Friday 11/5/2021 I had the opportunity to attend the funeral of the spouse of one of our NT-NL Synod, ELCA retired pastors. Bill and Karen Wrieden came to our synod in retirement to be closer to family (grandchildren). They joined Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Worth when I was pastor there but I rarely saw them as Bill served Grace Lutheran Church – Fort Worth, TX as interim.
After serving that interim Bill and Karen were regulars in bible study and worship at Trinity. Karen’s health deteriorated in recent years and we are grateful she has now claimed the promises of her baptism. While we will miss her dearly we are grateful for the promises of God made real for her in her death.
A personal connection is that Karen grew up on a farm near Clarkfield, MN where my maternal grandfather served as pastor of the Augustana Lutheran Church. It was a joy to talk with some of her family from Clarkfield, including a younger sibling who had my grandmother as a 2nd grade teacher. I also was grateful to be able to assist in setting up a small cookie and coffee reception in the Trinity courtyard so that family and friends gathered could have time together outdoors as we continue to observe safe gathering protocols, particularly when individuals gather from around the country. We give thanks for the gift of baptism and the promises to which we can entrust our sister Karen. #NTNL #TLCFW #InMissionTogether