G.I.F.T. of Grace Lutheran Ministry
Growing in Faith Together
Rooted in Three Communities. Connected in One Faith.
GIFT of Grace Lutheran Ministry is a parish of three ELCA Lutheran congregations serving together in the Grand Forks area and rural Thompson communities.
While each congregation has its own story, traditions, and personality, we share a common calling: to gather around God’s Word, serve our neighbors, and grow together in faith.
Our churches are not identical—and that is part of what makes this ministry special. Each congregation brings its own history, gifts, and character while remaining connected as one parish family.
Whether you are looking for a church home, visiting for the first time, or simply curious about who we are, we invite you to come as you are and experience the welcome of GIFT of Grace.
Rooted. Connected. Welcoming.
Our Story
Three Congregations. One Shared Mission.
GIFT of Grace Lutheran Ministry began from a shared desire among three congregations to walk together in ministry while honoring the unique identity of each church community.
Our parish includes:
Walle Lutheran Church
Evanger Lutheran Church
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Each congregation has its own traditions, memories, and personality. Some are rooted in rural communities, some in town, but all are connected through a shared commitment to worship, fellowship, service, and caring for one another.
Being part of GIFT of Grace means we do not have to choose between honoring our individual histories and building something together. We believe God has brought these congregations into partnership so that we can continue sharing Christ’s love in new ways.
A Parish That Looks a Little Different
Many people are familiar with a single congregation having a single building, a single schedule, and a single identity.
GIFT of Grace looks a little different.
We are three congregations who worship, serve, and support one another while maintaining the unique character of each church. That means you will find different traditions, different stories, and different communities—but the same welcome.
We believe there is strength in our differences and joy in what we share.
Three Churches. Three Stories. One Family.
The beauty of Gift of Grace is found in our individuality.
Each of our congregations has its own history, traditions, and community connections. While we share ministry together as one parish, each church remains a meaningful place where people gather, worship, serve, and build relationships.
We invite you to learn more about each congregation and discover what makes each one special.
Evanger Lutheran Church
The Heart of Evanger: A Family-Style Fellowship
Intergenerational Bonds: Evanger feels less like an institution and more like an extended family where everyone is truly known by name, and generations worship side-by-side.
Radical Hospitality: The post-service coffee hour is a core pillar of the church's identity, reflecting a community that loves to linger, share updates, and welcome newcomers with open arms and homemade treats.
A Rooted and Faithful Character
Steadfast Rural Traditions: There is a deep, quiet pride in maintaining a country church sanctuary. The personality is grounded in the timeless rhythms of North Dakota rural life and classical Lutheran liturgy.
Collaborative Spirit: As part of a shared ministry parish, Evanger’s personality is cooperative and forward-thinking, working hand-in-hand with sister churches to support the wider Red River Valley community.
Evanger Lutheran Church: 1311 16th St NE, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Sunday Worship: 9:00 am
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
Heartfelt, Enduring, and Joyful
While its sister parishes embody traditional rural roots, St. Mark's brings a community-forward city focus to the parish group. They operate under the guiding motto: "Small enough to care, big enough to make a difference."
The Heart of St. Mark's: Grace Without Barriers
Unconditional Hospitality: St. Mark’s focuses heavily on creating a deeply supportive, authentic environment where anyone walking through the door feels immediately seen, valued, and safe.
An Enduring Legacy: For generations, St. Mark's has stood as a steady, reliable presence in the heart of Grand Forks. This long history brings a seasoned wisdom and a deep-rooted sense of stability to the congregation.
Warm Fellowship: The congregation shares a quiet, joyful energy where people naturally linger to support one another, share life updates, and extend unconditional warmth to newcomers.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church: 715 24th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
Walle Lutheran Church
Enduring, Caring, and Grounded
Walle Lutheran Church possesses an identity deeply shaped by its milestone 150th anniversary of faithful ministry in the Red River Valley. Walle balances a deep-rooted legacy with an active, nurturing environment for families.
The Heart of Walle: A Legacy of Gathering
Generational Heritage: Having marked a 150th anniversary milestone, the congregation of Walle is anchored in resilience, gratitude, and keeping rural faith traditions alive across multiple generations.
Nurturing the Youth: Walle strongly emphasizes milestone youth celebrations, actively supporting milestones like First Communion and dedicating services to blessings for graduating students.
Open-Armed Hospitality: Visitors are met with an open, authentic rural welcome where the congregation is intentional about opening their doors to strangers and making them feel at home.
Walle Lutheran Church: 746 9th St NE, Thompson, ND 58278
Sunday Worship: 8:30 am
What We Believe.
Faith That Welcomes, Serves, and Connects
GIFT of Grace Lutheran Ministry is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
We believe God’s grace is a gift freely given through Jesus Christ. We gather around God’s Word, share in worship and communion, and seek to live out our faith by loving and serving our neighbors.
Our faith is rooted in Scripture, shaped by Lutheran tradition, and lived out in community.
We believe church is not simply a place we go—it is a people we belong to.
A place where questions are welcome.
A place where faith grows.
A place where people of all ages can encounter God’s love.
What We Value
Grace
God’s love comes to us as a gift—not something we earn.
Community
Faith is lived together through relationships, encouragement, and care.
Service
We are called to share God’s love through serving our neighbors.
Welcome
There is room for all generations and all seasons of faith.
GIFT of Grace is blessed by people who help lead, support, and care for our shared ministry.
Our leadership includes pastors, council members, and many members throughout our congregations who offer their time and gifts to serve God and our neighbors.
Leadership in the church is not just about titles or positions—it is about people working together to nurture faith, support one another, and help our ministry continue to grow.
Serving Together
Rev. Karen Young Trenne, Interim Pastor
Rev. Karen Young Trenne joins the G.I.F.T. of Grace Lutheran Ministry as Interim Pastor, bringing a wonderful blend of kindness, wisdom, and contagious joy. Pastor Karen views ministry as a shared journey of grace, and her passion for nurturing community makes everyone feel instantly at home. We are thrilled to have her guidance, her warm presence, and her happy spirit leading our worship and fellowship.