On June 25 summer workers in the Lutsen, Tofte, and Schroeder area are invited to join local residents for a “Minnesota Nice Potluck Welcome Dinner.” Featuring the staples of a Minnesota potluck (hotdishes, Jello, fresh baked bread, and bars), this welcome dinner is sponsored by Lutsen Lutheran and Zoar Church in Tofte, two congregations eager to welcome workers from around the world into our North Shore communities.
The meal will be held at the Birch Grove Community Center in Tofte beginning at 6:30 p.m.
These churches welcome international workers as well as summer workers from the U.S. who are calling Lutsen, Tofte, or Schroeder home for the summer. They also welcome locals to participate, but ask that locals contact one of the churches in advance, bring a dish to share, and be willing to serve as table hosts.
Both congregations have actively worked to welcome summer workers for several years. They’ve worked together since 2016 when they put together their first joint welcome dinner at BGCS. Last year nearly 200 workers participated from as far away as China and Turkey, with several from Jamaica and Eastern Europe.
This year Polly Erickson is heading up the efforts for Zoar Church and Karla Menssen is doing the same for Lutsen Lutheran. Several volunteers from both congregations including Pastor Daren Blanck of Zoar and Pastor Tom Murray of Lutsen will be on hand. Local musician and contractor Dave Gustafson will provide musical entertainment during the evening.
If you employ summer workers in the Lutsen-Tofte-Schroeder area, you are invited to let your employees know and join the potluck yourself. Lutsen Mountains and Bluefin Bay are providing rides to BGCS. For more information or to arrange transportation, please call Pastor Daren at 218-663-7925.
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