Weekly Blog Posts
The following blog posts are written by Bishop Jen Nagel, Synod staff members, and leaders from the Minneapolis Area Synod.
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 [...]
2022 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis: A Memory Making Machine
By Pastor John Hulden When I was 10 years ago, I got to tag along with my Dad to the 1970 Lutheran Youth Gathering in New York City. My Dad, Rusty Halaas, was on the [...]
How we see ourselves
By Bishop Ann Svennungsen Christ is Risen! Wherever you gathered last Sunday – masked and socially distanced in the sanctuary, on folding chairs in the church parking lot, at home on zoom – I pray [...]
When one suffers
By Pastor Norma Malfatti This past weekend many congregations heard Psalm 51 in worship. This psalm is traditionally known as the psalm that King David prayed when the prophet Nathan, on behalf of God, called [...]
It’s been “a” year
By Pastor Craig Pederson I’m an avid fan of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” I find Colbert to be incredibly smart, funny, entertaining, and insightful. The writers who craft the monologues and skits are [...]