By Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers
This post continues the Mission Table’s “Year of Partnership” highlighting the new and strategic ministries of the Minneapolis Area Synod. Redeemer is one of the strategic ministries and worships in North Minneapolis.
Redeemer Lutheran Church has one hundred and sixteen years of history in North Minneapolis. Originally started as a Finnish-American congregation, Redeemer has evolved to welcoming Norwegian, Jewish, and African-American people to the neighborhood, ever remaining committed to being a beacon of hope in the Harrison Neighborhood.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, and ministries meant to accompany their neighbors, Redeemer strives to provide a radical welcome, as well as a commitment to liberation and social justice for all.
As Lutherans, we know that gathering every Sunday around Word and Sacrament is one of the most important things that we do together. At Redeemer, the hymnal of choice is This Far By Faith, an ELCA hymnal tailored to those who wish to worship and sing in the African-American tradition.
This tradition is one of celebration, resistance, and unrelenting hope. This is not a place where you sing with anything but your whole heart! Throughout the Sunday experience, you will be blessed by the music ministry at Redeemer. Hands clap, everyone is invited to make joyful noises with a variety of hand instruments, and voices are raised to Almighty God. Bodies sway and souls are filled with the hope and promise of Jesus’ justice and peace for all people.
As Christians, we believe in loving God and neighbor as ourselves. At Redeemer, this is beautifully displayed during the passing of the peace where deep relationships are established through smiles, handshakes, nods, and hugs. If you are accustomed to passing the peace at your church for 60-90 seconds, Redeemer will be a new experience! The peace extends over five minutes as God’s beloveds connect – and reconnect – with those who are present.
When Sunday worship is over, Redeemer’s service truly begins! During the week, the members and friends of Redeemer exit the four walls of the sanctuary and purposefully join God in the work She is already doing in the neighborhood! Whether they are providing food and diapers, standing in solidarity with folks in George Floyd Square, advocating for affordable housing and safe schools, or providing weekly summer meals, the members of Redeemer are deeply concerned about the needs of their neighbors and partner with many ministry partners and others who live in the Harrison neighborhood to walk with them.
If you are looking for a church home, or just want to stop in, you’re invited to visit Redeemer. If you feel called to financially support the mission and ministry of Redeemer, your dollars – or those of your home congregation – will go far to advance the Gospel! Currently, they are fundraising in support of the affordable housing they are blessed to manage. Of the $45,000 that they need, they have already raised $10,000. Will you help them fulfill God’s mission in the Harrison neighborhood?
The Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers wrote this blog as a member of the Minneapolis Area Synod Mission Table. She is the pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church of Edina and the author of the book See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship with Congregational Leaders of Color (Mouth House).