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Over the last few weeks, I’ve felt a growing pressure, mostly internal, but now also external, to say something about what’s happening in the streets of Minneapolis. The images are horrifying. The headlines can be numbing. The enforcement tactics being used against protesters who are exercising what I thought were clearly protected First and Second Amendment rights are deeply troubling to me. In fact, I find many of the tactics deployed in American streets and communities flat out morally repugnant. My civics and social studies teachers would be proud (or horrified) that I recognize what’s happening as a full-on cheese-grater to the Constitution shredding ourRead More →

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This week’s holiday called us to remember the life and witness of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and yet, if we’re honest, for many of us it often passes as little more than a day off work or school. Remembering Dr. King in ways that truly engage his faith, courage, and challenge to the church takes more intention than simply marking a date on the calendar or sharing a quote. And at the same time, our church continues in our sermon series The Courage to Follow. Now, I must be honest, the holiday overlap was not part of the plan. And yet, as I reflected on writing thisRead More →

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When I chose the date for our Foundations & Futures Luncheon on January 7, I knew from the start that not everyone who loves this church would be able to attend. That’s simply the reality of full calendars and faithful lives. So, if you weren’t there, please know this first: you were missed, you are valued, and the heart of what we shared belongs to you too.  Now earlier this week we shared part of what happened that afternoon: a first look at the 1874 Project. That work matters deeply. Caring for our building is essential to our witness, our accessibility, and our ability to serve generations to come. But as important as bricks and budgets are, we know they are not the whole story. Read More →

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As we step into a new year together, we are beginning a six-week journey exploring what it means to live with Gospel-shaped courage.  Not the kind of courage rooted in bravado or swagger, but the quiet, faithful bravery of living day by day in and with God’s love. This is courage that rarely announces itself. It grows slowly. It takes shape over time as we learn who we are and as we help one another live from that truth.  Throughout this series, The Courage to Follow: From Baptism to the Cross, we’ll explore courage not as fearlessness or control, but as faithful resilience. Each week will invite usRead More →