Weekly Blog Posts
The following blog posts are written by Bishop Jen Nagel, Synod staff members, and leaders from the Minneapolis Area Synod.
Mystery, Passion, and Piano Lessons
By Rev. John Hulden, Assistant to the Bishop I took piano lessons from my dear, dear Mother. Besides being the church organist/soloist/choir director in many of my dad’s parishes, my Mom also had many piano [...]
For What Do We Give Thanks?
As I opened the over-sized cardboard box, I first noticed an ancient-looking coloring book page with pastel markings of a bunny and an egg. But the next level of excavation in this container my aunt [...]
Being the Church after a Presidential Election
By Bishop Ann Svennungsen What happens after an election -- especially one as divisive as this? What is the role of the church? The synod? The congregation? As in all elections, there are winners and [...]
Drink and Swear
By Bob Hulteen, Director of Communications and Stewardship Since I am now an ardent advocate of nonviolence, many readers who know me might be surprised to find out that I was often in fist fights [...]
Overwhelmed by Prayerfulness
By Bishop Ann Svennungsen Last week I was privileged to travel to the encampment at Standing Rock Reservation with Pastor Marlene Whiterabbit Helgemo, an ELCA pastor serving All Nations Church in Minneapolis. People from around [...]
Get Your Toolbox Ready
By Rev. Craig Pederson, Assistant to the Bishop By this time of the fall, church councils and committees are in full swing – implementing the ministry plans laid months ago, and looking forward to the [...]
Climbing a Ladder (Not Jacob’s)
By Rev. Deb Stehlin, Director for Evangelical Mission I’m still a little bit surprised that a) I am Lutheran, and b) I’m a pastor. When I was planning out my life as a young adult, [...]
Understanding the Quest for God
By Bishop Ann Svennungsen How do we speak faithfully of God – the creator of all things, the author of life, the giver of love beyond our wildest dreams? Throughout history we have tried to [...]
Overheard and overwhelmed
By Bob Hulteen, Director of Communications and Stewardship Running out the door of my house to catch the bus, I overheard a rather intimate conversation between a father and daughter as he accompanied her to [...]