Sometimes we know certain things about ourselves based on life experiences, reflection, or lessons we’ve had to learn the hard way. Other times we are kind of oblivious to our tendencies, giftedness, or abilities that are pretty rare in the world. The Holy Spirit has given each of us...
Each spring, the Saint Paul Area Synod holds a gathering called a ministerium for its pastors, deacons, interns, and those going through seminary to attend. Often there is a guest speaker to share about a particular topic, but this spring the Saint Paul Area Synod did things a bit...
“No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.” John 1:18 ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Easton speaks of this passage and its deep meaning to her. The Greek word translated “heart” is not the...
How will we know when we have enough deacons? When all the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable are met. When to gather the gifts of the church and take them to the world – and to gather...
This summer, our church council had a two night retreat led by Rev. Justin Grimm from the Saint Paul Area Synod to learn about our spiritual gifts. Our council spends a lot of our time working on “business” during regular meetings—trying to be efficient and make wise decisions...
Earlier this month, I attended a Saint Paul Area Synod Event featuring Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). The LWF is a coalition of 148 different church bodies, 99 countries, and 75 million Lutherans around the world. That’s a lot of...
For 2 days in October, leaders from across the Saint Paul Area Synod gathered for the annual Bishop’s Theological Conference. This year’s theme, “More Than Can Be Told” featured the ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton as our keynote and guest. The conference...
We all engage the world in different ways. We have different life rhythms. Different types of families. Different cares and struggles and challenges. We find joy and hope in different places. We’re old and young, lonely and desperate for solitude. We span the...
It is no secret that anxiety is on the rise in our culture. Turn to almost any media form, outlet or medical report and you will find reference to rising rates of mental health problems, diagnoses, and symptoms of anxiety rampant all around us. We live in a fast-paced...
Vocation means “calling.” It is something that each of us has, whether we are 6 or 96. Vocation is not some special gift for faith heroes in the Bible like Peter or Moses - or for church workers, deacons, pastors, and bishops. Vocation is also not (necessarily) your...