This time of year always draws me back to the heart of the Christmas story. It is a story full of angels and shepherds and songs of peace, but at its core it is about a young family on the move. Mary and Joseph were traveling because they had to. They were vulnerable. They were … More Christmas is a Time of Welcome (Not Fear)
Whether you’ve been part of Trinity for decades or you’re walking through the doors for the first time on Christmas Eve, we want you to feel at home. Christmas worship is one of the most beautiful nights of the year here, and a little helpful info can help you relax, settle in, and simply enjoy … More A User’s Guide to Christmas at Trinity
This morning, I had a conversation with Dom Korbel, the Executive Director at Community Pathways. Community Pathways is the organization that runs the community food shelf and clothing bank for Owatonna and our surrounding area. Dom said that yesterday, individuals and families who receive SNAP benefits (food stamps) were notified that because of the government … More Community Pathways Needs Our Help
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
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
A response to the political violence in Minnesota Dear friends, The grief that washed over Minnesota yesterday cuts deep into the soul of our community. Yesterday, our state lost a remarkable leader: former House Speaker and current DFL caucus leader Melissa Hortman, along with her husband Mark, who were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home. … More Holding on to Hope:
Dear friends, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebration. I want to give you an important update about Pastor Chris Meester and his family. Many of you are probably aware that Pastor Chris’ wife, Laurel, who also serves as an ELCA pastor in Blooming Prairie, is pregnant. Their baby is due … More An Update on Pastor Chris’ Family
Every three years, the ELCA Youth Gathering takes place. It is a milestone event in the lives of tens of thousands of young people across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is more than an event; it is a pilgrimage that offers profound spiritual growth, community, and inspiration to both the youth and the … More As We Gather: Created to Be
When I glance past the obituary page in the newspaper, I am sometimes struck by how many names are listed for loved ones that have been lost. As I look at the names, I think with empathy about the loved ones these people left behind. I say a prayer for the family and friends of the deceased. And … More When a Community Grieves
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller We live in an “us/them” culture. Human beings have found ways to divide ourselves since the dawn of recorded history. We divide ourselves geographically, economically, ethnically, racially, by gender, by sexuality, politically, by schools we attended, by loyalty to sports teams…you name it, … More It’s All About “Us”
Test Driving Theology 