It’s a strange new world we are living in. 

The way we used to do life and community has shifted. People have lost jobs; parents have been thrust into homeschooling, areas of injustice and prejudice have become more exposed, and all of us have suffered grief and loss. To help us navigate this new way of life, we’ve put together some resources* we believe will be useful to you in the coming weeks and months. 

Together we can learn to live and grow and thrive in this new way. 


Topics include:

CAREERS & JOBS      ETHNICITY, RACE & FAITH      FINANCE      GRIEF & LOSS      HAVING FUN

KIDS@HOME       RELATIONSHIPS      SELF CARE, SOUL CARE & MENTAL WELLNESS

 
Check back often as we have more resources in the works and will be adding to this page in the coming days!

Don’t see a resource that you would find helpful? Reach out to info@thedoor.org to share your idea.


*These resources are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Church of the Open Door of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporations, organizations or people included in this list.

career & jobs

Job changes or losses and navigating the new marketplace.


RESOURCES COMING SOON!

(Have a resource idea for us? Tell us at info@thedoor.org.)


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ethnicity, race & faith

Taking time to look at ethnicity and race, and then asking: how do they intersect with faith and living for the sake of others?


VIDEO RESOURCES:


ARTICLES:


RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES:


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Finance

Budgeting, saving, and handling our money with a hope-filled perspective.


VIDEO RESOURCES:

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

OTHER RESOURCES:

  • Accountable.network: offers guided steps to financial freedom through coaching, resources and events
  • Daveramsey.com: provides tools and resources for money management
  • Mint.com: helps you effortlessly manage your finances all in one spot


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grief & loss

Walking through the big and small losses together.


VIDEO RESOURCES:

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
OTHER RESOURCES:
  • Grief.com (David Kessler’s website mentioned in the Next Steps in Grief video))



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kids@home

Distance learning, parenting through the changes and activities to bring you closer together.


VIDEO RESOURCES:

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

OTHER RESOURCES:


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relationships

Interpersonal connection during times of change.



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self care, soul care & mental wellness

Caring for your whole self.


SELF CARE:

  • Navigating the Holidays: this 4 part series with Jolaina Falkenstein, our Care Intern, gives space for soaking in some of God's unchanging truths in a year that has been full of challenges. Create some space to pause and recenter as you walk through the holiday season.    


SOUL CARE:


MENTAL WELLNESS:

  • Calm App - a meditation, sleep and relaxation app that helps strengthen mental fitness and tackle some of the biggest mental health challenges of today: stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.


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our contributors

Many amazing people from the Open Door family helped to put these resources together! 

  • PASTOR CHARLIE BENCH, born to a Cherokee Father and a Scottish/German Mother. His wife Sally is 100% Swedish wife and they have been married for over 56 years and are both active members here at Open Door. He and Sally live in NE Minneaplis and have two adult children, Lance and Melanie. Charlie has used his spiritual gifts and Cherokee heritage to advance healing, restoration and reconciliation to the Body of Christ significantly throughout the Twin Cities. He has been part of Navigators, Alpha, Heart of the City Praise & Worship Ministry, and Prison Fellowship Ministries, among other things. Teaching, Mentoring & Coaching the men in the Life Rebuilders and Freedom Works programs in Minneapolis keeps Charlie inspired and enthusiastic about serving Jesus Christ.

  • BILL BOGLE and his family have been a part of Open Door for 25 years. He and his wife have lead and served many ages and ministries over the years, including kids, youth, young adults and marriage & family, through greeting, mentoring, counseling and so much more. Bill is a teacher by trade with over 20 years experience in middle and high school classrooms. He bring a wealth of experience and knowledge on what students need and how we can support their development. Bill and his family live in Dayton, MN.

  • JOLAINA FALKENSTEIN:  is currently serving as an intern with our Care Team.  She has volunteered in children's ministry and, as a certified Prepare-Enrich counselor, she has served in pre-marital ministries. She received an MA from Bethel Seminary in 2011 and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has worked with adults, adolescents, couples, and families in her practice as a therapist and is certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for children and adolescents. She is currently completing a Master of Divinity degree at Bethel Seminary where she hopes to blend the emotional, mental, and relational work she has done as a therapist with that of the spiritual, relational, and soul work done by pastors and chaplains. Jolaina and her husband are parents to 4 energy-filled children between the ages of 18 months and 10 years old. 

  • MARY JO GRASKE has been part of Open Door for 22 Years. She has served in the Marriage Ministries area at Open Door for many years, teaching pre-marriage classes and mentoring engaged couples. As a Certified Prepare Enrich Counselor, she has served many married, newly married and remarried couples. Mary Jo has served in Women’s Ministry, as a Communion Steward and on the Missions Team. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from St Mary’s University and a Masters in Counseling and Psychotherapy from Alfred Adler Graduate School. She has worked in Golden Valley and Elk River as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Private Practice for the past 15 years.

  • BRUCE KUEHL has been part of the Open Door community for nearly 30 years.  He has served in Next Kids & Youth and helps lead the Men’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study.  Bruce is the owner of LifeStage Wealth in Minnetonka and is a Certified Financial Planner. The firm specializes in financial planning for retirement, investment and estate planning. Bruce and his wife Ranelle live in Medina and have three grown children and a brand new grandson!

  • BEN MONSETH has been part of Open Door since 2006 and has volunteered on the Care team, with Next Generation and with the Welcome Kiosk team. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Governing Board of Elders at Open Door. Ben works as a licensed mental health professional at a private practice in Plymouth, MN, and provides therapy for adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Ben and his wife Dre live in Maple Grove with their two children, Hope and James.

  • JENN TJEPKES as been part of the Open Door community for 11 years. She has enjoyed serving in Next Gen and on the care team. Jenn is a chaplain who is deeply passionate about serving those in the 2nd half of life. Jenn, her husband Chad and their children Hunter and Maya live in Maple Grove.