Category: The Church
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Staff Transition at Trinity
Dear Trinity friends, It was with sadness that I received Kate Verlautz’s resignation from her role as Director of High School Ministries at Trinity. She has served in this role for over 12 years, which is remarkable. Kate will be completing her work in our congregation on January 5, 2025. Kate explained that while she…
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Ten Years at Trinity (and counting!)
If you were at worship this morning, you heard the announcement that Deacon Kris made about today being the tenth anniversary of my call as senior pastor at Trinity. (Thanks for the surprise, all!) I remember that day, ten years ago, very well. I remember being curious, and a bit nervous, as I walked into…
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As We Gather: Created to Be
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…
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When a Community Grieves
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…
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“The State of Trinity” – The Annual Report from Pastor Todd to the Congregation
Thanks to all of you for being here today! I’m so glad to see you. I love these meetings…I love them because they are an opportunity for us to talk together about our mission, and our ministry…and there are very few things that I get more excited about than talking about the work that God has called…
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Advent Dreams: Journeying with the Dreamers of Faith
Dear friends, As we enter the sacred season of Advent, we are invited to embrace a theme that resonates deeply with the yearnings of our hearts and the promise of our faith: “Those Who Dream.” Inspired by the opening lines of Psalm 126, “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those…
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All Things Made New
This past weekend, we celebrated the Reformation. Reformation Day, which is actually today, October 31st, gives us the chance to pause, and reflect not only on our heritage, but to think forward, and to wonder about how God continues to work in the world and in our lives today. In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his…
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It’s All About “Us”
“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,…
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When Your Heart Breaks
The first time I met Marlin, I was at Westhaven Children’s Home, outside of Montego Bay, in Jamaica. Westhaven is an orphanage for children with developmental disabilities. Our group was there to provide love and care for the kids, and to work on some physical projects at the orphanage to improve their quality of life. Because of…
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Peggy Moran Called to Serve as Director of Trinity Preschool
Dear friend, I hope you are having a great week, and are having lots of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the warm weather! I have exciting news! Peggy Moran will serve as the new director of the Trinity Preschool. Peggy has been a wonderful part of our preschool team for a number of years,…