Songwriter and musician Mark Alan Schoolmeesters opened the morning with a group of local singers and musicians.  Governor Mark Dayton made his eighth consecutive appearance at the breakfast with a greeting and words of encouragement.  We also welcomed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey who gave a greeting.

This year’s theme was “Serving Like Jesus.”   Anyone who looks at Jesus’ life knows that He came, “not to be served, but to serve” and asks us to “Go and do likewise.”  Thrivent CEO Brad Hewitt and his spouse Sue, President of Upworks, led us through a compelling vision of service and inspired us to find out where we can serve.

Gigi Marvin, USA Gold Medalist, closed the breakfast program in prayer.  We had a twelve breakouts where guests could immediately put faith into action from Mentoring, Housing, Hunger to School Partnerships.  Sixteen inches of new snow 48 hours that weekend did not daunt hearty Minnesotans — they came anyway, to pray and serve.