Trinity Lutheran Church and School

Hi Everyone -

I know sometimes I repeat myself - especially with what I am about to say - and thus, the reference to the broken record,  but just wanted to let everyone know I am still very much enjoying serving here as the Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church & School!  Admittedly it is a little more work than I had anticipated....but that's o.k.  because in this case it is all ministry-related!   I tell family & friends that it is a "good type of busy."  And that also helps keep me out of trouble .

Well, I better sign off and get back to working on Lent....we are just about three weeks away from Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent!!

As we look at the forecast for the next couple of days, please stay warm and safe!!

Take care & God's Blessings!!

Humbly Serving as Trinity's Shepherd,
Pastor B

Hi Everyone -

Since this past Tuesday the earthquake that has destroyed a majority of Haiti has dominated the news.

Along with the constant news updates on just about every channel that carries any kind of current events, news, etc.  have been notices on how to contribute to the ongoing need for assistance of all kinds.  And once again Americans has shown just how generous we are as we lead the way with various types of equipment, supplies and money.

After church I was asked how one could contribute to help those in Haiti...I am hoping the question being sparked by the Pre-Service announcement regarding Thrivent's Matching Fund. 

Well, as I mentioned earlier there are almost countless ways for you as an individual to contribute to the recovery in Haiti - if you so choose. You don't have to watch any of the local or national news channels for any length of time to see advertisements for charities accepting donations to go to Haiti.  Along with organizations like the Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, and KY3's "Convoy of Hope" that have been so-well advertised on the news,  I would like to recommend one with some Lutheran ties:  If the Holy Spirit moves you, as an individual, to donate I would strongly recommend going through our own LCMS World Relief / Human Care.  You can easily find a link to this on the website for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod at www.lcms.org.   The benefit to giving to an organization such as our LCMS World Relief World Relief / Human Care is that Thrivent will match every $2 given with a $1 dollar match.

I hope this helps those who might possibly wish to donate to the recovery in Haiti.  If you have any further questions or comments, please don't hesistate to contact me at pastorb@mo-net.com or 417-235-7300.

Take care, God's Blessings, and have a great week!!

In HIS Service,
Pastor B

Hi Everyone -

I have a small confession.....I love administrating the Sacraments to God's people!!  What a rush it is to be able to share God's grace in such a powerful and awesome way.   It is truly one of the privileges that I have as a Pastor.

I am still feeling pumped having had the opportunity on Sunday morning to not just have one or two baptisms, but to baptize THREE siblings at the same time!!   Congratulations to Rikki, Kody, & Kolton on becoming the newest baptized members of God's Family here at Trinity!!

And to think, in two weeks, we get to have another one!!   Travis  &  Carrie Hesemann's newest addition to their family will be baptized here at Trinity on Sunday, 24 January 2010!!  

And a quick reminder that I still consider myself to be extremely blessed to be serving as the Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt!!  It is a rare privilege - in my humble opinion - to be serving such a special congregation.  I hope to be here years to come!

Take care, God's Blessings, and see you all this coming Sunday!!

Proudly Serving as your Pastor,
Pastor B

Hi Everyone -

Well, here we are at the start of a new year, and even a new decade!!  I would like to wish each and everyone of you a Happy, Safe, and Blessed 2010!

I cannot believe how fast time has flown by these last ten years!  In January 2000 I was still on Vicarage at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano, Wisconsin.   My vicarage year was originally slated for a small congregation in Pittsburgh.  How I ended up in the thriving metropolis of Shawano, Wisconsin is something you will have to ask me about when you have time....it is a rather interesting story because it is a great example of God's hand directing His church.

I will admit, though, that there were times over the last ten years when I wondered why God sent a city boy to a small town in the northeast section of Wisconsin.  Well, I think I might have gotten an answer almost 18 months ago when a certain church from Freistatt, MO extended a Divine Call to me to come and serve as their Pastor!  You see, St. James in Shawano, Wisconsin and  Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt, Missouri have alot in common....other than me, of course <GRIN>.   I won't bore you with all of the details,  but I continue to be amazed at the similarities between these two wonderful congregations.   I learned ALOT during my vicarage year  at St. James,  and I continue to be in touch with some of the dear friends that I made during my year-long internship.  But the best part of vicaring at St. James is that I am able to apply so much of what I learned there to my ministry here at Trinity!

Before I sign off,  I'll  toss out a trivia question for our older members:  Which one of our former Vicars here at Trinity came from Shawano, Wisconsin??      Let me know when you think you might have it figured out.

Take care, God's Blessings, and have a Happy, Safe,& Blessed 2010!!

Proudly Serving as Your Pastor,
Pastor B