On Sunday, I had the opportunity to worship with the community at the contemporary worship service of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. St. Andrew’s is a congregation much larger than Trinity, but I would describe their congregational culture and style as being very similar. They have a beautiful, giant sanctuary, and then a … More Worshiping at St. Andrew’s Lutheran in Mahtomedi
When was the last time that you were really surprised? When was the last time that you were caught by the unexpected? Was it an unannounced guest, or a visitor? Did you get a phone call you didn’t expect? Maybe you were the subject of a “surprise party.” Maybe you received good news…or perhaps bad … More The Unexpected Jesus
When the plane takes off from the Montego Bay airport, you look out the window up into the hills, towards where Westhaven is and you ask yourself “I wonder what the kids are up to right now?” Of course, the “kids” are the children and young adults of Westhaven. When you spend time there, your … More Mission Jamaica Day 8 – Saturday
Rest. Today was a day of rest. And it was deeply appreciated. Our team had a great, low-key day today. Much of the day was spent in or near the water. People could be found napping/reading and talking about the experiences in which they shared this week. At 3pm, we met to take a bus … More Mission Jamaica Day 7 – Friday
Normally, Thursday and Friday are both “vacation days” on Mission Jamaica. These are really important days. It gives the team a chance to rest and recover from their week of work…especially critical because we’re not used to the heat and climate of Jamaica. It also gives us a chance to think and process what we’ve … More Mission Jamaica Day 6 – Thursday
Today, we’re excited that Erin and Emily Hagen are going to write our team’s blog post and reflect on our day: Today was our 3rd (and final) day at WestHaven Orphanage… I woke up thinking about how I could make my day extra meaningful and special. I knew I wouldn’t see these beautiful children again … More Mission Jamaica Day 5 – Wednesday
It was a beautiful day in Jamaica! (spoiler alert: it usually is) We were up for breakfast at 7am and after hearing our scripture for the day, we were on the road by 7:30am. We sent a team to work on the J’abode house, and another to Westhaven. J’abode, by the way, is the Jamaican … More Mission Jamaica Day 4 – Tuesday
Today, I’m excited to introduce two of our team members who will “guest blog” for us. Abbigail (grade 10) and Anni (Grade 8) Moran. Thanks to them for sharing! Today, our group went to both the West Haven site and the JABODE site. I (Abbigail) went to the JABODE site where we were beginning to … More Mission Jamaica Day 3 – Monday
Today was an exciting day for Trinity’s Mission Jamaica team. As we gathered in the entryway to load the vans to make our first trip up to Westhaven, our group felt it all: Excitement, eagerness, anticipation, nervousness…you name it. The drive was smooth and easy. (Sunday always is. It will be a different drive tomorrow … More Mission Jamaica Day 2 – Sunday
Trinity’s Mission Jamaica team had a good day. It was a ridiculously early day…and a long day…but a very good day. We met around 4:15am at church to load up the bus for the journey to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. Thanks be to God for Jeff Valen, who wasn’t even going to Jamaica … More Mission Jamaica Day 1 – Saturday
Test Driving Theology 