Trinity Lutheran Church

August 18th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lunch & Pie Social Today from 10 am till 4 pm!

No Wednesday Worship this week, August 21^st.  The Men’s Band will be at First Lutheran Church in Cumberland.  You are invited to join them

It’s back to school time!! The WOT will be collecting items for our local schools and for kits to go to Lutheran World Relief. There are two different boxes set out for collection so make sure you put yours in the box you want your items to go to. The bags you take off the pews are the ones that go to Lutheran World Relief and each bag has a printed copy of all items needed to fill that bag. There are copies of items needed for our local schools on the display table by the kitchen. Thank you for helping us help others!

Luther Park Golf Outing, Sunday, August 25^th, 12:30 pm, at Sioux Creek Golf Course, Chetek.  You can sign-up at www.lutherpark.org or talk to PB.  Hole games, raffles, and more!  Come join PB in a fun afternoon of golf!

Lagers with the Lord August 26^th, 6 pm at Buckshot’s

Confirmation Parent Meeting Wednesday, August 28^th, 7 pm for all 7^th & 8^th Grade parents. 

Sunday School Begins on Sunday, September 15^th at 9:45 am.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  As we exited out of Disneyland on the last day of vacation, I just couldn’t resist.  I saw it.  I smelled it.  I realized I had to have it.  So I went over to the cart, to “roasty-toasty (google it),” and got myself some popcorn.  There is something about Disney popcorn.  It is sprinkled with magic.  It has the right amount of salt and butter and it just tastes incredible.  And sitting there, on a bench in Town Square, sharing some popcorn with Amy, was a great way to end our vacation. 

  Psalm 34:8 says: “O taste and see that the Lord is good.”  The word “taste” here in the Hebrew means “to try something by experiencing it.”  In other words, this verse is an invitation to experience the goodness of God. To open our eyes to experience the goodness of God around us.  This goodness comes in the form of the grace and mercy offered us in Jesus Christ.  This goodness is in the love of God freely given to us.  This goodness is in the beauty of the creation all around us. 

  We spend a lot of time seeing the world through a lens of pain and suffering and negativity.  But the Lord invites us to see the world through a lens of goodness.  To tase and see that the Lord is good and to feast on the grace, mercy, and love offered to us by the Lord who gives us all things and brings us to eternal life.  Every day the Lord calls us to come to the popcorn cart and enjoy the yummy goodness that is offered to us.  This goodness that sustains us, lifts us up, and brings us up.  Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Experience the goodness of God every day. 

   May the Lord be with you today and always!

August 4th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Heart for the Luther Park, Sunday, August 4^th, Noon. Auction is both online and in-person.  Go to www.lutherpark.org for more details. 

Pie & Ice Cream Social August 18^th, 10 am till 4 pm. Join us for hot beef and pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, pickles, homemade pie, and ice cream. Bring a friend and join us for lunch and a slice of pie – everyone is welcome!

We need your help! Check out the sign-ups in the Narthex for the Pie & Ice Cream Social!  We are looking for donations and workers for this annual Trinity tradition.  Everyone is needed for whatever time you can give! 

Float riders needed!  We are looking for riders of all ages!  Come join on at Noon on August 18^th to ride the float in the big parade.  Youth get their own candy bag!  If you have a Hawaiian shirt, wear that.  PB also has some you can use as well!  Contact PB if you are interested and willing! 

It’s back to school time!! The WOT will be collecting items for our local schools and for kits to go to Lutheran World Relief. There are two different boxes set out for collection so make sure you put yours in the box you want your items to go to. The bags you take off the pews are the ones that go to Lutheran World Relief and each bag has a printed copy of all items needed to fill that bag. There are copies of items needed for our local schools on the display table by the kitchen. Thank you for helping us help others!

Luther Park Golf Outing, Sunday, August 25^th, 12:30 pm, at Sioux Creek Golf Course, Chetek.  You can sign-up at www.lutherpark.org or talk to PB.  Hole games, raffles, and more!  Come join PB in a fun afternoon of golf!

Lagers with the Lord August 26^th, 6 pm at Buckshots

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  The other day, the great song, “You’ve Got a Friend In Me,” popped into my head.  That song, of course, came from the movie “Toy Story,” and is a great song about friendship. I started to think about my awesome friends and how great they are and the fact that I’m also amazed that they hang out with me at all.  I thought about my really amazing wife Amy who somehow has endured me for 19 years.  Baxter is a smart enough dog to only really hang with me only when Amy isn’t around!  He is a smart dog. 

  And then a thought popped into my head: I wonder if Jesus would hang with me.  I wonder if Jesus would be my friend.  Of course, my first instinct was yes.  I bet that would be your first instinct as well.  We do say that Jesus is our friend.  But then I asked myself this question: why?  Why would Jesus be my friend?  Why would hang out with me?  Frankly, how we answer that question for ourselves is far trickier and can actually be very dangerous.  I believe there may be only one really acceptable answer, and it might not be the answer you think. 

  If we put that question out there into the world, to many Christians, asking them to give reasons of why Jesus would be their friend, why Jesus would want to hang out with them, this is what I believe is the only acceptable answer.  Because Jesus loves us.  Jesus is our friend because Jesus loves us.  Jesus loves us and that is why Jesus is our friend, that is why Jesus dies for us, that is why Jesus saves us.  Full stop.  That’s it.  I actually don’t think there can be any other reason. But then again, what do I know?  I’m not God. 

  However, I have a sneaky suspicion that many Christians have another answer.  They believe that Jesus would be their friend because they are faithful.  Or righteous.  Or morally perfect.  Or because of this of this choice or that choice. I think that is totally wrong.  The Gospels are full of examples of the fact that Jesus didn’t hang out with the religious elite, those considered righteous.  He hung out with the sinners.  His disciples included a tax collector, a denier, and the one who would betray him. Jesus went to the lepers, the lame, the blind, children, widows, the sick, the poor, and those who were outcast from society.  He was constantly getting criticized for the people he hung out with.  For his friends. 

  So maybe, just maybe, we might want to take a beat before we start making pronouncements about who Jesus would be friends with and who Jesus wouldn’t.  Who Jesus would hang out with and who Jesus wouldn’t.  Who Jesus would reject and who Jesus would accept.  Because once I start deciding who I think Jesus would be friends with, once I start deciding who is worthy of the love of God in Jesus Christ, I am no better than those who criticized Jesus for who he hung out with.  Once I start putting myself above others, thinking that I deserve the love of Jesus more than someone else, then I am no better than those who condemned Jesus to die. 

    After all, we are not God.  Judgement is God’s alone and not us.  The only I do know is this: I am a sinner.  I do not deserve the love of God in Jesus.  And yet, Jesus loves me anyways.  And I believe that Jesus loves my neighbor.  And my enemy.  And the person I disagree with most in the world.  It is not for me to decides who Jesus hangs out with.  But I do believe that Jesus is my friend through the witness of scripture.  And through that same witness, this same Jesus constantly goes to the people the rest of the world wants to throw away and forget, wants to shun and demean.  So maybe, just maybe, everybody has a friend in Jesus, whether we like it or not. 

  Just something to think about.  I know I do. 

   May God bless you today and always. 

July 28, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vacation Bible School is July 29-August 1^st.  9 am till Noon for all 4 year olds through 6^th graders.  Our theme this year is “Superheroes for God!”  Games, Crafts, Songs, and fun for all.  It is free this year

Heart for the Luther Park, Sunday, August 4^th, Noon. Auction is both online and in-person.  Go to www.lutherpark.org for more details. 

Pie & Ice Cream Social August 18^th, 10 am till 4 pm. Join us for hot beef and pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, pickles, homemade pie, and ice cream. Bring a friend and join us for lunch and a slice of pie – everyone is welcome!

We need your help! Check out the sign-ups in the Narthex for the Pie & Ice Cream Social!  We are looking for donations and workers for the this annual Trinity tradition.  Everyone is needed for whatever time you can give! 

The Women of Trinity are collecting for Personal Care kits during the month of July. You can bring any or all of the items needed to make a kit. These are the items needed: 1- light weight bath size towel, dark color preferred. Kits include: 2- bath size bar soap, 1- adult size toothbrush in original package, 1- sturdy comb, 1- metal nail clipper: attached file optional. Thank you for helping us help others!

Luther Park Golf Outing, Sunday, August 25^th, 12:30 pm, at Sioux Creek Golf Course, Chetek.  You can sign-up at www.lutherpark.org or talk to PB.  Hole games, raffles, and more!  Come join PB in a fun afternoon of golf!

Lagers with the Lord August 26^th, 6 pm at Buckshots

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Every morning, as we get ready to eat breakfast, our dog Baxter jumps up on the chair and starts to shake.  I mean, really shake.  He looks like a crazy dog in need a fix.  And why is he shaking?  He wants his treat.  He knows he gets it right away, before I sit down with my breakfast (he gets his treat from Amy at the end of her breakfast).  But once he gets the treat, he settles down.  It reminds me of this verse from Psalm 145, “You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.”

  We have a Lord that provides for us.  And this Lord not only provides for us the material things of this life, but all of the other things that we need.  We are provided faith and hope.  Comfort and strength.  Forgiveness and grace.  All this given by a loving God who gives us everything.  Even better, this is given not because we have earned it but because we are loved. 

  Even better, we have a God who knows what we need.  What we are shaking for, like Baxter for his treat.  Of course, sometimes we aren’t even sure we know what we need.  But the Lord knows. The Lord knows what we need, how we need to be fed, the ways we need to be strengthened and encouraged and lifted up. 

  Sometimes we are like Baxter, craving to be fed by our Lord.  Sometimes we have no idea what we need.  But the Lord satisfies our desires.  Our God is there to give us blessings and provide for us.  Provide for you. Trust in the Lord who is there for you, showering you with blessing, forgiveness, grace, and salvation.  May the Lord bless you today and always. 

July 10, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lagers with the Lord July 22, 6 pm at Buckshots! Come join us for a time of faithful conversation.  All are welcome!

Vacation Bible School is July 29-August 1^st.  9 am till Noon for all 4 year olds through 6^th graders.  Our theme this year is “Superheroes for God!”  Games, Crafts, Songs, and fun for all.  It is free this year.  There are registration forms in the Good News and on the table in the Narthex. We need helpers to provide snacks, be extra hands for our kids, and to serve snacks in the kitchen.  Sign-up in the Narthex or contact the office if you are willing to help. 

Please pray for our 27 youth and 6 adults that will be at the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans July 14^th-21^st! Pray for safe travels and for a wonderful experience as they grow in faith, serve the people of New Orleans, and meet others from all over the United States.

The Women of Trinity are collecting for Personal Care kits during the month of July. You can bring any or all of the items needed to make a kit. These are the items needed: 1- light weight bath size towel, dark color preferred. Kits include: 2- bath size bar soap, 1- adult size toothbrush in original package, 1- sturdy comb, 1- metal nail clipper: attached file optional. Thank you for helping us help others!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 Well, my sabbatical (dubbed the “Sabradical” by my friend Pastor Tim) is at an end and I would like to start with a couple of things.  First, I only entered the church one time and that was to print something and I never went into my office, only Andrea’s.  Second, I did a very good job of staying away from work not only because Amy threatened me with bodily harm (mostly kidding) but because I wanted to be true to what this time was supposed to be about.  When I did have to do something work related, it was 99% of the time related to the Youth Gathering and couldn’t be helped.  Third, I want to give massive thanks to Andrea for all she had to do in my absence, to all of the pastors who filled in for me, to our church staff for all the extra stuff they had to take on, to Sandy, Becky, Perry, Paige, and Marik for livestreaming the services, and for all of you who did such a wonderful job of honoring the sabbatical.  I’m very interested to see what is going to be on my desk when I walk this morning for the first time since June 8^th.

  But I want to share three things I am taking away from my “sabradical” to share with all of you but before I do, I will share with you one overall arching theme.  I very much disliked it.  Here we go.

1. The best thing about it was being home every night.  I can’t overstate that this.  Amy and I had some wonderful experiences with trips to Missouri and Door County and Milwaukee but the best thing was being home every night.  Having dinner together.  Watching shows together.  Hanging out together.  That can be a very rare thing for us, especially in the spring.  I bet in the run up to the sabbatical I maybe average being home two nights a week since early April. So to be home every night, hanging with Amy and Baxter, was an incredible gift and one that I cherished and something that I need to think about more in the future.  If the purpose of the sabbatical was to help me to get renewal, there is nothing that does it more than being able to be home at night with Amy.
2. I enjoyed visiting other churches.  On the three Sundays we were in town I visited three different churches, heading up to Katie’s church in Lake Nebagamon (where a couple of Trinity members followed me and I scared Katie half to death), Zion in Woodville, and Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Eau Claire.  I have friends who pastor those churches and it was fun to see how other people do things but it was also fun to experience things as a random visitor and to get a different perspective. But it was also just nice to worship.  I enjoyed that opportunity a lot. 
3. In the end, though, I really missed doing this job I love. I have felt like I have been gone for a year.  This time was a reminder that being a pastor is not just a job it is who I am.  I had no outlet for my energies, no place to put my thoughts, no structure to my day.  At one point I forgot what month it was.  I need structure and direction and didn’t really have it.  When I had an idea, Amy allowed me to put a quick note down but I couldn’t flesh it out.  I realized my max weeding before going crazy was 45 minutes.  Loved golfing but can’t do it all day. I missed talking to you all, of planning Bible studies and crafting sermons and visiting you in your homes.  I wondered how people were doing and thinking about what we might do in confirmation in September.  But in this I also learned that the church can survive without me.  Worship services happened.  Funerals happened.  Events happened.  All without me.  Which means that maybe, just maybe, I don’t need to worry quite so much about it all as well.  But the biggest lesson of all is that I will probably never do this again.  Ever. 

I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to try a “Sabradical.” I’m thankful for everyone that made it happen and for all the insights I might continue to learn from it as I continue to reflect from it.  But I’m most thankful that I get to go back into my office and get back to doing what I love and tonight I’m going to stand up and preach.  Hopefully I remember how to do this job!

  May God be with you today and always!

June 2,  2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lagers with the Lord June 3, 6 pm at Buckshot’s!

Women’s Spring Gathering is June 6th at 5pm. All women are welcome and encouraged to come!  Entertainment provided by the Boyceville High School Choir

The Women of Trinity will be highlighting baby care kits for June. If you are going to garage sales this summer these are some of the items we need: size 6-24 months – sleepers or gowns, cotton t-shirts, light jackets, sweaters or hooded sweatshirts, receiving blankets, dark colored hand towels and baby socks. We can also use Onsies, we cut them off to make t-shirts. You can pick up a list of what is needed on the table by the kitchen where the display is set up. Thank you for helping us help others! WE ARE LOOKING FOR 300 BARS OF SOAP! Fill the baby tub up on the Narthex with soap. 

Pastor Brad is going on sabbatical June 8th-July 9th. Please note that during this time he will be completely absent from the congregation and its ministry. He will not be returning calls, texts, or emails. You can find more information on his sabbatical in the Good News.

Sabbatical Contact List (June 8-July 9)

For all general needs or questions: Parish Manager Andrea McVeigh, 715-643-3821, during church office hours, Monday through Thursday, 9 am till 1 pm.

Need to get into the building or to have the building opened/closed? Trudie Chernak, Church Custodian, 715-643-2148 or Ted Litzkow, 715-702-1415

General questions or issues that may arise: Lenny Lange, Church Council President, 715-928-1172

Pastoral Emergencies: Pastor Judy Kincaid, 906-399-1387

Fellowship Servers Needed!  Please sign-up in the Narthex or contact the office.  Cheese, crackers, and coffee are provided.  You don’t need to provide anything more than that if you desire.  You may use anything not marked in the pantry. 

Vacation Bible School is July 29-August 1^st.  9 am till Noon for all 4 year olds through 6^th graders.  Our theme this year is “Superheroes for God!”  Games, Crafts, Songs, and fun for all.  It is free this year.  There are registration forms in the Good News and on the table in the Narthex.  We need helpers to provide snacks, be extra hands for our kids, and to serve snacks in the kitchen.  Sign-up in the Narthex or contact the office if you are willing to help. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  “Be still and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10

  When I was in 8^th grade, every student had to meet with the junior high guidance counselor before going into high school.  When I went to meet with her, she said the following phrase to me: “Brad, I hope that sometime in your life, you might take some time to stop and smell the roses.”  Well, these many years later, I’m about to take some time to stop and smell the roses, as I go on a 34-day sabbatical.  I actually never thought I would take a sabbatical.  Never in a million years, despite it being recommended.  Even as I have seen many of my friends take one or even two of them already in their ministry.

  Why?  I love my job.  And it isn’t even that.  I love work.  I love to work.  I love to be busy.  I love to run from one thing to another thing to another thing.  Amy loves to tease me that I come home from work to work some more.  Andrea can tell you that I sent all sorts of emails at all sorts of odd hours.  It is just who I am.  Even on vacation, I’m often working.  Filing away ideas for sermons, Bible studies, devotions.  Thinking about schedules, events, replying to emails.  What many people would consider to be unhealthy behavior.  What can I say?  I love to work. I got it from my parents who got it from their parents.  It is part of who I am.

   But I also know that there is a danger.  This amazing job and calling that I have can also be so consuming that it can swallow everything else in life.  It can drain a person physically, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically.  After 22 years, it is time to be still for a bit.  To unplug.  To smell the roses.  To do so before my body or my mind makes me do it.  Having some of the health issues I did in 2023 brought that need into focus.  I’m thankful for the support of Church Council and this congregation that is allowing me to take this opportunity to be still.  To stop and smell the roses, even if it is only for 34 days.  It doesn’t seem that long when I type it out but I guarantee you that to me it seems like a century.

  The question I have gotten asked a lot of is this: what are you going to do?  To be honest, my hope is not that much.  I’m going to celebrate my niece’s graduation in Illinois.  Amy and I are taking small trips to Missouri (I can’t wait to eat some Kansas City BBQ) and to Door County and Milwaukee.  I’m going to play a lot of golf and visit some friend’s churches for worship to be renewed spiritually.  But mostly, I hope to be still.  To enjoy, well, doing nothing for a bit.  To not think about the schedule or the next thing or worry about what the offering was or who I need to check in on or if I have a good idea for next week’s Facebook devotion or what the heck I’m going to preach on this upcoming Sunday.  To just be. 

  I think it is going to be great.  Or it might be awful.  Either way, I do know this: Jesus Christ is going to be there, as he always is, walking besides me as he walks besides you.  I have no doubt I will miss seeing all of you in church but I look forward to seeing you out in the community on walks with the dog or at Cenex getting gas.  Say hi when you see me.  But I’ll see you again inside Trinity on July 10^th.  Until that day, remember this: Jesus loves you and is with you always.  And that it is ok sometimes to just be still.

   May God be with you today and always. 

May 26,  2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

No Bible Study Monday– Happy Memorial Day! Office will be closed

Memorial Day Prayer Service on May 27th at 11:45 am at Tiffany Creek Cemetery

Women’s Spring Gathering is June 6th at 5pm. All women are welcome and encouraged to come!  Entertainment provided by the Boyceville High School Choir

Final Push to New Orleans! Help the Youth Gathering Youth in their final push to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Use the sheet in your bulletin to donate and help feed and house our youth and put gas in the vans. Thank you for your support! See the thermometer in the Narthex for our progress towards our goal. Thank you to all who gave! We raised $5713.00

The Women of Trinity will be highlighting baby care kits for the months of May and June. If you are going to garage sales this summer these are some of the items we need: size 6-24 months – sleepers or gowns, cotton t-shirts, light jackets, sweaters or hooded sweatshirts, receiving blankets, dark colored hand towels and baby socks. We can also use Onsies, we cut them off to make t-shirts. You can pick up a list of what is needed on the table by the kitchen where the display is set up. Thank you for helping us help others!

Pastor Brad is going on sabbatical June 8th-July 9th. Please note that during this time he will be completely absent from the congregation and its ministry. He will not be returning calls, texts, or emails. You can find more information on his sabbatical in the Good News.

Sabbatical Contact List (June 8-July 9)

For all general needs or questions: Parish Manager Andrea McVeigh, 715-643-3821, during church office hours, Monday through Thursday, 9 am till 1 pm.

Need to get into the building or to have the building opened/closed? Trudie Chernak, Church Custodian, 715-643-2148 or Ted Litzkow, 715-702-1415

General questions or issues that may arise: Lenny Lange, Church Council President, 715-928-1172

Pastoral Emergencies: Pastor Judy Kincaid, 906-399-1387

Fellowship Servers Needed!  Please sign-up in the Narthex or contact the office.  Cheese, crackers, and coffee are provided.  You don’t need to provide anything more than that if you desire.  You may use anything not marked in the pantry. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”  Isaiah 6:8

  This verse is from our first reading this Sunday on this Memorial Day weekend from the call of Isaiah.  As we honor those who have given there lives in service to this country this weekend, we remember their sacrifice and their willingness to raise their hand.  To say answer the call and the question, “who will go for us?”  They answered the call to protect us and to protect the freedom of all us.  That means they gave their lives for people they didn’t know, that might have had different colored skin than them, practiced different religion than them, voted differently than them, just to name a few.  Yet, they still answered the call.  That is what it means to be a patriot and that is what it means to be a servant.

  We tend to think of all of the reasons of why we can’t serve.  We don’t have the time.  We think we don’t have the skills or the gifts.  We might wonder what we get out of it.  We are too old, too young, not worthy, and on and on and on.  Sometimes the service might seem to be too big or too daunting.  Sometimes we think that we might offend someone by doing it or step on someone else’s toes.  Or we just think someone else will take care of it because it has always been taken care of. 

  The Lord is asking you today, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”  The Lord is asking you to serve.  To serve your neighbor.  To serve your community.  To serve your church.  To serve your nation.  To serve the wider world.  To do this by with love and compassion and kindness.  By giving of some time and some resources.  By using your gifts in whatever way you can.  I hope that you may take some time in prayer to think about how you can be a servant.  We need servants. We need you.

  I am eternally grateful for those who gave their lives for our freedom and for those servants who answered the call to serve our country.  I give thanks for the servants who every day serve the neighbor and serve the Lord in both ways big and small.  And I give thanks for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who loves and saves us and calls each of us to be servants in our own way.  May God be with you today and always. 

May 12,  2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 19^th.

Final Push to New Orleans! Help the Youth Gathering Youth in their final push to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Use the sheet in your bulletin to donate and help feed and house our youth and put gas in the vans. Thank you for your support! See the thermometer in the Narthex for our progress towards our goal. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!  Current total is $5,403!

Lagers with the Lord May 20th, 6 pm at Buckshots.

Memorial Day Prayer Service, May 27^th, 11:45 am at Tiffany Creek Cemetery.  Sponsored by the Boyceville Ministerial Association.

The Women of Trinity will be highlighting Baby Care Kits for May and June.  They are looking for the following in sizes 6-24 months: sleepers, light jackets, cotton t-shirts, light jackets, sweaters; plus receiving blankets, dark colored hand towels, baby socks, and onesies.  You can pick up a list of what is needed on the altar in the Narthex. 

Women of Trinity Summer Gathering June 7^th at 6 pm.  All women are welcome!

Pastor Brad is going on sabbatical June 8th -July 9th . Please note that during this time he will be completely absent from the congregation and its ministry. He will not be returning calls, texts, or emails. You can find more information on his sabbatical in the Good News.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  I didn’t really want to go.  Really didn’t.  It was late and I was exhausted.  Exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally.  It had been a hard time.  I had left the house at about 5:30 am or so that day and other than about a ten minute stop back I had been gone till 9:15 pm.  Now, it was close to 10, and Amy wanted to go look at the Northern Lights.  I really didn’t want to go.

  I had every excuse in the book ready.  It was cloudy, even though it wasn’t.  My car was fully packed with stuff and there was no room, even though we could take her car.  The fact was I didn’t really want to go.  I wanted to sit in my house and stew in my sadness and finish the drink I had just poured for myself.  It didn’t matter in that moment that I had never seen the Northern Lights before.  It didn’t matter that Amy hadn’t seen them before either, at least to me in that moment.  I just didn’t want to go.

  But this is the genius of Amy.  She waited a bit because she knew, I think, two things.  First, that she wanted to go and could probably get me to go.  But more importantly, maybe I needed to go.  That it had been a tough day, a hard day, in some ways a horrible day, because you know it has been a bad day when I had golfed and was still in a crappy mood.  And so she asked again, about five minutes later.  In that time I had checked the weather and seen that it was clear.  I had thought about the selfishness of denying Amy something she really wanted to see.  I saw that it was dumb and that we could just take her car instead of mine and that we could just drive a few minutes outside of town to get a good look.  And that, in reality, when would we ever get a chance to view them again like this?  And so, I said yes.  Even though I really didn’t want to go, even as I put my shoes and socks on and moved my car and opened the garage and got her car out of it. 

  But about ten minutes later, as I stood next to her and Baxter as we stared into the heavens looking at something I had never seen before, a sight of wonder and awe and the majesty of God’s creative force, I knew that I had needed to go.  In that moment, though my heart was still hurting and my body was still exhausted, I felt some release.  I was reminded that even in the most difficult of times, there is still beauty.  There is still joy.  There is still hope.  As I stood next to the woman I loved, with my little family close by, I felt the presence of the Lord reminding me that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it. 

  Maybe Amy knew that is what I would feel in that moment.  Maybe not.  Maybe she just really wanted to see the lights and knew she could get me to take her.  Maybe she just knew that I needed a little pick me up and wanted to get me out of my funk. I have no idea.  But I needed to stand there with her and Baxter in that moment and the Lord took that opportunity to ease the burden I was feeling in that moment. 

  Because that is the thing about the Lord, my friends.  Our loving God takes opportunities to remind us that even in the hardest of times, those moments when we feel spent, when the bucket seems empty in every way, to fill us back up.  To get us back on our feet.  To remind us that we are not alone.  To give us comfort, even for an instant.  Life can be hard and cruel and awful and tragic and painful.  Extraordinarily so.  But at the same time, even when all that is going on, it can also be beautiful and magical and amazing and joyful and extraordinary.  Both things are true at the same time.  And in the midst of it all is our amazing Lord.  Always there for us.

  I’d love to tell you that as we got back in the car that I was somehow fully my chipper self again.  I wasn’t.  I was still exhausted and still hurting.  But not as much.  I was lighter than I had been. However, something new was there as well.  It was thankfulness.  I was thankful for Amy, for Baxter, for the chance to experience the wonder of God’s creation, and thankful for God’s presence in my life and even for life itself, its ups and downs.  Because life is a precious gift that I never want to take for granted.  For every moment, even the hard ones, are important.  And in all of them, I remember the promise of our Savior: “I am with you always, till the end of the age.” 

  May God bless you today and always. 

May 4,  2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Men’s Band Worship, Sunday, May 5^th, 9 am

Smelt Feed, Sunday, May 5^th, 10am till 11:30 am. Smelt, Meatballs, Chips, Baked Beans, Garlic Bread, Dessert.  Free-will offering taken to benefit our Youth going to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. 

Calling all Men! We are looking for help with the Smelt Feed on May 5^th.  See the sign-up in the Narthex.  We are also looking for some turkey fryers and oil as well. 

Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 19^th.

Final Push to New Orleans! Help the Youth Gathering Youth in their final push to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Use the sheet in your bulletin to donate and help feed and house our youth and put gas in the vans. Thank you for your support! See the thermometer in the Narthex for our progress towards our goal.

Lagers with the Lord May 20th, 6 pm at Buckshot’s.

Pastor Brad is going on sabbatical June 8th -July 9th . Please note that during this time he will be completely absent from the congregation and its ministry. He will not be returning calls, texts, or emails. If you need to have a baptism or wedding performed prior to his sabbatical or during the summer, please contact him ASAP to get it scheduled. You can find more information on his sabbatical in the Good News

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  I was recently reminded of something.  On Saturday, I went to see Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in the movie theater in honor of its 25^th anniversary (it was originally released on May 16^th, 1999).  I remember when it came out my first year of seminary.  I saw it three times in the first 24 hours with my best friend Ryan.  I sat out in the rain to get tickets, skipping classes.  I sat outside for hours at a Toys ‘R Us to get the toys when they went on sale at midnight.  It was a big deal for me. 

  Of course, you all know I love Star Wars.  I have loved Star Wars for a long time.  I fell in love with it as a kid, especially in the early 1980’s.  There is a great picture of me sleeping on Return of the Jedi sheets.  I had the Ewok Village and Jabba’s Palace play sets.  Yet, as I went through elementary school, I started to grow out of Star Wars.  This is natural, just as I stopped playing with He-Man toys and GI Joe’s.  I got more and more into sports.  It wasn’t that I didn’t like Star Wars anymore, it just wasn’t nearly as important.  Not that big of a deal. 

  I didn’t really fall back in love with Star Wars again until high school.  It was when I became friends with my best friend Ryan, who loved Star Wars, that I fell back in love with it again.  He was my first friend that really didn’t love sports and we bonded over our shared love of Star Wars.  I started to watch the movies more and more, got into the myriad of books that were keeping the story alive, and my fandom grew.  It grew so much that I started, as a high schooler and then into college, asking for Star Wars toys for Christmas, something I hadn’t done since my younger days.

  And here is where my Mom comes in.  It was about this time, these late high school years and early college years, where my Mom begins to wonder a little bit about me.  Her no longer teen son is asking for Star Wars toys.  Getting Star Wars things.  This was something she thought I had left behind in my childhood.  Of course, by now, George Lucas had announced that a new set of movies were going to be made.  And I am at a fever pitch and consuming everything and anything I can about Star Wars. 

  It was about this time, 25 years ago, that I got a letter in the mail from my Mom.  Picked up in my mailbox at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.  It was an article from Newsweek magazine, photocopied.  My Mom would do this from time to time.  Copy articles she thought might interest us and then send them to us in the mail (now you would just send a text or a link to a website).  The article was about rabid Star Wars fans.  One was about a couple that had a massive and elaborate Star Wars wedding.  One was about someone who had their whole house Star Wars themed.  I can’t quite remember what the other examples were.  But what was most important was the post-it note that was attached to the front of the article (my Mom loved post-it notes).  I will never forget what the note said.  It said this: “I used to think that maybe there was something wrong with you.  Now I know that you are normal.”

  See, my Mom was worried about her adult son wanting toys.  About being obsessed with something he loved as a child.  She was worried about me.  Yet, she had never said anything to me.  She had never not bought me the Star Wars stuff I put on my Christmas list or asked for my birthday.  But then she saw that there was a whole community of people like me.  It was a reminder that my Mom, who would have turned 78 on Sunday, always let me be me.  And I always appreciated that about her. 

  I have always loved Star Wars for many reasons.  But the reason I still love it today is because it is ultimately a story about hope.  Hope in the midst of evil.  Hope in the midst of seemingly impossible odds.  Hope in redemption.  Hope that is found when we put our faith in something bigger than ourselves. 

   The funny thing is, to this day, I do not know if my Mom liked Star Wars.  Ever saw Star Wars.  But she never stopped me from loving it, whether it was when I was a kid or an adult.  And for that I will always be grateful, for her always letting me be me.  My hope is that you can be you, love the things that you love, and that you let others love the things that they love.  Even if they love Jar Jar Binks (that’s a Star Wars reference.  Look it up.)

  May God be with you today and always. 

April 21, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Bring your household items and clothes to Trinity in April! Every Saturday in April, from 9 am till noon, we are collecting items as a fundraiser for the Women of Trinity.  All items should be clean and in good condition.  Place clothes and shoes in trash bags and all other items in boxes.

Men’s Band Worship, Sunday, May 5^th, 9 am

Smelt Feed, Sunday, May 5^th, 10am till 11:30 am. Smelt, Meatballs, Chips, Baked Beans, Garlic Bread, Dessert.  Free-will offering taken to benefit our Youth going to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. 

Calling all Men! We are looking for help with the Smelt Feed on May 5^th.  See the sign-up in the Narthex.  We are also looking for some turkey fryers and oil as well. 

Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 19^th.

Final Push to New Orleans! Help the Youth Gathering Youth in their final push to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Use the sheet in your bulletin to donate and help feed and house our youth and put gas in the vans. Thank you for your support! See the thermometer in the Narthex for our progress towards our goal.

Lagers with the Lord May 20th, 6 pm at Buckshots.

Pastor Brad is going on sabbatical June 8th -July 9th . Please note that during this time he will be completely absent from the congregation and its ministry. He will not be returning calls, texts, or emails. If you need to have a baptism or wedding performed prior to his sabbatical or during the summer, please contact him ASAP to get it scheduled. You can find more information on his sabbatical in the Good News

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 On Friday morning, I stepped on the scale to measure my weight fully expecting what number would show up.  I expected to be at the same weight I had been at for about the same month, maybe even a pound or two heavier.  I had good reason for this.  I had been to the doctor ten days prior who had told me to not be frustrated if I had a stall in my weight loss journey and that was to be expected, especially since a medication I was supposed to be on was out with a shortage and that sometimes you stall out for a little while.  Secondly, due to umpiring, sometimes I hadn’t been exercising as hard in the morning due to being pretty sore from some long games and late nights.  So imagine my surprise when I stepped on the scale for the first time in five days and found that I was five pound LIGHTER!  I was so surprised, in fact, that I weighted myself again, just to be sure.  But it was true.  I was completely surprised.  It was a good surprise, but a surprise nonetheless.

  Sometimes we think we got it all figured out.  Sometimes we think we know exactly how something is going to go. All the evidence points to something happening only one way.  But then something surprising happens.  That surprise can be a good thing.  It can be a bad thing.  But the fact that the surprise happens at all can shake us up.  It can make us question and wonder.  But surprises are a part of life.  After all, God is often present in the surprises of life, good or bad. God is there to comfort when the surprises are bad and there to rejoice when the surprises are good.  But God often uses the surprise of life to remind us that God is faithful to us.  No matter what happens, God will be there.  No matter what curveballs come our way, God will be there. Loving you.  Saving you.  Forgiving you. 

  Surprises will come our way.  Some will be good.  Some will be bad.  But you are ready for them.  You are ready because God is by your side.  You are ready for whatever life throws at your because you are saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ and God is faithful and will be with you always.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”  

April 14, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

LAST CREW OF THE YEAR, APRIL 17^TH  3:30 pm till 5pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders.

Bring your household items and clothes to Trinity in April! Every Saturday in April, from 9 am till noon, we are collecting items as a fundraiser for the Women of Trinity.  All items should be clean and in good condition.  Place clothes and shoes in trash bags and all other items in boxes.

Men’s Band Worship, Sunday, May 5^th, 9 am

Smelt Feed, Sunday, May 5^th, 10am till 11:30 am. Smelt, Meatballs, Chips, Baked Beans, Garlic Bread, Dessert.  Free-will offering taken to benefit our Youth going to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. 

Calling all Men! We are looking for help with the Smelt Feed on May 5^th.  See the sign-up in the Narthex.  We are also looking for some turkey fryers and oil as well. 

Luther Park Work Day  Saturday, April 20^th, 8:30 am till 4:30 pm.  Help Luther Park get ready for the summer!  Painting, yard work, carpentry, wood splitting, staining, and much more!  If you are interested in going, please let PB know or just head on up to camp and they will assign you a job!  All ages can help!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

   There is a t-shirt company that was founded by a single guy in Chicago called “Obvious Shirts” in which very straightforward obvious phrases are placed on a shirt.  It started with him making a shirt for himself and wearing it to Wrigley Field that said “Jake Arrieta is good at baseball” during one of the last regular season games in 2015.  It got so many positive comments from people at the game that he decided to start making shirts fulltime and now he has a thriving business that not only does Chicago shirts but shirts in other cities as well.  I own a couple of them, my favorite being, “The greatest game ever played was on a Wednesday in Cleveland,” referencing Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. 

  I also have one that says, “I like the Cubs.”  Straight forward.  Obvious (duh).  I like the Cubs.  States who I am.  We have a scripture reading in 1^st John that is an obvious statement that is so obvious that we might take it for granted.  Here it is, from 1John 3:1: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.”  We are children of God.  You might be thinking to yourself, “Well, duh, PB.  I know this.  I’m a child of God.”

  But do you?  I think it is really easy to forget who we are.  I think the world likes to tell us all sorts of things about our identity and who we are or who we should be.  That we should place our identity on financial and material success.  That it should be placed on how other people view us, on accolades and accomplishments garnished at our jobs or in our communities.  I know I have done this.  I remember struggling when I turned 40 wondering how I would be perceived that I would no longer be considered the “young pastor.”  It is fun to hang out with young pastors now who actually accept me despite me being ten years older than them.  We so often wrap our identity up in so many other things than the one that matters the most: we are children of God.

  You are a child of God.  This means you are loved, even when you sin. You are a child of God, which means Jesus Christ is there to carry your burdens, forgive you of your sins, and bring you to everlasting life.  You are a child of God and God’s promises to you will never be taken away and you are never alone.  I know it seems to be the most obvious thing in the world.  But it is something we need to be reminded of every day.  Hmm, maybe we should put it on a shirt.  😊

  May God bless you today and always!