Greetings Siblings in Christ,

Happy New Year! We enter 2025 with anticipation of what’s to come. What are you looking forward to? What life changes are you anticipating? More time with your family? Moving to a new home? A “bucket list” vacation? I’m looking forward to an ocean cruise through the UK: England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and finally landing in Norway, the home of my ancestors. One big bucket list check-off!

The new year holds potential for transformation in our personal and church lives such as health improvements, spiritual growth, education, and planning for the future. Transitions are on the horizon at First Lutheran Church of Crystal (FLCOC) as well as with the Wildfire congregations we accompany, as they accompany us. We are looking to the future together, trusting that God has a plan for our collaboration.

One new opportunity I’m excited about in 2025 is my role as the Rostered Leader Liaison with the Wildfire Planning Group. This group is comprised of two lay members from each of the eight Wildfire congregations: Cross of Glory, Elim, Faith Lilac Way, First of Crystal, Holy Nativity, House of Hope, St James, and Valley of Peace. Representatives serving FLCOC are Dean Funk, Council President, and Justin Zoss, Vice President.

Together, these congregations are the ELCA presence in the Robbinsdale School District between Highway 169 and Brooklyn Boulevard to the west and east. The southern and northern boundaries are I-394 and I-694 respectively. We are eight vital faith communities walking alongside one another for over ten years. Now the Holy Spirit is nudging us to explore new possibilities with hope-filled purpose.

On December 12, 2024, I met with the Wildfire Planning Group at House of Hope for our initial grounding time. In addition to liaising with the rostered leaders my role is to accompany and provide guidance to the group, holding the purpose in focus. The team members will serve as congregational liaisons grounded in discovering God’s preferred future for our congregations individually and together. They will be transparent communicators and apply their gifts and skills to the work in ways that bring them joy.

Revelation 21:1-6 was our dwelling scripture for the grounding meeting, which includes, ”See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell among them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them…And the one who was seated on the throne said, ’See, I am making all things new.”

Wildfire includes many individuals within the eight congregations, and each congregation has its own culture. We’re aware of a variety of gifts among us, but many more that have yet to be opened. As we deepen our relationships, what resources and opportunities will present themselves? God knows, and the Holy Spirit will aid us in our discovery. Don’t we all enjoy opening presents?

In the past, the Wildfire Collaborative has combined efforts on Confirmation programming, Vacation Bible School (VBS), youth and adult mission/service trips, special worship services and musical offerings, as well as a shared Parish Nurse, shared seminary intern, and a shared Youth Director. As each congregation has changed, our needs and possibilities are also changing. Our work is to intentionally follow the path God rolls out before us.

A Prayer of Good Courage

Oh God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Your Sister-in-Christ

Deacon Kirsten Kessel