A message from Pastor Erik

Beloved Community,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the trust you’ve placed in me by voting to call me as your next pastor. I’m excited about the ministry we will share and the journey ahead.

Earlier this month, I officially concluded my call as Pastor to the Community and Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. The following week, I had the chance to gather with the rostered leaders of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod at our annual retreat in Delavan, Wisconsin. Many of them had already heard about our upcoming ministry together, and they shared wonderful stories about Trinity, along with their prayers and blessings for our work as a community. It was a beautiful reminder of the connections and support shared across the church.

I’ll take the rest of this month to rest, reflect, and prepare for this new chapter. October is a special month for my family— I turned 51 a couple of weeks ago, and Kerry turns 50 at the end of the month—so we’ll be celebrating with family and friends from all over the country. Autumn is my favorite season, and I’m grateful for the chance to enjoy it before starting with you all. 

Although I've started meeting with the staff to begin the transition process, I'll officially begin my ministry at Trinity on Monday, November 4. My first Sunday leading worship will be November 10, as the nation responds to the upcoming presidential election results. In such a politically polarized time, I'm reflecting on how we, as a faith community, can care for ourselves, tend to our hopes and anxieties, and be a witness to the wider world. We have an opportunity to model what it looks like to hold tension and disagreement with a deep commitment to peacemaking, equity, and justice. 

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in the call process—from the call committee and church council to the staff and all of you who have reached out. Kerry and I have felt such incredible hospitality and generosity throughout this time of discernment and transition, and we look forward to becoming part of the Trinity community.

Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

In Christ,  
Pastor Erik Christensen