So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:21 Everything has a purpose…a reason…a “why.” The gifts of God, the fruits of the Spirit, are given for a purpose. And as the recipients of these gifts, that … More Gifts that Build
A young couple left Haiti, seeking a better life. The storms, the earthquakes and the political instability left them feeling unsafe. They were expecting their first child, and they wanted that child to grow up where there was a greater sense of hope and promise for the future. They made their way to Mexico and … More When the Call Comes
The people were angry. They were. The Jewish people had been robbed of their land, and their dignity. They were subjects to the Romans, their rights had been taken away and the Roman soldiers were regularly mistreating, beating and even killing those who broke any kind of law or rule. Emotions were high, and the people were angry. Enter … More Something Different
If you drive along Minnesota’s north shore, 30-40 minutes up highway 61 past Duluth, you will come to the lovely little town of Two Harbors. When you get to Two Harbors, you take a right onto Waterfront Drive, and go until you get about half-way down the hill, towards Lake Superior. You will come to the intersection … More Them and Us
I just have to pause and reflect on this past weekend at Trinity. It was crazy-fun. There was so much stuff happening here that it was hard to keep straight what was going on and when. Let me just share with you the brief rundown: On Thursday, the setup in Fellowship Hall began for the … More A Weekend in Fellowship Hall
At their confirmation retreat a couple of weeks ago, our 10th graders had the opportunity to ask faith questions about things they were still wondering about. We discussed as many as we could, but I said that I would try and answer the questions that remained on my blog over the next few weeks. Here … More 10th Grade Faith Questions Part III
“Who says, you can’t go home?” – Jon Bon Jovi At our congregational meeting on Sunday, the members of Trinity chose to call Deacon Kris Oppegard as the new member of our pastoral team. The vote to issue the call was 191 in favor, and 1 opposed. Deacon Kris is a very familiar face to … More Trinity Welcomes (Back) Deacon Kris Oppegard!
This week I am at the annual continuing education conference for senior pastors of large ELCA congregations. Yesterday at one of our sessions, there was a panel discussion of all of the presidents of the nine ELCA seminaries. They were discussing the changing needs of the seminaries and the ways that the seminaries and large … More Trinity Gets Lifted Up
Today I had the opportunity to be a part of my first staff meeting with the Trinity staff. We had, I think, a good meeting. There was good conversation, there was laughter, there were details attended to, and there was just a taste of dreaming that was shared. These are good, dedicated people who are … More Staff Meeting
Test Driving Theology 