Friends of
BAPTISM RIVER COMMUNITY CHURCH

LETTER FROM GREG HANSON,
COUNCIL PRESIDENT

My first thought as I sit down to report on this past year’s activity at BRCC is how easy this congregation is to lead.  This congregation’s tolerance for change and willingness to try new things is truly a blessing.  It speaks volumes to know that as we make decisions that are sometimes contentious enough to break congregations apart, we continue to persevere and reflect the very basic tenants of our purpose in this world. Come to love, Come to be loved!  We have been tested in our basic beliefs of inclusivity and love for the oppressed, and our openness to choose love instead of judgment, even of those who choose to judge, has been testimony to the culture of this congregation.  I never feel like I have to beat around the bush about being a Reconciling in Christ congregation or even around my left leaning politics. We are all different when it comes to worldly views, yet we choose to commune together in this place and set our differences aside.  It is the respect and gentleness with which we interact with each other that makes this place feel so welcoming to visitors and to one another.

My dream for BRCC is to be a place where barriers to building relationships are broken down, where the teachings of Jesus can be the heartbeat of all we do both inside and outside these walls.  I envision a place where God pervades our lives, where we listen and discuss what God is saying and doing in our congregation and in the world around us, and use our resources to take action to make the world a better place to live.

I want to take time to publicly thank Pastor Deb as she has been a joy to work with in leading this congregation.  She has led so many wonderful discussions at our casual Sunday services and during The Chosen series on Wednesday nights.  It’s been a privilege to walk side by side with her positive attitude, openness to different ideas, and seemingly limitless energy to pitch in when needed.  With her wonderful smile, and welcoming spirit, she has been a bridge to several couples who have visited our congregation and decided to stay. Thank you Deb for all you’ve done to guide and care for our congregation!

It is my understanding that the call committee has a candidate and together, with the council, will be working on a compensation package.  This is not a done deal as negotiations still need to happen, but a huge THANK YOU to the Call Committee who has spent many hours putting together our Congregational Profile and working with the Synod to post the position. God is good and has led us down this 3 year path by providing pulpit supply, preaching from community members, Pastor Deb as a bridge pastor, and now a potential candidate for a permanent call.  Keep the candidate, the call committee and the council in your prayers as we continue this work to completion.

One last and not insignificant effort has been the work on our Constitution and Bylaws which will be voted on at our Sept 17th annual meeting.  We voted to accept the Synod model constitution at last year’s annual meeting, but we still need to ratify it.  The council has reviewed the Bylaws which will be voted on by the congregation along with the constitution at our annual meeting.  Take some time to look at the draft Bylaws. They have been pared down considerably to coincide with our smaller congregation and its capacity to fulfill our mission.  As we grow, we can once again expand the Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions to fit our capacity to do God’s work.

I feel grateful to be a part of this congregation and will be stepping aside as your Council President.  We have people who are interested in joining the council and I’ve been here long enough. I have committed to helping with the pastoral candidate’s compensation package negotiations so am hoping that comes to fruition. Thank you all for being a part of this “Small but Mighty” congregation that is in for some amazing changes in the next few years!  I look forward to walking this path together in Christ.

PASTOR’S CORNER

Dear Friends in Christ,

It is thrilling to hear our call committee has selected a candidate to become our new pastor.  As your bridge pastor for these past 17 months, I have had such a wonderful experience among you, and I believe God has used our time together to shape us for what is to come. Know that I am here to support and encourage, and hopefully keep singing in our praise team, but will also provide space for your new pastor to lead us forward.

I want to thank all of you from the depths of my heart for your constant loving support as we have ministered together these last months.  Much of what I would like to leave you with was shared in my sermon on September 17th, when we stepped forward as an assembly of baptized believers to affirm our faith and commitment to this congregation as our church home.  The Council timed this process of affirmation to coincide with the ratification of our church constitution and bylaws which were voted in at our Annual meeting following that service.  What a joy to see so many in worship, standing and enthusiastically proclaiming their faith in Christ and their desire to support the ministries we share here in this beautiful place and community.  

Below is the text of my sermon on Sept. 17th, 2023, which I hope you will read even if you already heard it preached.  It captures the ‘dream’ that you have shared with me, and informs our response to the new life that is just ahead. 

May the love of Christ keep us forever in His love and grace,  Pastor Deb

…..

“We Have a Dream”

“We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.  If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.  So then, , whether we live or we die, we are the Lord’s.  For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living,”  Romans 14: 7-9

Tettegouche State Park has a new Children’s Nature Center, and it is awesome!  If you have children, or grandchildren…or if the child in YOU wants to engage with nature, explore and play…you have to go and spend time there. It is magical and so life-giving!

I had the privilege of being at this amazing outdoor playland on the day a ribbon was cut and it was opened to the public.  After thanking all the many volunteers who gave endless, challenging hours dreaming, researching, designing, fund-raising then clearing, mulching, building, and finally…promoting this amazing natural playground, the friends of Tettegouche team threw open the trails and the children ran gleefully into the magic of exploring and celebrating God’s world of nature and beauty.  And what a magical experience it was!  Play centers where little hands could handle rocks, birch bark, sticks, wild flowers and plants and make them into a celebration of natural beauty.  Wooden teeter totters and climbing towers; balance beams made out of huge fallen cedar trees; hidden adventures along a creek under a bridge; home-made rock slides where children could roll rocks down a tunnel of wood; and a magical music forest where wooden wind chimes, forest drums, a wooden xylophone and rhythm shakers invited children and adults to lend their movements and musical creativity to the winds that whistles naturally through the woodlands.  Words cannot fully describe how magical this natural playland is, but the smiles and delightful expenditure of energy and enthusiasm of the children engaging everywhere was heavenly.   One could almost feel our Heavenly Father’s delight shining down upon His children’s playful acknowledgement of his beautiful world!

What I am describing started out as a dream.  A group of people came together as a team and defined themselves as “Friends of Tettegouche State Park,” and they opened themselves to the potential expressed through gifts and ideas that each person on that team brought to the table.  I wasn’t a part of that team, but I and many…many…visitors to the park, have been the recipients of their efforts.  Whether through art shows; musical concerts; s’mores by the fire; nature talks and walks…their ideas have found feet and one by one have brought that state park to life.  No doubt it is one of the most beloved state parks within the whole system.  Why?  Because of a dream, and a group of self-giving people who believed in the possibilities and stepped up to work together to make it happen!  

Paul’s words to the Romans are a powerful reminder of the importance of shared dreams and the potential of unified energy when we share a dream.  Paul writes:  “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.”   So often, these words are shared at a graveside to remind of that in Christ, we can live in a way that transcends the limits of this world.  We don’t have to “hoard” life as if it is finite and therefore we should keep it to ourselves for our own gratification.  No…for a follower of Christ, this life is to be spent…given….shared…used up FOR THE SAKE of God’s Kingdom.  “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done,” we pray.  What does that mean if not.. “Give us your dream, dear Lord, and the power to live into that dream here and now…engaging, giving, seeking and celebrating the marriage of all of our gifts for the sake of realizing YOUR Dream!

Today marks a defining point in our life together as a community of faith and discipleship.  It has been coming for awhile now…ever since a fire destroyed a former building and a new era of choices had to be made.  Do we go forward and rebuild a church here in Finland, so do we let it pass away?  That wasn’t an easy decision, I assume, for those whose energy and commitment had fueled the past history of this place began to fade away.  The life of any organism has these kinds of seasons…even Christ’s church.  But, out of those ashes came a dream of a remnant who heard a promise on the winds of the Holy Spirit.  I don’t think it was “build it and they will come,” even though this beautiful church building is amazing and all who come in here feel drawn to its grandeur.  No…it’s not a building that became the dream…but the hope of something beyond ourselves…God’s dream, that we have the privilege of fanning into flames of new life.

Like most dreams, it starts with people of various giftings committing to join in partnering, designing, planning, and bringing their resources and enthusiasm to the table willing to roll up their sleeves and get it rolling forward.  Like most dreams, it isn’t fully defined at the beginning, but grows into something more than we ever could imagine at the onset.  And like most dreams, its fuel is the courageous hope, courage and willingness to make sacrifices and let go of control over money and outcomes in order to follow wherever God leads.  And…like most dreams, it takes a catalyst moment where a critical mass of dreamers agrees to trust an uncertain future and dig deep into faith.

So what’s the defining moment RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE, that calls us to LIVE BEYOND OURSELVES for the sake of God’s dream for this community of faith?  As I have had the privilege of being a part of this congregation and now pastor among you as a bridge to what’s ahead,  I’d like to make a few observations that may be helpful in naming the dream we are called to follow.

First, the gifts and possibilities within this small but mighty gathering of worshipers is so much bigger than we have been willing to utilize.  Unlike many other congregations who are struggling to stay viable, we have money in the bank…financial resources that are sitting in a barn.  Perhaps there is a legitimate fear that if we use those funds until they are gone, and, when the money is spent, there will not be enough to continue forward. But isn’t that like keeping our five loaves and two fish to ourselves rather than putting them into the hands of our Christ who can multiply and feed the multitudes?  

What about all the amazing gifts and talents of so many of us now living in retirement or in the productive years of our working lives?  We talk endlessly about our busy schedules; trips and outings we want to enjoy; seasons where we leave this cold climate so we can’t commit because we just aren’t going to be around.  In a perfect world, a young generation would be stepping up to lead, to dream, to engage so those of us who have been stepping up for years can finally lay back and take it slower.  But it is no longer the 1970’s and 80’s where that expectation is realistic is it?  The harvest is different now…the hurting, the marginalized, the seeker of God’s mercy and grace doesn’t fit those models.  The workers are few….just as in Jesus’ day….but the harvest is heavy and plentiful…waiting, hoping, eager to be found and given hope.  “Here I am…what would you have me do?” is the prayer of God’s dreams.

And finally, there is something to be said about “seizing the day.”  For the last decade, this church has been in a survival mode.  We had a wonderful, loyal pastor in Tom Murray who walked beside us after the fire for 11 years until a pandemic brought remote worship and the loss of fellowship and identity.   To continue with remote worship and a one night per week life as a congregation wasn’t viable as a discernible dream.  What followed was a chance to have visiting pulpit supply preachers.  This gave us an opportunity to wonder about what was needed and important to us, and the dream began to be shaped by the desire to have a local pastoral leader who lives among us and is a part of who we are here in Finland, Minnesota.  As a bridge pastor, that dream has continued to unfold in my walk with you as we have tasted what it feels like to grow in fellowship and faith development opportunities, to be encouraged within an anchor church relationship with Gloria Dei and Messiah Lutheran churches and or Synod relationships, and to welcome more and more visitors into our midst as we worship together.  Your council leaders have been attentive to moving us forward out of the void of losing all our historical records and organizational structures, and offer the ratification of a constitution and by-laws as well as the fruits of an enthusiastic call committee.   It's a “seize the day” moment in the journey we share together.  It’s a moment filled with challenges that may seem insurmountable, yet aren’t ALL dreams insurmountable as they unfold?  

Today…we need to seize the day much like our friends at Tettegouche State Park, who saw the potential of making their new building and presence along the north shore a defining, welcoming, life-giving experience for all who stop there to enjoy God’s creation.  Many of those dreamers are retired, or working and have busy lives, yet, they harnessed themselves to a dream BEYOND their personal lives to bring legs of purpose to their dream.  Can we not do the same?  

My challenge to each of you today is to ask yourself these questions: What “one thing” can I offer to make this dream of a growing, thriving faith community named Baptism River Community Church alive?  What gift or resource can I place into the hands of the Holy Spirit and trust it will be used for God’s dream…and not just my own?  

And, if we are so blessed to realize the dream of having a dynamic, spirit led, local and engaging pastoral leader brought into our midst to help us define the future… how can I step up and offer my support and giftedness so that God can truly work through US…and not just one pastor?  

Let me give you just a few examples of some of the ways you have shared your gifts with me that have made all the difference.  A very special lady in this congregation has a gift for being a prayer warrior.  She prays continually for me and for so many others, and sends me encouraging scripture and prayers via text many times a week!  I can’t imagine doing ministry in your midst without her support!   What if we were to bathe the next pastor in prayer…but put legs on that hospitality.  What if EVERYONE found a way to invite the pastor and family over or came over to the church to visit over coffee within the first few months of arrival so that relationships were built quickly and effectively?  Think how empowering that would be for a new pastor coming into this community to not only know the flock, but to experience a personal connection and understanding of who we are as a community?

Another example:  When the Outreach team decided to offer a vacation Bible School for the families in our area who have young kids…7 of you stepped up.  You didn’t just help help…but LED with crafts; games; storytelling and bringing joy to those kids and their families.  I could NEVER have done this alone!  What would it look like if some of you so gifted to work with children offered to help a new pastor provide support to the struggling Thursday night kids night at Clair N Ctr, or took my place at the Child’s Nature Care Center once a month reading books or singing songs with the children there?  It’s so easy…and so rewarding.  It just involved stepping up and saying…I’ll do that.

Or what if some of you who have served on the church council for many years and need to let others step up, now  mentored someone new by co-leading with them for the first 6 mo as they learn the ropes in leading the business of this church?

My friends…with God’s grace carrying us forward, together, WE HAVE A DREAM.  Let us seize the day and trust the journey.  Let us LIVE FOR CHRIST, and not for ourselves.  For truly, we NEED each and every one of you to engage…actively engage and offer your gifts, talents and resources.  We have a dream…God’s dream.    Amen.

Blessings to all,

Pastor Deborah

CALL COMMITTEE REPORT

In March a Call Committee was formed to begin the process of finding a new pastor for our Church.  The Call Committee Members were as follows:  John Priem, Julie Priem, Jeff Solomon, Brenda Solomon, Paula Anderson, Sheryl Hoff and Vaughn Hoff.

A Ministry Site Profile is a document which describes our congregation’s Mission and Ministry needs.  This document was used to introduce our church to each of the candidates.  Hopefully, it gives them a better understanding of our goals and needs.

We had two candidates apply and both were interviewed, using a Zoom Meeting with the Call Committee Members.

The candidate chosen has accepted our offer of a 20 hour work week and will be residing in the Parsonage.  He plans on being here for our 70th Anniversary Celebration and everyone attending will have the opportunity to meet him.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE!

Wednesday Night Live began on September 20 at 6:30 p.m. at BRCC and will continue through the fall. Wednesday Night Live will be a  time for adult learning and conversation around timely topics of faith and spiritual growth. We began with continued learning and discussion about our Lutheran Identity and will move into study and discussion about scriptural texts relating to Christian hospitality toward persons who identify as LGBTQIA+  We will explore how we can  live into our identity as a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation.  Come whenever you can and bring your questions as we grow in faith together.  Questions?  Call Pastor Deb at 651-260-9495.

Graphic by Freepik

70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT
ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
&
“MEET AND GREET” THE PASTORAL LEADER
CHOSEN BY OUR CALL COMMITTEE

Please come and join in this celebration of our 70 year history as we share this milestone together.  Our worship will welcome back some of our pastoral leaders of the past and the future as we “meet and greet” the new pastoral leader chosen by our call committee.  We will share pictures, memories and stories while enjoying a lunch offered to us by The Baptism River Barbeque Company.  Mark your calendars and bring family and friends to this festive celebration of both past and future!