FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2026
Two Long-Standing St. Paul Congregations Officially Merged as Garden Community Church
A progressive, radically welcoming community advocating “Do Justice. Love Kindness.”
FALCON HEIGHTS, MN — Two faith communities with deep roots in the Twin Cities north metro have now officially merged to form Garden Community Church, a progressive, radically welcoming congregation committed to building belonging, practicing justice, and serving their neighbors. Falcon Heights Church (United Church of Christ) and New Life Presbyterian Church (Roseville) have united their missions, their people, and their shared hope for the future. The congregation gathers in the same cherished building on the corner of Garden Avenue and Holton Street — now officially addressed as 1440 Garden Avenue, Falcon Heights, MN 55113.
A New Faith Community Rooted in Radical Welcome
Garden Community Church gathers every Sunday at 10:15 a.m. at 1440 Garden Avenue in Falcon Heights, Minnesota — a beloved building where both founding congregations now call home, and now bearing a new address that reflects the church’s new identity. The new church draws on the strengths and traditions of both founding communities to create something that is greater than either could be alone.
“This merger is not just a practical decision — it is a faithful one,” said Pastor Riz Prakasim, Co-Pastor of Garden Community Church. “For years, both of our congregations have shared a deep conviction that following Jesus means showing up for our neighbors, practicing justice, and building real community. Coming together as Garden Community Church allows us to live that calling more fully. We are excited for our new, vibrant presence on Garden Avenue, and we invite everyone around us into what we are building together.”
As a progressive Christian congregation, the church serves and is a spiritual home for all people, inspired by Jesus’ teaching to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and heal the sick. “To us, ‘radical welcome’ means loving ALL people, including our immigrant neighbors, our unhoused neighbors, our differently-abled neighbors, our neighbors of color, our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, our indigenous neighbors, our incarcerated neighbors, and our neighbors of different faiths, or of no faith,” said Rev. Rick King, Co-Pastor of Garden Community Church. “This is encapsulated in our motto, ‘Do Justice. Love Kindness.’”
This spirit is also embodied in ten new signs now posted along the entire block in front of the church, in a ‘Burma-Shave’-style campaign, intended as an affirmation of the church’s love for a diversity of marginalized groups. For example, some of the signs read “We love our LGBTQIA+ neighbors;” “We love our immigrant neighbors;” “We love our incarcerated neighbors;” “We love our unhoused neighbors,” and many more. The community is invited to drive by to view this display throughout the entire summer, and to stop in to learn more about the church.
Additional information about the church’s vision, upcoming activities and plans for growth in the community are available at its new website, www.ChurchOnGarden.org.
Merging Congregations with Long History in St. Paul Area
The two congregations coming together have an extensive history and deep ties in the Falcon Heights, Roseville and St. Paul:
- Falcon Heights Church has served the Falcon Heights community for over 85 years as part of the United Church of Christ tradition, known for its open and affirming welcome, its commitment to justice, and its neighborhood presence at 1795 Holton Street. The church was founded in 1939, and its current building in the heart of Falcon Heights was dedicated in 1953.
- New Life Presbyterian Church has served Roseville and the surrounding area, bringing a rich tradition of Reformed faith, intergenerational community, and a heart for the neighborhoods it calls home. The church was formed from a 2014 merger of North Como Presbyterian (established in 1951 on Larpenteur Avenue) and Knox Presbyterian Church (a Midway church established in St. Paul in 1890).
Join Us
Garden Community Church warmly invites neighbors, friends, and anyone interested in our vision of radical welcome to visit. Worship and fellowship takes place every Sunday at 10:15 a.m. at 1440 Garden Avenue, Falcon Heights — the same familiar building longtime community members will recognize, now bearing an address that reflects its new name and identity. All are welcome — no matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you believe.
Contact & Connect
Address: 1440 Garden Avenue, Falcon Heights, MN 55113
Worship and Fellowship: Sundays at 10:15 a.m.
Website: ChurchOnGarden.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-386-1178
About Garden Community Church
Garden Community Church is a newly formed progressive Christian congregation in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, born from the merger of Falcon Heights Church (UCC) and New Life Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). Gathering every Sunday at 10:15 a.m. at 1440 Garden Avenue, Falcon Heights, MN 55113, Garden Community Church is a place of radical welcome, curious faith, and deep community engagement. Guided by the tagline “Do Justice. Love Kindness.” the community seeks to follow Jesus by serving their neighbors and caring for one another. Learn more at ChurchOnGarden.org.
