1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
After years of seminary, candidacy interviews and internships, I’m finally here! I am so joyful and feel so fortunate to be part of this body, to be called as pastor to this faith community of Trondhjem Lutheran Church. Just one week in, we have barely had a chance to get to know each other or to learn much about each other. But there is already something very powerful that we hold in common. We all are members of Christ and the Holy Spirit binds us together in loving relationship.
I have already seen the Holy Spirit in action here at Trondhjem during Worship, in the joyful chaos of Wednesday evening, in the care you extend to each other and certainly in the warm, gracious welcome you have given me. I have heard the struggles of the community as well as we face financial challenges and attend to the maintenance needs of an aging building. There is perhaps some uncertainty in finding our path forward.
We can accept these verses from 1 Corinthians as a promise! We are one with Christ which means we can never be separated from the presence or the promise of Jesus! Each of us is uniquely gifted with skills and talents which means we have all the resources necessary! The Spirit will quench our thirst and provide all the nourishment we need which means we will have the strength to follow Jesus wherever we are called sharing the gospel with others!
Over the next weeks and months, we will work together to discern the path that will keep Trondhjem moving forward. I look ahead with excitement and optimism to our ministry together confidently knowing that together, we as the body of Christ will make a difference in the world! Peace!