Well, this week the three of us TiMs were "put in our place" by Bishop Larry Wohlrabe of NW MN. That's how he described our installation-- a time when we are put in our place. And boy, oh, boy... do we need it! ;) I mean, seriously-- we must have needed some serious work, considering that they had to install us three times! Maybe they were worried it wouldn't stick. After three successful installations, under the hands of about a dozen members of the church who helped, I think we're pretty firmly planted in our place. So much so that two years from now, I bet they'll have a hard time uninstalling us! 
But really, the installation service Sunday was an incredible day. Bishop Wohlrabe preached an excellent sermon about where to find our place in life... He advised me, Colin and Rick to "aim low." That is, to humble ourselves and to find our place among the least, the forgotten... to seat ourselves among those with whom Jesus would dine. And with whom would Jesus dine? With those who can't
make it on their own. With those who like to mooch off the Lord's Table. Yes, that means the poor, the outcast, the disabled, the sick, the troubled... but you know, it also means you and me. Because none of us can make it on our own-- we all need Jesus. And aren't we so lucky that we have a God who loves to let us mooch off God's own table of grace?!
Good advice for us new pastors as we begin these two years in this community at Trinity. Aim low, put ourselves where Christ would, remember that we're all in need of God's love and mercy, and to declare as often as possible that we're welcome to mooch at that Table of grace always. WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER! :)
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