Pastor Jim's Page

Trinity Lutheran Church invites you for worship and fellowship

Pastor Jim baptizes granddaughter, Ava, March 2007.

“THE TOMB IS FILLED, AND OVERFLOWS!”

USA TODAY quoted a 10 year-old, “I feel so blessed to be here.” Capri Christianson went on to say, “So far this is the best day of my life.”

These comments and others filled an article following Pope Benedict XVI’s six-day visit to the United States. Many were surprised and humbled by Pope Benedict’s remarks covering painful issues, but more so by his person who welcomed all who heard, saw him, read about his days here, viewed the news reports into the presence of Jesus.

Easter has opened to the Church grace and life that abounds with hope and challenges. The time leading up to Easter and these days of Easter we have been lifted new life.

Around Trinity we have witnessed an overwhelming response to our coming Pictorial Directory. THANK YOU!! We can hardly wait. One piece of this ministry tool is the whole welcoming emphasis, and that has been our focus these last years. After Easter we were introduced to a phrase “A Welcome Alternative.” Behind this phrase is our life, to be the welcoming presence of Jesus to all who come.

On these April weekends, we shared in A Ministry Fair featuring each of our nine ministries, our Trust Fund and TLC Preschool. The excitement both in the Narthex and in the Fellowship Hall was amazing. All of us became more aware of God’s presence in our midst - in ministry. So many of you thanked face-to-face those who serve in ministry through Trinity. AND MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY THE SPIRIT TO ANSWER THE CALL TO BE INVOLVED IN MINISTRY. Listen to the Spirit’s whisper - or shout - and join together as we reach out in ministry!

The Tomb of the Risen Christ is filled with mercy and compassion, with energy and new life, with opportunity and challenge. The Spirit of God, as Martin Luther shared, “calls, gathers, enlightens” the whole church for ministry.

We join a 10 year-old, and from the tomb that is filled with life, we shout, we live, “I feel so blessed to be here!” And with Capri Christianson we approach our days, and our ministries with her words, “So far this is the best day of my life.”

LIVING and SERVING WITH YOU IN THE RISEN CHRIST, Pastor Jim

P.S. Pentecost weekend is May 10-11. That would be a perfect time to answer Jesus’ call into ministry - a perfect response to the coming of the Holy Spirit!