The
Rev Marlene Jacobs came to Saint Paul’s in September of 2007, having
served two years as assistant rector at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church
in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As a native Minnesotan, raised in White Bear
Lake, Marlene is happy to be home again.
Marlene brings to her
ministry a passion for the Gospel, compassion for people and respect
for the meaningful traditions of the Episcopal Church. She sees our
church’s beautiful liturgy and progressive theology as our secret
treasures. She describes our approach to Christianity as honoring and
nurturing each individual’s own spiritual journey without prescribing
or demanding conformity to strict doctrines, and reminds us that this
church belongs to Christ and so all are welcome here. “Come worship
with us and see what happens, learn how you may grow your own faith
within an authentic Christian community.”
Marlene prepared for
the ministry while attending the University of St. Thomas where she
served for eight years as youth minister in White Bear Lake, Duluth and
Superior. After completing her Masters in Education, she worked as a
counselor, caseworker and director at St. Croix Camps, a juvenile
corrections facility in Sandstone. She earned her Master’s in Divinity
from Virginia Theological Seminary and has experienced living and
working in Peru and Alaska. Rev. Jacobs brings to Saint Paul’s a
clear vision for our future and is excited to lead us on our journey
toward growth and renewal. She seeks to serve all God’s people with her
inspiring leadership and dynamic preaching. Under her leadership, Saint
Paul’s is working to empower its ministry through meaningful outreach,
evangelism and innovative programs. Marlene’s compassion for living and
carrying out the Gospel teachings, coupled with her gift of gentle
humor, display her personal warmth and deep faith. Her Sunday homilies
are notable for their focus on clear and affirming lessons for our
lives. Each week she provides succinct distillations of the meaning of
the Gospel, giving us always insights to take home and ponder as we go
about our daily activities.
Marlene enjoys bicycling, hiking
and cross-country skiing, as well as skijoring with her two Siberian
Huskies. She has felt a calling to the priesthood since the age of
eight and considers it a privilege to be able to serve in a position
she loves. Her experiences, talents and skills promise Saint Paul’s
exciting opportunities for growth in faith and service now and into the
future.
The Reverend Marlene Jacobs
Listen to a sermon by Marlene. Read Marlene's message to Saint Paul's on the occasion of her installation as rector.
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church 1917 Logan Avenue South ♦ Minneapolis, MN 55403 612.377.1273 At the northeast corner of Lake of the Isles in the historic Lowry HIll neighborhood of Minneapolis
