At our special congregational meeting on Sunday, Trinity voted to call Pastor Chris Meester to become a part of our pastoral team. It was a wonderful meeting, full of energy and excitement for the future. The unanimous vote to call Pastor Chris was 146-0. Pastor Chris is a graduate of Wartburg College, Waverly, IA and … More Pastor Chris Meester to Join Trinity’s Staff
Laura Jensen has accepted the children’s ministry position that opened after Sheri Berg retired last spring. Laura grew up in Owatonna and graduated from Owatonna High School in 2002. Laura and her husband, Cory, have 2 amazing children, Corrina (age 15) and Porter (age 11), along with 2 dogs and a cat. Laura loves to … More Welcome Laura Jensen to Trinity’s Children’s Ministry Position!
A question I wonder about a lot is: “When God imagines Trinity in the days to come, what does God see?” Our leadership has spent a lot of time thinking…and praying about this question. We are confident in our mission, (Remember the mission? “Through Jesus’ love we welcome, connect, learn and serve.”) But what does it look like to be … More God’s Vision for Trinity
This week, we welcomed Jolayne Mohs to the Trinity staff. Jolayne is taking on a new role in the life of our community: “Director of Outreach.” Initially, Jolayne will take responsibility for the “Beds for Kids” program. This ministry has provided beds for children in the community whose life circumstances have forced them to share … More We Welcome Jolayne Mohs to Trinity’s Staff
Last Sunday afternoon, members of Trinity Lutheran Church gathered on Zoom for our first-ever online annual meeting. I love annual meetings. I really do. And while I would much prefer meeting in-person, I can even love a meeting over Zoom when it has to happen that way. Annual meetings are when we get to talk … More Trinity Annual Meeting Recap: We’re Moving Forward
Dear Trinity friends, Thanks to the Trinity members who came to the special congregational meeting on Monday night. There, we updated and discussed the allegations of sexual misconduct made against one of Trinity’s former pastors, James Oakland, who served here at Trinity from 1976 to 1980. We welcomed Bishop Regina Hassanally, from the Southeastern Minnesota … More An Update after Monday’s Congregational Meeting
Five years ago yesterday, I walked in to Trinity Lutheran Church for the first time as its pastor. From one perspective seems like those five years have just flown by. And at the same time, it seems like I’ve been there forever. But five years is something of a milestone, and so I’ve been doing … More Reflections on My First 5 Years at Trinity
I am very excited to introduce to you, Pastor Cindy Halvorson, who will begin serving as Trinity’s part-time visitation pastor on July 1st. Many of you probably know Pastor Cindy. This spring, she left her position at First Baptist Church in Owatonna, where she served as pastor for over nine years. Since leaving her congregation, … More Welcoming Pastor Cindy Halvorson
Good afternoon friends! I want to begin with a few words of thanks. First, I’d like to thank Bonnie and her crew, for putting together our wonderful lunch this afternoon! Let’s show our appreciation! Second, a quick observation: Tending the vision and the mission of what is really a pretty decent-sized organization, like Trinity is, … More Pastor Todd’s Annual Report to the Congregation
One of my responsibilities this morning was to sign all of the certificates for Trinity’s 10th graders. On Sunday afternoon, 44 of them will affirm the promises made on their behalf, in the waters of baptism. God made promises to each of these amazing young people as well: The promise of eternal life The promise of … More Signatures and Prayers
Test Driving Theology 