Inspire: Blessing

INSPIRE

BLESSING

a m a g a z i n e f o r t h e s t. p h i l i p t h e d e a c o n c o m m u n i t y

Passing on Pysanky • How to Write a Blessing • A Project of the Heart • Lost & Found • Talking With, Rather Than About One Another: An Interview with Allen Hilton spring 2024

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HE IS RISEN. HE IS RISEN INDEED. ALLELUIA!

EVERY ISSUE

3 Letter from the Editor

4 Scripture Connection

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Easter Worship at St. Philip the Deacon

First Light of Easter Saturday, March 30, 5:00 p.m.

Easter Worship with Holy Communion Sunday, March 31, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.

Read, Watch, Listen, Click

6 Reflections on Faith

7 Meditation

8 Devoted Living

26 Modern Day Pilgrims

HAMMER ON! Tuesday, March 12, 2024 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

TCHFH Warehouse in Northeast Minneapolis Join SPD Outdoors, indoors, for our winter build at the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Panel Plant in Northeast Minneapolis.

Contact Pastor Mark Schmid for more information at mschmid@spdlc.org.

29 Giving Thanks

30 Soul Food

32 Sent to Serve

34 Out & About

35 Calendar of Events

36 Familiar Faces

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St. Philip the Deacon

F E AT U R E A R T I C L E S

UNE XP EC TED

INTENTIONAL

E V E R Y DAY

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Pink Envelopes

Talking With, Rather Than About One Another: An Interview with Allen Hilton

Lost & Found

12 Passing on Pysanky

18 How to Write a Blessing

22 A Project of the Heart

24 #Blessed

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INSPIRE

Vol. 6, Issue 3, Spring 2024 Published by St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church 17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 475-7100 editor in chief

Tim Westermeyer m a n ag i n g e d i t o r

Amanda Berger design

Malley Design s ta f f w r i t e r s

Cheryl Mathison contributors

Public conversations where faith comes to life.

202 3 - 2 4 S E A SO N

The Faith & Life Lectures are open and welcoming public forums where members of the Twin Cities community can hear nationally known speakers ref lect on how Christian faith intersects with different dimensions of everyday life.

A L L E N H I LTO N

March 7, 2024 K E V I N O ’ CO N N E L L

April 18, 2024 All events scheduled will be offered both in-person and via livestream. All lectures begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.faith-and-life.org

Cindy Carlson, Valerie Strand Patterson website

spdlc.org/inspire email editorial

aberger@spdlc.org o n t h e c ov e r

Photo by Taisiia Shestopal ©2024 St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church. All rights reserved.

submissions

Do you have an idea for a story or love to write? Contact our managing editor with your submission, but please keep in mind the following guidelines: (A) Your article may be edited for length and content. (B) Articles must fit in the larger themes of our publication and reflect the mission of St. Philip the Deacon. (C) All submissions will be reviewed by our editorial staff to determine the suitability for our publication.

While we would love to include all submissions, space and cost limit our ability to do that.

Submissions will not be returned.

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St. Philip the Deacon

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

our own growth. We live that moment of suffering redeemed and transformed. We might be reluctant to label this transformation blessing, but I think that it can be. The blessing of suffering is not that we suffered, but that Christ transforms it, unexpectedly making beauty from ashes.

hen we determined the theme for this magazine, I hadn’t realized how many nuances there are to the idea of blessing. It can be a noun or a verb. It can be given and received. Blessing is not a static condition, but rather evidence of the movement of God.

On another level, we can look at blessings as those good things of life that give us joy and peace. I count among my everyday blessings a healthy family, work that I love, compassionate friends … and smaller blessings like great books, hot coffee, and the first greening of spring. None of it to be taken for granted. These are the blessings we receive.

Many wise and articulate authors and theologians have written about the awkward reality that we only recognize our blessings in contrast to our experience of suffering.

And while deeply unpleasant to acknowledge, it also rings true to me.

And, finally, there are the intentional blessings we give back. Blessings prayed over loved ones (see Cheryl Mathison’s article on pg. 18) or the legacies we create (like the Sandvolds, see pg. 20) to bless our communities and the world.

Suffering—anything that disturbs our sense of peace (in body, mind, heart or spirit)—is a universal experience. We all experience this ache, this longing for peace.

We cannot compare our suffering to another person’s, and we should not minimize our own suffering because it seems less important than someone else’s.

There are no degrees of suffering, but only a deeply human experience that reminds us that this world is not our home. The constant in the experience of suffering is Jesus’ presence with us, in it.

In Genesis 12:2, God blesses Abraham saying, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” From the very beginning of our story as a people of God, we have been invited to allow our blessedness to bless others.

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In turn, Christ, in his death and resurrection, redeems all our suffering. Sometimes we see this happen in real time—drawing strength, wisdom and knowledge from hard seasons which becomes fodder for

May you be blessed by what you find within these pages and, in turn, be inspired to bless others. May you live blessing as both a noun and a verb, and may you recognize God’s hand over it all.

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SCRIPTURE CONNECTION ABOUT BIBLICAL BLESSINGS

SPD BOO K CLU B Book club will meet both in-person (at SPD in The Fireside Room) and virtually at 6:30 p.m. Find the Zoom link in our most recent E-newsletter or by contacting social@spdlc.org.

MARCH 19

Prayers of the Cosmos: Reflections on the Original Meaning of Jesus’s Words

by Neil Douglas-Klotz.

Discussion led by Valerie Strand Patterson.

APRIL 16

Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work

by Matthew B. Crawford.

Discussion led by Mark Schmid.

M AY 2 1

The Greenest Branch: A Novel of Germany’s First Female Physician, Hildegard of Bingen

by P.K. Adams. Discussion led

by Amanda Berger.

BY C H E R Y L M AT H I S O N

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hen you hear the word blessing, what comes to mind? A table grace as in “God is great, God is good, let us thank God for our food”? Or as an expression of endearment as in “bless your heart”? Or as words of approval as in “I gave my blessing”? Or do you hear it as something for which you are grateful as in “what a blessing that was”?

benediction used at the conclusion of worship as a way of sending God’s people forth. In the same way then that the Israelites stepped out in the wilderness assured of God’s presence, provision and protection, so also we, even today, step out into the world confident of what God has promised.

When thinking about blessing and its usage in the Bible, none of the above gets at, or frankly, even comes close to describing what a blessing is. This definition is helpful: a word of pronouncement invoking God’s favor. It is important to understand that a biblical blessing is not a request for a favor or an ask for something. It is not a wish for that which is not easily attainable. Nor is it a prayer or conversation with God. Rather, to bless someone is to speak the promises of God over them; to blanket them in God’s grace, mercy and love.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

P h i l i p pi a ns 4:7

Perhaps the most well-known blessing from the Bible is the one Moses received from God at the foot of Mount Sinai as the Israelites were preparing to journey through the wilderness on their way to the Holy Land: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

N u m be r s 6 :2 4-2 6 These words date to sometime between 1400 and 1200 B.C.E. and have been passed on from generation to generation ever since.

They are formally known as the Aaronic Blessing because they were given by God to Moses for Aaron to speak over the Israelites, but you may recognize them as a traditional

The Bible includes many other blessings.

The Apostle Paul wrote this blessing to the Philippians:

The psalmist wrote: “May God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

P s a l m 2 0: 4 And again from Paul to the Thessalonians: “May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”

2 T h e s s a l on i a ns 3 :16 Pastor, author and artist Jan Richardson wrote about blessings in her book The Cure for Sorrow. She said: “Whether offered in the formality of liturgy or woven through the rhythms of daily life, blessings invoke God’s care for all manner of people, activities, and objects, illuminating the presence of the sacred that inhabits and intertwines with the ordinary.”

Indeed, the beauty of a blessing is that it covers all the cares and concerns of this life; and, further, it makes our journey rich with the promise of the presence of God and God’s continuing expression of grace.

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St. Philip the Deacon

Read A PSALM FOR THE W I L D B U I LT

Faith & Life T H U R S D AY, APRIL 18

By Becky Chambers. This stunningly beautiful and simple book begins by asking: What do humans

need? This novella is at once both hopeful and haunting, inviting the reader to consider this question for themselves.

Watch HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS

7 PM

Kevin O’Connell is the head coach of the NFL Minnesota Vikings. In his first season as head coach in 2022, O’Connell led the Vikings to 13 wins, the most by any first-year head coach in franchise history, earning the club’s first division title since 2017.

Join us as O’Connell presents his lecture, “Faith & Leadership: Coaching in the NFL.” The Faith & Life Lecture Series is free and open to the public.

All are welcome!

Netflix, TV-14. In this cute, feel-good movie newly divorced Helen signs up for a wilderness survival course in hopes of finding her own

strength and resilience.

What she doesn’t expect to find are new friends and maybe even love.

Listen GHOSTS UPON THE EARTH

By Gungor. This 2011 album, haunting and unusual for contemporary Christian music, is a perfect backdrop

to the season of Lent with its ref lections on creation, the fall and redemption.

Click THE UKRAINIAN GIFT SHOP ukrainiangiftshop.com. The world’s largest family-owned source of Pysanky (Ukrainian

Easter eggs) and Pysanky supplies, right in downtown Minneapolis!

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BY TIM WESTERME YER

Do you remember the story of Isa ac and his t win sons, Esau and Jacob?

As he was approaching death, Isa ac planned to give his blessing to his elder son, Esau. But Rebek ah, Isa ac’s wife, believed the blessing should be placed on the younger son, Jacob, instead. So, they tricked Isa ac— who was old and blind—into giving his blessing to Jacob.

Much could be written about this episode, but what has always struck me about the story is that everyone— Isaac, Esau, Jacob and Rebekah—understood and accepted the fact that this blessing had power.

It wasn’t just some empty words. As one author writes, the blessing communicated “life, strength and authority.” Through these words, Jacob “was made blessed.” And because the blessing had this kind of power, it couldn’t be undone.

I think about this truth every time I am privileged to offer the blessing at the end of our worship services. I recognize that, through the words I speak, I am both announcing something that is true—that God loves you and wants to bless you—and bringing that truth into existence by saying it out loud.

Does that sound mysterious or strange, or even magical? If so, I’m not sure why it should be so surprising.

After all, we all understand intuitively that words have power.

Has anyone ever said to you: “I believe in you,” or “You can do it,” or “I’m proud of you,” or “I love you”? Words like these have the power to change us—to help us see ourselves in a

new light, to understand ourselves differently, to recognize our potential in a new way.

The opposite is also true, of course. Has anyone ever said: “What’s wrong with you?” or “Why are you so dumb?” or “You’ll never amount to anything”? Again, those kinds of words have tremendous power—to limit us, to defeat us, and to make us stop believing in ourselves.

In this issue, whose theme is blessing, it’s good to reflect on this truth. It’s good to be reminded that what we say does, in fact, have the power to either bless or curse others. And it’s important for us as Christians to do what we can to focus on the former, and to limit the latter.

But if we’re going to do that, first we need to actually hear and believe and trust that we ourselves have been blessed by a God who loves us. In a world filled with the noise of all kinds of messages that make this difficult to hear, it’s important that we are reminded of this again and again and again. So, today, please hear these words, which are filled with truth, with beauty, and yes, with power: Beloved, you are God’s own: holy, washed, renewed.

God bless you and keep you, shower you with mercy, fill you with courage, and give you peace.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Blessedly Yours,

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St. Philip the Deacon

M E D I TAT I O N

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.”

HENRY WARD BEECHER

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DE VOTED LIVING

A Blessing to the Community

BY AMANDA BERGER

One of the MAJOR ASSETS that we are called to care for and steward is the PHYSICAL BUILDING in which our congregation lives and moves and breathes. While we certainly use this space often and well for our own internal ministries, you may not have thought about the COUNTLESS WAYS that our church building SERVES OUR COMMUNITY at large.

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ay in and day out, multiple community organizations utilize our building to provide a welcoming and comfortable space, and whether their group is five or 300, we can meet that need. From Boy and Girl Scout Troops to Alcoholics Anonymous to the Metro Transit Park & Ride, we share the Gospel through loving service to these visitors to our church.

“We have been richly blessed by SPDLC’s support for our group—not only for hosting our weekly meetings but also in its unwavering supporting for our mission of serving the recovery community,” said Mike Conley, who is the point person for AA, a group who meets 52 weeks a year.

James Puzzo, leader for the Boy Scout Troop #481, had this to say, “Without the generous support of St. Philip the Deacon, our Troop would probably have already dissolved. During the pandemic, forced to meet remotely, our Scouts began to feel disconnected. When we were able to return to our ‘home’ at St. Philip, there was an immediate surge in both enthusiasm and participation. Having a fixed, dependable answer to the question ‘where will we be?’ reduces stress and allows our Scouts to operate with comfort and confidence. Our Troop ultimately feels more stable, and more likely to persist, with our permanent home. We appreciate

the fact that St. Philip has seen fit to offer space for our meetings and events. We are well aware of the turmoil that other Troops around the country have faced when turned away from their chartering organizations.”

Another group who uses our space, Plymouth Bible Study Fellowship, supports more than 80 women as they grow in their faith each year through the study of God’s Word. “I thank God for the warm and generous hospitality of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church!” said leader Beth Albright. “For years, SPD has graciously opened its doors to host the satellite of the Plymouth Bible Study Fellowship class … From the ample parking to the smiling faces of SPD staff, to the super helpful Jason and Pete who make sure we have everything we need, we are so grateful to meet at St. Philip the Deacon.”

There are a lot of groups who would miss the space and hospitality that St. Philip the Deacon provides, all because of the generous gifts of the members of this congregation. We are blessed to be a blessing, and our physical plant certainly does bless many in our community—and may it be so for generations to come.

Though this list is certainly not exhaustive, these are some of the groups THAT GIVE THANKS for the ability to meet at SPD. Boy Scout Troop #481 Girl Scout Troop #18993 Alcoholics Anonymous Bible Study Fellowship Moms in Prayer Piano Instruction Metro Symphony Orchestra Large funerals City of Plymouth Polling Station Metro Transit Park & Ride

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s e p o l e v n E Pink ALE

BY V

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St. Philip the Deacon

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few years ago, I went to the funeral of Lucy Hartwell, the mother of a good friend. Lucy was a great lady, a lifelong and generous supporter of the community. She had faced her decline from cancer with grace and determination, continuing to volunteer as long as possible.

At the funeral, the family told a story, which touched me deeply: Lucy could not pass a homeless person holding a sign asking for spare change without stopping and giving something. She explained to her family that if even one out of a hundred of the gifts she gave made a difference to one person, it was worth it.

To honor their mother and to continue her legacy, the family passed out an envelope to every person in the sanctuary of Wayzata Community Church that day—a pink envelope to pass along. In the envelope, there was a $5 bill. Enough for a burger. Enough to say, “I see you.” Enough to remind someone, “You are not invisible.

You matter.” It seemed like a simple, holy thing, so I put the envelope in the console of my car for ready access.

To tell the truth, I have never been certain of the proper response to someone standing on the street, holding a sign and asking for help. Inspired by Lucy, I decided to err, if erring, on the side of love, or in this situation, a burger. Soon after the funeral, I saw someone on the corner, holding their sign, patiently hoping. The light was red, so I rolled down the window and handed them the envelope. It was such a small thing, but I can still see the look of gratitude on that face. So, I bought more pink envelopes, loaded each with a $5 bill and, ever since, I keep them in my car and my purse.

Once, in a sermon, I talked about Lucy and the pink envelopes. Not long after, a SPD member came to my office with a stack of filled pink envelopes. When he senses they are running low, he sends more. When people call our church and ask for help with food, which happens regularly, I can give them a food card thanks to the gener-

She exp lained to her if even family one ou that t of a h gifts sh undred e gave of the made a to one differe person, nce it was worth i t.

osity of our members, in a pink envelope.

Someone in the neighborhood called to ask for help for her elderly brother, so I sent a food card, and put it in a pink envelope.

Months later, I received a thank you note about how delightful and thoughtful that little extra five dollars was.

Lucy was on to something. Recently, a grandma in our church told me about how much her granddaughter’s heart hurts when she sees someone asking for help. I gave her a few of the pink envelopes, and now her granddaughter is sharing Lucy’s legacy, too.

It’s a small thing. A pink envelope doesn’t solve anything. It doesn’t provide housing

or long-term solutions, which are far more important and necessary. And it does not define my charitable giving. However, this small thing does bring a blessing to those in need—mainly a little bit of a reminder that they are seen.

It reminds me of this little saying: “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I will do.”

Lucy knew what it was to do something, and what she could, both great and small, she did. In return, because of her generous spirit, that something continues to impact the lives of others.

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Passing On Pysanky

BY AMANDA BERGER

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everal years ago, John and Linda Picek decided to go on a “cemetery tour,” visiting the final resting places of the ancestors in small towns scattered throughout Northern Minnesota and the Iron Range. While on their tour, they also made a point to stop and visit some of their elderly relatives, who they don’t see very often, to reconnect and remember.

John, whose ancestors came from Eastern Europe—in particular, a place in Ukraine which on today’s map is in Poland—has a family heritage that is a rich mix of both Lutheran and Russian Orthodox. He

remembers fondly how that heritage shaped their Christmas celebrations, reflecting the distinct traditions of each, and including a huge Orthodox celebration on January 6 which no one in the family missed.

and colorful dyes to create a stunning work of art. The different colors and symbols have meaning, so that each Easter egg is suffused with thought and intention.

Easter, however, was not marked by the same differences and celebrations of tradition apart from one thing: the beautiful pysanky created by John’s grandmother and aunts.

“The rest of us would just marvel at the beauty of these decorated eggs,” remembers John. “Though the rest of us remember using the American PAAS Easter egg dying kit.”

So, while visiting his Aunt Helen on that July 2017 heritage tour, John and Linda, along with their daughter Kylie, noticed that Helen was already beginning to think about and design her eggs for the following Easter. John was fascinated, and when he expressed interest in learning to do the eggs, Helen simply said, “Well, when are you coming back?”

Pysanky are Ukrainian Easter eggs, featuring intricate designs made with layers of beeswax

In the fall of 2017, John and Linda returned to Helen’s house to learn from a master.

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St. Philip the Deacon

Though Helen didn’t start crafting the eggs until later in her own life, she’s the type who “Decided at around 60 that she wanted to learn to do this, and she set her mind to it, she would do it. She wanted to be good at it.”

Linda remembers how focused Helen was on John and teaching him this craft.

“Though I was the one taking notes, she wasn’t ‘teaching’ me, because I’m not a ‘real’ Picek.”

John shared that “My first drawing didn’t pass muster—my 10th drawing didn’t pass muster! Helen went through every step, drawing the design, applying the wax, the dyes, removing the wax and varnishing—and then blowing out the egg.” She was thorough and Linda took detailed notes. Helen’s parting advice was to make one design and make many of that same design for the year.

Linda jokingly points out that the “P in Picek does not stand for patience,” and yet they embraced this time-consuming and precise art of pysanky wholeheartedly. In spring of 2018, they made their first attempt at making the eggs on their own. “We got a D+ that first year—we were experimenting and had no idea of all the steps!

The design drawing is the hardest part. We were not proficient, but we were enthusiastic. It takes time—estimating about six hours per egg—so you can’t wait until Easter to do them.”

Since then, they have tackled this Easter tradition several more times. “This is absolutely 100% out of my comfort zone,” said John, “but it was one of those things—this is

a tradition that we may be able to pass on. It’s the connection to family and to heritage— it’s continuing the tradition that we all saw as kids didn’t want to learn. When Helen is gone, it will be gone.” John expressed interest in still learning more about the art, since when they did their tutorial with Helen, they didn’t even get into the symbolism and colors.

Helen, now in her late 90s, continues the art. “I’m blessed to have an aunt who was enthusiastic about sharing this—and that meant a lot to her,” said John. “And it was the reestablishment of a relationship—she’s 200 miles away and this gave us a chance to connect; though I saw it all the time as a kid, doing this as an adult was different and special.”

Extending the blessing of his heritage, in 2022 the Piceks embraced a Russian Orthodox Easter. And though the pysanky eggs are the number one thing, there are also lots of traditions surrounding the foods of a Russian Orthodox Easter.

Traditionally, in cold Russia, there’s not a lot of fresh food available coming out of winter, so the menu includes things like kielbasa, pierogies, deviled eggs, Vodka and a cabbage-based salad.

“John’s family is big on traditions, and I say that lovingly,” said Linda. “Those traditions were held on to—particularly on the Iron Range—this is a tradition that we may be able to pass on to our own children and grandchildren someday.”

Ukrainian Easter Egg Festival St. Michael’s and St. George’s Ukrainian Church in North Minneapolis has an annual festival for pysanky each spring.

In 2022, the Piceks went to the festival and ended up on WCCO news where they were interviewed. Then, they made the national news on Easter Sunday.

“I came for the beautiful eggs,” said Linda. You, too, can go for the beautiful eggs!

St. Michael’s and St. George’s Ukrainian Easter Egg Festival 505 4th St. NE Minneapolis, MN stmichaelsandstgeorgesuoc.org

Try It Yourself If you’d like to try your own hand at making pysanky, the world's largest family-owned source of pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs) and pysanky supplies is right in downtown Minneapolis! Their website includes instructions, information about the history of the eggs, the design symbolism and more. ukrainiangiftshop.com

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Talking With Rather Than About One Another A N I N T E R V I E W W I T H A L L E N H I LT O N

BY TIM WESTERMEYER

Allen Hilton’s work is to bring people together—from differing viewpoints toward a common good. After two decades doing this work as a Yale University professor and a formation pastor, in 2016 he founded the nonprofit organization House United, beginning his full-time work as a speaker, writer and facilitator. His 2018 book, A House United: How the Church Can Save the World, expanded his

reach to churches and denominations, universities and seminaries, corporate teams, and other groups who are seeking help to navigate Red-Blue and race relations. Hilton lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Liz, and their two college-aged sons, Sam and Isaac.

Pastor Westermeyer had the chance to correspond with him about his work and his upcoming Faith & Life Lecture on March 7.

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You’ve served as both a professor at places like Yale and a pastor in churches around the country— including at Wayzata Community Church for a time. Can we start with a bit of your background? What’s the short summary of your training and experience? I grew up in an Oregon village of 2,000 souls—with 14 different churches. It was cool! I got Mennonite VBS, Sunday worship among United Methodists, Christmas Eve Mass with Catholics, discipleship in Young Life, a love of scripture through a Christian Church Bible Study, and my first jarring taste of wine in communion with a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. I have a Quaker B.A. (Quaker George Fox University), Presbyterian (USA) M.Div. (Princeton Seminary), Ph.D. and professor time learning Episcopal spiritual practices at Yale’s Berkeley Center, was ordained in the United Church of Christ, and, to fill out my ecclesiastical Bingo card, married a splendid ELCA Lutheran called Liz Anderson. Long before political polarization became a thing, I learned two things: (1) these churches were quite different from one another, and (2) no one I met in them was trying to get Jesus wrong.

These experiences implanted a benefitof-the-doubt approach to intra-Christian relationships that has served me well as I hope to help faithful folk engage across significant differences in our convictions and cultures.

From that background, you started this ministry/movement/nonprofit called House United. When was that, and what prompted you to create this new organization? During the 2000s and early 2010s, sociologists sounded the alarm about political polarization with essays titled “Partyism in America,” “Fear and Loathing across Party Lines,” etc., and I experienced increased cross-party antipathy in classes and congregations. Before 2016, though, the general public wasn’t noticing our growing cross-aisle contempt toward one another. My general concern became a clearer vocation in 2012, when Minnesota’s “Amendment 1” banning

same-sex marriage came up for a statewide vote. As partisan chatter got bitter in like-minded echo chambers and people imagined the other side as either stupid or evil, we hosted a weeknight “Courageous Conversation” at Wayzata Community Church to help our viewpoint-diverse congregation talk with, rather than about one another—and over 400 people showed up. Incredible! We didn’t do everything right, but participants marveled that there were no fatalities—even left appreciating why the “others” thought what they thought. After three more years facilitating on controversial topics at WCC, I discerned that I ought to extend these “Courageous Conversations” to communities around the nation. I founded House United early in 2016.

Let’s take a moment to unpack what House United is, and what it does.

Here’s how your website describes what you do: “House United brings

people together across lines of political and racial difference for the common good.” What does that mean? Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century French philosopher, mathematician and Christian, outlined his efforts to defend Christian belief in two parts: “Make good people wish it were true, then show them that it is.” House United first helps people picture robust friendship and community between people who disagree—relationships built on trust and curiosity.

As they hear Jesus’ prayer “that they all may be one” (John 17:21) or the language of “e pluribus unum” and “a more perfect union,” people are inspired to hope for it. But bringing people together requires practices. So, Pascal’s “show them that it is” comes in empathy-producing, trust-engendering exercises that move beyond placarded positions to the lives of real people who believe things. Mostly it’s this habit formation that helps “bring people together across difference.”

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Our differences can become formidable assets.

Carlson. Imagine the heated conversations. Jesus’ judgment looks suspect. But later he was prepared when he faced trap questions from Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. “Shall we pay taxes to Rome?” they asked, expecting his answer to alienate one side or the other. Jesus’ “render unto Caesar” stumped them. I believe he’d forged this sage sentence during those heated Matthew-Simon conversations.

Most of us haven’t caught up. We see ideological difference as a dire threat.

HU work builds on the conviction that it’s time for friends, families, churches, schools and political leaders to catch up with an early Christian insight: with a little work, our differences can become formidable assets.

I presume this work has become harder since you began the work years ago? Or would you dispute that assumption? The fault lines deepen year to year, and that dynamic has its challenges. But there’s a f lipside: people feel the pain of distance more acutely as the chasm widens, so their motivation to work for reconciliation grows. The other upside is a growing corps of nonprofits like Braver Angels devoted to addressing political polarization and tribalism. I long ago prayed to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers. She has!

Continuing on that same theme, you also say that “The core mission of House United is simple: first, to remind Americans and people around the world that our differences ought to be an asset, rather than a threat, and that we therefore increase our quality of life by being different together; second, to help them experience the truth of this claim in their lives, their communities, and their work.” Can you say more about that—especially the part about

differences being an asset since we so often view differences as a deficit?

Jesus made a strange personnel decision that matters for us. Among a Jewish people divided by their opposition about how they ought to respond to Roman rule, he returned from a discernment retreat convinced that he should devote two of his 12 spots to Matthew, a revenue agent for Rome, and Simon, a Zealot bent on overthrowing Rome (Luke 6). In our terms, he called Rachel Maddow and Tucker

In your bio, you say, “I help leaders lay aside political tribalism and come together across difference for the common good.” Why has tribalism become such a big part of our cultural life today? And—I guess giving away some of what you do in your work— how do we get away from it? Great and complex question! I trace the origins of our current tribal vitriol to two events. First came the fall of the Soviet Union. As the “evil empire” disbanded, the global West lost an enemy and a reason to unite; so, we turned our “we versus they” instincts toward one another. A couple years later, then-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich urged his caucus members to move from Washington back to their districts, to better

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know and represent their constituents.

Suddenly, Red and Blue legislators only met on the battlefield of the chamber floor. This elective segregation mirrored a national tendency to stick with like-minded neighbors. The seeds of tribalism were sown.

I imagine the journey back requires knowing one another better. Both community connections and trust levels are at an all-time low, which leaves us expecting the worst from one another. As we get lonelier, we seek belonging in political tribes.

Studies show that sensitivity training (i.e., learning stuff about how to be better) won’t solve the problem. The only reliable means for transforming bigotry is durative experience of its object. We need to be with one another beyond the slogans.

Who, in broad strokes, are you working with and for? Companies? Educational institutions? Churches? Is it possible to summarize how they respond to your work, or what they get from it? I work with individual leaders across the nations and for the communities they serve. I began in churches, extended next to seminaries and schools, and am now increasing grassroots reach among corporate teams. Each community’s initial instinct is to avoid controversial issues, but they eventually recognize that this avoidance makes for a very fragile sense of community. In each setting, Courageous Conversations bring underlying conf licts to the surface. It’s scary at first; but talking to one another in a controlled setting while committed to a few civil ground rules, participants learn empathy for one another and realize that their ideological opposition need not produce personal enmity. Community is strengthened by the challenge.

Since I knew you first as a pastor at a neighboring church, I’ll ask you a more personal question: Do you miss the work of parish ministry? If so, what do you miss the most? I modeled my HU work on the missionary practices of the Apostle Paul. Across the Mediterranean Basin, he cold-called cities with the Gospel,

built small communities of Christians, stayed long enough to train leaders, then went on to the next cold call. This method has its pleasures. I love having hardly any standing meetings, I get to preach more than I ever did on the pastoral teams I served, and I’m honored to come alongside all kinds of exciting leaders and communities. But as a lone (and sometimes lonely) ranger, I do miss life on a team (I served with some great church staffs!) and the opportunity to deepen this formational work with one local community. I knew as I left the parish that I would be giving up these two joys, and God has provided blessed compensations.

costal pastors and doctors of philosophy.

We have as many women as men, as many young as old, and I hear 10 different accents each night as people join from Asia, Europe, and throughout North and South America. Ideologies vary across the spectrum, and we just read the Bible together anyway. I am blessed, and they seem blessed, because our community spans beyond the bounds we usually draw between ourselves. In moments with this remarkable company, I feel transported to Revelation 7, where “every tribe and every nation” gathers before the throne.

All House United work builds in hope toward this sort of blessing.

This issue is focused on the theme of “Blessing.” When you think of the work of House United and that word, what comes to mind? The best Bible study I’ve ever experienced is an online thing I get to teach for Yale Div’s Continuing Ed program. Nearly 500 registered for a Romans class last Jan-Feb and 150-200 Zoomed in weekly. They were from everywhere. This learning community expanded during COVID-19 well beyond Yale alums to Washington lawyers and inner-city L.A. youth directors, Pente-

Finally, we’re excited to welcome you to speak as part of the Faith & Life Series on March 7. When people come to that event, what can they expect to hear or learn? I’m excited to be with you! I intend to offer the F&L Series community both a vision for a robust, shared future and enough testimonies and worthy practices to ground this vision in sturdy hope. Of course, all this will happen during an election season, so let’s all pray to the God who breaks down walls.

The fault lines deepen year to year, and that dynamic has its challenges. But there’s a flipside: people feel the pain of distance more acutely as the chasm widens, so their motivation to work for reconciliation grows.

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HOW TO WRITE A BLESSING

BY C H E R Y L M AT H I S O N

D

uring a session of Holy Grounds (a weekly gathering where we learn about and experience a variety of spiritual practices) the participants explored blessings and the spiritual practice of writing them. The blessings that were created that day were too beautiful not to share. The authors preferred to remain anonymous but were happy to publish these with the hope that these blessings may enrich another’s life.

Each blessing was written for a particular person or situation. Some are titled, others

not. I am grateful for the beauty of these words and the willingness of those who wrote them to share them here.

I May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is with you always fill you with peace. May you have strength and wisdom for life’s journeys. Amen.

II May you feel Christ’s loving presence and be set free of the ugly past. May you be enveloped with peace and freed to love and be loved as Christ has loved. Amen.

III H ous e B l e s si ng Bless those who live in this house today.

Guard them and keep them in every way.

Lift their burdens and keep out the fray.

Draw near to them, you’re not far away.

Close beside them I ask you to stay. Reveal to them that you are okay. For you have a plan for them, even this day. Come and meet them and do not delay. Show up and give, without any pay. For your love is beyond what we can repay. Jesus show up in their hearts I pray. Bless those who’ve blessed us, that’s what I say!

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IV May the God who created you watch over you all of your days. In good times and sad times. God will always be beside you to guide you and direct you to make good choices. As God cares for you, care for others and find joy in family and friends.

Amen.

V May the God of grace who created you and has plans for you to prosper grant you joy and gratitude as you celebrate your sobriety. And may the Lord of Life resurrect any places in your soul where you long for more freedom. May the Good Shepherd lead you, the Holy Spirit grant you patience and the Rock of your Salvation protect you as you continue your journey in recovery.

VI P r ay e r For T h e T r av e l e r May the God who gave you to me and who gave you all who are dear to you accompany you as you travel away from them.

May He keep you safe. May He enrich your new friendships. May He inspire and clarify your work and may He bring you joyfully home! Amen.

VII A B l e s si ng For A d ol e s c e nc e May God, the mother and creator of all good things, who made you exactly as you are meant to be, give you peace in all that is changing; body, mind, heart, and spirit.

May She strengthen your courage, enliven your creativity and increase your love and loyalty in your friendships so that you, my dear one, will grow in confidence and find freedom in expression, stepping bravely into the world with the Holy Spirit as your guide. And when things are hard, and the tears come (which they will) may you find comfort in the tenderness of our mothering God’s embrace. Amen.

PR ACTICE W R I T I N G YO U R OWN BLESSING Would you like to practice writing your own blessing? Here is a simple formula (though none is required!) to guide you and get you started. These examples show a variety of contexts.

B e g i n B y G i v i ng S om e T houg ht A s To Who/ Wh at T h i s B l e s si ng I s For someone you know a group or population to open or close an event like a birthday, baptism, wedding or anniversary a specific situation T h en, Wr it e You r B l e s si ng Fol l ow i ng T h e s e S i m pl e St e p s May ... (follow with a name of God like, God our creator or I Our Merciful Lord or Forgiving God or ...)

II

Who has ... (Done what? Accomplished what? What has God done that resonates right now?)

III

Verb with explanation ... (Ask yourself, what is the gift of God most needed? What would you like God to do?)

IV

So that ... (write out the intended purpose or benefit)

V

Conclude with your glad and confident Amen.

Here is a blessing in the style from above offered to you as you prepare to write: A B l e s si ng For T h e Cr a f t i ng O f A B l e s si ng May God’s Spirit which calls us together surround you with peace and understanding so that the words you are about to write the blessing you are about to craft may f low freely from your heart and may ref lect the love of God for the world.

Amen.

For more examples of blessings, check out books

by Jan Richardson and visit her website paintedprayerbook.com.

Her blessings are beautiful and take shape around many topics including grief, journey, the seasons of the year and the lectionary.

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LOST & FOUND

BY AMANDA BERGER

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M

innesota artist James Quentin Young was a m aster of reclaiming the lost and broken, tr ansforming inert bits of tr ash into captivating and expressive art.

Young, who died in December 2022, expressed his deep faith through his art, tr ansforming reclaimed bits of wood, metal and plastic into found object art, with m any being crosses.

On Young’s website, it says, “They may tell a Biblical story or simply be unique artworks in which the viewer recognizes bits and pieces from his own past. Young demonstrates his Christian faith with the cross as the primary symbol of his work.

Using discarded and broken items, the art portrays Christ’s acceptance of our f lawed and rejected lives and the transformation through His death and resurrection.”

How beautiful is that idea—that Christ accepts what we see as f lawed or rejected?

How often do we walk by, ignoring things left behind? A penny. A bottle cap. A coil of wire or a piece of string. The lost, broken and discarded continue to stay that way.

What do we pass by in our everyday lives that is just ripe for transformation? With a little creativity, patience and vision, how might the left behind be brought into new life?

Parable after parable, Jesus tells us about a God who pursues us, a God who does not just “walk by” the lost or broken, but instead pursues the lost coin, the lost sheep, the lost son; who binds up the broken and beaten … not a one to be disregarded or neglected, but desired, included, healed and transformed.

A M E D I TAT I O N Use one of the James Quentin Young images here alongside the following meditation. Or visit the SPD building and spend time meditating with one of Young’s crosses in our collection.

Use the following guided meditation or journaling exercise, inviting you to consider Christ’s pursuit of the lost and discarded things in your own life.

To begin, find a quiet, calm place where you can sit comfortably and won’t be disturbed. Consider closing your eyes as you begin and notice the slow inhale and exhale of your breath.

Follow the rhythm of your natural breath for several cycles as you grow stiller and quieter.

Then say the following prayer before moving into the meditation section.

After the meditation, sit and ref lect on the words you read. After a few minutes move on to the ref lection questions, either journaling your answers or ref lecting on them in your heart. Close with the final prayer.

O P E N I N G P R AY E R

Holy Lord Jesus, when I feel lost, broken, ignored or discarded, draw close and wrap me in your mercy.

In my brokenness, Lord, remind me that I am not alone and that you will not stop pursuing me. Help me to see the potential as I am remade in your image, blessed to be a blessing. I pray in the name of the One who makes all things new. Amen.

READ

“Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’” Luke 15:3-7 Consider the things in your own life which have felt like they don’t belong.

Consider the broken, rejected or left behind bits of your own self. What do you desire to see transformed? Invite Christ to redeem them, shaping them into something new—perhaps even something that you cannot see right now. What might you need to be able to wait on the Lord in this space?

Sit with and notice what is happening in your mind, body, heart and spirit as you sit with these ideas for a while.

Then, when you are ready, move on to the ref lections questions—journaling or discussing with a partner (whatever feels right to you!) as you process this experience.

REFLECTION

What bits from former parts of your life has Christ redeemed? In what ways have these been transformed and used to bless you where you are now?

When have you felt lost or separated from God? How did you see God pursuing you in that season?

M E D I TAT I O N

Gaze at one of the James Quentin Young crosses. Let your eyes take in the whole of the piece. Notice the cross shape. How does it look to you?

What is Christ transforming in you right now? Or, what do you long to see redeemed in your life?

C L O S I N G P R AY E R

The blessing is in the transformation— in the recognition of brokenness, in the surrender required to be reborn and then the restoration to wholeness which enables us to become free; free to be a blessing to others through Christ, who redeems all things.

Then, as you absorb the whole, begin to notice the individual pieces that form the artwork. What items make up the cross? What bits do you recognize from their “former lives”? Notice the shapes, the colors, the way the odd bits of wood, plastic and metal come together to form something new.

Jesus, how often I am the lost coin, the lost sheep, the prodigal son! And yet you seek me out, drawing me into your arms. Even when I cannot, your masterpiece, for all the broken pieces, remind me that I am redeemed and loved. Amen.

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A PROJECT OF THE HEART

BY AMANDA BERGER

You might be surprised to know that our community owes the railroad a great debt when it comes to enjoying the beauty of Wayzata’s lakeside location .

T he still-active railroad tracks that run alongside Lake Minnetonka have ser ved to protect that lakeshore from development, giving the community a beautiful space for connection with nature and one another. Without its presence, all that lakeshore would have instead become private property.

S

ince 2010, the City of Wayzata has been living into their dream of a revitalized, restored and even more usable lakefront, a project known as the Panoway on Wayzata Bay. Along with the State of Minnesota, the Three Rivers Park District, and the city’s own Wayzata Conservancy, they’ve come up with a plan to upgrade the sidewalks, boardwalks and parks enhancing the downtown area for the benefit of the Wayzata community.

One of the goals of the Panoway project is to also create space for a hands-on, living eco-classroom which will be housed in the former railroad Section Foreman House near the east end of Lake Street.

When St. Philip the Deacon members Terry and Blake Sandvold (father and son) heard about this project, they felt that it was something they could get involved with. The idea came out of a random conversation at one of the summer concert series at the Wayzata Depot, which their business, Sandvold Financial

Group, sponsors. As they chatted with Wayzata Conservancy members, both Terry and Blake were intrigued by the Conservancy’s dream and its connection to their own family history.

Though Terry grew up in North Dakota, when he and his wife moved to the Twin Cities, they decided to settle in Wayzata, for all that it had to offer their growing family. Now, their children are raising another generation here. Wayzata is their home and, as Terry put it, “we’ve worked hard to cultivate kindness and caring as core values for our family. This project allows us to take that to the next level while honoring our family’s roots.”

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tion to our family’s past, but also a legacy for their future.”

Terry echoes that desire, “There’s no financial goal; it’s more of an emotional goal. I hope for the Sandvold Lakeshore Learning Center to become a foundational building for Wayzata for generations to come—a center for family, something that has a lasting impact, a nice gathering place for people.”

While the learning center is primarily for kids’ programming (some of which has already been happening through partnerships with the park district and community education), this will allow programming to expand and include adult offerings. The Sandvold Lakeshore Learning Center will also include outdoor spaces for gathering and enjoying the lakefront.

Terry’s father and grandfather, as well as many other family members, worked for the Great Northern and Burlington Northern railroads. Combined their families have over 100 years of service to the railroad in their blood, providing a deep connection to and history with the railroad. Terry’s wife, Lynda, and Blake’s wife, Megan, were both teachers, so the idea of a learning center also struck a chord for them. Thus was born the idea for the Sandvold Lakeshore Learning Center. This space will not only house a small railroad museum and learning library but be a community center for STEM education.

The Section Foreman House, which has been unoccupied for many years, needs a lot of work. “I’ve brought my own small children down to see the site,” said Blake.

“Their biggest question was, ‘Daddy, when are you going to fix it up?’ But in my mind, I envision them attending classes; we talk a lot about being stewards of our community and how my whole family will be able to be a part of it. This is a connec-

The Panoway on Wayzata Bay initiative is a public private partnership between the City of Wayzata and Wayzata Conservancy, while also being its own 501(c)(3).

Two-thirds of the project is to be publicly funded, with one-third coming from private funding. Though financial donations are needed, there are also other ways to be involved in the project from advocacy to fundraising to volunteering.

The best way to get involved or simply stay updated on the project is to visit wayzataconservancy.org.

“This [project] is coming from the heart of our family,” said Terry. “Many others are involved, but it really does come from a heart place … There’s a lot of passion around the project and its potential.”

“ This is a connection to our family’s past, but also a legacy for their future.”

#BLESSED

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#blessed

BY AMANDA BERGER

O

n Instagram alone you will find over 15 million #blessed posts (and that doesn’t count the ones that are variations on that, with emojis or other words attached). And yet, what seems like an innocent way to express our gratitude often reads instead like the humble brag.

In the introduction to her book The Lives We Actually Have, author, podcaster and Duke Divinity School professor Kate Bowler writes, “Our society has taken a very precious truth about gratitude—that sometimes we feel so incredibly fortunate that we want to yell at the top of our lungs that God is good—and made ourselves the proof instead.”

The problem, you see, isn’t with recognizing the goodness of God and expressing gratitude. Rather, the problem comes from a culture that celebrates putting ourselves at the center of the blessing, by sharing it with the whole world via social media for the likes, comments and approval that it receives.

One of the temptations of social media is to share the polished versions of our lives—the perfect meals, exotic vacations, luxury cars, magnificent children’s accomplishments—and then label them as #blessed, completely ignoring the less than perfect moments. We probably

wouldn’t share a post about our lives being a total train wreck and then add a #blessed to it.

But interestingly, when we consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 5—the famous passage of teaching known as The Beatitudes— Jesus is doing just that. In a culture that viewed the wealthy, powerful and healthy as those blessed by God, Jesus challenges the order of the day with these words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward

in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12) Jesus is saying that no matter what your circumstances, you are blessed because in all conditions of our existence God draws near. None of us would look at the circumstances of mourning, poverty, hunger, or persecution and slap a #blessed on it. But if blessing is a state of being near to God, then it is in our most broken that we find that communion. Jesus’ words aren’t for those counting the material blessings that they are being given, but are instead calling us to recognize God’s presence—as Bowler says, “Blessing is the vital work of noticing what is true about God and ourselves.”

When culture says the accumulation of good things is #blessed, the Beatitudes reveal that what God is doing in us and through us is the actual blessing. When we learn what it means to be pure in heart, then we see God. When we act mercifully, we receive mercy. At the point of knowing what it means to be meek, to surrender all before God, then (only then!) do we inherit the earth.

The blessing is in the action of God’s work on us—being brought near to the transforming power of grace and compassion. So, in God-style math, we are blessed anytime that we find ourselves feeling closer to the God who has promised to redeem all things, despite our present circumstances.

The freedom of this, then, is the ability to bless the lives we have—lives full of the unexpected, the undesirable, the challenging, but the very real. We aren’t waiting for the #blessed that never comes, but counting our actual blessings as they are, which returns us to the hope of a God who redeems the world.

CHECK OUT KATE BOWLER’S The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days

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Modern Day Pilgrims

The Art of

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T

here are trips and then there are pilgrimages, and either can be a journey of thousands of miles or a trip around the block. For as Cousineau states (next page), the posture of pilgrimage is to undertake a journey for the sake of being transformed. When we travel as pilgrims, we know that we will not be the same person when we return.

Or tracing the same path as generations of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela or traveling to Lourdes.

A pilgrimage, by definition, is “where a person goes in search of new or expanded meaning about their self, others, nature, or a higher good through the experience.” Upon pilgrimage we ask for open eyes and hearts, ready for our lives and understanding to be broadened and shaped by God.

Slow down and prepare not only your suitcase but your heart and spirit for the journey. Journal, read, pray and contemplate how you might be transformed in this experience.

Sometimes a pilgrimage is born of longing—a place or experience which lives in the imagination, waiting until later when one can take the time or find the funds to make the experience a reality. Perhaps it’s the dream of standing on the land of your ancestors.

At other times, a journey does not become a pilgrimage until you are in it—being formed and transformed in ways that you could never have predicted.

But there are three ways to intentionally bring a pilgrim heart to our travels:

1.

2.

Look beyond travel guides and blog posts to find out about your destination.

Listen to the music, read the poetry, study the myths and stories of the place and people you are bound to encounter.

3.

Start your journey before you leave home. Begin to disconnect from your everyday life as you complete your final preparations. Create a ritual that allows you to be free from home, so that you can be receptive to your destination with pilgrim eyes.

The following prayer is known as the Pilgrim Prayer of St. James, the patron of pilgrim travelers. During medieval times, his sanctuary in Santiago de Compostela, in northwestern Spain, was one of the most traveled pilgrim routes in Christendom (known through the centuries as the Camino de Santiago).

St. James was one of the three disciples who journeyed with Christ up Mount Tabor for the Transfiguration; keeping this in our minds, we pray that we might also have a transformative experience on pilgrimage.

This ancient prayer, whose origin is unknown, comes at the end of pilgrim Masses said along the Camino de Santiago.

Pilgrimage

BY AMANDA BERGER

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“What matters most on your journey is how deeply you see, how attentively you hear, how richly the encounters are felt in your heart and soul.”

PHILIP COUSINEAU

THE ART OF PILGRIMAGE

P i l g r i m’s P r ay e r of St. Ja m e s , Pat ron of P i l g r i m T r av e l e r s O God, who brought your servant Abraham out of the land of the Chaldeans, protecting him in his wandering across the desert, we ask that you watch over us, your servants, as we walk in the love of your name to (insert name of destination here).

Be for us our companion on the walk, Our guide at the crossroads, Our breath in our weariness, Our protection in danger, Our home on the [Way], Our shade in the heat, Our light in the darkness, Our consolation in our discouragements, And our strength in our intentions.

So that with your guidance we may arrive safe and sound at the end of the road and enriched with grace and virtue we return safely to our homes filled with joy.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

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k n a Th ou!

Y In January, we celebrated the Affirmation of Baptism for 43 of our ninthgrade students. This important week of events celebrates this important milestone of confirming their faith, as well as encouraging them and praying for their continued journey with God.

We receive many words of thanks from confirmands and their families, and we want to share them with you. These words of gratitude are a testament to the ministry of all at St. Philip the Deacon and our commitment to walking with young people as they grow in faith. Thank you for all the ways you support, encourage and pray for the youth of our faith community.

“

“

Wow! Last night’s Rite of Passage was absolutely incredible. From the time you took to create a unique and special feel with hundreds of candles, to the quiet piano music and powerful vocal music, special readings, communion as a family and simply you all being there with your comforting presence, Dan and I were blown away. Interestingly, that was our third ceremony, but there was something that felt even more awesome this time.”

—The Galloway Family A big thank you to all of you who made last night so special. When we got home, Kai read all of his letters and gave us a big hug. Getting these kids to sit and ref lect without distraction is a challenge and the evening helped them do that so perfectly.

It’s great to be part of such a wonderful community.”—The Wessman Family

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GREAT GRAIN BOWLS

BY AMANDA BERGER

Nothing speaks of God’s abundance like coming to the table, and seeing plates and bowls overf lowing with good things. At our house, grain bowls are a favorite because they are healthy and allow each family member to customize their bowl to their own tastes. Draw inspiration from your favorite cuisines—Asian, Italian, Mexican, Greek or experiment with thousands of other ingredients for your own perfect combination of f lavors. Follow this easy formula below to build a better bowl!

1

GRAINS

Start with your favorite cooked grain; white or brown rice, or quinoa are popular options. But you might also consider a more unusual base of caulif lower rice, barley, oatmeal, or farro.

A pasta, like couscous or orzo, can also make a nice base.

2

PROTEIN

Shredded rotisserie chicken, quick sauteed shrimp, or grilled steak are obvious choices. Pulled pork, crumbled bacon, or ham cubes are a great option as well.

Hardboiled, fried or poached eggs are a nice addition. If you are looking for vegetarian protein options, consider pan-fried tofu; and all kinds of beans—black, pinto, kidney or chickpeas—are perfect choices.

3

VEGGIES

Grain bowls allow you to work in a ton of vegetables into a meal. For autumn, roasted root vegetables are quick and easy (toss cubed veggies like beets, sweet potato or squash with a little olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes). Quickly steaming broccoli, carrots, caulif lower, green beans or sautéed cabbage adds f lavor and texture as well. Sliced cucumber or tomatoes along with greens like baby spinach, arugula, or fresh mixed herbs—cilantro, basil, dill or mint—can make grain bowl magic depending on your combination!

4

SAUCE

Drizzle your bowl with a salad dressing or sauce. Vinaigrettes make great grain bowl

accompaniments or try drizzling with Green Goddess dressing, tahini dressing, Asian YumYum sauce, basil pesto, hummus or BBQ ranch.

5

TOPPERS

Finish off your grain bowl with a little pizazz: feta, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, shredded cheddar or goat cheese crumbles, sunf lower seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), slivered or sliced almonds, toasted peanuts, chopped pecans, toasted sesame seeds, olives, sliced avocado, microgreens or crushed tortilla chips.

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SENT TO SERVE:

YOUTH MINISTRY

BY RENEE PUTNAM

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“IF

travel was not a factor, where would you go?” an adult asked while serving breadsticks alongside some youth at a Lenten soup supper at St. Philip the Deacon.

“Australia—to see the wildlife, especially koalas,” said a sixth grader. “Alaska because it’s Alaska!” said another. “I would go to the moon!” one exclaimed.

“I don’t think ever in a million years would I have thought of the moon!” the adult remarked. And off they went on another thread of adventurous conversation.

The youth of St. Philip the Deacon serve in so many ways by serving communion, assembling gift bags for Mission Nursing Home, and tying dog toys for Secondhand Hounds, to name a few. High Schoolers sort clothes for Interfaith Outreach, serve as confirmation guides, and pick up litter at the park. The best part about the youth is they serve with their whole heart in everything they do!

Serving alongside these energetic youth is a gift and a blessing—to both the served and those serving.

The next opportunity you get to serve with these creative beings, do it! You may end up wearing soda pop boxes on your arms while assembling snack packs or find yourself inspired by their quick and giving hearts. As you serve our neighbor together, shoulderto-shoulder, that creativity and energy is contagious and multiplied—to the moon!

“I would go to the moon!”

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OUT & ABOUT The holiday season brings so many wonderful opportunities for SPD members and friends to be out and about in the community. From serving to singing, check out these photos from Holiday Giving deliveries, 3000 Acts of Kindness, the Holiday Tea at Nicollet Island Inn and Beer & Hymns at Rock Elm.

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F R I D AY MAR

8

M ARCH M ADNE SS GAME NIGHT

SPRING CALENDAR

Are you looking for a fun way to connect with others in our faith community? This event is for all adults, singles and couples. We will be in Fellowship Hall for a fun evening that will include dinner, Bingo and Trivia. Register online at spdlc.org/register.

F R I D AY M AY

3 T U E S D AY, M A R C H 2 6 JOURNE Y TO THE CROSS – A LENTEN EXPERIENCE THROUGH ART AND MUSIC

M I N N E S O TA T W I N S V S

As we enter into Holy Week, we will revisit the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life through paintings, hymns, scripture and ref lections.

B O S T O N R E D S OX

S AT U R D AY, M A R C H 3 0

Join us to watch the Minnesota Twins take on the Boston Red Sox at Target Field. Your reserved seats in this area will include your ticket to the game plus allinclusive ballpark fare. Register at spdlc.org/register.

CHILDREN’S E ASTER EGG HUNT

Held outside at SPD, lower (east) parking lot. Families are invited to come and hear the Easter story before heading outside to gather hidden eggs! There is no cost for the event, but for planning purposes, we ask you to register online at spdlc.org/register by March 27. Questions? Contact Trisha Ragner at 763-475-7119.

JUN

10-13

S U N D AY, J U N E 2 HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR RECOGNITION

High school seniors will be recognized at the 9:30 a.m. service as the congregation celebrates, gives thanks and asks God’s blessing on the next steps of their journey.

Ev ent R egist r ation Scan the provided QR code and navigate to the event of your choice to register.

VA C AT I O N B I B L E S C H O O L

9–11:45 a.m. Join us for four days of adventurefilled learning at Scuba VBS. The days will be filled with music, stories, games, friends, learning, growth and more. We will be both indoors and out. You can register at spdlc.org/ register.

36

3.

What are three things on your lifetime to-do list? 1. Visit each national park. 2. Travel to Greece. 3. Get my master’s degree.

FA M I L I A R FA C E S M O L LY L A N G E

1.

Describe when you knew you’d be going into ministry. I grew up going to SPD. I was active in Faith Creek, Confirmation, then our high school youth group. I loved attending each week, especially when I got into my high school years. Youth group provided me an opportunity to serve my community through many service projects and volunteer opportunities while building friendships with my peers.

When Molly Lange started working at SPD in the fall of 2023, she was already a “familiar face.” Lange grew up at St. Philip the Deacon—a very active part of our confirmation ministry, senior high ministry activities and wilderness trips. Stepping into Early Childhood Ministry is a natural fit for her gifts, and it’s a joy to have her as a part of our team.

I also loved attending the SPD outdoors trip to Christikon Lutheran Bible Camp in 2018. Following that trip, I had the opportunity to work on staff at Christikon for the next two summers. At Christikon I grew in my faith, explored the backcountry beauty of Montana, and built lifelong friendships with my co-workers.

I love the community ministry brings and am so happy to be a part of the SPD team!

2.

What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I enjoy completing DIY projects! I love to learn how to do things myself instead of getting it from a store right away. I think it can be a challenge at times, but it is very exciting to see the final product and get to share with people that I made it myself. Last winter, I taught myself to crochet. I have worked on many different types of projects, some being: dishcloths, sweaters and blankets.

4.

How do you take care of yourself—spiritually, emotionally and physically—so that you stay healthy in ministry? I am naturally an introvert and I love to stay busy. However, I do need to take time to myself to recharge. I enjoy crocheting, taking long walks, and cooking/baking. During the warmer weather months, I always try and get a couple of camping trips in. Camping allows me to disconnect from the rest of the worl d, recharge, and I feel the closest to God when I am outside exploring his creations.

5.

What are you passionate about right now? I am passionate about working with children and families. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to work with kids. During the week, I am a supervisor for a before-andafter-school program at an elementary school. I enjoy getting to know and build relationships with each child, learning about what they like to do and building those interests into our program. I think it is so important to provide kids with a place where they can express their interest while building positive relationships with others.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY is a vibrant part of our ministry at St. Philip the Deacon, and throughout the spring we are offering many opportunities for children to get involved.

We offer opportunities to meet new friends and learn about Jesus for children preschool through fifth grade.

H O LY W E E K W I T H CHILDREN ’S MINISTRY

Palm Sunday March 24 Palm Progression with the children at 9:30 a.m. Worship Good Friday March 29 Good Friday Family Service at 5:30 p.m.

Easter Morning March 31 Celebrate with family. (No Faith Creek) SPRING SPECIAL PROGR AMS

Faith Creek Cinema April 7 Last Day of Faith Creek May 12 Greg the Great, Magic and Comedy

17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

EPHESIANS 1:3

V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT S P D L C .O R G