Pr. Craig Mueller
Greetings from Pastor Mueller
For many years Holy Trinity has been known as a place of welcome, first as a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation since the early 1990’s, and later drawing in young adults from the neighborhood as well as other urban Chicago folks seeking a spiritual home that is both rooted in tradition and in an honest conversation with the questions and issues of contemporary life.
It is a deep privilege to serve as pastor to this vibrant and exciting congregation. There is no place I would rather be! Since Lakeview is an ever-changing community it seems that our congregation has a different face and character every year. We are proud to have so many young adults in worship, the very age that supposedly is not in Church!
From an early age I have had a special interest in liturgy, and I value worship that is both traditional and creative, that both honors the mystery of God, as well as the presence of the sacred in human life. I treasure our rich catholic liturgical heritage, in which all our senses are involved in the experience of worship.
I also have a special passion for spirituality and its connections with everyday life. Through worship, preaching, classes and retreats Holy Trinity is a place that provides a spiritual home for both members and guests. At the same time we know that we are called to serve in the world as bearers of God's justice, peace and reconciliation.
Wherever you are in your spiritual life or comfort with organized religion you are welcome at Holy Trinity. Whether you are a lifelong Lutheran, a newcomer to Christianity, a skeptic or a spiritual seeker, there is a place for you among us.
Pastor Craig M. Mueller grew up in Longmont, Colorado and received a BA in vocal music education from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. For two years he served as Minister of Music and Education at Pilgrim Lutheran in Indianapolis. As a child Craig was drawn to the Church and the ministry so it was no surprise that he began studies at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1984. Craig’s internship year was spent at St James Lutheran in Kansas City and after being ordained with his brother in 1988 his first call was as associate pastor at Resurrection Lutheran in Chicago. His second call was as associate pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran in St. Paul, a congregation of more than 2,000. Pastor Mueller received the call to Holy Trinity in 1999.
With special interests in liturgy, preaching and spirituality, Pastor Mueller has both published materials and presented workshops in those areas. Two unique publications include an essay on dreams and spiritual direction and an extensive list of suggested hymns for Sundays and festivals in Indexes to Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Craig has chaired several worship committees for the Saint Paul Area Synod and several national conventions, and has served as ecumenical representative for the Metropolitan Chicago Synod.
While not at church Craig’s interests include playing the piano, listening to Bach, reading, running, yoga, and biking.
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