You may recall seeing this picture in the last edition of the LOTI Link. It is a picture taken near the Minnesota State Capital on Memorial Day. Governor Walz and I were blessing and ringing for the first time a replica of the Liberty Bell that was presented to the State of Minnesota in the early 1950’s by the Paccard Bell Company. This is the very same bell foundry in France that produced our bell at the Lake of the Isles. This is the introduction that I offered…
In 1751, the city of Philadelphia commissioned bell to be cast on the 50th anniversary of the William Penn’s Charter of Privileges for the residents of his colony. Penn envisioned a colony that permitted religious freedom, the consent and participation of the governed, as well as other laws pertaining to property rights. A portion of the scripture from Leviticus was to be engraved
onto the bell.
The passage itself was written as the description of the year of jubilee when debts were to be forgiven, and indentured servants were to be set free. Fifty years later, the words on the bell, And proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof. The Liberty Bell, and its inscription, would be adopted as the symbol of the abolitionist movement across the northern states.
At the end of my blessing. Governor Walz pulled the rope on the clapper, and shouted out, Let freedom ring! It was a solemn, joyful and reflective moment.
Pastor Arden Haug began his ministry at Lake of the Isles in January 2013. His colorful and innovative use of music, liturgy and the history of the Lutheran Church has evolved over 25 years of ministry in Minnesota and in Europe. Pastor Haug’s doctoral studies in homiletics or the art of preaching are reflected in his personal, relevant and often humorous and inspiring sermons.
Diane joined the staff at LOTI in 2013. She oversees the Sunday School program and events/activities held throughout the year involving children and families. Diane comes with years of experience as a children’s ministry director, children’s music director and worship accompanist.
As choir director, Dawn is committed to providing members of the choir with rigorous musical preparation combined with spiritual understandings that allow them to present the songs of the Church as the treasure they are. She works closely with the Pastor and other staff members to build a bond among those serving in the choir that is sustained by the Holy Spirit and their love of the Lord.
Kenneth Vigne joined the Lake of the Isles staff on January of 2014. He believes that a church’s music must serve the Word, and brings a variety of musical offerings to explore that relationship. Kenneth is an experienced musician who employs both repertoire and improvisation to tie the elements of the service together.