Jordan New Life is a Lutheran Church—with a "Twist"

By Marsha Jarvela, Jordan New Life Community Church member

We were about to sing the closing song, when he asked for some time to speak to the congregation. Jonas is a familiar face in this north Minneapolis neighborhood but new to the Jordan New Life Community Church (JNLCC) pews. He had used the services of the Jordan New Life Hub and had been meeting regularly with Pastor Terrance Jacob; a few months ago he began attending Sunday services, sitting in the back of the church. And now, he asked for some time to speak.

We were all wondering what he had to say but those of us who have been members for awhile were not surprised that the liturgical schedule was put on “pause” to hear the voice of the faithful. After all, as described by a visitor, we are, indeed, an established ELCA church—“with a twist.” Sunday services have included events such as renewal of marriage vows, youth volunteer recognition, laying-on-of-hands, and now this Workhouse Send-off—does anyone need a liturgy for that?

With his voice breaking, Jonas told us that this would be his last Sunday for a few months because he was going into the workhouse to pay his debt to society. He tearfully expressed his gratitude to several staff members of the Hub and to Pastor Jacob for helping him get his life together and for helping him renew his spiritual life; then he spoke to four young teenage boys sitting in the front pew. “If you do wrong, make it right; if you fall, get up; keep coming to church and read your Bible.” Finally, he did a reading of, “From the Father to His Child,” a letter going through the entire Bible explaining God’s love for us; and asked the young men to distribute copies of this to those of us who wanted one. Pastor Jacob then asked all the youth to come to the front of the church where they surrounded Jonas with prayer and human touch. As the prayer ended the young men presented Jonas with a Bible containing their individually written messages of hope.

While the Workhouse Send-Off may not become a regular part of JNLCC’s Sunday worship, it was a powerful event that speaks to the unique ministry of this church. Located in an inner-city neighborhood, this small Lutheran church recognizes the many needs of the diverse Jordan residents, extends a hand to all who enter our warm and welcoming lobby and makes space and time for Jonas and others who hunger for comfort and grace. The word is spreading, our numbers are growing; optimism and joy permeate our Sunday gatherings. God is at work in a unique way at 26th and Newton, in Minneapolis.

Jordan New Life Community Church is a 12 year old multicultural ELCA congregation at 1922 25th Ave N., Minneapolis, where Rev. Terrance Jacob is pastor.