Pastor's Blog

Hi Everyone -

I have some really, really good news.  Really .    I have already heard some great things about our new Synodical President, Rev. Matthew Harrison.  It sounds as if he is more than ready to hit the ground running.  His first official day in office is Wednesday, 01 September 2010, however, his Installation will not be until Saturday, 11 September 2010.   And I personally cannot wait!

You might recall that we - Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt, MO - were one of the congregations that nominated Rev. Harrison last October!   I was both excited and proud the day that I sent in the paperwork to the Synodical Headquarters, and here we are getting ready for an extremely qualified Called Servant of the Word to start leading our beloved Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod after nine rather "challenging" years under Gerald Kieschnick.   And I only used the world "challenging" because I am trying to be nice. Anywho....our Synod now has a much brighter future!

Now, to some thoughts.   There are a few anniversaries coming up.   Two that I am not looking forward to, but two that I am extremely excited about.....first, the not-so-positive anniversaries.    Sunday, 29 August 2010 marks the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.   Not something I am fond of remembering, especially since I am a bonafide survivor.   But, nonetheless, the 5th anniversary is among us, and with it comes many not-so-great memories and recollections.   However, surviving Katrina did have one wonderful benefit, and I will get to that in a moment.     The other not-so-wonderful anniversary coming up is on Tuesday, 31 August 2010, which is also the 3rd anniversary of yours truly surviving Hurricane Gustav.    One major hurricane was more than enough, but our gracious God decided to give me a second dose.    In some ways Hurricane Gustav had a much more negative impact on me than I care to admit....but that is a story for another day.

Now, for the positive anniversaries.  First, today, Thursday, 26 August 2010 marks the 9th anniversary of my Ordination into the Office of the Holy Ministry!  Where has the time gone?!?!?   Nine years and three congregations later I am still enjoying the vocation that our gracious God Called me into.   And, as I eluded to with my thoughts about Hurricane Katrina, there was one benefit to me surviving Katrina that I am extremely grateful for....and that is this: I am 100% convinced that had Hurricane Katrina  not  rolled through New Orleans & southern Louisiana, I would not be serving as your Pastor today.   Katrina set in motion certain things that allowed me to end up on you Call List.   And for that I am extrememly grateful.    Our 2nd anniversary is coming up in October, and I can hardly believe that it has been two years.   I am still both humbled to be serving as Trinity's 12th Pastor, but I am also proud to hold that position at the same time.

Well, before I ramble on.....and many of you know I do enough of that on Sundays .....I better sign off.

Take care and God's Blessings.

Your Humble Shepherd,

Pastor B

Hi Everyone -

I sincerely hope everyone is surviving the heat.   This week we are suppose to have a little bit of a reprieve.  Now, if we can just get some much needed rain.  

I also hope that everyone is ready for the upcoming school year.    This will be my 3rd overall year, but only 2nd full year, as I did not arrive until October 3rd of 2008.   And admittedly, every year I seem to get more and more excited.  It was a great summer, but I must admit that I am really starting to miss the kids .

Now, with regards to the "Title" for this blog. Some of you may already know I like history, and the important dates and anniversaries that are tied in with significant "historical" events.   Well,  it is that time of the year that I start thinking about August of 2008.   Personally, it was an extremely full month.  Two Divine Calls back to my home state of Missouri, a visit to Freistatt, and to finish it off, Hurricane Gustav.   

You may, or may not, recall that it was on Sunday, 10 August 2008 that the Holy Spirit  led  the Voter's Assembly of Trinity Lutheran Church to extend a Divine Call to yours truly to serve as the 12th Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt, MO.  And it was Friday, 29 August 2008 that I officially notified Bob Senninger & President Mirly of my decision.    And then to fast forward  to early October, it was Thursday, 02 October 2008 that I officially left Mandeville, LA for good.     And on Friday, 03 October 2008 I officially moved to Freistatt, MO, and thanks to Bob Senninger I was able to get my driver's license, my car inspected and registered, and was able to register to vote, all in the course of a couple of hours!!!     THANKS BOB!!!   And on Sunday, 12 October 2008 I was officially installed as the 12th Pastor of Trinity......so we are rapidly closing in on our 2nd Anniversary!!     I can't believe how quick time seems to be flying by....I suppose it is true, that time flies when you are having fun.

As with any relationship, there are ups and downs.  But from my perspective, we have had many more "ups" than "downs."  I still consider it an honor & privilege to be serving as your Pastor.   And I hope that we can continue to grow for years to come.

With that, I think it is time to sign off.  Some of us "older" folks need to get to bed to be well rested for the first day of school this coming Wednesday .

Take care, God's Blessings, and I look forward to seeing many of you during the course of this upcoming week!!

Humbly serving as your shepherd,

Pastor B

Hi Everyone  -

My apologies on  being so sporadic & inconsistent with my blog updates over these past summer months.   Most recently I have had a case of "Writer's Block" where I couldn't think of anything to write about.

I had been hoping to write a big congratulatory message to Trinity member Jack Goodman for winning the primary this past Tuesday. But as many of you have heard by now, after running a very good, honest, and clean campaign Jack lost to Springfield's Billy Long.  Many of us are still extremely proud of Jack & Laura for how well they did!!   And especially for wanting to go and clean up the mess in Washington D.C.   But, lest I get on my political soapbox, I better change topics.

Sooo, here we are in August....the dog days of what is left of summer, gearing up for another school year.   I am hearing from parents that there are quite a few kids that are more than ready for school to begin.....as I am sure the parents are ready as well .   And I must admit, that I am also looking forward to it.   Despite all of the extra work involved, I really do miss the kids!!    Our Trinity Lutheran School was one of the reasons I accepted the Call to Trinity to begin with, and so far, it has been an overall good experience!

I should probably sign off......maybe I didn't have such a bad case of Writer's Block after all .

Take care, God's Blessings, and see you all this weekend at the Berg / Mattladge Wedding on Saturday, and then back at church for worship on Sunday morning!!

Humbly Serving as Trinity's 12th Shepherd,
Pastor B

Hi Everyone -

I have a small confession to make.  I am super - impressed with the fact that we had enough people this evening to have a quorum for our Voter's Meeting.   Not only were we able to have a Voter's Meeting, I believe it went very well.   We had some things to discuss and take care of as a congregation, and we did it with grace and tact.   I am slowly creeping up on two years here at Trinity, and have been overall impressed with how the Voter's Meetings have gone since I have arrived. 

One of the many things that I am especially proud of is that more and more people are willing to speak their mind....and do so in a lovingly and Christian way     And I hope more people are encouraged to speak up if they have something on their mind.   In fact, as your Pastor, I would encourage you to speak up - in a kind, loving, Christian way - at Voter's Meetings if you have something on your heart or mind.    When you are at Church-related functions - even Voter's Meetings - you are among family!!  

Please have a wonderful week, and I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you on Sunday, if not before!!

Take care & God's Blessings.

Humbly Serving as Trinity's Shepherd,

Pastor B

Hi Everyone -

I have an update with regards to our beloved church body....and personally, I think it is some fantastic news!!!   For many of us following the 64th Convention of our beloved Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, we received some great news this afternoon.   Rev. Matthew Harrison is now our President-elect,  and Rev. Herbert Mueller is the 1st Vice-President-elect.    That, in and of itself is wonderful news.   But it gets better....the 2nd - 5th Vice Presidents are also some very solidly Lutheran theologians.   Our gracious God has heard our prayers, and answered them in the affirmative.

Now....before we get to excited, I should tell you that I am  NOT  thrilled with some of the votes regarding the "Blue Ribbon Task Force."  The structural changes that are being suggested, and in some cases already voted on,  actually take some of the power  (or authority)  away from the individual congregations.   So...there is still alot of work ahead,  but I believe our gracious God had his hand in the election this afternoon, and that is really uplifting!!  

If anything else earth-shattering occurs, I will be sure to update you!!

Take care, God's Blessings, and see you all on Sunday, if NOT before!!

Humbly Serving as Trinity's 12th Pastor,

Pastor B