This news article first appeared on the Lutheran World Federation website. By LWF/A. Weyermüller Oppression does not end when we look away from it. On the contrary, by looking at violence, evil, and oppression, we can address it, said the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President, Archbishop Dr. Panti Filibus Musa, in a Bible study at the […]
When thinking of “history,” it is most common to look back in time, to earlier eras with exotic customs and costumes. But history is complex, occasionally because we are actually living a distinct story that will affect the way lives are interpreted far into the future. The story of the church is a distinct story. […]
Bishop Ann Svennungsen February 8, 2021 I am not a scientist, though I deeply respect those who are. I am not a business person, but appreciate the challenges they face. I am not an indigenous leader, and in my own whiteness don’t pretend to understand the long arms of injustice and oppression that have reached […]
By Nick Tangen Kelly Sherman-Conroy, whose Lakota name is Mato Wašté Wiƞyan (Good Bear Woman), stepped into a new hybrid role at Nativity Lutheran Church, St. Anthony, Minnesota, in 2018. In this new position, she has focused on the intersection between children and family ministry and social justice. “I think ministry is always changing and evolving,” said […]
By Bob Hulteen Almost a decade ago, the pastor of a Minneapolis congregation noticed that four predatory lending options had opened within blocks of the church in just a few months. With a gospel ear to the scriptural call to care for the community, he preached a sermon and the members of his congregation were […]
By John Mai A pandemic that began in Lent has now stretched its way to Advent. Holy Week, Easter, and 25 long weeks of Pentecost have gone by without the comfort and familiarity of gathering together for most members of Minneapolis Area Synod congregations. Now, in a season that is particularly characterized by hymns, offertories, […]
By Madeline Troyer After five special sessions of the Minnesota legislature in 2020, legislators finally passed the state’s largest bonding bill on October 15. The bonding bill included significant funding dedicated to making clean and safe water accessible to more Minnesotans. Minneapolis Area Synod and ecumenical leaders in the state, engaged through the Ecumenical Water […]
Ministry Imagination Grants: Imagine. Innovate. Initiate. By Nick Tangen In 2019 congregants from Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis and Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, to visit the recently-opened National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a site dedicated to the painful legacy of slavery and Jim Crow. The pilgrimage […]
Ministry Imagination Grants: Imagine. Innovate. Initiate. By Nick Tangen Pastor Dan Carlson has been ministering to public safety professionals for his entire career. He spent 20 years as a police officer and police chief in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and so knows intimately the struggles and unique pastoral concerns of those who work in public safety: […]
Ministry Imagination Grants: Imagine. Innovate. Initiate. By Nick Tangen In a backyard in Richfield, a small group of people are using their bodies to illustrate the complexities and challenges of living through a national pandemic. Each person positions themselves in the scene to depict an image of pain, confusion, resilience, and community, all by only […]