Tales from Trinity

By Jim Bornzin

TALES FROM TRINITY is a Lutheran patchwork quilt. Pastor Paul Walkers family and church members are stitched together by a God who is always at work behind the scenes. Liz Sterling, church treasurer, is also at work behind the scenes, seeking a way to discredit Paul and have him removed as pastor. Accused of embezzling church funds, Paul searches for help to prove his innocence.

Mike Greenwood shares his personal journal of two significant losses during his high school years. His best friend, Brian, is found dead in the church. Mikes girlfriend dumps him in favor of the high-school quarterback, and then wonders how her life became such a mess. Meanwhile the pastor searches for Reiner Holtz, whose conspiracy theories have put him on the brink of insanity. In the midst of laughter and tears Gods grace is pulling together a faith community of healing, hope, and joy.

If the tragedy and terror in Jims first novel TERROR AT TRINITY made you uncomfortable, then TALES FROM TRINITY will be a fun, easy read, reminding some of Garrison Keillors Lake Wobegon, or Jan Karons Mitford series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475965988

Jim Bornzin

Jim Bornzin is a retired Lutheran pastor, an author and artist, married and living in Silverton, Oregon. During fifty years of ordained ministry, he has served six congregations in Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Jim has also served as a hospital chaplain in Silverton, Oregon and Spokane, Washington, and as a volunteer police chaplain in Coos Bay, Oregon. He has worked with numerous community agencies, both as a volunteer and board member. These include: Habitat for Humanity, Helpline Information and Referral, and Temporary Help in Emergency House. Jim’s love of detail has found expression in scissor-cutting (scherenschnitte), oil painting, cabinet work, photography, and creative writing, including three novels, short stories, and a collection of poetic sermons. Please visit: jimbornzin.com

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Part 1

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1

Fred Wilson arrived at the church on a hot, sunny, Saturday afternoon in July, fifteen minutes before the meeting was to begin. Since the congregation was between pastors, he was tempted to park in the space marked PASTOR, but his conscience wouldn’t let him. He loved Trinity Lutheran’s old brick building, its cross and steeple, though it seemed to him the cross was leaning slightly; or maybe it was just the angle at which he viewed it from the parking lot. Fred jiggled the key in the old church door and it finally opened. From the landing, he headed down to the church basement.

As chairman of the Call Committee, he felt responsible for every detail of the call process. He had learned years ago that Lutheran pastors are called, not hired, as in the business world, indicating that, in an important way, God is involved.

Fred knew that the search for a new pastor would have a profound impact on the church’s future. The committee had been elected by the congregation and was chosen to represent various groups within the church: three women, three men, one retired member, one high-school youth, etc. Fred was a dentist by profession, well-respected in town and well-loved by many in the congregation. His thick, wavy hair had turned pre-maturely gray, making him appear somewhat older than his forty-six years. Bright blue eyes and a warm, radiant smile invited trust; and Fred had proven trustworthy to everyone who knew him. In past years he had served several terms on the congregation council, one term as the president.

The basement fellowship hall of the old church had very small windows and was rather dark. At least it was cooler in the basement than it was outside. Fred was glad he wasn’t wearing a tie and coat. Informal attire was acceptable in this heat. He turned on the overhead fluorescent lights, began arranging the tables in a U, and placed folding chairs around the tables. Six chairs were for members of the committee and two chairs at the head table for the pastor and his wife. Louise Downing had promised to bring refreshments and serve coffee. Fred was hopeful that Pastor Paul Walker, their second candidate, would be a perfect match for Trinity.

Two weeks ago, the committee had met with Pastor Ryan Armbruster, a business-like clergyman in his early fifties. Ryan had interviewed well, seemed confident, though not overly enthusiastic about their church in an older part of Weston, Indiana. He was currently serving as the Associate Pastor of a large suburban church near Indianapolis. Rick Rousch, the banker on the Call Committee, had taken a liking to Ryan. Fred supposed it was because of Ryan’s attention to details, church organization, and the finances of the congregation. Liz Sterling, a realtor, also seemed impressed with Ryan. But as Fred pondered the reaction of the other committee members, he felt they were less enthusiastic.

Fred Schmidt, one of Trinity’s retired members and a faithful usher, came down the basement steps into the fellowship hall. Fred wore a sport shirt and jeans, sported a handle-bar mustache, and had a knack for putting people at ease. Hey, Fred! he hollered.

Hey, yourself, Fred! the chairman responded. How are you today?

Mighty fine! Schmidt replied. Maybe we should play Dr. Seuss! I’ll be Fred One and you can be Fred Two!

The chairman chuckled, No way! I’m the chairman. I should be Fred One! You’re Fred Two!

By the time Fred Schmidt reached the bottom of the steps, the three women on the committee came through the parking lot door together. They had met outside and agreed to help carry things downstairs. Louise was carrying two large carafes of coffee that she had just finished brewing at home. Liz, the real estate agent, and Traci Malsberger, a high-school student and cheerleader at Weston High, were carrying trays of brownies and cookies still warm from the oven.

Hi! Mr. Wilson! Hi! Mr. Schmidt! Traci greeted the older men as she placed the brownies on the table. Liz set down the tray of cookies, straightened her skirt, and took her seat. The smell of fresh baked brownies wafted through the room.

A few minutes later Rick Rousch arrived and took his seat next to Traci. Rick was dressed for the meeting in his suit and tie, which he was accustomed to wearing at the bank no matter what the weather. Glancing at his Armani titanium watch, he noted to himself that he was punctual as usual, and it was time for the meeting to start. Did everyone read the pastoral profile for the new candidate? he asked, not wanting to waste any precious time with small talk. Members began fumbling with their notebooks and folders with profiles and notes. The guy’s only been ordained for six years, Rick continued.

Why don’t we begin with a prayer? Fred Wilson suggested, just slightly annoyed that Rick was in such a hurry to begin. Heavenly Father, we ask your blessing on our interview today. Be with us and with our next candidate as we become acquainted with him and his wife. Grant Pastor Paul and Cheri a safe trip from Wisconsin, and may your Holy Spirit guide us in our conversation and search for a new pastor. Amen.

Fred continued, Louise, I want to thank you for providing the coffee and refreshments today. I hope you’ve all had time to review the pastoral profile for Paul Walker who should be arriving in about thirty minutes. Let’s take a few minutes to look over the profile and discuss any questions you may have before the interview. I felt our meeting with Pastor Ryan went well a couple of weeks ago, so I hope you’ll be prepared with your interview questions again this week. Remember to keep the questions open-ended, so the candidate can reply with more than just a yes or no.

A lively discussion followed based on the information provided by Pastor Walker. Rick pointed out the fact that Paul was quite a bit younger than Ryan Armbruster, and that Paul had been pastor at only one church. Liz Sterling said quite frankly she was more impressed with Pastor Ryan’s profile than Paul Walker’s.

Suddenly a voice was heard from up the stairs. Hello! Anyone here? It was the candidate, Pastor Paul Walker.

Yes! Hello! We’re down here in the fellowship hall! Fred hollered back.

Paul and his wife, Cheri, came down the stairs and began shaking hands with members of the call committee. Paul was neatly attired in khakis and a light blue long-sleeve shirt. Cheri was in slacks and a summer blouse, light pink with white flowers and a ruffled front. Both seemed energetic considering the long drive from Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Cheri’s smile lit up the room, and her dimples were the feature Paul had first fallen in love with many years ago.

Fred Wilson invited Paul and Cheri to sit at the head table, introduced the members of the committee, and then welcomed Paul and Cheri to Trinity. A series of lively questions and answers followed. Paul talked enthusiastically about his ministry in Twin Lakes; and Cheri spoke about their two sons, Chip and Randy. Paul asked committee members to describe their church’s neighborhood and the mission of the congregation. Soon it was time for a break. After refreshments, Cheri was given a tour of Weston by Mrs. Rousch and Mrs. Wilson, the wives of the committee members. The committee resumed its discussion with Paul who seemed eager to serve an inner-city congregation.

That evening, Paul and Cheri were invited to spend the night in the home of Stan and Beth Malsberger, whose daughter Traci, was on the committee. Beth prepared a delicious home-cooked dinner of baked ham, mashed potatoes and peas. Stan was an electrical contractor and chairman of the Building and Property Committee, and it was evident he knew every nook and cranny of the building. It’s an old church, but we love it! Built in 1948, right after the war, she requires a lot of maintenance, but I don’t mind. Kind of enjoy it actually. Traci eventually tired of the grown-ups’ conversation and went upstairs to her bedroom.

On Sunday morning, Cheri and Paul sat near the front of the church with the Malsbergers. The Call Committee had asked Paul to preach the sermon. A well-attended social hour followed worship. The Walkers enjoyed meeting everyone, and they were delighted with the wonderful reception they received. Sunday afternoon they drove home to Wisconsin, talking excitedly for five hours straight about the interview and the possibility of living in Weston, Indiana, about seventy miles south of Chicago.

* * *

A week later, the call committee met after worship to discuss the two candidates. Traci, bubbling with teenage excitement, could hardly contain herself. I really like Pastor Paul. He’s younger than Pastor Ryan, and he’ll relate better to the youth in our church. His wife Cheri is really nice too! She even helped my mom do the dishes after dinner!

Fred Schmidt responded next. He may be young, but I think he related well to us retired folks also. Everyone I’ve talked to since last Sunday seems really excited about the Walkers.

Rick decided it was time to put in a word for Ryan Armbruster. I think this church needs a pastor with more experience. We’re a small congregation; and we need someone who’s good at administration as well as preaching and youth work. If we consider all the aspects of pastoral leadership, I think our choice will have to be Pastor Ryan.

Pastor Ryan certainly has more experience, but I think a young pastor will help draw more young people to our church, Louise Downing responded. Our former pastor, had a lot of experience too, and our older members loved him, but we need to start bringing in young families.

I agree that our older members loved Pastor Bjornstad, commented Fred Schmidt, but he was rather old-fashioned, and he certainly didn’t generate enthusiasm. I liked Pastor Walker’s energy and openness and sense of humor. I think he would be a great match for us right now.

How about you, Liz? Fred Wilson asked. You’ve been quiet so far.

Liz was furious inside but smiled politely. Oh, I’m willing to go along with the rest of the committee. Whatever the rest of you think would be best.

Liz Sterling could hardly believe what was happening! She was still upset that she hadn’t been chosen as chair of this committee. She was the principal broker for Weston Realty, with over a million dollars in sales the past five years, and the president of the Association of Northern Indiana Realtors. These naïve dreamers had chosen Fred Wilson as their chairman, and now they were all a-twitter over the young pastor from Wisconsin! Rick Rousch had made it clearly evident why Pastor Armbruster was the superior candidate. It appeared, however, that the choice of Trinity’s pastor, and perhaps the future of Trinity, was in the hands of an excitable teenager, a housewife, and an old retired guy. She could hardly wait to hear what Fred Wilson’s opinion would be.

How about you, Mr. Chairman? Liz smiled and stared at Fred.

Fred paused and looked around at the other members. Four were smiling; only Rick was not. I think we’ve been blessed with two very well-qualified candidates. Each of them is a good pastor. I think we need to look at the issue of ‘fit.’ Which candidate’s qualifications best fit our mission here in Weston, and the needs of our members, and the needs of this community? What I observed at the Sunday receptions after worship, the way each candidate interacted with our members, leads me to believe that Pastor Paul Walker would be a better fit for Trinity.

Fred waited again for any response. Rick spoke once more. I hear what you’re saying; and there may be some merit to it. I know my preference for Pastor Ryan is based on my personal feelings about him and my respect for his experience and his priorities. However, I don’t know if the rest of you picked up on this, but I felt Ryan himself wasn’t too excited about coming here… . So maybe Paul Walker would work out better. I’m willing to recommend him if that’s how the rest of you feel.

Liz was still seething, and still smiling. The wishy-washy banker had ‘caved.’"

Are you ready then, to vote on a candidate? chairman Wilson asked the committee.

I move that we recommend Pastor Paul Walker to the council and the congregation, to be the next pastor here at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fred Schmidt declared.

All in favor, say Aye, Fred Wilson replied.

Aye, they all responded.

Then it’s unanimous, Fred concluded. "We’ll make our recommendation to the council, and they’ll prepare a Letter of Call to Pastor Walker for the congregational meeting two weeks from tomorrow. If I remember correctly, the call requires a two-thirds vote of the congregation. I’ll call the council president, Bill Trogdon, tonight. He told me he was anxious to hear our decision."

Do you anticipate any problems from the council or the congregational meeting? Rick asked.

The congregation council will receive our recommendation on Monday night. I don’t expect any problems there. I’m sure they have the salary figures, health insurance, pension contribution, and benefits prepared to add to the Letter of Call. Based on what we saw from the congregation members, I can’t imagine they’ll do anything but support our recommendation.

I’m excited! Traci added. I can’t wait to tell my friends. Do you think Pastor Walker will accept the call? she asked.

I certainly hope so, Fred replied.

2

Cheri and Paul were excited about the call to Weston. Paul drafted an enthusiastic letter of acceptance and read it to Cheri. Let’s get it in the mail, she responded. Neither of them had ever lived in Indiana, and they would actually be a little closer to Paul’s parents who were living in Des Moines. The first thing they would have to do is find a house. After announcing to their congregation in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, that Paul had accepted a new call to Trinity in Weston, they put their house on the market and began looking for a new home in Weston.

It was a warm August morning when they dropped the boys off at a friend’s and drove to Indiana. They had arranged to meet Liz Sterling at her Weston Realty office at two o’clock that afternoon. Since Liz was a realtor and had served on the call committee, it seemed only natural to ask if she would help them with their house hunting. Liz was well-prepared when they arrived, and they spent the next several hours driving around town looking at homes. At five o’clock she took them back to their motel and reminded them that all expenses would be reimbursed by Trinity. See you bright and early in the morning! she said as they climbed out of her car. She still had four more listings she wanted them to see.

Their room was clean and cool; the air-conditioner hummed noisily. Paul flopped on the king-size bed. That was an interesting afternoon! Paul sighed. Why don’t you clean up first? I’ll take a shower when you’re done.

Oh yeah, this is gonna feel good! Cheri replied as she headed for the bathroom. After a shower and change of clothes, Paul and Cheri walked to the restaurant next to the motel for dinner.

What did you think of the homes we saw today? Cheri asked as they opened the menus.

A couple of them were real ‘fixer-uppers’ as they say. But there were two newer homes that I thought had possibilities, Paul reflected as he browsed the menu.

I really liked that second house, Cheri said, the one with the swing set in the back yard. The boys would love that!

Yeah, I liked that one too. I liked the three bedrooms. One could be a study/office for either or both of us, Paul replied.

And… it was only five blocks from the elementary school, Cheri added.

After placing their order, Paul looked at Cheri and decided to ask a question about something that had been bothering him. So… what did you think of Liz?

Cheri thought for a moment, wondering why Paul was asking, I thought she was very helpful and very professional. Why?

Did you notice that whenever I asked her a question about a house, or a certain feature, she looked away from me and gave me a curt reply? Maybe I’m just imagining it, but I felt like I was being talked down to or scolded.

Really? To be honest, no, I hadn’t noticed. Are you sure you aren’t just being paranoid?

Well, I suppose I could be. But something about her makes me uncomfortable.

"Oh, Paul, you are so sensitive; and you just want everyone to like you. But… I’ll tell you what.

Tomorrow, I’ll watch when she talks to you and see if maybe… just maybe… you’re right."

Thanks, honey. It’s probably nothing to worry about.

Or maybe… Cheri leaned forward and whispered, She’s out to GET YOU! They both burst into laughter as the waitress came with their dinner.

Back in her office Liz Sterling was reflecting on the tour with the Walkers. She had to admit Cheri seemed nice enough, but Paul… ? As they walked through the homes, Liz noticed that Paul seemed anxious, and at times, very critical of what he saw. She noticed that Paul picked at his nails and sometimes tore them off at the tip of his finger. It reminded her of the interview at which she actually saw him biting his fingernail. What a disgusting habit! How could this man have been called as our pastor? Well, one more day should do it. They seemed really excited about the three bedroom bungalow. At least I’ll get a commission out of all this.

A few weeks later papers were signed and the deal was closed. Much to Paul and Cheri’s relief, their house in Twin Lakes also sold quickly. In late September the moving van loaded their belongings and the Walkers began a new adventure in Weston, Indiana.

The problems of an inner city church in an older neighborhood would test his faith and challenge his pastoral abilities. Within a month Paul fell in love with the old structure of Trinity Lutheran with its brick walls, stained glass windows, and tall steeple. Members told him that in years past, there was a light in the cross on top of the steeple which could be seen from all over Weston. The bell in the bell tower had been cast in Holland and was rung by