From Pastor Kristin

It’s Good to Finally Be with You.
It’s hard to believe that it was almost two months ago that I joined you for a morning of worship, conversation, and a congregational meeting. It feels like just yesterday that we rejoiced as you called me to be your new pastor! But now, I am so glad to have actually arrived at Holy Trinity to begin serving as your pastor and entering into ministry with you.

Since many of you only met me for a short time that Sunday morning in June, I thought it might be helpful to share a bit more about myself with you as we begin our ministry adventures together. I come to you after serving for two years in downtown Jersey City in a diverse, urban congregation that is currently celebrating 150 years of ministry. I spent much of my time in Jersey City walking the streets, forming relationships, and lifting up congregational gifts to be public witnesses of the gospel. After having spent just one week in Nutley, I am already looking forward to walking down Franklin Avenue, meeting our neighbors, and discerning with you what ministry might look like here in this place.

As you may have guessed, I am not a native East Coaster, but am originally from the Midwest. I grew up in both Minnesota and Iowa, and if you listen closely you might still hear a Minnesota accent. I may even utter an occasional “Uff-Da,” if you’re lucky. I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!), where, amongst other more serious things, I learned to dance the polka. Finally, my seminary education took place on the south-side of Chicago at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Though I spent much of my time in seminary in front of books and computers, it was also a time where I came to know and experience a God who is dynamic, creative, and in love with this world – including you and me!

I also come to you as someone who has served and lived in many different settings, not just with books and in classrooms. Prior to entering seminary, I served as Director of Youth Ministry at a large church in Madison, Wisconsin for about three years. And then during seminary, I spent one year on internship at the American Lutheran Congregation in Oslo, Norway. My heart still aches for the wonderful, stoic people of Oslo, as they recover from the atrocities that occurred there last weekend. Both of these experiences – serving in a diverse, foreign environment and working with sometimes strange and always interesting teenagers – have taught me the value and the challenge of honestly living out our faith even amidst the struggles and realities of daily life.

On a more personal note, I’m an avid knitter, gardener, and traveler. I also like to get out of doors, whether it’s in the city or out in nature, where I can explore new sights, sounds, and adventures. I play the viola and guitar, and have always wanted to learn to bang on the drums. I love all things chocolate, and will try just about any food you put in front of me (I will though politely decline to eat meat, since I am a vegetarian. But, I did eat fried termites on my recent trip to Ghana in West Africa!)

As I settle into life at Holy Trinity, I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and hearing your stories of faith and life. I know that our ministry together will be full of adventures, challenges, and growth as a lively community of faith united in God’s love. Please don’t hesitate to call (973-667-0256) or e-mail (pastor.htlcnutley@verizon.net) me or just stop by the office if you want to talk or grab a cup of coffee or tea. It’s so good to finally be with you here at Holy Trinity!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Kristin