guest speakers covering topics like environmental stewardship, spirituality, wellness, local history, and more.
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Peaceful Surroundings: Take in the serene beauty of Good Earth Village before or after the program—maybe even join a gentle guided walk through the woods.
Come Hungry for Food and Conversation
Lunch and Learn is about more than just a meal—it’s about building relationships, growing in knowledge, and experiencing the joy of learning together in a faith-centered, nature-filled environment.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Speaker
Pr. Tim Bowman
Why Do We Do That in Worship?
We do a lot of different things during a worship service. The rhythm of worship shapes our faith, whether you grew up using liturgy or not. I grew up in a Christian tradition that did not use liturgy, but now as a Lutheran pastor I have come to a deep appreciation for what liturgical worship offers. Learning the liturgy created a lot of questions for me like: Why do we do that? Are things like Passing the Peace and the Kyrie really that important? Why do the colors keep changing? Why is that candle not lit? Join us in exploring all things worship related. My hope is that by understanding more of why we do what we do in worship, your own experience of worship will be enriched allowing you to connect to God in new ways.
Bio: I am a pastor currently serving as a co-pastor with my wife, Allyson, at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville. I have been serving in this synod for over 10 years in various capacities. I was an intern in the Kenyon Area, my first call was as an Associate Pastor at Christ the King in Mankato, and I am currently serving my second term as Dean of the Zumbro River Conference. When I'm not at work you can usually find me playing hockey, playing video games online with friends, fly-fishing on a trout stream, or reading a Star Wars book.
Speaker
Emily Carson
Stewardship of Life: Tending it All with Wisdom
What does it mean to be wise stewards of our whole lives? A steward is one who takes excellent care of what has been entrusted to them. Using gardening as our metaphorical playground, we’ll explore how we might faithfully tend our attention, resources and relationships. With opportunities to learn from creation, God, and one another, this 'lunch and learn' is intended to be an experience that will leave you feeling grounded and inspired.
Emily is grateful to serve as Assistant to the Bishop – Cultivator of a Culture of Generosity and Care for the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. She also serves as the synod’s Director for Evangelical Mission which is an ELCA Churchwide deployed position. Congregational vitality, stewardship, and mission support are three of her focus areas. Emily is married to Justin, and they have two dogs, Maeve & Finn.