Men’s Den
An opportunity for men to gather not only to study the Bible but also to discuss what it means to follow Jesus and to live a life based on the gospel of Jesus.
The ministry began in 2000, when a group of men met weekly at a local café on Thursday morning to have an early breakfast together and engage in a Bible study before most headed off to start their workday. With the lack of space in any of the local restaurants to separate from the regular customers for a more private meeting a decision was made to move the weekly meetings to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Crosby from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Through a rotation process each week, one of the Men’s Den members is responsible for providing the breakfast. This tradition continues; however, in most cases the “breakfast” has turned out to be donuts or another treat.
After several years the meeting time has changed to 7 a.m. – 8 a.m., which is still used today. In 2010, a kitty was established where the guys contribute a dollar each Thursday and when the kitty reaches $300 it is donated to worthy local causes. As of 2026, Men’s Den has provided 51 donations totaling $12,300. MN Teen and Adult Challenge, Cuyuna Range Food Shelf, Cuyuna Range Youth Center, Timber Bay Ministry and C-I Schools Lunch Fund are some of the local causes that have received these donations.
The group functions informally without organizational positions such as chair, secretary, treasurer, etc. and can reach a consensus on issues or donation funds. While the group size varies, there are between 12 and 15 men in attendance on a given Thursday morning.
Building & Grounds Committee
The Building & Grounds Committee is comprised of volunteers from Immanuel Lutheran Church, for the benefit of maintaining the property and grounds of the church and parsonage. The work is currently done by a group of approximately six volunteers and is currently chaired by the ILC Maintenance Staff individual.
Examples of various projects either completed or ongoing by the Committee have been:
- Installation of security cameras around the church
- Dealing with plumbing issues as they arise
- Protecting the underground drainage pipe from frost between the parsonage and septic system
- Maintaining and mowing ILC lawn and equipment
- Scheduling snow plowing at ILC and intermittent snow shoveling
- Installation of new LED ballast and bulbs for ceiling lights at ILC
- Research protocol and installation of new breakaway mailbox at ILC
- Installation of the Cross in the Path of Hope Garden
- Removal of recyclables from the church
- Requests made by office staff and other projects that are within the scope and talents of the Committee.
If projects are deemed beyond the ability of the Committee members, the church consults with an outside contractor, along with input from the Committee.
The makeup of the Committee is on a volunteer basis and is subject to change, as is the talents of the Committee members.
