by mtangen | Feb 20, 2024 | Pastor Chris
But Peter jumped to his feet and ran to the tomb. He stooped to look in and saw a few grave clothes, that’s all. He walked away puzzled, shaking his head. – Luke 24:12 (MSG) Stooped to look in and saw a few grave clothes. Grave clothes. In Jesus’ time, grave clothes...
by mtangen | Jan 23, 2024 | Pastor Chris
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. – Psalm 51:10-12 Ah, Lent. A...
by mtangen | Dec 19, 2023 | Pastor Chris
Happy New Year, friends! Some of you followed the drama and heartbreak of the last-minute cancellation of the Twin Cities marathon last October—due to unseasonable and dangerous heat. (Our Worship Director Clark Weyrauch was poised to compete but, being intrepid, he...
by mtangen | Nov 22, 2023 | Pastor Chris
Each Christmas season, a snippet of Scripture or a line from a hymn will worm its way into my psyche. This year it is the words of the priest Zechariah, sung to his son, John, who would be the Baptist. Zechariah has prophesied the coming Messiah and now describes his...
by mtangen | Oct 24, 2023 | Pastor Chris
This is a common question asked of pastors. It is also one of the reasons given for why people say they don’t like to visit a church. “They are always asking for money.” But are we? Since we kicked off a comprehensive campaign this year, we have talked about money...
by mtangen | Sep 26, 2023 | Pastor Chris
My dad was a loving, caring man. He regularly cared for family and neighbors, including one of the most difficult personalities in their small town. Helping with rides, household projects and companionship. But he struggled with Jesus’ admonition to love our neighbor...