Evangelism Fellowship Stewardship Worship
Pastor Douglas Larson
Senior Pastor
As a child, I wondered if I would ever get to be a senior in high school. Time seemed to move so slowly. Looking back of course, that was good, I could use some slower times. How fast does life go for you?
I have been pastor here at Grace Lutheran for over seven years. I find myself barely remembering the first couple years. When I started here in the summer of 2003, it was the office secretary, the membership secretary, the custodian and me that made up the staff. Now we have a Family Life Director, a Volunteer Coordinator and an Associate Pastor along with the office secretary and custodian.
Grace Lutheran has had a long history of people caring for ministry and involvement in the world with their faith. When the decision was made sometime over fifteen years ago to build an addition, it was with the intent that the church building be used. We have three groups that meet that deal with addition. We have a dance studio one night a week. Two choirs meet weekly. About 56 children come to Release Time once a month. There are five or more Bible studies meeting. Two book clubs gather to discuss and share ideas. Weekday mornings, walkers gather for devotions before heading off to walk three miles. On Thursdays, one hundred high school students come for a lunch, prayer and Bible Trivia Contest at noon. Two worship services on Sundays meet within fifteen minutes of each other, with 60-70 students gathered for the sermonette and their offering before they head downstairs for the second part of their learning time.
I have served a number of churches through my ministry. I have spent time in three churches of longer length and five years as an Intentional Interim pastor, helping churches transition from one pastor to a new pastor. Each church is unique and has some special characteristics. I have come to enjoy the uniqueness of Grace Lutheran and what it wants to do. As we move along in ministry here, God is at work. The Holy Spirit continues to help us be part of God’s people here on earth---seeking to bring the Good News of Christ’s love and care for all people. I enjoy being here.
Pastor Doug Larson
Pastor Brenda Wicklund
Associate Pastor
Jesus says, I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22
Welcome to the Grace Lutheran Church in Mora, Minnesota. I am Pastor Brenda Wicklund and serve God and this community as Associate Pastor. I live in Hinckley, Minnesota and am in my First Call. I joined this ministry team in September of 2008. Along with the duties of the Pastor I make visits, connect with the different areas of ministry at the church, and lead some Bible Groups. This is where we discuss and discern what God has in mind for each of our lives.
Of course one of my favorites is hanging around with the children, especially as I participate in the children’s sermon in each church service. It is fun to just be around them. It is important to us that they feel this is there church just as much as it is for each of us. This brings me joy!
I love joy! Yet at times joy can disappear when something happens in our lives. It could be a tragedy or an unkind word from someone. It might be a particular despair from past experiences that turn our joy into sadness. Enter Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. God took his only Son to live on earth as a human. That means he ate, drank and felt just like all humans. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, loved the unlovable and took a road to Jerusalem. This led to his death on the cross. He rose again from the dead for me and for you. We have a new life with Jesus Christ. A life of love and grace. A life of joy. No one can take it away from you!
We would love to have you join us at Grace Lutheran Church! If you would like to just come and visit one of our services that would be wonderful. We have a traditional service at 8:00 am and at 9:15 a more contemporary service. Sunday school begins at 9:15 in the worship service then it continues downstairs for the rest of their lesson. Or you might want to come and have some questions answered or see where we are located.
May your hearts rejoice always as you remember no one will take away your joy!
Friends in Christ!
Pastor Brenda Wicklund