Our Story

History of the Spirit River Foundation

Susan Nienaber

November 12, 2024

 

The Spirit River Foundation was established in February 2016 to support the ministry and outreach work of the Spirit River Church, a United Methodist new church start in Isanti, MN. This congregation began as a food distribution program called Matthew 25. As the congregation grew, it developed a unique niche of attracting many people who did not feel comfortable in other established churches. The church’s programming expanded as the congregation grew to include a free law clinic, a monthly community meal and a free Christmas store among other successful programs.

 

The Spirit River Foundation offered its own programs under the leadership of its Program Director, Gail Sederski to complement the offerings of the congregation. Gail partnered with other groups in the region to offer important services such as hands-on-cooking and nutrition classes targeting marginalized audiences, Trauma and ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) presentations to professionals and key stakeholders, and Cambridge ACT on Alzheimer’s Cambridge Memory Café that assists families with resources who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease or other related form of dementia.

 

When additional volunteers were needed for the Matthew 25 food distribution program in Isanti, the Coon Rapids United Methodist Church sent over 100 people to help share food. The members of the Coon Rapids church then quickly mobilized at the onset of the pandemic to open the Spirit of Matthew 25 food distribution in their region. The Spirit of Matthew 25 food distribution program in Coon Rapids has grown rapidly in its first few years. Since its inception in January of 2021, the Coon Rapids church, along with their corporate partners and donors, have gathered, processed, and given away over $3.8 million in food to people in need. 

 

The Spirit River Foundation is a proud sponsor of the Spirit of Matthew 25 contributing $20,000+ per year for this important work. We invite you to join us in this journey.