By Juan GonzalezIn our synod, grace shows up in many ways. It appears when communities come closer together for safety and solidarity, when we are present for one another in collaboration and consolation, and when we welcome those who seek belonging. Juan at the Agora celebration Grace has been at work throughout September in many [...]
This post is one of the monthly posts blog posts written by the deans of the conferences of the Minneapolis Area Synod. By Pastor Katie Jorgenson Faith Lutheran Church, Waconia Dean of the Southwest Conference What American corporate culture labels as weakness is actually at the very heart of true church community: relying on one another's [...]
By Pastor Jen Collins, Assistant to the Bishop I stepped through a new doorway and into my new home for the week. This home was not close –- it took over 4,400 miles, including 10 hours of flying, 1.5 hours of riding on trains, and a bit of walking to arrive at the doorstep of [...]
This post continues the Mission Table’s “Year of Partnership” highlighting the new and strategic ministries of the Minneapolis Area Synod. All Nations Indian Church is one of the strategic ministries and worships in Minneapolis. By Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy (right) All Nations Indian Church, Minneapolis It was a typical morning at All Nations Indian Church. [...]
By Bishop Jen Nagel Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life. -Taize, tune by J. Berthier, based on Psalm 103.1 (listen to a version here) Group photo of the newly elected leaders I write from Bossey, a lovely ecumenical [...]
This post is one of the monthly posts blog posts written by the deans of the conferences of the Minneapolis Area Synod. By Pastor Kris Tostengard Michel Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities Dean of the South Minneapolis Conference Last November, we received word that a former member, aged 92, had died. The family had moved away 60 [...]
By Sarah Maslowski It’s Thursday at 1:00 p.m. and a zoom meeting has begun. Not everyone is there yet because CYF staff are known more for their relational skills than their timely ones. As the group waits a few minutes, people check in with one another and begin a devotion. This group of CYF [...]
By Bishop Jen Nagel More than 800 voting members and hundreds of visitors, observers, volunteers, and staff spent last week in Phoenix at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly. From Minneapolis Area Synod, we had a group of 30 voting members and a strong contingent of others supporting the assembly’s work. [...]
By Pastor Colin Grangaard, YAGM Alum First Lutheran Church of Crystal, Brooklyn Park God speaks to each of us as he makes us, then walks with us silently out of the night. These are the words we dimly hear: You, sent out beyond your recall, go to the limits of your longing. Embody me. Flare [...]
By Pastor John Hulden I’ve been blessed to work with dozens of first call pastors. I’ve also visited with many call committees pondering calling a new seminary graduate. To get a congregation in the mindset of bringing someone new on board, I often ask: “Who helped you in your first, major, full-time job?” My hands [...]