During our Easter Sunday celebrations yesterday, I had the joy of sharing some really exciting news on behalf of our partners in ministry with Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota and the St. Paul Area Synod. Each year, LSS of MN recognizes one congregation in each of the six Minnesota synods for its leadership in social ministry and social justice in their community. To honor each congregation’s work, they are presented the “Servant of Christ Award” at the synod’s annual assembly. This year, they have announced that Prince of Peace has been selected to receive this award.
At the encouragement of Pastor John Klawiter (a former PoP Associate Pastor), Prince of Peace was nominated for our recent efforts to address the rising needs of affordable housing and the homeless in our community. Because of the foundational work of our Affordable Housing Team, Prince of Peace has been able to respond to the opportunity to partner with the City of Roseville, Settled, and other area congregations in providing for immediate care of the chronically homeless. And now the door has been opened to consider more deeply how our response might grow, something this award from LLS of MN and the St. Paul Area Synod acknowledges and offers as inspiration to partner congregations throughout the ELCA.
In her letter sharing this good news, Rev. Amanda Simons, Director of Church Partnerships & Volunteerism for LSS of MN, remarked, “Prince of Peace is an integral partner with LSS in our mission of expressing the love of Christ for all people, through service that inspires hope, changes lives and builds community. Thank you for dreaming big, following the Spirit’s call, and serving Christ by loving others with Christ’s love.” (read Rev. Simons’ complete letter below.)
The award will be formally presented to a delegation from PoP during the Annual Assembly of the St. Paul Area Synod, as the rostered clergy and lay delegates of all 110 congregations convene to celebrate the work of our churches and ministry partners. Rev. Simons will also be with us in person at Prince of Peace sometime thereafter to celebrate this recognition in person.
I’m so proud to be serving a community of faith that has found a way to embody the very best of what the risen Christ has called upon us to do. Your commitment and willingness to respond when God calls us to act, inspires me every single day. Thank you.
May God’s hope embrace you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… God of love, we give thanks for our partners in ministry at Lutheran Social Service and the St. Paul Area Synod. We are overjoyed by their recognition. May it further inspire us to continue living out your gospel promise by being a source of life for those who struggle to find it on their own. Amen.