Drawn to community service? St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis has a rich history. It continues to make a difference in the lives of many.
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is over 137 years old. It was founded October 31, 1912. For many years, St. Paul’s has served the Phillips community. The Phillips Community is located in south Minneapolis. The church brings hope. It shares the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ.
Today, St. Paul’s serves a diverse community. The community is one of the youngest and poorest in Minneapolis. About 7,000 youth live within one mile of the church. St. Paul’s is at the heart of the Latino community. It also serves Somali, Native Americans, African Americans and European Americans.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church seeks to fulfill God’s mission. The church rejoices in the promise. The seed planted many years ago will continue to bear great fruit.
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is also part of the Minneapolis Area Synod.
The church provides training in job and leadership skills. Many young people long to work for a better community. Lorena is a young woman of Mexican descent. She has a talent for art. She gathers people to work together. Lorena overcame shyness with the help of Young Leaders. She can stand in front of groups and talk. She arrives early for work days. Lorena speaks with police inspectors and business owners. She even speaks with city council members.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church also supports immigrant women. Most people don’t first come into a church for sewing. Virginia was attracted by sewing classes. St. Paul’s began offering them in 2007. Soon, she taught young people how to sew. She became involved in the life of the church. She reads lessons in worship. Virginia helps plan neighborhood events. She invites family and friends to join her.
Mujeres de la Palabra learned how to market their skills. They bid on jobs. The Women of the Word sewed 400 vests for volunteers. They did this for the 2009 ELCA Assembly. The women connected with people around the country. This helped them grow. They gained confidence to pursue sewing businesses.
St. Paul’s Apartments provide low-cost housing to seniors. Evy and Wil met because of St. Paul’s Home. St. Paul’s Home provides apartments for senior citizens. This housing is another anchor in the diverse community.
The church makes the community greener and safer. It does this through public art. Youth from St. Paul’s painted murals. They planted flowers around a Kaplan Brothers building. The youth repaired a defaced mural. They painted another one. They have painted murals in alleys. They also planted trees and flowers.
The Semilla project builds artistic and community development skills. Semilla means seed in Spanish. Artists teach mosaic and mural arts. They teach senior citizens at St. Paul’s Home. They teach school children at Andersen Elementary. They teach families through workshops.
St. Paul’s parish nurse touches many lives. She visits shut-ins. She brings company, health expertise and love. She visits St. Paul’s Home twice a month. She does blood pressure checks. She encourages residents to communicate. She helps them build community. Marie prays and studies the Bible with them. She provides fellowship they need. Marie comforts members who are ill. She advocates for them and their families. She helps them understand their health needs. She brings the community of St. Paul’s to those who can’t come to the building.
Andrea grew up in South Minneapolis. She attended church on Sunday. She participated in youth programs. Now an adult, she attends St. Paul’s with her family. She teaches Sunday School. She serves on the church council. She hopes the church will continue to serve its community. It provides a safe place. Youth can learn about the love that comes with a relationship with Christ.
Nick attended St. Paul’s as a young boy. He recalls learning about Jesus’ love. As a teen, he struggled with crime. He was reminded of Jesus’ unfailing love. He has recommitted himself to Christ’s service. He is a youth pastor. He is studying to become a Lutheran Minister.
Selena was bounced from foster home to foster home. She came to St. Paul’s summer program. St. Paul’s supported her guardian. It provided a safe place. Selena’s creative gifts can be used. She is blossoming into a star.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is more than just a building. It’s a beacon of hope. It is a place of community. It is a place where lives are transformed.