Marge Blenker: It’s Complicated

I came to Trinity because my daughter, Amber, asked me to join her and my 14-year-old grandson, Rowan, at church one Sunday. Rowan was attending confirmation classes as well as Sunday services, in an attempt to learn about Jesus and the work of the church. In spite of growing up in an ELCA minister’s home, I had not been to church in quite a while. I tried to demonstrate Christian values but didn’t feel that a building was required. I agreed to go in support of Rowan.

I liked the service a lot. The music was especially appealing and familiar. Pastor Erik’s sermon was outstanding in its reference to the scriptures and its relevance to Christian life today. It was a lot like my dad’s sermons. The children’s sermon was very on point and entertaining. The people were welcoming. I stood up to leave church feeling uplifted and happy. In the narthex, we were greeted by Carl Johnson. While talking, we found out that he is a retired Lutheran minister. When Amber told him that my father was a Lutheran minister too, Pastor Carl asked me his name. Then we learned that Pastor Carl and my father, Pastor E.J. Blenker, had worked together in the 1960’s when Pastor Carl was starting out and I was just a teenager. Donna Johnson knew my mother. We talked about our connections until we left, still wanting to know more.

I was hooked. I continued to attend worship with Amber and Rowan, who was enjoying the confirmation classes and social events of that group. In church, we learned about the community outreach to which Trinity members were contributing. The food pantry volunteers met frequently. Anti-ICE demonstrations were well attended. There were weekly dinners.

As I was growing up, my parents gave regularly to the church. They gave so generously that they were once audited by the IRS because the agent didn’t believe my parents could give so much on a minister’s salary. My mother showed him the checks. 

I grew up knowing that the church has costs. Music for anthems, Sunday School materials, church dinners, community outreach, and supporting world communities that need our help. Committees, like the Congregational Life committee I joined at Trinity, have costs. We need to print the bulletins so that visitors can follow the service more easily.  I had a career in business. Turning on the lights has a cost.

I joined the church in June of 2025, shortly after Rowan was baptized as an adult member of Trinity by Pastor Erik. Both Sundays were meaningful events for our family as we were joined formally in our spiritual journey. I began to pledge online on a regular basis. Amber uses the offering plate. We give to the church because we benefit from the Christian action of the church in so many ways.

My hope for Trinity is that new members keep coming.  Members will contribute not just with offering, but also with their time so that community outreach efforts will flourish. Children will observe the congregation’s Christian example so they learn and practice Christian values and behaviors.