Holy Closure of North Emanuel Lutheran Church

“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. AMEN.”

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

In our synod’s statement of purpose we proclaim the core belief that Christ is working to stir up bolder trust in God’s work through us. This often leads to the expectation that God will continue to do new and innovative things in our midst and that we will play a crucial role in those new ventures.

However, today we are called to place that same trust in God as we close one of the long established congregations in this synod. After much prayer and discernment, North Emanuel Lutheran Church in Saint Paul will close with a final worship service on Sunday, September 17^th.

Founded in 1891 by an immigrant generation, North Emanuel has long been an anchor for religious and community life in the North End. Members have faithfully lived out their baptismal faith and mission there for 126 years.

While it is bittersweet to witness the closing of a congregation, we give thanks for the faithful witness of this congregation and trust that the Risen Christ is still at work.

Please keep the members of North Emanuel and Pastor Kisten Thompson in your prayers, as they prepare for this service of holy closure. Join us as we gather with North Emanuel for their final service on Sunday, September 17 at 2:00 pm at 301 Hatch Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55117. The service will be followed by a time of fellowship. 

Patricia J. Lull, Bishop