Weekly Blog Posts
The following blog posts are written by Bishop Jen Nagel, Synod staff members, and leaders from the Minneapolis Area Synod.
What does ‘good news’ mean?
By Bob Hulteen In 1985 I was fortunate to be invited by my then-pastor, Jim Ellison, to represent the synod at a national gathering in Chicago to discuss the church that was being formed by [...]
‘You’re gonna need a bigger boat!’
By Meghan Olsen Biebighauser Later this week my family and I will be taking a beach vacation near my hometown on Long Island, New York. I’m so excited to introduce my kids to the sounds, [...]
A matter of character(s)
By Pastor Craig Pederson Last week I returned to my hometown in west central Minnesota (Starbuck) to officiate and sing at the funeral of a beloved neighbor of my family. Joe Hoium died of heart [...]
Thor’s hammer and David’s heart
By Pastor Norma Malfatti One of my New Testament professors in seminary regularly assigned an integrative project for the end of the semester. This project required that students create some practical application of using Scripture, [...]
Land of 10,000 actions
By Madeline Troyer I have been loving Minnesota lake culture. During the winter months, the lakes have a unique appeal. But it’s really warm weather that draws me to them. I grew up going to [...]
Pandemic hair
By Bob Hulteen When no one else was really coming into the office in the first months of the pandemic (as per guidelines), I decided to grow my beard out. I mean, I’ve had a [...]
Between then and now
By Pastor Norma Malfatti This Thursday we mark Jesus’ ascension. (You may remember Jesus tells Mary in the garden, “Don’t hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to Abba God.” John 20:17, [...]
Our unique dance steps
By Bishop Ann Svennungsen May 2 was the sixth anniversary of the death of our son John Amos. He was 30 years old and died after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Of course, [...]
The voice of the Good Shepherd
By Pastor Craig Pederson In the wake of the momentous events of last week – the Chauvin trial verdict, the killing of Daunte Wright, the death of Walter Mondale, the uptick of COVID-19 cases – [...]
The ‘No’ and the ‘Yes’ — Earth Day Resistance
By Emilie Bouvier A few weeks ago, I was sitting in a comfy deep-seated camping chair, but still somehow managed to be on the edge of my seat. I was sitting around a campfire, but [...]