Spirituality

Spiritual connections: Christmas at the margins

Trish Vanni • December 14, 2025

A reflection on the Christmas story and how themes of vulnerability and displacement still resonate for people on society’s margins.

Spiritual connections: The Feast of St. Nicholas and the tradition of giving

Trish Vanni • December 6, 2025

A reflection on the Feast of St. Nicholas and the small acts of generosity that continue to shape our lives today.

Spiritual connections: A deeper kind of Thanksgiving gratitude

Trish Vanni • November 26, 2025

Rev. Trish Vanni explores how to practice deeper, more intentional gratitude at Thanksgiving, even when the holiday feels complicated.

Spiritual connections: Remember to say ‘thanks a lot’

Rod Anderson • November 23, 2025

Pastor Rod Anderson reflects on gratitude, family traditions and lessons in thankfulness learned across decades of ministry and personal experience.

Spiritual connections: The power of a smile

Trish Vanni • November 21, 2025

Rev. Trish Vanni reflects on the simple, transformative power of a smile and how small gestures can deepen connection and calm.

Spiritual connections: Being the beloved community

Trish Vanni • November 7, 2025

Amid SNAP challenges and rising loneliness, the Rev. Trish Sullivan Vanni reflects on building compassion, connection, and community in Eden Prairie.

Spiritual connections: Now is the time for compassion

Trish Vanni • October 30, 2025

Rev. Trish Vanni urges people of all faiths to act with compassion and unity, ensuring no neighbor goes hungry during hardship.

Spiritual connections: A weekend of Reformation, Halloween and All Saints Day

Rod Anderson • October 28, 2025

In his latest column, Pastor Rod Anderson connects Reformation Day, Halloween and All Saints Day through faith and history.

Spiritual connections: Finding Christian hope beyond optimism

Trish Vanni • October 3, 2025

The Rev. Trish Vanni reflects on Christian hope vs optimism, exploring faith, community, and action rooted in God’s promises.

Spiritual connections: Remembering September’s song

Rod Anderson • September 19, 2025

Pastor Rod Anderson reflects on “Try to Remember,” autumn’s colors, and how music awakens memory and spirit in Minnesota.

Fasts, feasts and lunar calendars

Joanna Werch Takes • September 11, 2025

Panelists shared the traditions and meanings of their religions' holidays as part of this year's PeopleFest.

Spiritual connections: Signs of our faith

EPLN Guest Writer • August 17, 2025

The Rev. Trish Vanni reflects on wearing a cross, faith in daily life, and how symbols shape values across religions today.