Congregational Profile: Living Spirit United Methodist Church
We are starting a new series of Congregational Profiles. Each month, we will look at a church or group of churches and see how they participate in the collaborative.
This month we start with Living Spirit United Methodist Church. Located in south Minneapolis, it is a young congregation that is new to the collaborative. We spoke to congregational leader Ann Jensen about the church and how it got involved with Beacon.
Can you tell me a bit about Living Spirit? (History, background)
In 2009, the former Oakland Ave. United Methodist Church (44th and Oakland in So. Mpls.) and Asbury United Methodist (45th and Bloomington Ave. in So. Mpls.) merged and chose Living Spirit as their new name. The members of both congregations were historically Caucasian. Then the neighborhood around Oakland began to change and become more diverse. In addition to African American members, Oakland church welcomed individuals from Liberia, Nigeria, Brazil, and other countries. In the 1980’s and 90’s Oakland was made up of approximately 1/3 African Americans, 1/3 Africans, and 1/3 Caucasians and others. The church became focused on racial justice and other community concerns because of its makeup, but declined in membership over the years.
The Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church decided that Oakland would join with Asbury, a struggling congregation, which was primarily Caucasian. Oakland’s community social and racial justice emphases became the mission of the new merged congregation. Therefore, as Beacon’s mission became known to the congregation, the church gradually has become involved in Beacon programs of housing and advocacy.
How long has Living Spirit been involved with Beacon? What made the congregation want to participate? How do you participate?
Three years ago, a member of Living Spirit, Ann Jensen, attended a conference at United Theological Seminary dealing with mass incarceration. She attended a presentation about Beacon and plans for Great River Landing. This planned housing was of interest to others in the congregation and it was consistent with the racial justice concerns of Living Spirit. As a result, support for Beacon grew. Since then, individuals have been involved in meeting with legislators, participating in Beacon training, attending Beacon’s Day at the Capitol, providing support to Families Moving Forward at Richfield United Methodist, and providing individual and congregational financial support.
How has the congregation been impacted since joining? What about housing issues did you not know before joining Beacon?
Living Spirit is increasingly engaged in the crisis in affordable housing in our community. Being involved in Beacon brought opportunities to become active with legislators and increased knowledge about how state government operates. Individuals who had never been to the capitol, to hearings, or to meet with legislators are now able to bring their passion for justice to legislators.
What events and experiences connected with Beacon have been most memorable to you and your church? What upcoming events are you most looking forward to?
We’ve taken part in Beacon Day on the Hill, 2017 Beacon Day at the Convention Center, working with families through Families Moving Forward, and will take part in the upcoming Legislative Actions.
What would you say to another congregation considering joining the Collaborative?
Beacon provides an avenue to understand political actions for justice and an opportunity to join with hundreds of others to achieve results. “If you are concerned about racial justice, homelessness, and affordable housing, and feel helpless to impact these huge issues, join with Beacon congregations to make the difference you desire.”
