Family Resource Initiative

04/27/2026

Join us this Thursday as we welcome Ray Williams and Denaya Black! We are continuing our technology theme with "Your Brain on Tech: How to Stop Your Phone From Owning You". You won't want to miss it!

Our devices promise convenience but often leave us more distracted, anxious and disconnected. Counselors Ray Williams and Denaya Black will share how technology shapes the brain, and what simple, research-backed habits can help you regain control. Learn practical steps for building a healthier digital life rooted in wisdom.

About the Presenters:

Ray Williams is a marriage and family therapist in private practice in Eden Prairie. He works with couples to address relationship and parenting problems, as well as serving adults dealing with depression, anxiety and men’s issues. Ray is passionate about incorporating Biblical values with the psychological principles to serve individuals and families seeking to restore marriage, raise effective families and seek their own mental health. He and his wife, who have been married for nearly 30 years, have four adult children.

Denaya Black is a licensed professional and clinical counselor (LPCC) who works with those who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment and spiritual wounds, as well as those struggling with compulsive behaviors and those who have s*xually offended, both online or physically. Denaya is trained in s*xual wellness, mental health and nutrition, somatic experiencing and technology addiction. She works in private practice through Turning Leaf Therapy in Minnetonka. Denaya has been married for 19 years and has two amazing children.

Register at: https://familyresource.info/april-30-your-brain-on-tech-how-to-stop-your-phone-from-owning-you/

04/16/2026

We are excited for next week's Lunch & Learn as we welcome Alesha Baerenwald.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way we work, live and connect—but what does that mean for our everyday lives and our faith? Explore how AI is shaping the future of work and society, and learn practical ways to understand and thoughtfully use this technology in your daily life. Discover how innovation, discernment and faith can intersect as we navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.

About the presenter: Alesha Baerenwald has spent her career in technology as a Technology Consultant and in multiple sales roles at Microsoft. She currently serves as an Account Executive in Microsoft’s healthcare division. Alesha and her family have been members of Wooddale for more than a decade, serving in various capacities across multiple locations. She is currently the Co-Director of Women’s Ministry at the Edina Campus and is passionate about the positive impact technology—and AI in particular—can have on our lives and society.

Register at: https://familyresource.info/april-23-what-ai-means-for-your-work-family-faith/

04/13/2026

We hope to see you this Thursday for our next Lunch and Learn! We are welcoming back Laura Mulliken, you won't want to miss it!

Our kids are growing up as digital natives; they’ve never known a world without technology as part of everyday life. With the speed of change, it can be challenging to keep up with how our kids use social media, apps, games and more. Together, we will look at practical examples of some challenges faced across the childhood, teen and young adult stages, and consider ways to connect digitally. Drawing on a biblical worldview, we will explore wise guidance to help parents engage in crucial conversations driven by hope rather than fear and anxiety.

About the presenter: Laura Mulliken is the executive director of Trafficking Justice, a non-profit organization working to end s*xual exploitation and s*x trafficking in Minnesota, and has served in anti-trafficking efforts for 10 years. She is a sought-after speaker and gifted teacher who equips, inspires and mobilizes individuals and organizations to fight exploitation and trafficking.

Register at: https://familyresource.info/april-16-parenting-digital-natives-without-losing-your-mind/

Whether you’re hurting or need help learning how to navigate your circumstances, the Family Resource Initiative is here to support you. You’ll find people who care about you and can equip you with the tools you need to keep moving forward.

04/02/2026

We are looking forward to next week's Lunch & Learn with Pastor Dan Carlson!

We live in an age of outrage, where the world seems more divided than ever. How can you live in peace with people with whom you disagree? There has to be a better way. Learn about the roots of modern anger and how you can respond with wisdom, emotional maturity and grace. Discover practical tools for staying grounded in a reactive world.

About the presenter: Dan Carlson brings his contagious enthusiasm, heart for ministry, joy and love of Jesus and people to his Wooddale care pastor role. He delights in seeing lives transformed by the love and power of Christ. Dan and his wife, Sarah, have four grown children, three grandchildren and one more grandchild on the way. They enjoy spending time with their kids, grandkids and friends, being outdoors, traveling, exploring communities and mastering the art of backyard grilling.

Register at: https://familyresource.info/april-9-whys-everyone-so-angry-and-how-you-can-be-different/

03/19/2026

Join us next Thursday, March 26th, as we hear from Kyle Robinson, Wooddale's senior pastor.

What does it look like to love your city in practical, transformative ways? In this Lunch & Learn, Pastor Kyle Robinson will share a biblical vision for seeking the welfare of the Twin Cities through compassion, justice, generosity and presence. Discover how ordinary people can help build a more hopeful community.

About the presenter: Kyle Robinson is the senior pastor of Wooddale Church, a husband, a father and a runner. He holds a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, master’s degrees from Bethel University and the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, and a doctorate in leadership from Creighton University.

Before joining the pastoral staff at Wooddale, Kyle was a consultant with Gallup, Inc., serving Fortune 500 clients, colleges and universities, and coaching executives on leading with their strengths. He has a passion for the local church and serves on the Board of the National Association of Evangelicals.

Kyle and his wife, Stephanie, have a deep enthusiasm for what God is doing in and through Wooddale Church and love seeing their kids grow in their faith through the Next Gen programs. As a certified divemaster, Kyle loves exploring the underwater world and would love to share his adventures with you over a cup of coffee at 7 Corners Coffee.

Register at: https://familyresource.info/march-26-seeking-the-welfare-of-the-twin-cities/

03/18/2026

🎉 Trading Card Trade Night – April 9 🎉
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Wooddale Church
6630 Shady Oak Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
➡️ Enter through Door #5 (back of the building)

🍕 Free Pizza | Pop | Giveaways

Get ready for an evening of fun, trading, and community at Wooddale Church’s Trading Card Trade Night!

Whether you collect sports cards or TCG (Trading Card Games), this is a night you won’t want to miss.

⚾ Special Guest:
Terry Steinbach
• 1988 All-Star Game MVP
• 1989 World Series Champion
• 2024 Oakland A’s Hall of Fame inductee

Terry will be signing autographs, and every attendee will receive a free Terry Steinbach card to get signed!

Bring your cards to trade, meet other collectors, and enjoy a great night together. Parents are encouraged to stay with younger kids.

This event is FREE and open to all ages, so invite your friends and make it a night to remember!

👉 Register here:

Get ready for an evening of fun, trading and community at Wooddale Church’s Trading Card Trade Night! Whether you collect sports cards or TCG (Trading Card Game), this event is for you. Baseball legend Terry Steinbach (1988 All Star Game MVP, 1989 World Series Champion, 2024 Oakland A’s Hall of ...

03/16/2026

We are looking forward to hearing from Zach Lemmens, Wooddale's modern worship director, this Thursday at Lunch and Learn!

We were created as individuals to know and love God. When we enter into worship, something beautiful happens. The Lunch & Learn explores why we worship, the relationship between prayer and music and how our worship of God can and should be a daily experience.

About the presenter: Zach Lemmens became the modern worship director at Wooddale Church in May 2024 after serving on worship teams at Berean Baptist Church and Eagan Hills Church. At Berean, he served as an assistant worship leader and a creative arts assistant associate, leading worship in various capacities and creating content. He then served as Eagan Hills’ worship pastor. In addition to leading worship in multiple capacities for more than two decades, Zach is also a singer for a cover band. Zach and his wife, Julia, have four children.

Whether you’re hurting or need help learning how to navigate your circumstances, the Family Resource Initiative is here to support you. You’ll find people who care about you and can equip you with the tools you need to keep moving forward.

03/09/2026

Join us this Thursday, as we hear a hope filled message from Nancy Soman and Don Dewey.

Hear the powerful stories from the leaders of Mission 29:11, who bring hope, dignity and the gospel into Minnesota prisons. Be encouraged and learn how God is moving behind the walls and how transformation is happening among both inmates and volunteers.

About the presenters: Nancy Soman and Don Dewey are passionate about the work of Mission 29:11 Reentry, which comes alongside men and women on their journey from incarceration, offering one-on-one mentorship, access to outside resources, and a welcoming, healthy community. Each month, more than 350 men and women walk out the door of a Minnesota prison with a box or two of all their belongings, and equal parts joy and trepidation.

Register at: https://familyresource.info/march-12-what-happens-when-you-walk-into-a-prison-with-hope/

Whether you’re hurting or need help learning how to navigate your circumstances, the Family Resource Initiative is here to support you. You’ll find people who care about you and can equip you with the tools you need to keep moving forward.

03/02/2026

Join us this Thursday, March 5th, for our next Lunch and Learn.

Is the Bible a reliable record of God’s work in history or merely a collection of ancient myths and stories? Anna Rask Emison will explore archaeological discoveries, manuscript evidence and the literary and theological foundations that reveal Scripture’s trustworthiness and enduring significance.

About the presenter: Anna Rask Emison is a Biblical Studies alum of the University of Northwestern and has been teaching Old and New Testament courses at Northwestern since 2017. Anna is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Old Testament Theology through distance education at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Her areas of interest include the Old Testament, especially the Pentateuch and Daniel. Anna’s newest work, Daniel: A Workbook, was published in

Register at: https://familyresource.info/march-5-is-the-bible-reliable-or-just-an-ancient-myth/

02/23/2026

We are excited to hear from Stacia Christenson this Thursday at our next Lunch and Learn.

In a noisy world, discerning God’s voice can feel impossible. In this Lunch & Learn, Scripture, real-life stories and prayer will reveal how God communicates with His people today. Discover how to cultivate a life that listens—and recognizes—His leading.

About the presenter: Stacia Christenson has been an active member at Wooddale since 2002 and is now the women’s ministry director. As a complement to her roles, Stacia discovered a new calling of presenting encouraging, faith-filled messages designed for women. Stacia loves traveling, spending time with family, having quiet mornings with her favorite devotions, and sharing coffee with friends. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children, Peyton and Paisley.

Register at: https://familyresource.info/february-26-does-god-still-speak-and-how-would-you-even-know/