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 … More When the Winds Won’t Quit
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:
“Your kingdom come, your will be done. On Earth, as it is in heaven.” You know these words. You are familiar with these words. If you grew up in the church, you learned them…in fact, you were probably required to memorize them. And if you’ve been to worship at Trinity more than once, you may have noticed that here, … More Mind the Gap
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 … More When a Community Grieves
One of my favorite guilty pleasures is the TV show Shark Tank. Anybody else? (Come on…admit it!). This show has pretty-much no real redeeming value, but, there are occasional moments when in an attempt to avoid my “to-do list,” I’ll watch an episode…or two. For the uninitiated, Shark Tank is a show where budding inventors and entrepreneurs … More Where Does the Time Go?
About a month ago, I said what I think was my final “goodbye” to Margie. Margie lives in Blooming Prairie. I’ve never actually met Margie in-person, but I have spoken to her on the phone, a lot. Margie works for the United States Census Bureau. During the 2020 national census, the Buegler household was one of 100,000 homes chosen at … More Day after Day after Day…
Every weekday morning, our alarm goes off at 5:30am. After getting up, getting moving, tending to the dog and the cat, I head to the gym. I step onto the treadmill and look at my watch. It is almost always 6:01am as I press the “Start” button. (Or, 6:02am if I’m moving slowly.) I do … More Like Clockwork
This morning, Lori and I drover over to Rochester to worship with the community at Zumbro Lutheran Church. It was a wonderful experience. We encountered warm, hospitable people who were really concerned with making sure that everyone feels welcome and connected. And I had the opportunity to connect with my counterpart there, Pastor Rob Zahn. … More Worship at Zumbro Lutheran, Rochester Minnesota
In the late 1800’s, the Union Pacific Railroad was being built. Rail tracks were being laid across the whole country to connect passengers and goods from coast to coast. It was a massive construction project. As a section of track in the western United States was being laid, the construction team came to a large canyon. It … More 40 Days
This week, we’re continuing our 8-week sermon series called “Truths Along the Way.” Our series is focusing on the truths Jesus taught through the parables. In today’s Gospel reading, you may recognize the story of “The Parable of the Talents.” It is a parable about a master who entrusts his servants with his property before heading off … More You’re Going to Need a Bigger Box
Test Driving Theology 