Get to know one of our two youth Synod Council members, Paavo Rundman!
What role(s) do you take on in the synod and beyond?
- I’m one of the youth members on the Minneapolis Area Synod Council, and I’ve been a part of the past three National Youth Leadership Summits as a representative from our synod. I’ve led music with my family for the 2018 Youth Gathering, the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, and in services across the country (even recently overseas for the Finnish Lutheran Church!).
What identities are important to you to highlight?
- I’m not part of any minority or marginalized groups, so I know an important part of my work is and will always be encouraging and supporting the ministry of my peers who are people of culture and/or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Which, if any, congregation do you belong to?
- I’ve been a member of Edina Community Lutheran Church for my entire life, but this fall I’ll be going to St. Olaf College so I’ll just the St. Olaf Student Congregation.
Thinking about the ELCA or the Minneapolis Area Synod, what part of its mission resonates the most with you/your work?
- The part of our synod’s mission statement that always stands out to me is that we have a responsibility that “all experience gracious invitation into life-giving Christian community.” My entire life I’ve felt this invitation, and I want my work to ensure that others will always know that they can also have a network of people who will embrace them, lift them up, and help them live out God’s word.
Thank you for all you do in the synod and the ELCA, Paavo! We’re blessed to have you!