I'm INcluded!

Our second installment in a series called, "We're all IN this together!" Thank you to Stephanie Harbott for sharing her story.

Sermon based on Luke 15:11-32 by Rev. Elise Pokel.

I'm INspired!

We begin our fall series on the phrase, "We're all IN this together!" Sept. 16 we focused on the topic, "I'm INspired!" Thank you to Monte Koshel for sharing his story.

Sermon based on Luke 13:18-21

Ephesians 3

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bOC0S97Uugd9-Lc5jAL_Xd2R-xPs_HZr

The apostle Paul prays for this congregation (and for us) that we would consider the expansiveness of Christ's love.

Baptisms at Trinity Point

One of Trinity's treasures is our summer worship and camping space at Maple Lake near Mentor, MN. The casual worship environment creates a welcoming space for anyone enjoy a summer Sunday worship experience. We even do baptisms in the lake! All are welcome for church at 10:30 a.m.

Ephesians 2:11-22, Sermon by Rev. Karla Mickelson

Part 1 of Rev. Karla Mickelson's sermon.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_TA0zE88LVCk0BzLXhSl0S4-sWvjdiRQ/view?usp=sharing

Part 2 of Rev. Karla Mickelson 's sermon

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CtJvzC5NbcvcS4E6VR_2hk7xmyoXwJ-9/view?usp=sharing

Rev. Karla Mickelson shares her message on "bridging the gaps" in this world with our Christian faith.

My own sermon at First Presbyterian lifted up three things that we can do to help heal the deep divisions within our society and our churches.

1. Unity among people, especially those in deep conflict, begins at the foot of the cross. It is an act of confession that brings us to a state of our own humility in light of what Christ has done for us. The question we can ask ourselves, "How do I contribute to the disunity that exists?"

2. While Christ has granted us redemption through the cross, we still have to work our own redemption with others in order to make relationships whole. It often means a word of apology, both in word and deed. The goal is to build up the relationship and find resurrection life. Can we laugh again?

3. It is often helpful to build unity by working on something together. Our proclamation and living of peace is made real when, in Paul's words, "we are building together a spiritual dwelling place for God. Find a project that people can work on and share in the making of decisions and the realization of something completed together.

What do you think?

Sermon series on Ephesians

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bF2JLC6a2Pm6iSXSFSQKPFv-aED4ixz2

Here is the first in a sermon series on Ephesians. More commentary to follow.

Making a Difference in Houston

Wanted to share with you a few interactions I've had with people in Houston as we send out 10,000 servants each day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Service Day has us wearing blaze orange t-shirts as we go out to serve. As you can imagine we are disrupting things from restaurants, public transportation, and hotel life.

Sat next to a woman on the light rail train. She inquired as to 'what's going on with all these young people in Houston?' I gave her a brief overview of the ELCA National Youth Gathering. "God bless you," she said. "I've seen them in my neighborhood. It just gives me chills knowing they're doing it as God's work." She is a school teacher.

I'm playing nurse at the hotel for a couple of kids. Went to McDonald's a block away for lunch. Cashier sees my blaze orange t-shirt, smiles at me and says, "Your kids were in my neighborhood cleaning out the cemetery by my house. Thank you."

Looking for soup at Starbucks and the barista is talking to a co-worker. "These kids are all over. They were picking up trash where I live. I wish I could give free drinks to them all. This is great!"

Nice to hear that in spite of the infusion and interuptions that come with 30,000+ extra people in a metropolitan area, people are seeing the witness of the ELCA through our young people who are doing God's Work with Our Hands. Yeah, God!