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Free to Love
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…
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When the Winds Won’t Quit
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…
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Holy Ground and Bare Feet
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…
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Love Is Our True Identity
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…
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A Surprise Blessing and an Invitation to Help
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…
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Pick it Up
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…
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Welcoming Pastor Susan Li: Providing Care and Support in a Season of Transition
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…
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Turn Your Face
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…
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Erase the Lines
Have you ever had one of those days when you didn’t feel like you belong? Maybe you’re somewhere new…somewhere different…and you’re not confident you’re going to fit in? When I was a college student, there was a woman I dated during my junior year. (This was, of course, before I’d been swept off my feet by…
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Holding on to Hope:
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.…
Test Driving Theology
Sermons and thoughts from Pastor Todd