125th Anniversary Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Nelson Sermon Collection | Seite 2

INTRODUCTION
It is difficult to conclude exactly how this project came about. Yet, when we think back, it began
with a conversation we had with Pastor Mary Pechauer and Pastor Ben Cieslik shortly after they
were called as co-lead pastors at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities. The four of us were
brainstorming about ways to honor our beloved Chris Nelson as well as aid the process of
grieving for us as individuals and the entire congregation as a community of faith – as a family.
A plan wasn’t immediately clear cut in any sense of the expression. But, over time, we landed
on this:
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It is most appropriate to plant a tree in memory of Chris. Often this symbol is a living
reminder of what has passed away. We recall, “ashes to ashes and dust to dust.” But we
also reminisce on one of Chris’ favorite Christmas carols, text assumed to be by Richard
Hutchins (1761)
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.
Chris loved Pentecost. He was ordained on Pentecost in 1981 and he was installed as
Senior Pastor at Bethlehem on Pentecost Sunday, May 22, 1994. Since Chris was
determined NOT to be a pastor as a youth, it only seems fitting that the Holy Spirit was
very much at work throughout his life as well as in our planning.
That brought us to focus on Sunday, June 9, 2019 – Pentecost! It is also apropos as we
celebrate the 125th anniversary of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Pastor Chris joined the
staff during the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Bethlehem. There’s that Holy
Spirit again.
A statistic that we can’t exactly calculate is how many sermons Chris wrote and delivered in his
lifetime. It is conceivable that he preached at least 1,000 sermons for Sunday services over the
years. Then there were weddings and funerals and special occasions, as well as services
throughout his travels to India, Japan, Poland, Norway or Iceland. Insert private events and
family affairs and the count is incomprehensible.
Some of the sermons included in this collection were requested by members once the project
was announced. Two in particular are from seminary and are presented as an exact replica of
what he created and submitted for an assignment. The handwritten notes by his seminary
professor(s) are most precious. There are examples of very personal stories as well as very
public events. Some of the sermons included were chosen as they add a poignancy toward the
end of his life as well as fruit for our souls.
Christopher Nelson Sermons
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2019