House Meetings

  • House meetings should be hosted between August 25th - October 5th.

  • Aim to have at least 10 people in attendance (which means you will need to invite 15 or more!)

  • Sign up for a Zoom prep meeting with Olivia or Beth (~10 days in advance of your house meeting): Click here.

Sample Invitation

Hi [Name], how are you doing? (Pause and respond briefly.)

I'm reaching out because I'm hosting a conversation as part of our Justice in Action ministry at [congregation], and I'd love for you to join us.

I'm excited because [personal reason].

I thought of you specifically because [personal connection].

We'll meet on [date] at [time] at [location].

Can you make it? (Listen, answer questions, and invite them personally.)

Why Should I Come to a House Meeting?

Why Do We Gather Stories?

Individual stories bring community concerns to life. They help us move beyond statistics to understand how larger issues affect people in their everyday lives. As more people share their experiences, common themes emerge and give us a clearer picture of the challenges and concerns in our community.

What Happens With What We Hear?

After the house meetings, Justice in Action staff read through the notes and stories gathered across our faith communities. We look for common themes, concerns, and experiences that emerge across the community. We then bring those findings back to the larger Justice in Action network, where we work together to identify opportunities for action and develop a plan for meaningful change.

Your story is one piece of a much bigger picture. When we bring those stories together, we can see where there is a need for change and what we can accomplish together.

Why should I come this year?

  • Build relationships: Get to know people in your faith community and hear stories and experiences you might not otherwise hear.

  • Build our Justice Ministry: Create opportunities for people to get involved, grow as leaders, and find their place in our work together.

  • Gather stories: This year, Lutheran Family Services has asked us to gather stories about the new Community Mental Health Navigation Service opening in 2027. We will also gather stories about the ongoing need for better food coordination in our community.

  • Build power together: When we listen to one another and recognize the experiences we share, we are better equipped to work together for change.

Extra Materials