Six years ago, I bought an old house in Coleraine, Minnesota. Even though it looked tired and slightly worn, it still stood tall. One of the first things I did was remove the old cement board siding. Once removed, beautiful old timbers were revealed. Not wanting to leave the old timbers exposed to the elements, I installed new siding and larger windows. The house also rests on a sturdy rock foundation that has stood the test of time. Eventually, I planted new trees near the highway in the front yard; they shelter birds and squirrels, provide summer shade, and produce fall fruit. Regardless of the weather outside, I feel safe and secure when I go inside. Not only has the house been transformed, but it has transformed me in the process.

For several years, my old house has been my preferred place to write sermons, hymns, reflections, and create bulletins for the churches in Hill City, Cromwell, Moose Lake, and Hibbing. These rural churches are sacred spaces nestled in forests and by lakes. Some are near iron mines and some are near bogs. Regardless, they are where the community gathers to encounter Christ in Word and Sacrament. Because these communities were built on a solid foundation of faith, hope, and love, they have stood the test of time despite all odds.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Everybody who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who built a house on bedrock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew against that house. It didn’t fall because it was firmly set on bedrock.”

My prayer is that when we gather as community, regardless of whether our buildings are old and worn or shiny and new, we fill them with love, care, and compassion. In that way, when the rains of life fall and evil winds try to beat us down, we will be firmly set on the bedrock of Jesus Christ.

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!”

Students entering grades K-6th Grade are welcome to join us for Vacation Bible School July 13th-15th at Wesley UMC Hibbing. Sessions are from 9am-11:30am, followed by a free lunch for kids and their families from 11:30-Noon each day of VBS.

Sign up link and more info here: https://forms.gle/rV9g7XDJXfJyG2vS9