Weekly Blog Posts
The following blog posts are written by Bishop Jen Nagel, Synod staff members, and leaders from the Minneapolis Area Synod.
Unseen until now
By Meghan Olsen Biebighauser A few days ago, my mom and I took my children to the Minnesota Zoo. It was basically our first “fun” outing to an “actual place,” as my kids put it, and we really [...]
These times were made for walking
By Emilie Bouvier If you’ve seen me from across the Zoom room at a meeting or virtual event lately, you likely have noticed the favorite thing that I’ve discovered about working from home this past [...]
Deep longing for a savior
By Pastor Norma Malfatti Are you looking for a savior? Many have been labeled saviors over the years, especially when it comes to politicians. For instance, then-Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 joked, “Contrary to the [...]
Epiphany unveiled
By Bishop Ann Svennungsen Epiphany 2021 is forever marked as the day our Capitol was breached by an angry and violent mob; the day our country was betrayed by threats to human life and the institutions of [...]
God’s sustaining presence
By Bishop Ann Svennungsen “Where have you experienced God’s sustaining presence in the past year? In what new or surprising way has God been revealed?” This was the question asked by a good friend in [...]
Real to real
By Pastor Craig Pederson It was almost 15 years ago when I participated in my first online worship experience. A wonderful young couple was getting married at the small urban church where I was serving. [...]
Canticle of a neighbor
By Meghan Olsen Biebighauser Month Nine of this pandemic has me thinking about how connected we are to our place – like, our literal coordinates. For the most part, I haven’t left my zip code [...]
Angels calling
By Bishop Ann Svennungsen Last night, I realized my husband has a special calling – preparing warm campfires so our family can gather outdoors during the pandemic. I had no idea Bill had this gift. [...]
Ready or not
By Brenda Blackhawk I love this time of year: the cold snap in the air, the spicy scents, and the pretty lights and decorations. And, I love the relational aspects of the season – the gifts (both the [...]
Intentions in tension
By Bob Hulteen I’m getting ready for a vacation (because in last week’s blog Pastor John said we all should “take ‘em”), so this blog is only three hot takes. You can "take 'em" or [...]