Have you ever heard of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairview, NJ? For more than a century Trinity stood as a faithful witness to Christ’s presence in its community. The church building, which was constructed in 1900 and long known at 295 Hudson Place, served generations of worshipers, families and neighbors. Two years ago before Holy Week, my wife Lisa and I, toured the empty structure. We admired the beautiful stained-glass windows, the oak pews and the prominent pipes of the organ. The emptiness brought a deep sadness to my heart as I imagined the life and activity that once filled this sacred space. It was a Good Friday moment for me, but recent developments indicate that an Easter moment is arriving in the life of Trinity Church. This resurrection transformation is arriving because the remaining leaders at Trinity, realizing that its season of active ministry in that location had come to an end, made the courageous and grace‑filled decision to entrust its property to the New Jersey Synod. It was a faithful move that is ensuring that even in closure, the ministry of the dedicated disciples of Jesus in this place will continue to bear fruit in the wider church.

Through the sale of Trinity’s property, the New Jersey Synod has established a debt‑retirement fund that will strengthen congregations across New Jersey for years to come. The Synod has committed to providing $2 for every $1 a congregation designates toward retiring long‑term debt. Trinity’s legacy will be helping other Lutheran congregations in the New Jersey Synod to redirect resources from mortgage payments toward mission, outreach and the proclamation of the gospel. Trinity’s ministry, once rooted in Fairview, will now be blossoming across the Garden State in ways that local leaders may never have imagined.

Here at Prince of Peace, we know the joy that comes when the burden of debt is removed from the back of a congregation. Some may still remember the celebration in the 1980s when our original mortgage was burned. It represented a moment of freedom, gratitude and renewed purpose. Now in our current time as we faithfully work to retire our current mortgage and the SBA loan from the coronavirus pandemic, Trinity’s legacy offers us a hopeful path forward. Their gift is opening the door to a future where Prince of Peace may once again gather around a burning mortgage, giving thanks for God’s faithfulness and stepping boldly into continued ministry for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Please join me on June 7th as we gather after our Sunday worship to learn more about the details of this wonderful opportunity. The day promises to be a special moment in our ongoing mission as we envision a future with hope, celebrate our memories of our beloved sister in Christ, Doris Baumann and worship our loving Lord Jesus in spirit and truth. Thanks be to God for the countless ways that divine love is continuing to take root among us now!