Trinity Lutheran Church

December 1st, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Crew on Wednesday, December 4th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

Sunday School Christmas Program practice starts on Sunday, December 1^st at 9:45 am!

Women of Trinity Winter Gathering December 7^th at 9 am!

Lefse Making!  Come be part of the annual Trinity Tradition!  Everyone of all ages and abilities can help! 

Wednesday, December 11^th, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then 11:30 am till we are done for the day.

Thursday, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then till we are done. 

Come for an hour or stay all day! 

Lefse Pre-orders!  Order your lefse today to guarantee you get this delicious treat!  3 pieces for $5.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

Join the Men’s Band at Knapp United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7^th, at 6 pm

We are looking for items for the Silent Auction!  Help our youth go to St. Louis for their 2025 Mission Trip!  Bring in new items or craft items by Friday, December 13^th, for the Silent Auction. 

Spirit of Christmas, Saturday, December 14^th.  Lefse/Bake Sale 9 am till 2pm.  Silent Auction 9 am till 3 pm.  Homemade Soup Lunch 11 am till 2 pm. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Recently, Amy and I completed a quest.  It was an important quest, one that we started at the beginning of the year and had the goal of finishing before Thanksgiving.  We were diligent at it, completing tasks for it during the week, on the weekend, at all times of the year.  And when we were done, completing it on Monday night, there was a sense of satisfaction, of a job well done, of having a goal and seeing it through to completion.  What was this goal, you may wonder?  It was to watch all of the Walt Disney Animation Studio films in release order.  And we did. (There are no Pixar movies in here.  We are starting that quest in 2025). 

  We started with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and we ended with “Wish” in time for us to see the newest one, “Moana 2,” in theaters on Wednesday night.  (Aside: Moana 2 was decent.  Love the story.  Animation was spot on as to be expected.  What wasn’t as good as the music.  Loved one song.  Another song was ok.  All the others just fell flat on me.  But that is just one man’s humble opinion).  We got to appreciate revered classics, surprised some that we had dismissed over the years, saw ones we had never seen before, and slogged through some duds. Doing this reminded me of the time I read through the entire Bible in one year: there were some highs, some lows, but glad I did it overall.  Here are some thoughts below:

   My favorites really haven’t changed.  “The Little Mermaid” is still my favorite of all the Disney animated movies.  (There will be a list below).  But I grew in appreciation for the classics.  Things like Snow White, Bambi, Cinderella, Pinocchio.  Just the amazing artistry that went into these films and realizing when they were made is just amazing.  I know it won’t really happen again, but I would love for them to do another full hand drawn movie, like they did with “Princess in the Frog.”

  There were some real dark days for Disney Animation Studio’s there in the late 70’s till mid 80’s.  Some of those movies were better than I thought they would be, but I can see why there was a chance the studio was going to shut down.  It is a reminder that story always matters and sometimes you can’t just do things on the cheap. Same goes for the early 2000’s. 

  Lastly, I do like that they sometimes take chances.  Some of my surprises are movies that did something different or they took a risk.  Also, the great ones don’t shy away from a little darkness and danger.  Many of the classics have some really scary and dark moments in them, moments that really could scare a child.  But life can be scary.  Showing how to get through those scary moments is also important too.

  Alright, here are some lists and rankings because I know you all care a ton:

My Top Ten Disney Animated Movies

1. The Little Mermaid- the best.  Will always be the best. 
2. Aladdin-may have the best soundtrack of any Disney movie ever. Plus, the Genie?  C’mon. 
3. The Jungle Book-my favorite of the classic era.  Just so much fun and I always think of myself as Baloo
4. Tangled-has some of the best lines that Amy and I say to each other all the time.  “You broke my smolder.”
5. Beauty and the Beast-there is a reason it was nominated for Best Picture.
6. Cinderella-beautiful animation and my second favorite from the classic period. 
7. Mulan: this movie always seems incredibly underrated.  Could even be underrated on this list.
8. Frozen: This movie takes some swings and that is what makes it work, besides incredible music.
9. Moana: the music in this movie just makes it soar.  And the story is good too.
10. Encanto: really fun and I enjoy all the gags from the house and some of the songs later in the movie are really moving. 

Honorable Mentions: Raya and the Last Dragon & Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

Amy’s Top Ten

1. Tangled

2. Cinderella

3. Aladdin

4. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

5. Beauty and the Beast

6. Emperor’s New Groove

7. The Little Mermaid

8. Hercules

9. Frozen

10.  Mulan

Honorable Mentions: Sleeping Beauty & Aristocats. She also wanted to mention the Goofy Movie, which came from Walt Disney Television Animation, but we also watched for this endeavor. 

Movie that should be on Brad’s, but I have hard time ranking: The Lion King.  Look, it is a stone cold classic.  No doubt.  Just an absolute banger.  But I have very complicated feelings about this movie.  It came out a year after my Dad died and when Mufasa dies, I absolutely lost it in the theater.  It is always tied to that emotion and so, because of that, I have a hard time watching it. 

My Top 5 Least Favorite

1. The Black Cauldon:  I mean, this thing is just inexplicable.  Some fun animation but the story makes no sense and there was a reason it almost ended the Studio.
2. Chicken Little. As I watched this movie, I just kept asking myself this question: why?
3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) & Winnie the Pooh (2011): Fun fact: I really dislike Winnie the Pooh.  You know what Winnie the Pooh is?  Poo
4. Home on the Range: One I had never seen.  One I never need to see again.
5. Alice in Wonderland: Look, I know it is beloved.  One of Amy’s favorite rides at Disneyland.  But as a movie, especially in the midst of the classics that are around it?  It is a miss for me. 

Top Five Surprises (ie, movies I thought I would hate that I really liked in the end)

1. Treasure Planet: I remember seeing this in the theater and hating it.  It was pretty fun on rewatch!  Give it a shot! 
2. The Rescuers: Also one I had never seen. Was also pretty fun.  The sequel isn’t as good (The Rescuers Down Under), but this was good.
3. One Hundred and One Dalmatians: I also had never seen this, though I knew the story.  Was also really fun and the animation is really crazy and awesome.  Cruella is an all time baddie.
4. Atlantis: the Lost Empire: Another one I saw in the theater and disliked but liked a lot on rewatch.  Again, Disney doing something different.  
5. Robin Hood: I like the music in this one and the whimsy is just really fun.   

So, there you go.  Hope this gives you some ideas of ones to try (they can all be found on Disney+) and maybe some ones to avoid.  Maybe you think I’m crazy (Amy sure has some problems with my list!)  Either way, it was a fun quest.  Have a great week!

November 24^th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

No Sunday School on November 24^th.

Help us decorate the church for Christmas on Sunday, November 24^th, after the worship service!

No Wednesday worship on November 27^th.

Office Closed November 28^th and 29^th.

Crew on Wednesday, December 4th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

Sunday School Christmas Program practice starts on Sunday, December 1^st at 9:45 am!

Women of Trinity Winter Gathering December 7^th at 9 am!

Lefse Making!  Come be part of the annual Trinity Tradition!  Everyone of all ages and abilities can help! 

Wednesday, December 11^th, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then 11:30 am till we are done for the day.

Thursday, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then till we are done. 

Come for an hour or stay all day! 

Lefse Pre-orders!  Order your lefse today to guarantee you get this delicious treat!  3 pieces for $5.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

“When I thought, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.” Psalm 94:18

   The other day I was walking in my kitchen when I slipped on my floor and I was going to go down in a heap.  But, since my kitchen is incredibly small, I was able to grab onto a counter and stop myself, which was good, because I would have fallen hard!  Who knows what might have happened if I had fallen.  I could have broken something, sprained something, or even worse.  It was a good thing I had something to grab onto to stop my fall.

  As I was looking through the Psalms, I ran into this verse and thought about that moment.  Sometimes in life we are walking along and we slip.  Metaphorically, that is.  We feel like we are falling.  We think we are going to crash into a heap onto the floor.  Hard.  But the good news for us is that our Lord is there hold us up.  Because our Lord loves us.  Loves us no matter what and because of that love, our Lord is always there for us.  Even when we think we are alone.  Even when we feel we are slipping and falling.  It is our Lord that reaches out and grabs us.  Hold us.  Picks us up. 

   In life, we slip.  We can’t help it.  We slip because of grief, hurt, anxiety, mistakes, doubt, fear, a thousand reasons.  But when we slip, we don’t totally fall because we have a loving Lord who is there for us.  A Savior in Jesus Christ who promises to be with us always.  To be there to hold us up when we need it, to be our foundation when we feel like we have none, and to reach out and be our salvation.  Trust that the Lord is with you always. 

November 17^th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Community Thanksgiving Service TONIGIHT, November 17^th, 6:00 pm.

Deer Hunter’s Worship, Wednesday, November 20^th, 6:30 pm.  Wear your blaze orange and camo

No Sunday School on November 24^th.

Help us decorate the church for Christmas on Sunday, November 24^th, after the worship service!

No Wednesday worship on November 27^th.

Office Closed November 28^th and 29^th.

Crew on Wednesday, December 4th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

Sunday School Christmas Program practice starts on Sunday, December 1^st at 9:45 am!

Lefse Making!  Come be part of the annual Trinity Tradition!  Everyone of all ages and abilities can help! 

Wednesday, December 11^th, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then 11:30 am till we are done for the day.

Thursday, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then till we are done. 

Come for an hour or stay all day! 

Lefse Pre-orders!  Order your lefse today to guarantee you get this delicious treat!  3 pieces for $5.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  At Crew, two of the kids favorite games is Hide & Go Seek and Pew Battleship.  The first one is pretty self-explanatory.  The second is where the kids lay down in the pews and another kid is up front, with their back to the church, and they call out a pew based on section and row number, like you do in the game Battleship.  If a kid is in that pew, it is a “hit.” If not, it is a “miss” and the caller gets three misses before we switch it up and choose a new caller.  Got it? 

   Both of these games get kids that are chosen, either to be seekers or callers and I cannot tell you the pressure there is to choose the kids.  They run up to me, “Can I be a seeker?  Can be a caller?  I’ve never been chosen!  I never get to do it!”  It got so bad last year that we had to come up with a solution, and I think it was Nichole Roemhild who came up with it.  We wrote all the kids names down on piece of paper and put it in a bucket and drew them out.  That way, everyone got a chance and I didn’t get a thousand kids rushing up to me between every game asking me if they could be selected.  Of course, they still do this, despite the bucket, but not quite as bad.

   It feels good to be chosen, to be picked, to be the one.  It gives validation, makes you feel important, makes you feel like someone has noticed you and wants you.  So often in life we feel rejected, cast aside, pushed to the edges, forgotten.  Being chosen means being noticed.  It is why I like this verse from John 15, “You did not choose me but I chose you.”  Jesus says this to us.  You did not choose me but I chose you.  How does it feel to know that Jesus chose you?  We often feel like we choose Jesus but it is the other way around.  Jesus comes to us.  Selects you.  Despite your sin and your flaws.  Calls you friend, brother or sister.  Calls you to be a disciple not because you are perfect but because you are loved, valued, and an important child of God.

  Even more so, as the verse goes, Jesus has chosen you for a job.  “And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.”  We are chosen not only because we are loved but because Jesus trusts us to go bear fruit in his name.  To spread his love, shared his Gospel, care for the neighbor and lift up the needy, the hurting, and to let those who feel alone that they are not.  They are not forgotten.  They are chosen.  Just like us.  Just like you. 

  You are chosen, my friends, chosen by a Savior who calls you friend and who has given his life for you.  You are loved, forgiven, saved, and sent to go bear fruit in Jesus’ name.  Most importantly, you are not alone, not ever.  May you know how important you are in the eyes of the God who has sent his only Son to bring you to eternal life and to walk with you every day.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!” Amen.

November 11^th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Crew on Wednesday, November 13^th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

Community Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, November 17^th, 6 pm.

Deer Hunter’s Worship, Wednesday, November 20^th, 6:30 pm.  Wear your blaze orange and camo

Join us this Sunday, November 17,  as Bishop Martin Halom joins us for worship!  Bishop Martin will be hitting Pastor Brad with a pie after worship as part of Mission Madness.  He is also a big Packer fan so where your Packer gear before the Bears-Packers game!  Bishop Halom was elected the Bishop of our Synod this past June and him and Pastor Brad are good

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

MISSION MADNESS 2024: TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED IS $5,031!!: We doubled our initial top goal!  Thank you everyone for your generosity!  Check out the Trinity Facebook page for pictures (and below) of PB wearing Packer gear and getting hit with silly string.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

Ever since I preached about having a feast and what I wanted at that feast, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the food at that feast and I decided I wanted to have a little bit of fun.  So here is my feast menu with the specific items I would have.  I would love for you to think about what you would have at your feast and the specific versions of the food that you would have.

Rules: five foods and a dessert.  One beverage.

I’m going to pick a first choice and then an alternate.  Why?  Because I can!

Here we go.  PB’s feast that he hopes God prepares for him in heaven. 

1. Bacon.  First Choice: Sailer’s in Elmwood.  The best forever and always.  Second choice:  Louie’s in Cumberland.  Very good but just not as good as Sailer’s. 
2. Ribs:  First Choice: Joe’s Kansas City, Kansas City, MO.  The best I have ever had, and since it seems wrong to choose the ones I make myself, I’m going with these.  Second Choice: Morimoto Asia, Disney Springs, Orlando, FL.  These ribs are so good.  I haven’t been able to recreate them but maybe some day.
3.   Fried Chicken: Art Smith’s Homecoming, Disney Springs, Orlando, FL. I keep thinking something is going to knock these off, but they are just the best.  Juicy, incredible batter, never disappoints. You can get versions of these at any Art Smith restaurant.  Second Choice: Dooky Chase’s, New Orleans.  I couldn’t wait to eat here at the Youth Gathering and it did not disappoint.  I recreated this and it was also good (but not as good since I don’t have a deep fryer).  Spicier and packed with flavor. 
4. Popcorn: Alamo Drafthouse, any location, but we go to the one in Woodbury.  They have the best movie theater popcorn ever.  Lots of butter.  Plus you can ask for your own salt shaker and I don’t have to bring my own.  Second choice: Disney popcorn, any Disney park in the world.  Just magical. It just is. 
5. Amy’s Thanksgiving Stuffing from the bird. Boyceville, WI.  The best stuffing ever.  Packed with flavor.  No need to really eat anything else to be honest.  I would eat it all if she would let me but she insists that she gets to have some.  Second choice: Amy’s Thanksgiving stuffing that isn’t in the bird, Boyceville, WI.  Yes, she makes two batches, and this is almost as good as the first but not quite.  Again, she makes me share.  So mean.

Dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream.  I don’t have a favorite brand.  I just love it.  Last time I got it was Edy’s.  Second Choice: Chocolate Chip Cookie. You can never go wrong with a good Chocolate Chip Cookie. 

Beverage: Beorn Old Fashioned, O’Shaugnessy Distilling Co, Minneapolis, MN.  They filter the whiskey through burnt honey.  Delicious, perfect, and smooth.  So very good. Second Choice: Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned, Bryant’s, Milwaukee, WI.  When they made this for me, I almost cried. 

Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Just a nice root beer on ice.  Barq’s is my favorite.  Lucette’s makes a nice one as well. 

Hope this made you hungry!  Notice there isn’t anything healthy on here because why should there be! 

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Here are two pictures of PB doing Mission Madness things this week.

Look.  I’m so excited.

     I think kids take pleasure in attacking me!

November 3^rd, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lagers with Lord is Monday, November 4th, at 6 pm at Buckshot’s! All are welcome for a time of faithful conversation.

High School Lock-In, Saturday, November 9^th, 6 pm till Sunday, November 10^th, 7 am.  Scavenger Hunt, Games, Movies, and more!  Friends welcome!  Need to leave early for work?  No problem!  Just let PB know.  Sign-up in the Narthex or talk to PB.  Staffed by Luther Park Bible Camp.   PLEASE LET PB KNOW IF YOU MIGHT BE COMING BY WEDNESDAY NIGHT OR HE MAY CANCEL

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

Crew on Wednesday, November 13^th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

MISSION MADNESS 2024: October 6-November 10^th: ALL GOALS HAVE BEEN MET AFTER AN AMAZING SUNDAY!  This Sunday alone we raised $3,076!!  Our total raised is $4,786!!!!!!!!

Here are the goals:

$500  PB has to wear a Star Trek shirt (reminder: PB doesn’t like Star Trek). THIS WILL BE DONE ON MONDAY.

$1,000 PB eats a serving size of Mayonnaise. 50 Time & Talent sheets GOAL MET! COMPLETED

$1,500 PB gets attacked with silly string by kids in the congregation. HAPPENING ON NOVEMBER 10

$2,000 PB wears a full Packers outfit at the November Synod Gathering.  HAPPENING ON NOVEMBER 7TH

$2,500 PB gets hit in the face with a pie by the Bishop Martin Halom on November 17^th.  HAPPENING ON NOVEMBER 17^TH!

Community Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, November 17^th, 6 pm.

Deer Hunter’s Worship, Wednesday, November 20^th, 6:30 pm.  Wear your blaze orange and camo!

Thank you to everyone who helped at the Potato Pancake Meal!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  SOMETIMES YOU JUST LIKE SERMONS.  I LIKED THIS ONE SO I DECIDED TO SHARE IT HERE, EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT COME OUT EXACTLY THIS WAY IN WORSHIP.  If you want that version, go to the Trinity Lutheran YouTube page or the Facebook page to see that version. 

Isaiah 25:6-9

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen

Imagine you receive an invitation in the mail.  It is an invitation to a party, and when you arrive to that party you realize that this party is for you.  On the food table is an absolute smorgasbord of your favorite foods.  So, if it was me, you got bacon, friend chicken, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs with all the fixings, popcorn, my wife’s stuffing she makes at Thanksgiving, peanut butter ice cream. All my favorites and more.  Just spread out and all I can eat and eat and eat.  A feast if you will.  This is the image that is presented for us here in Isaiah, a vision of the future of what God will provide for us.  A feast, showing an image of the abundance of what God will provide.  Think about the feast that God would provide for you, what food would be on the table, that you could enjoy, signs of God’s love for you.  Notice that in this image everyone is invited, which means you are invited.  All are welcome to the feast. 

But notice something else.  The Lord, the king, isn’t feasting on the food.  Rather, the Lord is feasting on something else.  The Lord isn’t swallowing food.  The Lord is swallowing tears.  He is swallowing disgrace.  He is swallowing death itself.  The Lord is feasting on the shroud of grief and pain that covers the people so that they can not only feast but see that they are saved, and that they are no longer covered in pain and suffering but have salvation, that they are no longer separated from God but united with him.

This swallowing up, this destruction of death itself, has been done by Jesus Christ on the cross for you.  We see that same language used in our Revelation reading, as God wipes away tears and death and crying and pain will be no more.  Jesus Christ comes to save us, to destroy death and the shroud that it has over us.  For we carry that shroud of grief, of hopelessness, of pain and suffering with us every day.  But through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, we have a new future, a new beginning, new life, for we have this promise that is set before us.  Our tears our wiped away and a feast is set before us, of food that feeds us, food of hope and grace, mercy and joy, of tears that are wiped away, of knowing that we have eternal life in Jesus Christ and that death has no power for we have eternal life and that we have a place prepared for us in glory.

Even more, we have a Savior who knows the pain of that shroud and the sting of those tears, who has cried over the loss of friends and has compassion upon us.  And this Jesus invites us every day to a feast of new life, for he swallows up our pain and suffering and grief and sets before us hope and salvation and resurrection.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”  Amen

October 28^th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Men’s Band Worship Sunday, November 3^rd, 9 am.

Potato Pancake Feed, Sunday, November 3^rd, 10 am till 11:30 am.  Potato Pancakes, Kielbasa Sausage, Apple Sauce, Bars, Beverage.  This year we are featuring TWO kinds of Potato Pancakes, our traditional Scandanvian style and now German style.  Free-will offering taken to benefit Trinity Missions.  

Lagers with Lord is Monday, November 4th, at 6 pm at Buckshot’s! All are welcome for a time of faithful conversation.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

Crew on Wednesday, October 30^th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

MISSION MADNESS 2024: October 6-November 10^th: The annual tradition continues as we raise money for our Mission Partners and PB does embarrassing or weird things.  Just designate your offering to either Mission Madness or to a specific mission partner like Luther Park or West CAP as an example.  As a twist this year, if a certain number of Time & Talent sheets get turned in, since part of our Mission is using our gifts for God’s glory, that will also fulfill some Mission Madness goals.

Here are the goals:

$500  PB has to wear a Star Trek shirt (reminder: PB doesn’t like Star Trek). 25 Time & Talent sheets GOAL MET!  PB WILL WEAR THIS IN THE FUTURE!  CHECK OUT THE TRINITY FACEBOOK PAGE FOR PICTURES

$1,000 PB eats a serving size of Mayonnaise. 50 Time & Talent sheets GOAL MET! PB will do this after worship on NOVEMBER 3

$1,500 PB gets attacked with silly string by kids in the congregation.

$2,000 PB wears a full Packers outfit at the November Synod Gathering. 

$2,500 PB gets hit in the face with a pie by the Bishop Martin Halom on November 17^th. 

 UPDATE:

DOLLARS RAISED: $1,245. HALFWAY THERE WITH TWO WEEKS TO GO!

TIME AND TALENT SHEETS TURNED IN: 51

High School Lock-In, Saturday, November 9^th, 6 pm till Sunday, November 10^th, 7 am.  Scavenger Hunt, Games, Movies, and more!  Friends welcome!  Need to leave early for work?  No problem!  Just let PB know.  Sign-up in the Narthex or talk to PB.  Staffed by Luther Park Bible Camp. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

     Take a close look at this picture.  We always take a funny picture for confirmation and I decided that I would try to hold Drew Gretzlock in my arms.  And, right here, it looks like I’m doing a pretty good job of it.  But the truth is, I held him for about 1.8 seconds before I almost destroyed my back and my knees trying to hold him up.  At one second I thought I had him, and then next I really, really didn’t (like the Bears game against the Commanders.  Still smarting about that).  It makes for a really good picture though.

  I always like taking a funny picture along with the normal one that is displayed at the church because when I teach these youth (and we had 17 confirm their faith this past Sunday), I always have two goals.  The first is to impart on them knowledge of their faith and the meaning of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.  But the second is that the church is where they can always know that they are loved and accepted for who they are.  That means having some fun from time to time, even if it means me embarrassing myself (which really isn’t hard to do).  I want them to know the power of Jesus’ love for them but also the power of feeling that love in a place like Trinity.

  Because life can be really hard and tough and they might find themselves in places that don’t love them very much or accept them for who they are.  There might be times in their life where they might feel alone or lost or scared.  I want them to know that Jesus is always there for them and that the church is a place that is there for them to, a place they belong, no matter what.  A safe place. 

  I have no doubt God will do some cool things through those young people in the picture above.  Some of them will move far away and some might not move away at all.  But in the end, I hope that they will always remember that Jesus loves them and that Trinity is a place that loves them and will remind them of Jesus’ love for them too. 

  May God bless you today and always. 

October 21^st, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Men’s Band Worship Sunday, November 3^rd, 9 am.

Potato Pancake Feed, Sunday, November 3^rd, 10 am till 11:30 am.  Potato Pancakes, Kielbasa Sausage, Apple Sauce, Bars, Beverage.  This year we are featuring TWO kinds of Potato Pancakes, our traditional Scandanvian style and now German style.  Free-will offering taken to benefit Trinity Missions.  

Lagers with Lord is Monday, November 4th, at 6 pm at Buckshot’s! All are welcome for a time of faithful conversation.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

Crew on Wednesday, October 30^th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

MISSION MADNESS 2024: October 6-November 10^th: The annual tradition continues as we raise money for our Mission Partners and PB does embarrassing or weird things.  Just designate your offering to either Mission Madness or to a specific mission partner like Luther Park or WestCAP as an example.  As a twist this year, if a certain number of Time & Talent sheets get turned in, since part of our Mission is using our gifts for God’s glory, that will also fulfill some Mission Madness goals.

Here are the goals:

$500  PB has to wear a Star Trek shirt (reminder: PB doesn’t like Star Trek). 25 Time & Talent sheets GOAL MET!  PB WILL WEAR THIS IN THE FUTURE!  CHECK OUT THE TRINITY FACEBOOK PAGE FOR PICTURES

$1,000 PB eats a serving size of Mayonnaise. 50 Time & Talent sheets GOAL MET! PB will do this after worship on NOVEMBER 3

$1,500 PB gets attacked with silly string by kids in the congregation.

$2,000 PB wears a full Packers outfit at the November Synod Gathering. 

$2,500 PB gets hit in the face with a pie by the Bishop Martin Halom on November 17^th. 

 UPDATE:

DOLLARS RAISED: $1040

TIME AND TALENT SHEETS TURNED IN: 46

High School Lock-In, Saturday, November 9^th, 6 pm till Sunday, November 10^th, 7 am.  Scavenger Hunt, Games, Movies, and more!  Friends welcome!  Need to leave early for work?  No problem!  Just let PB know.  Sign-up in the Narthex or talk to PB.  Staffed by Luther Park Bible Camp. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  The other day, I was sitting out in our backyard around our outdoor firepit, with Amy and our niece Ashlie, who was visiting, with Baxter running around the backyard, and I took a second.  Just a second.  Trying to appreciate the moment.  To drink it in a bit.  A moment of appreciation.

  On a recent Friday, I rolled in a pretty long putt for birdie during my normal round of golf with my friends Josh & Tim.  I wasn’t playing particularly well and I was pretty happy with the putt as it was an actual moment of good in a lot of bad.  And I took a second, just a second, to not appreciate the birdie, but to appreciate the moment with a good friend, doing something I enjoy, on a beautiful day.

  Then this past Tuesday I was leading worship at Glenhaven, which I do once a month, and Bob Bird came with me. As we were singing together, I took a moment to appreciate making music with one of my favorite people, and music that was sharing the love of Christ. 

  I’m not sure what has prompted these moments of appreciation, but they have been coming a lot more frequently.  Maybe it is the Holy Spirit reminding me to not take life for granted.  Maybe it is the Holy Spirit prompting me to be more thankful for life.  Maybe it is the Holy Spirit showing me that in a world that is filled with so much bad there is always moment of good.  Maybe I’m just being a little wistful in my advancing age. 

  In the end, I guess my hope is that you might take a moment to appreciate something in your life today.  That you would take a moment, a breath, a slice of time, and just look around and appreciate something or someone.  To remember that life is a gift, no matter what is going on in it.  For even in the very hardest moments of life, there is still light, there is still joy, there is still peace, there is still happiness, because there is always the Lord. For in the Lord, life is always a gift and the Lord gives a moment or two, every day, to remind us of that gift.  May you be reminded today. 

  May God bless you today and always. 

October 14^th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fall Family Fest HAS BEEN MOVED TO Sunday, October 20^th, 3 pm till 5pm.  Inflatables, food, pumpkin carving, games, and more for the whole family. 

Lagers with Lord is Monday, October 14th, at 6 pm at Buckshot’s! All are welcome for a time of faithful conversation.

Voices of Praise, Wednesday, October 16^th, 7 pm! Like to sing?  Want to sing praises to God?  Want to sing with others?  Hate to sing in front of an audience?  This is the group for you!  Come join us on Wednesday nights at 7 pm for the sole purpose of using our voices to give praise to God with others.  This is a fellowship group that gathers to sing together with no expectation that we will sing during worship or in front of an audience.  The only requirement is a love of singing and a love of God!  All ages are welcome! 

Crew on Wednesday, October 16^th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

Crew snacks needed!  We invite individuals and families to sign-up to provide snacks for 50-60 youth for Crew!  Feel free to team up with others!  You do not need to serve the snacks, just provide them!  You can provide whatever you want.  Items should be here by 3 pm on the day of Crew.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the office.  Questions?  Talk to PB.

MISSION MADNESS 2024: October 6-November 10^th: The annual tradition continues as we raise money for our Mission Partners and PB does embarrassing or weird things.  Just designate your offering to either Mission Madness or to a specific mission partner like Luther Park or WestCAP as an example.  As a twist this year, if a certain number of Time & Talent sheets get turned in, since part of our Mission is using our gifts for God’s glory, that will also fulfill some Mission Madness goals.

Here are the goals:

$500  PB has to wear a Star Trek shirt (reminder: PB doesn’t like Star Trek). 25 Time & Talent sheets

$1,000 PB eats a serving size of Mayonnaise. 50 Time & Talent sheets

$1,500 PB gets attacked with silly string by kids in the congregation. 75 time & Talent Sheets

$2,000 PB wears a full Packers outfit at the November Synod Gathering.  100 Time & Talent Sheets

$2,500 PB gets hit in the face with a pie by the Bishop Martin Halom on November 17^th. 

 UPDATE:

DOLLARS RAISED: $200

TIME AND TALENT SHEETS TURNED IN: 36

Men’s Band Worship Sunday, November 3^rd, 9 am.

Potato Pancake Feed, Sunday, November 3^rd, 10 am till 11:30 am.  Potato Pancakes, Kielbasa Sausage, Apple Sauce, Bars, Beverage.  This year we are featuring TWO kinds of Potato Pancakes, our traditional Scandanvian style and now German style.  Free-will offering taken to benefit Trinity Missions.  

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

  When I was younger, I had it through my head that I couldn’t show weakness.  I don’t know if it was because I rarely saw it in my Dad, who I never saw cry until the last month of his life.  I don’t know if it was the images I took in from advertising and media that portrayed  strong men never cried, never showed doubt, never showed anything other than physical pain and that pain was only because they got shot or hit or attacked but just took it on the chin with stoicism. You “sucked it up” and moved on.  You never displayed doubt about anything, concern about anything, or sadness about really anything.  Weakness was not to be shown to anyone for any reason for that weakness could be exploited, or made fun of, or would make you “less than.”

   I think that thought still is very prevalent today and I know is still with me today.  I remember the first time I teared up in a funeral I was leading.  I felt so ashamed that I let that emotion out.  Felt like I had somehow failed in my calling, to be “strong” for the family.  It wasn’t till later that in talking with that family that they appreciated that show of emotion.  It was a connection to them.  After all, I barely cried at my Dad’s funeral as I was now the “man of the house” and I took it as a challenge to not cry while I preached my Mom’s funeral sermon to show everyone just how strong I was.  That I could handle it all. 

  What an idiot I was, and frankly, I sometimes still am.  Weakness is not showing emotion.  Strength is the ability to be what the world says is weak and keep going.  Being honest in our emotions, whether it be sadness or anger or doubt.  After all, as it says in our scripture reading from above, Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses because Christ knows all those emotions.  He cried.  He was angry.  He asked God to take this cup from him.  Jesus knows all the things we have felt because he felt them.  And so we know that we have a Savior who is right there with us, who understands and knows the hardships of our lives, the emotions we feel, the things that make us feel weak and small. We don’t have to be afraid of them.  Rather, we can face them with boldness for we don’t face them alone.

  Don’t hide from those things that the world says make you weak.  Don’t be afraid of sadness or grief or anger or doubt or any of those things.  Those things don’t make you weak.  Faith is still trusting in the one who knows those things and still going, still trying, still fighting, even when it is hardest.  Jesus knows all of the things you are going through for he has experienced all of them.  He has cried over friends. He has felt betrayed and abandoned.  He has felt physical and emotional pain.  He has felt like God has abandoned him.  Christ has felt it all.  He knows our weaknesses, our hurts, our everything.  And that is why he is there.  That is why Jesus invites you to place your burdens on him.  That is why he promises to be with you always.  And that is why we can be bold, for we are showered by his grace in our time of need and know that no matter what, we are never, ever alone and that in him, we have strength. Always.

  May God be with you today and always. 

October 6^th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Oktoberfest Craft & Vendor Fair October 12^th 9 am till 2 pm at Boyceville High School  There are events as well throughout Boyceville. 

Fall Family Fest, Sunday, October 13^th, 3 pm till 5pm.  Inflatables, food, pumpkin carving, games, and more for the whole family. 

Lagers with Lord is Monday, October 14th, at 6 pm at Buckshot’s! All are welcome for a time of faithful conversation.

Voices of Praise, Wednesday, October 9^th, 7 pm! Like to sing?  Want to sing praises to God?  Want to sing with others?  Hate to sing in front of an audience?  This is the group for you!  Come join us on Wednesday nights at 7 pm for the sole purpose of using our voices to give praise to God with others.  This is a fellowship group that gathers to sing together with no expectation that we will sing during worship or in front of an audience.  The only requirement is a love of singing and a love of God!  All ages are welcome! 

Crew on Wednesday, October 16^th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

Crew snacks needed!  We invite individuals and families to sign-up to provide snacks for 50-60 youth for Crew!  Feel free to team up with others!  You do not need to serve the snacks, just provide them!  You can provide whatever you want.  Items should be here by 3 pm on the day of Crew.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the office.  Questions?  Talk to PB.

MISSION MADNESS 2024: October 6-November 10^th: The annual tradition continues as we raise money for our Mission Partners and PB does embarrassing or weird things.  Just designate your offering to either Mission Madness or to a specific mission partner like Luther Park or WestCAP as an example.  As a twist this year, if a certain number of Time & Talent sheets get turned in, since part of our Mission is using our gifts for God’s glory, that will also fulfill some Mission Madness goals.

Here are the goals:

$500  PB has to wear a Star Trek shirt (reminder: PB doesn’t like Star Trek). 25 Time & Talent sheets

$1,000 PB eats a serving size of Mayonnaise. 50 Time & Talent sheets

$1,500 PB gets attacked with silly string by kids in the congregation. 75 time & Talent Sheets

$2,000 PB wears a full Packers outfit at the November Synod Gathering.  100 Time & Talent Sheets

$2,500 PB gets hit in the face with a pie by the Bishop Martin Halom on November 17^th. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Amy and I were at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, enjoying the three-mile walk when were passed this sign in the shade three exhibit.  I have passed this sign many times, but it caught my eye and I stopped. What caught my eye wasn’t the various shapes of trees and their various characteristics.  The thing that drew my attention was the sentence at the very bottom of the picture.  “All shapes and sizes are worthy of your love.”  I thought that not only was that an important phrase in terms of trees, but frankly for us as humans.  All shapes and sizes are worthy of your love.

  Now, we could look at that statement and only think of it in terms of physical appearance, and that is of course true and very important to remember.  But I want to expand upon it.  Everyone deserves love for we are all human beings.  We are under a month until we have an election in this country and we are in a very polarized place politically.  The rhetoric on both sides is hot and often pointed and harsh.  It is often crossing the line.  We need to remember that everyone involved is a human being.  We need to remember that everyone deserves love and should be treated with respect and dignity.  We need to think twice about the things we say, post, and comment on.  For our words and rhetoric can have consequences and can be hurtful and damaging.

  We might want to take into consideration Jesus’ words to love our neighbor as ourselves and to love our enemies.  We might want to remember that it was this same Jesus who forgave the people who crucified him and the same Jesus who often sat with and listened to those who were most opposed to him.  We might want to remember that we can be faithful to Jesus no matter who we vote for and the person next to us can also be faithful to Jesus too even if they vote for someone different than us.   

  Passion is important and being passionate for what you believe in is important.  I know I am.  That passion can be displayed in ways that are positive but can also be displayed in ways that are negative.  My hope is that as we come into these final days of this election, no matter who you are passionate about in this election, that you would display that passion in a positive manner.  That you might remember that everyone involved are also fellow human beings too, who love this country with the same passion you do, and who deserve the same love and respect that you do.  That we might remember that above all we need the same love and grace from Jesus Christ, for we are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God, who are all called to love our neighbors as we have been loved.  For all shapes and sizes are worthy of your love.

  May God bless you today and always.

September 29^th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mission Trip 2025 Registration forms are due October 2nd  Contact PB if you need information or have questions. 

Crew on Wednesday, October 2^nd, 3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders!

Voices of Praise, Wednesday, October 2^nd, 7 pm! Like to sing?  Want to sing praises to God?  Want to sing with others?  Hate to sing in front of an audience?  This is the group for you!  Come join us on Wednesday nights at 7 pm for the sole purpose of using our voices to give praise to God with others.  This is a fellowship group that gathers to sing together with no expectation that we will sing during worship or in front of an audience.  The only requirement is a love of singing and a love of God!  All ages are welcome! 

Oktoberfest Craft & Vendor Fair October 12^th 9 am till 2 pm at Boyceville High School  There are events as well throughout Boyceville. 

Fall Family Fest, Sunday, October 13^th, 3 pm till 5pm.  Inflatables, food, pumpkin carving, games, and more for the whole family. 

Lagers with Lord is Monday, October 14th, at 6 pm at Buckshot’s! All are welcome for a time of faithful conversation.

Crew snacks needed!  We invite individuals and families to sign-up to provide snacks for 50-60 youth for Crew!  Feel free to team up with others!  You do not need to serve the snacks, just provide them!  You can provide whatever you want.  Items should be here by 3 pm on the day of Crew.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the office.  Questions?  Talk to PB.

MISSION MADNESS 2024: October 6-November 10^th: The annual tradition continues as we raise money for our Mission Partners and PB does embarrassing or weird things.  Just designate your offering to either Mission Madness or to a specific mission partner like Luther Park or WestCAP as an example.  As a twist this year, if a certain number of Time & Talent sheets get turned in, since part of our Mission is using our gifts for God’s glory, that will also fulfill some Mission Madness goals.

Here are the goals:

$500  PB has to wear a Star Trek shirt (reminder: PB doesn’t like Star Trek). 25 Time & Talent sheets

$1,000 PB eats a serving size of Mayonnaise. 50 Time & Talent sheets

$1,500 PB gets attacked with silly string by kids in the congregation. 75 time & Talent Sheets

$2,000 PB wears a full Packers outfit at the November Synod Gathering.  100 Time & Talent Sheets

$2,500 PB gets hit in the face with a pie by the Bishop Martin Halom on November 17^th. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

Psalm 23:6a “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,”

  I love digging into scripture, and in preparing for “Lagers with the Lord” last month on my favorite scripture of Psalm 23, I was looking at the above verse, Psalm 23:6.  We must always remember that the Bible wasn’t originally written in English and everything is a translation and in a commentary I was reading it was pointed out that the word that is often translated from Hebrew as “ shall follow” could also be translated as “shall pursue.”  And I have to admit, it blew my mind.  You can ask those that were at “Lagers with the Lord,” I went on and on about it. Because I got this image in my head.

  See, to me, shall follow is a nice image, but I think of the game “follow the leader.”  We are just nicely following behind.  Goodness and mercy is just very nicely and calmly following behind me.  But the word pursue to me is very active.  It is very aggressive.  I think of a lion going after a zebra in the wild.  I think of something coming relentlessly after me.  So I imagine, now, that the goodness and mercy of God is relentlessly, aggressively, coming after me.  Pursuing me.  Me, who has been walking in the shadow of death.  Me, who has been suffering.  Hurting.  Questioning.  Wondering.  That the goodness and mercy of God is coming for me.  That it is inevitable.  I will experience that goodness and mercy. No matter what.

  This is a message of hope.  I need this message of hope.  I bet you do to.  We all do.  We need to hear that the goodness and mercy of God is pursuing us all the days of our life, coming for us a gift, a gift we see in the life, death, and resurrection of the great shepherd Jesus Christ.  This God never stops pursuing you.  Never gives up on you.  Never stops coming for you, to shower you with love and hope and goodness and mercy.  Will keep pursuing you no matter what.  This is God’s promise and this is our hope.

  It is again why I love studying God’s Word because you never know what nugget you might find that can open your eyes and heart to something new and also help to see God in a new way.  But it also reminds us of this important truth: we are loved by God in Jesus Christ.  God’s goodness and mercy is for you every single day, a goodness and mercy found in Jesus Christ for you.  May you know that goodness and mercy is for you today, tomorrow, and always.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”