Trinity Lutheran Church Pastor John Hulden started “Music on the Blacktop” 13 years as an inspiration from God.
Whether it was spiritual encouragement or the idea stemming from a similar event in the Lutheran community in St. Paul, MN, or both, the result is the 13th annual musical event surrounded by free ice cream, live music, a campfire, community booths, a blood drive and plenty of Christians having a good time.
And it all begins Wednesday, August 26, at 6:30 p.m.
What can someone new to the blacktop experience expect to see Wednesday night?
“It’s a community picnic with Jesus at the center,” Hulden said. “It’s an amazing array of ice cream toppings, the best worship band in the region and very friendly people.”
The proclaimed best worship band in the region belongs to Jay Beech and the Worship Too! Band. As always, Beech will have plenty of great music in store. The ensemble takes the stage beginning at 7 p.m.
Six Appeal, an all male a cappella group from Concordia, begins the evening’s festivities at 6:30 p.m. with the campfire following the music at 8 p.m.
Music on the Blacktop traditionally falls at the end of August each year as the summer begins to come to an end and the school and church years prepare to start once again.
“We do it in time for the changing seasons and it gives everyone a chance to enjoy the outdoors one more time,” Hulden said.
And, as any type of a community function, Music on the Blacktop wouldn’t be possible without donations and volunteer help from Trinity Lutheran members and others in the community.
The 50 different ice cream toppings had to come from someplace and all the ice cream was donated by Hornbacher’s, Cashwise and Sun-Mart.
With the weather cooperating everything is aligned for another great evening at the 13th annual event.
In Hulden’s mind what would constitute a successful event?
“Between 600 and 1,000 ice cream bowls,” he said.
As the event is free there aren’t tickets taken and no head count is conducted. The only way to estimate is on the number of ice cream bowls used. 1,000 bowls is a lot of ice cream.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Pastor Emmy Offers Thoughts From the Churchwide Assembly
Trinity's three TiM pastors continue their time at the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America's annual Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis. Today we hear from Pastor Emmy Isaackson, who is one of the six pastors at Trinity.
Greetings from Minneapolis!
The Young Rostered Leaders Gathering of which Pastor Josh, Pastor Marsha and I have been a part of came to a conclusion today. Throughout the event, we shared in heartfelt discussion about how we see God at work in our lives and our ministries. What a joy it has been to share in conversation with peers from across the country! The days have been full, and I find myself feeling encouraged and inspired. We ended our time together today with a worship service. The room in which we worshiped had big windows overlooking downtown Minneapolis. During the service, we were reminded that we have been called out to do God’s work in the world.
As part of our event, we’ve been visitors to the Churchwide Assembly. I share with you a couple of observations about the spirit of the gather. First, the Assembly is centered in prayer. The voting members gather daily at 11:30 for worship, centering themselves in prayer. Throughout the Assembly meeting time, the groups pray. This focuses the group’s time together. This invites the Holy Spirit into our midst. Over one thousand people gather in the hall. During times of prayer, there is stillness. I’ve experienced these as powerful moments.
Secondly, as you may be aware, a few of the items before the Assembly have been divisive. Even in the midst of that, I have witnessed respectful discussion. Though people may have differing opinions and beliefs, they speak their opinions with grace and love. I am impressed to witness such respect. I am excited to see the church at work in this way.
My notes here are brief, but I look forward to being in conversation with you about my experiences and the work of the Churchwide Assembly.
-Pastor Emmy
The Churchwide Assembly features an extensive array of sessions and events and full coverage including, among other things, live blogs, streaming video, twitter updates and facebook group updates, which can be found at http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly.aspx
Greetings from Minneapolis!
The Young Rostered Leaders Gathering of which Pastor Josh, Pastor Marsha and I have been a part of came to a conclusion today. Throughout the event, we shared in heartfelt discussion about how we see God at work in our lives and our ministries. What a joy it has been to share in conversation with peers from across the country! The days have been full, and I find myself feeling encouraged and inspired. We ended our time together today with a worship service. The room in which we worshiped had big windows overlooking downtown Minneapolis. During the service, we were reminded that we have been called out to do God’s work in the world.
As part of our event, we’ve been visitors to the Churchwide Assembly. I share with you a couple of observations about the spirit of the gather. First, the Assembly is centered in prayer. The voting members gather daily at 11:30 for worship, centering themselves in prayer. Throughout the Assembly meeting time, the groups pray. This focuses the group’s time together. This invites the Holy Spirit into our midst. Over one thousand people gather in the hall. During times of prayer, there is stillness. I’ve experienced these as powerful moments.
Secondly, as you may be aware, a few of the items before the Assembly have been divisive. Even in the midst of that, I have witnessed respectful discussion. Though people may have differing opinions and beliefs, they speak their opinions with grace and love. I am impressed to witness such respect. I am excited to see the church at work in this way.
My notes here are brief, but I look forward to being in conversation with you about my experiences and the work of the Churchwide Assembly.
-Pastor Emmy
The Churchwide Assembly features an extensive array of sessions and events and full coverage including, among other things, live blogs, streaming video, twitter updates and facebook group updates, which can be found at http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly.aspx
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Pastor Marsha at the Churchwide Assembly
Trinity's three TiM pastors continue to represent TLC at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis. Today's update is from Pastor Marsha Anderson, who is one of six pastors at Trinity.
This week, we're getting a first-hand look at what our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America looks like.
The church is congregations...synods...regions...seminaries...the Churchwide office...international disaster response...hunger-fighting ministries...ministries for children, youth, young adults, seniors, small groups...etc etc etc. The church is LOTS and LOTS of different things, and it is, honestly, amazing to hear about all of these different aspects of our life together.
But really, for me, what is most important about the church is WHO I see when I walk around here at the Churchwide Assembly.
As I've wandered around the convention center between sessions or gazed around the worship space during hymns, I've seen...
-a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Raleigh, NC, who I remember from being a very small child. Her husband played Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a play our church put on, and I remember watching the play as a youngster (quite bored, really), from the balcony
-a guy who played the guitar at youth retreats I attended in high school, who I always looked up to as being a cool, fun guy who was all about Jesus
-the computer tech from the seminary I attended, who helped me get rid of the pop-up ads that had taken over my laptop
-the Dean of the my seminary, with whom I travelled to Geneva one January term - a professor who helped me appreciate ecumenism, and who also knew how to kick-back and have a great time in conversation with students.
-my internship supervisor, who taught me so much about becoming a pastor, and who introduced me to ideas about community organizing that have shaped my ministry and my life
-friends and colleagues in ministry with whom I can talk about church, God, and life
For me, THAT is what the church is - the people we encounter along the way who shape us, who make us who we are, who get us through each day, and who help us see God in the midst of everyday life.
Yes, the church is made up of programs and buildings and institutions...but what I care about most when I come to an event like this is making connections with these people, and renewing my appreciation for all of us at Trinity, who ARE church together by simply being in relationship with one another.
The church really IS the PEOPLE! And it's amazing to be able to gather with so many of them at one time, every couple of years.
The Churchwide Assembly features an extensive array of sessions and events and full coverage including, among other things, live blogs, streaming video, twitter updates and facebook group updates, which can be found at http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly.aspx
This week, we're getting a first-hand look at what our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America looks like.
The church is congregations...synods...regions...seminaries...the Churchwide office...international disaster response...hunger-fighting ministries...ministries for children, youth, young adults, seniors, small groups...etc etc etc. The church is LOTS and LOTS of different things, and it is, honestly, amazing to hear about all of these different aspects of our life together.
But really, for me, what is most important about the church is WHO I see when I walk around here at the Churchwide Assembly.
As I've wandered around the convention center between sessions or gazed around the worship space during hymns, I've seen...
-a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Raleigh, NC, who I remember from being a very small child. Her husband played Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a play our church put on, and I remember watching the play as a youngster (quite bored, really), from the balcony
-a guy who played the guitar at youth retreats I attended in high school, who I always looked up to as being a cool, fun guy who was all about Jesus
-the computer tech from the seminary I attended, who helped me get rid of the pop-up ads that had taken over my laptop
-the Dean of the my seminary, with whom I travelled to Geneva one January term - a professor who helped me appreciate ecumenism, and who also knew how to kick-back and have a great time in conversation with students.
-my internship supervisor, who taught me so much about becoming a pastor, and who introduced me to ideas about community organizing that have shaped my ministry and my life
-friends and colleagues in ministry with whom I can talk about church, God, and life
For me, THAT is what the church is - the people we encounter along the way who shape us, who make us who we are, who get us through each day, and who help us see God in the midst of everyday life.
Yes, the church is made up of programs and buildings and institutions...but what I care about most when I come to an event like this is making connections with these people, and renewing my appreciation for all of us at Trinity, who ARE church together by simply being in relationship with one another.
The church really IS the PEOPLE! And it's amazing to be able to gather with so many of them at one time, every couple of years.
The Churchwide Assembly features an extensive array of sessions and events and full coverage including, among other things, live blogs, streaming video, twitter updates and facebook group updates, which can be found at http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly.aspx
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Trinity Represented at ELCA Assembly
The trio of Trinity’s Transition into Ministry Pastors has converged on Minneapolis, MN, this week for the annual Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America Churchwide Assembly, which began Monday and runs through Sunday, August 23, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Marhsa Anderson, Emmy Isaackson and Josh Graber have been representing Trinity in the Twin Cities. See below for daily updates from Trinity Pastors during the Assembly as they blog about the happenings and their reactions to the day’s events. So check back daily for updates.
Today’s edition is from Josh Graber, who is one of Trinity’s six Pastors.
Churchwide Assembly - Day one in review (Young Rostered Clergy Gathering): Pastor Emmy did a masterful job directing the first interactions of the Young Rostered Clergy Gathering. While she had us gather into groups based on where we were born, where we went to seminary, and where we serve/where we would like to serve in five years, I had a few observations.
Marhsa Anderson, Emmy Isaackson and Josh Graber have been representing Trinity in the Twin Cities. See below for daily updates from Trinity Pastors during the Assembly as they blog about the happenings and their reactions to the day’s events. So check back daily for updates.
Today’s edition is from Josh Graber, who is one of Trinity’s six Pastors.
Churchwide Assembly - Day one in review (Young Rostered Clergy Gathering): Pastor Emmy did a masterful job directing the first interactions of the Young Rostered Clergy Gathering. While she had us gather into groups based on where we were born, where we went to seminary, and where we serve/where we would like to serve in five years, I had a few observations.
I was one of only six young adult leaders who were born west of Minnesota. Luther Seminary was not the most represented seminary at this event. The southern and eastern seminaries, which are five times smaller and farther away, had the biggest turnout.
Most young pastors want to stay where they are at in ministry.
Opening Worship: I was sitting next to my seminary roommate, Noah, for opening worship, who became my roommate here as well. Noah had some important observations during opening worship. After Presiding Bishop Hanson's sermon, he said that he recognized forgiveness is not an event or an eraser, but the substance that holds us together. Then during communion he looked back and said, "we're a pretty old, white church aren't we?"
We both also thought that the worship style was about as extravagant as you can get and wondered how helpful it is to open with that type of worship. My favorite moment came during a particularly "high church" part of the service. Bishop Hanson during a long chant, lost track of how to connect the words with the notes and just started messing up awfully and everybody knew it. At the end of this long chant he added as an extra line in the chant "forgive me, Lord," and the 1,000-plus congregation burst into laughter. I think that was the most important moment of the night. I think we're in big trouble if we move forward at this assembly with a sense of righteousness (which Hanson seemed to speak to - and represent - in his sermon, saying that he didn't want to lead a church that was in the "sin-accounting business") rather than with a foundation of humility and humor which came unexpectedly by him screwing up and making a humble joke of it.
Opening Plenary Session: We started the first session by listening to Bishop Hanson explain Roger's rules of order for over an hour. Then those that were awake began what I think was the most significant debate of the conference: whether we would need to have a simple majority or a two-thirds super-majority to adopt the new ministry practices (allowing churches to call practicing homosexual clergy). The debate went on for about an hour and was finally closed by a 90 percent majority vote. This proposal, to need a two-thirds vote, was defeated. Most people believe that a majority will support both the social statement and the recommendation on ministry practices, but if the vote would need two-thirds majority it would be hard to predict the outcome. Adopting the social statement on sexuality, however, will need a two-thirds majority and may not pass. While we can't predict the outcomes and we can expect surprises, the ELCA seems to be on its way to becoming a church that accepts homosexual clergy and has a more open understanding of Christian sexuality as bound to loving, committed relationships rather than bound solely to heterosexual marriage. That's a really big deal, and a huge change, but I hope that's not the only thing we are witnessing by the end of the week.
--humbly submitted by young rostered leader, Josh Graber
(See below for photos from the first day of the Assembly)
Pastor Marsha listens intently to a presentation about the ELCA's AIDS/HIV Strategy. 
Assembly delegates share the Lord's Supper at the Convention Center.
Assembly listens to Presiding Bishop Hanson's sermon at the Churchwide Assembly's Opening worship.
Pastor Emmy directs young rostered leaders to move around an imaginary map of the United States in a mixer activity.
The Churchwide Assembly features an extensive array of sessions and events and full coverage including, among other things, live blogs, streaming video, twitter updates and facebook group updates can be found at http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly.aspx
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Plenty of Chances to Help Out at Trinity
The following blog was kindly submitted by John Hulden, who is one of Trinity Lutheran's six pastors:
Hey there Trinity Web-friends!
This is Pastor John here…… blogging in.
As you can read in the youth blog, we had an excellent trip to New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth Gathering. Now that the bus finally dropped us off back here in Moorhead, I’m looking forward to the many fall activities. BUT FIRST, we have some unfinished summer business.
1) Habitat House.
WoW! It’s amazing to see a house pop-up over the summer. Should you decide to go and help, I know you won’t go away hungry. For some reason, the food-fixers have almost outnumbered the habitat builders. It’s great to see the family that gets to move in to the house out there working side-by-side with the volunteers. Let’s Get-R-Done! I’ll be out there with the Trinity Staff on Thursday, 8/13. Call the office to help out.
2) Building for Mission Campaign.
Soon you will see your gifts at work…… on the roof…… fixing the leaks! While most of the gifts were pledged over a few years, some gifts were given up front, enabling us to attend to some immediate needs. The leaky roof is our first priority. Thanks for supporting this effort, and don’t forget: we tithe a portion of all gifts to Camp Emmaus, to the F-M Young Adult ministry effort called “The Project”; and for helping our Sudanese neighbors across 8th Street at their Episcopal church. Have you made your pledge yet?
3) Music on the BlackTop: Wed., 8/26 @ 6:30pm
Started back in 1997, our summer wouldn’t be complete without great music, ice cream with a choice of 50 toppings, and a chance to invite a friend to BlackTop! This year we welcome “Six Appeal” as our opening musical group. A group of great sounding Concordia singers. You will enjoy the a cappella sound of these young men. Jay Beech has already begun leading rehearsals for our amazing worship ensemble. I love hearing all the singers up there at once and also, the added horn section! NEW this year at BlackTop: The F-M Blood Mobile will be here, AND, we close out the evening with a Sing-a-long at a campfire. Stay later for some good ol’ Bible Camp songs, and we will even teach you a new version of Kum Ba Ya!
4) Sunday Worship!!
If you can’t be here: live Web or Radio (740AM) broadcast of our 9am worship, or, cable rebroadcast on Wednesdays (Mhd. 7pm) and Sundays (Fgo. 11:30am).
Blessings to you during these August days!
Pastor John Hulden
john@trinitymhd.org
Hey there Trinity Web-friends!
This is Pastor John here…… blogging in.
As you can read in the youth blog, we had an excellent trip to New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth Gathering. Now that the bus finally dropped us off back here in Moorhead, I’m looking forward to the many fall activities. BUT FIRST, we have some unfinished summer business.
1) Habitat House.
WoW! It’s amazing to see a house pop-up over the summer. Should you decide to go and help, I know you won’t go away hungry. For some reason, the food-fixers have almost outnumbered the habitat builders. It’s great to see the family that gets to move in to the house out there working side-by-side with the volunteers. Let’s Get-R-Done! I’ll be out there with the Trinity Staff on Thursday, 8/13. Call the office to help out.
2) Building for Mission Campaign.
Soon you will see your gifts at work…… on the roof…… fixing the leaks! While most of the gifts were pledged over a few years, some gifts were given up front, enabling us to attend to some immediate needs. The leaky roof is our first priority. Thanks for supporting this effort, and don’t forget: we tithe a portion of all gifts to Camp Emmaus, to the F-M Young Adult ministry effort called “The Project”; and for helping our Sudanese neighbors across 8th Street at their Episcopal church. Have you made your pledge yet?
3) Music on the BlackTop: Wed., 8/26 @ 6:30pm
Started back in 1997, our summer wouldn’t be complete without great music, ice cream with a choice of 50 toppings, and a chance to invite a friend to BlackTop! This year we welcome “Six Appeal” as our opening musical group. A group of great sounding Concordia singers. You will enjoy the a cappella sound of these young men. Jay Beech has already begun leading rehearsals for our amazing worship ensemble. I love hearing all the singers up there at once and also, the added horn section! NEW this year at BlackTop: The F-M Blood Mobile will be here, AND, we close out the evening with a Sing-a-long at a campfire. Stay later for some good ol’ Bible Camp songs, and we will even teach you a new version of Kum Ba Ya!
4) Sunday Worship!!
If you can’t be here: live Web or Radio (740AM) broadcast of our 9am worship, or, cable rebroadcast on Wednesdays (Mhd. 7pm) and Sundays (Fgo. 11:30am).
Blessings to you during these August days!
Pastor John Hulden
john@trinitymhd.org
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
August Worship by the Water
Due to matters outside of anyone’s control, many activities within the states of Minnesota and North Dakota are forced inside for a number of months each year. A long winter season makes it difficult to spend a lot of time outdoors.
It makes you not only appreciate the nice weather during the summer months but also supplies the motivation to take advantage and be outside as much as possible.
It is with this idea in mind that Trinity Lutheran Church will once again host Worship by the Water this Wednesday, August 5, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Gooseberry Park main shelter in Moorhead, MN. Table grace will begin at 6 with a meal to follow with hot dogs, plates, silverware and bottled water provided (please bring a salad or dessert to share). Worship will begin at 6:30 with children’s crafts and Norwegian kickball to follow.
It is the second time this summer Trinity has hosted Worship by the Water after also putting on the event the first Wednesday in July. After quickly deeming it a success it would have seemed silly not to do it at least once more this summer.
And not even a planned demolition of the main shelter at Gooseberry Park could deter Worship by the Water from happening. Moorhead city officials recently determined shelter unsafe due to flood damage. The roof of the main shelter, which was completely submerged during the spring flood, will likely be taken down starting next week. But at this point in time the shelter is off limits.
But no fear as a replacement tent has been set up nearby to accommodate, among other events the park hosts, Worship by the Water.
The service offers a very relaxed approach to worshipping with prayer, messages, acoustic music and an always much anticipated skit. Crafts for children and Norwegian kickball to follow proved nothing short of entertaining one month ago.
See you there Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.
If you need any more motivation to attend, below are some photos from the July Worship by the Water.
It makes you not only appreciate the nice weather during the summer months but also supplies the motivation to take advantage and be outside as much as possible.
It is with this idea in mind that Trinity Lutheran Church will once again host Worship by the Water this Wednesday, August 5, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Gooseberry Park main shelter in Moorhead, MN. Table grace will begin at 6 with a meal to follow with hot dogs, plates, silverware and bottled water provided (please bring a salad or dessert to share). Worship will begin at 6:30 with children’s crafts and Norwegian kickball to follow.
It is the second time this summer Trinity has hosted Worship by the Water after also putting on the event the first Wednesday in July. After quickly deeming it a success it would have seemed silly not to do it at least once more this summer.
And not even a planned demolition of the main shelter at Gooseberry Park could deter Worship by the Water from happening. Moorhead city officials recently determined shelter unsafe due to flood damage. The roof of the main shelter, which was completely submerged during the spring flood, will likely be taken down starting next week. But at this point in time the shelter is off limits.
But no fear as a replacement tent has been set up nearby to accommodate, among other events the park hosts, Worship by the Water.
The service offers a very relaxed approach to worshipping with prayer, messages, acoustic music and an always much anticipated skit. Crafts for children and Norwegian kickball to follow proved nothing short of entertaining one month ago.
See you there Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.
If you need any more motivation to attend, below are some photos from the July Worship by the Water.
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