Some Important Changes at Trinity
Starting July 1, some important changes took effect that deserve some explanation. Because of a very generous and successful Trinity Greenhouse matching challenge that, altogether, raised $60K, a few things became possible. I am, and we all can be very thankful for the generosity of this gift and the opportunities it opens for us.
-My changing time and role (75% Trinity—25% Trinity Greenhouse)
-Gage Thalmann’s new role: Care and Catechism Director (PT)
-Ben Side’s role: Theta Chaplain and Pastoral Care (PT)
My time is increasingly and intentionally given to investing in young leaders and a growing movement. In our budget and our plan for this fiscal year is to allot 75% of my work time to the Trinity congregation 25% to the ministries of Trinity Greenhouse. That 25% (averaging one day a week and one Sunday a month—though not that tidy) takes the form of mentoring interns and seminarians, weekly Pastoral Leadership Seminar, and sharing leadership of the Theta Community. Also, praise God there is a growing movement of community-based discipleship with young adults. In the last few weeks I have worn the hat of consultant, cheerleader, and partner. Last Sunday, I was the speaker for a large church speaker’s series in Omaha for “Conversations in Christianity.” The theme: Building while the earthquake is still happening—young adult discipleship in community. Greenhouse related opportunities also includes yearly teaching beyond Trinity at CLBI and Mount Carmel. This has produced many amazing candidates for internship. In the last three weeks I have had conversations with the main leader (bishop, director, presiding pastor) of three Lutheran bodies in North America. Everyone is becoming aware of the need for discipling the next generation, and identifying and equipping the next generation of church leaders.
This investment beyond Trinity is a high calling for me and for you. Identifying and equipping the next generation of leaders for the Church is essential if the Christian movement will have strong and Godly leadership. But it also impacts you and me. There is full-time pastoral work needed at Trinity—not 75%!
Because 25% of my total salary/benefits are recouped through Greenhouse, Trinity is freed to hire two seminarians to serve our current needs and partner with them as they prepare for a possible future in serving as pastors in Christ’s church.
Gage Thalmann, an intern from last year and first-year M.Div. student at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI, has been hired part-time to give direction to our Catechism program (4-6th graders) as well as our Pastoral Care team. If you’ve been around Trinity, you know Gage is well suited for this calling. He also comes with qualifications, as he graduated from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN with a major in communications and a minor in ministry. Please welcome Gage into both of these roles. Catechism parents, the window that is wide open for your 4-6th graders is a significant one. I don’t know a church that offers as comprehensive and engaging overview of the whole Bible in three years. Don’t miss it. Is it fun—yes, especially with great teachers and team. Is it hard? Sometimes, but anything worth doing in life is sometimes! We practice piano, train as sports, and do homework in school. Why shouldn’t our discipleship lives include discipline? Care recipients, You will find Gage to be a compassionate listener and committed to bring you the good news of Jesus in word and sacrament. He is also a learner—a seminarian. What an honor to help form servants for Christ’s church. Welcome him. Reflect with him. This doesn’t mean that I won’t be visiting you anymore. It just means that we value this pastoral part of our ministry as to not neglect it, but to give it attention and care. Gage will be giving oversight to the whole care team which includes me, the Trinity elders, eucharistic visitor (people who bring the Lord’s Supper to the homebound), and interns and others. If you have a desire for a care visit, let Gage know. Call the church office 310-832-1189 or email him gage@trinitysanpedro.org.
Ben Sides, an intern from two years ago, is a second-year M.Div. student at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO. Ben has been hired part-time to be, what we call Theta Chaplain and to be on the pastoral care team. Ben also comes with qualifications and life experience that makes him cut out for these roles. He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, IA. Music and ministry and a way with words and a way with listening are assets that Ben brings to this calling. The Theta Chaplain role is meant to not only give leadership to some aspects of the Theta Community, but also to give pastoral oversight to the daily prayer of the church. Ben arranges leadership for the wide variety of prayer services that happen at Trinity EVERY afternoon or evening. This is, possibly, the most underused and most profound gifts that happens almost everyday at Trinity. Everyone is welcome! Come when you can. These half-hour times of prayer are the perfect way to connect with other believers, to learn to pray, to give closure to your day of work. Watch for more information, or check out: https://www.trinitysanpedro.org/service-times. Ben will also be on the Care Team, making visits and connecting the compassion of Jesus with the person facing challenges of various kinds. Like Gage, welcome him. Reflect with him. Pray with him. Ask him how his studies are progressing!
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