Husband, father, reader, guitar player, pastor, a person who is really banking on that whole grace thing!
I recently read a story about a family that left their church one Sunday, and as they got into the car, the critiques started rolling in like they were filling out a review on Yelp: The list of pros and cons just kept coming. Finally, their eight-year-old piped up from the back seat and said, “Well, what … More To Be Trinity
Beloved Trinity family, This week, our hearts are shattered as we joined our sisters and brothers in Minneapolis in mourning an unspeakable tragedy. It has taken me a couple of days to even get my head wrapped around what happened. 50 (plus) years ago, I grew up in a home about 6 or 8 blocks … More Faith, Grief, and the Call to Action
Have you ever noticed that there are rules in life that seem like they were designed just to drive you crazy? Maybe it’s a traffic law…maybe some policy at your work…or perhaps it’s a social expectation. There are rules and laws that don’t make a lot of sense to us. For instance: Rules and laws. Some of … More Free to Love
When I read the story of Jesus calming the storm, I can’t help but think about those disciples in that boat. Remember, this was not a luxury cruise ship with shuffleboard and a breakfast buffet. They were on a small boat…it would hold maybe 8 or 10 of them. Most of them were fishermen, sure, so … More When the Winds Won’t Quit
I want to begin this morning with a confession. Not a deep, dark, soul-wrenching confession… but just a light one. I hate walking barefoot outside. I do. I know some people love the feeling of grass between their toes, or the warmth of sand on the beach. I’m not that guy. I don’t know what … More Holy Ground and Bare Feet
Originally published in the Owatonna People’s Press, July 26, 2025 Recently, our community came together for a celebration of inclusion, belonging, and joy. The local Pride festival was filled with music, laughter, families, food, and friendship. People showed up to be seen, to be known, and to support one another. It was a beautiful reflection … More Love Is Our True Identity
Dear Friends in Christ, I have some good news to share. Last week, congregational council president, Marla Holt and I wrote to you about the water problems in the lower level of our building and the belief that we were facing a major water mitigation project. At that time, the estimated cost was close to … More A Surprise Blessing and an Invitation to Help
Welcome to “Campfire Stories,” our summer sermon series. I want to think together about the power…and the importance…of stories for just a moment. Stories are central to who we are. Stories teach us important lessons…the stories we remember…the stories we tell…they say something about who we are as a people…they say something about our hearts. I have always … More Pick it Up
Dear Friends in Christ, Grace and peace to you from our loving and faithful God. I am writing today with news about a new, short-term addition to our pastoral staff, as we continue to care for one another during this season of transition and healing. As you know, Pastor Amanda has been courageously navigating her … More Welcoming Pastor Susan Li: Providing Care and Support in a Season of Transition
A farmer was teaching his young son how to plow. As his son sat in the tractor seat, his dad pointed to the far end of the field. “Now, son,” he said, “What you have to do is keep you eyes on one point at the far end of the field. Just focus on that one thing and … More Turn Your Face
Test Driving Theology 