Defense Against
the False Arts
A fundraiser benefiting the Community Violence Intervention Center
Friday, June 5, 2026
Kongsvinger Lutheran Church · Oslo, MN
Free to attend in person · Live-streamed · 100% of donations go to CVIC
Save the Date
The Evening Approaches
Thank you for joining us!
Schedule
The Evening at a Glance
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5:30 PM
Doors Open
Mingle and find your seat as the fellowship hall opens for guests.
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6:00 PM
Dinner Served
A shared meal in fellowship before the program begins.
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7:00 PM
Program Begins
CVIC introduction followed by guest speaker Melissa Dougherty.
Venue
Kongsvinger Lutheran Church
15950 470th Ave NW
Oslo, MN 56744
Live Stream
Can't make it in person? The program will be live-streamed so everyone can join. No registration is required to participate via live stream.
Featured Speaker
Melissa Dougherty
Author & Christian Apologist
A voice for clarity in a confused age
Melissa Dougherty is a Christian apologist best known for her popular YouTube channel, which primarily covers New Age and New Thought.
She holds three degrees: two associate degrees, one in Early Childhood Education and another in Liberal Arts, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Southern Evangelical Seminary, where she is also currently pursuing a master’s degree in Christian Apologetics.
Melissa is married with two daughters and lives in New Mexico.
Featured Book
Happy Lies
Have you ever wondered how we ended up in a world where personal feelings could become the authority for reality? Or why so many of us are on a relentless pursuit for happiness yet somehow feel more exhausted and sadder than ever? You're not alone.
Melissa deftly traces the roots of today's social chaos back to a little-known (but very influential) 1800s philosophy known as New Thought. A former follower of its teachings, Melissa provides clarity and compassion mixed with a dash of loving snark as she exposes New Thought's deceptions and its many concerning tendrils within the church and our "self-help" culture.
Uncover a dangerous ideology that nearly everyone has met, yet few of us can name, in order to better understand our culture and joyfully live faithful to the gospel that is so much better than our world's Happy Lies.
Get the BookWhy We Gather
About Our Beneficiary
With a bold, comprehensive approach, the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) disrupts cultural norms to end violence in two generations. They deliver vital safety and healing services to adults and children experiencing trauma and educate youth and professionals about how to prevent violence and develop healthy relationships. Because violence is predictable, it is preventable.
Through an alliance of collaborative partners and donors CVIC is creating a safer tomorrow for children and adults experiencing trauma and at the greatest risk of school failure, addictions and suicide. They support those impacted by violence at all levels with shelter, advocacy, therapy, self-sufficiency, intervention, and prevention with programs that are changing the trajectory of our community.
Serving tens of thousands of survivors and victims since 1980, CVIC has been leading regional violence intervention efforts with an innovative model of collaboration that is recognized nationally as a best practice. They employ more than 80 professionals who serve victims, survivors, and those who use violence in personal relationships.
Ephesians 6:10–20
The Whole Armor of God
Paul, in Ephesians chapter 6, teaches us how to armor ourselves against false teachers and evil in the world, and to prepare to preach the Gospel.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Click/tap on a piece of armor to learn more.
In the Community
CVIC delivers vital safety and healing services to adults and children
One Evening · One Cause
Join Us on June 5th
Stand with us against violence. Stand with us for healing.
Free · required for in-person attendance
100% of donations go directly to CVIC