This post continues the Mission Table’s “Year of Partnership” highlighting the new and strategic ministries of the Minneapolis Area Synod. St. Paul’s-San Pablo is one of the strategic ministries and worships in South Minneapolis.

By Pastor Hierald Osorto

Soft lighting and soothing music create an ambience of calm. A circle of massage tables and zero-gravity chairs awaits their occupants. Over the next several hours, practitioners will offer individuals free sessions of acupuncture, reiki, or cupping therapy. This Sunday afternoon, the historic sanctuary of St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church has been transformed into a haven of respite and well-being.

Sanctuary: It’s not just a place where we gather, but we who are St. Paul’s-San Pablo. As a multilingual, multicultural, inclusive congregation, we strive to create spaces of belonging and welcome in South Minneapolis. That’s why we host the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, where University of Minnesota medical students care for our underinsured neighbors. That’s why we founded the Semilla Center for Healing and the Arts, a non-profit that encourages creative expression in youth and young adults. For 137 years, this church—founded by Swedish immigrants—has accompanied people willing to cross borders and overcome barriers to make a better life in this country. By the grace of God, we’re not stopping now.

 

In recent months, St. Paul’s-San Pablo has been discerning how to be a sanctuary in this anti-immigrant political climate. If you had asked me a year ago whether that would look like offering complementary, traditional medicine once a month, I’m sure I would have raised a skeptical eyebrow. Today, I am a grateful witness to Christ’s healing ministry, embodied in gentle hands and practices that ease the immense stress weighing on under-documented immigrants. I have seen how relaxed individuals looked after rising from their massage table or zero-gravity chair: as if they had exhaled after a long-held breath.

Yes, we partner with immigration attorneys. Yes, we educate ourselves about our legal rights. But no, we refuse to let fear course freely through our bodies and corrode our well-being. We are a sanctuary for the whole person, because the Holy One loves each person wholly and without exception. This is God’s call to us, which we are answering with energy and enthusiasm. If the Spirit is also stirring in your heart, come and join us. Come plant native flowers for our healing garden. Come dance at our summer block party. Come be sanctuary with us in these uncertain times and rest in the healing love of God.