Christmas. Just hearing the word fills our hearts with warmth. It brings memories of glowing lights, joyful gatherings, candlelight, and music that stirs our very soul. But beyond the joy and tradition, Christmas is the season of love coming to earth; a celebration of the child who changed…well, who changed everything. Today, through these beautiful carols … More This is Christmas
Pastor Alan Sherouse writes a story about preparing for Christmas with his children. He wanted his kids to understand the real meaning of Christmas. So, one night, in the middle of December, he sat down at the kitchen table with his youngest child, and they began to assemble a cardboard cutout nativity scene: a stable, a manger, Mary and Joseph, … More You Are a Blessing
One of my favorite TV shows when I was growing up was “The Twilight Zone.” Remember that show? I loved all the stories. But there was this one episode that I’ll always remember. This episode was set in the future. It centers on a man, who was sentenced to a year of punishment for committing a crime. … More Seeing What Can’t Be Seen
Have you ever wondered what people really think about you? I mean like, after the meeting is over…after you leave the room…after you run into someone at the grocery store, or at a restaurant. After you walk away, do you wonder what they may be thinking or saying about you, behind your back? Or have you ever … More The Gospel According to Facebook
Here at church, almost every afternoon, we see student drivers practicing their driving skills under the watchful eye of their instructors in the church parking lot. They will practice winding through the rows, parallel parking and angle parking. It makes sense to me; It’s a big lot with plenty of room. I did the same thing when we … More The Middle Place
Last week was quite the adventure! I got to spend the week at the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. It was an event with 16,500 young people and adult leaders, including around 30 from Trinity. The Gathering was an incredible event where our young people and their leaders experienced worship, service, accompaniment, new relationships, resources for … More There is Always More
You probably know this already, but just in case you don’t, let me break some bad news top you: That Magic 8 ball you had as a kid? It didn’t really work. Sorry. Crystal balls, fortune tellers, tarot cards? They don’t work either. I’m sorry. They don’t. There are so many ways that humans try to predict…and understand the future. Because we want … More Peace, Be Still
According to the United States Coast Guard, Minnesota has the highest number of recreational boats per capita of any state in the country. By a lot. There are 143.6 boats in Minnesota for every 1000 residents. (Which leads me to one important question: Where’s my boat?) That’s roughly 35% more than the next highest state, South Carolina, with 108 … More Know Your Name
Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you have to make a hard decision? Maybe you have to decide between doing what the rules, or the expectations say…and doing what you know in your heart, is right? When I find myself in ethical dilemmas like this, when I have to make a difficult or challenging decision, I … More What’s Your Why?
A few years ago, Pope Francis went to visit a small church in a poor neighborhood of Rome. As a Lutheran pastor, I don’t put a lot of stock in the Catholic doctrine of papal authority, and I don’t agree with everything Pope Francis says…I do think that he has interesting perspectives…and I appreciate his … More Whisper in God’s Ear
Test Driving Theology 