Grills and Trader Joe’s

Pastor Ryan at the Trader Joe's Grand Opening in Saint Paul

A lot has been going on since the last time I posted anything.  Allow me to give you some updates.

We have been taking advantage of summer in Saint Paul by getting people together for some grilling and outdoor entertainment.  At the end of June we grilled out, and at the beginning of July we celebrated Pastor Ryan’s birthday,  in order to connect with people who are interested in Trinity City Church (and interested in free food).  These events have been a lot of fun, and it is a blessing to hear excitement building about Trinity in the community we are ministering in.

Also, a Trader Joe’s opened in Saint Paul at the end of June.  What is the big deal?  Well, Pastor Ryan works there and played about 4 hours worth of music during the grand opening.  One of the decision we made as pastors of this plant is to work bi-vocationally so that we can connect better with this community.  It has been a blessing to do so.

I will post more about this in the future, but last night (Sunday, July 12th) we started our first gathering as Trinity City Church.  We did a gathering at Pastor Ryan’s home in Saint Paul, and worshiped Jesus by singing, praying, hearing a message from the Scriptures, and taking communion.  A larger than expected group showed up, and Jesus was made much of!  I am excited to share some more stories and pictures with you later!

Continue to pray for the work of Jesus through Trinity City Church for the joy of this city!

Hope Spring Retreat

Big Sandy Camp

This weekend my family and I will be going on the Hope Spring Retreat at Big Sandy Camp in McGregor, Minnesota.  We are looking forward to this time of fellowship with our local supporting church.  It is important  that connections are made at this retreat so that the kingdom of Jesus can be advanced in Saint Paul.  Please be  praying for us this weekend as those who support, pray for and join this plant grow!

In addition, co-planter Ryan Thom and his family are in Saint Paul this weekend in order to look for places to rent.  Please be praying for them as they prepare to move from Chicago to Saint Paul this summer.

I had a great time at the National New Church Conference in Orlando, and thank all of you for your prayers.  It was exciting to be at a conference where over 3,000 church planters are getting ready to go out and spread the glory of Jesus!

 - Pastor Bryan

Community Meeting and Campus Speaking

On Thursday, I will be going to two meetings on the campus of Macalester.  The first is the Annual Neighborhood Gathering for Macalester-Groveland Community Council. Attending this meeting will be a blessing to me since I live and am planting a church in this community.

The second meeting will be with Macalester Christian Fellowship, which is the campus ministry of InterVarsity.  Both myself, and Brad Kindall, will be giving a talk on church planting within this community.  Be praying for this ministry on Macalester’s campus.  I have spoken to a couple of the leaders of this group, and I am encouraged by the work Jesus is doing through this ministry.

Finally, be praying for me as I network with each group, and that Jesus would be made much of as a result.

- Pastor Bryan

Preaching at Sanctuary in Woodbury

Be praying for me this week as I prepare to preach at Sanctuary in Woodbury.  The sermon text is Acts 5.30-33.

The connection I have with this church is through the Brad Kindall, who is the pastor of this site of Crossroads Church.  Brad is in the process of planting a Evangelical Covenant Church in Saint Paul, which will be called The Gallery Covenant Church.  Be praying for this plant, and our partnership, as both this plant and The Gallery continue to show the glory of Jesus in Saint Paul.

- Pastor Bryan