In September of 2024, Trinity received a Lilly Clergy Renewal Grant of $58,927 for the summer of 2025.  This grant is specifically for renewal of clergy and their congregations following a proposal written by both pastor and congregation (Trinity’s proposal was submitted in March of 2024).  Following the perimeters of the grant, Pastor Jeanette and Trinity Lutheran Church of Blue Earth will engage in renewal activities suggested in the proposal with costs of activities proposed covered by the grant.  

Our proposal carries the theme “Treasure in Clay Jars” from 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 8 We are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, 9 persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed, 10 always carrying around in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.-2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Our Renewal/Sabbatical time will explore the clay jars of the past, the present, and the future, as a way of renewal for Pastor Jeanette and Trinity Lutheran Church, jars who hope to continue carrying the Good News into the future.  Our ancestors carried the Good News, how will we carry the Good News now in this time?  What wisdom can we learn from those who were immigrants and in a new land which will help us in welcoming, empowering, and serving now?

Trinity Clergy Renewal Grant Parallel Activities Guidesheet
Treasure in Clay Jars

Trinity Sabbatical Renewal Schedule:

Sunday, May 4th – Music Sunday, Meal, and Blessing
9:00 Music Sunday Worship
11:30 Norwegian Meal in Gathering Space (registration prior)
1:00p.m. Afternoon Sabbatical Launch Blessing with Bishop Hassanally, open to the public (Norwegian dessert bar of congregational favorites by Trinity members)
Wednesday Evening, June 4th – David Sheerer of JUSTMoves, Speaker
6:00p.m. Suggested time
“This is My Body” Presentation on navigating on bodies response to tough conversations, information, and living in the World
Saturday, June 7th –Multi-course Norwegian Cooking Class with Patrice Johnson, Nordic Food Geek  (registration prior)
1:00-3:30p.m. Open house followed by two hour class
Join Patrice Johnson, Nordic Food Geek
Sunday afternoon, June 22nd –Sølje Earring - Norwegian Jewelry Making Class
1:00-3:00p.m. Open house followed by jewelry making with Liz Bucheit, Saami Artist (registration prior)
Wednesday, July 16th – Elemental Community Movie Night with BE Welcoming group discussion to follow
Wednesday, July 30th at 7:00 p.m. - Presentation on History of the land of Trinity Lutheran Church of Blue Earth Jessica Intermill of Intermill Land Consulting
Sanctuary Via Zoom Presentation
August 10th –Presentation on Exploring the Doctrine of Discovery and impact for Trinity Lutheran Church, Jessical Intermill of Intermill Land Consulting
1:00p.m. in the Sanctuary Via Zoom Presentation
August 13th - Community Sabbatical Story Celebration at Fair Grounds
5:30-7:00p.m. Storytelling begins at 6:00p.m.
Music, Story and Food Fest (food trucks will offer fare) with Trinity Musicians