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
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 … More Pick it Up
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 … More Turn Your Face
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 … More Erase the Lines
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:
There’s an old story about a small-town church potluck dinner that I heard years ago, and it has stuck with me. You know the kind of potluck feast I’m talking about, right? We’ve hosted them here at Trinity…the kind where tables of crockpots, hot-dishes, salads, breads, and desserts stretch on for miles. Now, at this … More It All Tastes Like Church
Almost all of us have experienced a life changing event in our lives. It could be something full of joy…or it could be something tragic. But all of us at some point, have, or will experience something that suddenly, unexpectedly, causes everything to change. I’ve read interviews with people who worked at the World Trade Center on … More Holy Disruption
Have you ever wondered if it’s ok to have doubts about your faith? Have you ever questioned the beliefs you grew up with…or the things you’ve been taught? Have you ever wondered “is this really how it all works?” Occasionally, people come to see me who have doubts, or questions. That doesn’t surprise me. It’s a good thing. God gave … More Ants in your Pants
L: Christ is risen! C: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! There are some words that carry immense power…words that we hear and they brighten our day…or they bring joy…or they change who we are. Think about the power of words. Throughout history, we’ve seen how words can inspire, motivate, and even shape nations. Words have power. For the past … More Say the Words
Have you ever experienced a really good meal? I mean really good? A meal that stands out…a meal that you remember. We all know that a great meal…is not simply about the food……though having good food certainly helps. No, a great meal is much more than that. A great meal is good food…and, it is good people. I have a group … More One Meal at a Time
Test Driving Theology 