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With recent tragedies in our community, many families and children are asking questions and feeling the impact of loss. We hope these resources equip you to talk with your family about death and grief.

There’s a certain kind of warmth you feel when you walk into the Community Resource Center (CRC) at St. Andrew’s. It’s not just the bustle of volunteers sorting clothing, greeting guests, or stocking shelves. It’s something deeper—an energy of welcome, shared purpose, and compassion that seems to rise from every corner of the building.

On August 27, 2025, an unimaginable tragedy took place at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, MN, when two children were killed, and 18 others were injured. In the wake of such great atrocity and violence, specifically the death of two young children, we ask ourselves, “What should we do?” and “Where is God in the midst of this?”

This summer at St. Andrew’s, four young women with Energizer Bunny vibes have infused our Children, Youth & Families programs with fresh, fun ideas. Sophia, Mirra, Mary, and Ella—college students with different majors and journeys—have come together due to a shared calling: to connect, mentor, and serve.
Though each of their paths to this internship is unique, their stories weave together with threads of friendship, family, faith, and a shared love for the community at St. Andrew’s.

The Community Resource Center (CRC) was born out of necessity. Pastor John Hogenson came to St. Andrew’s during a time of economic hardship, people of all socio-economic backgrounds found themselves seeking assistance for basic needs. Hogenson’s passion for helping the hurting fueled the creation of the CRC. Through this resource, St. Andrew’s stepped up and stepped in, filling gaps in the community.
Pastor John’s daughter, Jana, was on the front lines when the CRC was created and saw firsthand how necessary these resources were for this community. After a brief hiatus, Jana has returned to the CRC, the place where her inherited passion for helping people first blossomed.

For Dave and Robin Plan, serving at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church is second nature—a lifelong commitment rooted in their upbringing. Raised in a family that valued giving back, they’ve carried that tradition forward, becoming familiar faces both welcoming guests and working behind the scenes. Since joining St. Andrew’s in 2001, their dedication has helped create a warm, inviting community. For them, volunteering is about connection and purpose. Their message to others? There’s always a place for you here.

Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, Army veteran, Brent Skaja often found himself mesmerized by the mighty Mississippi River. A childhood spent wondering where the river’s current would lead became the foundation of an epic adventure that would challenge him physically, mentally, and spiritually.