Yesterday we had our first potluck in about 3 years. The Reformation Sunday Beer and Brat festivities. Reformation Sunday 2014 was my first Sunday on as Pastor of Trinity, and it was followed up by that wonderful potluck. I’ve always loved a good potluck. Yes, I enjoy seeing the variety of dishes that people bring, seeing how different recipes are made, new ideas, tastes, and experiences; but that is not why I love a good potluck. There is a buzz that is in the room as people are in line getting their food, at their tables, walking over to where the desserts are waiting, (by the way, I have it on good authority that calories don’t count at church!).

 

You see, it is the fellowship that is what I truly love about gathering at these kinds of events. Those soul satisfying conversations that happen when we gather; I only wish that I could have made it to speak with all the folks that stayed. There is something that is reminiscent of the church in those early first centuries of our faith, when the Holy Supper was engaged in around the dinner table. There is something holy about gathering as a community for a meal.

 

More than once yesterday I heard comments about how good it was to gather like this again, how much it meant to people, how we should have events like these more often. I agree. I do not think I am the only one who recognizes the power and potential of a community gathered. I was reminded of the song we sang for the hymn of the day, Build Your Kingdom Here, because I believe those words we sang, “We are Your church, we are the hope on earth.” And it is only through the building up of the community, of the people, that we are filled and able to go outside of these walls into the world and help in building God’s kingdom in the here and now.

 

We confirmed Seth Hartley at our service yesterday. And as Seth affirmed the promises that were made to him and to God in his baptism each of us are reminded of who we are as baptized members of God’s family, and what that means for our lives and the world we live in.

 

After three years it was needed, it was life giving, it was soul inspiring, it was good!

 

Last week was the first time in three years that the rostered leaders in our synod gathered for our Fall Theological Convocation. That experience too was life giving. After not being with my colleagues for such a long time, to renew relationships and friendships, I was reminded how much I rely on those gatherings for my own renewal and fulfillment. We hosted the presiding bishop of the ELCA, Elizabeth Eaton, this year. She came, not as our keynote, but as an attendee and as a colleague, that too was good. It was a reminder of the larger church that we, in our own little corner of the world, of the kingdom, are a small piece of.

 

Thank you, to all of you that helped to make yesterday possible. I look forward to our next gathering, and to the fellowship that helps to build each of us up as God’s church, for the world. It continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve Trinity Lutheran Church as your pastor.

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In Christ,

Pastor Dan Forsgren