We wrapped up our recording sessions last week with special guest, Pastor Glenn Berg-Moberg.

I was a brand-spanking new pastor in 1993 when Glenn was touring the country, with the Clerical Aires, an all-clergy band. Glenn has written and recorded dozens of songs for worship and praise. The Clerical Aires played at synod and national youth gatherings, Bible camps and in concert (other band members included Rich Larson, Rusty Wills, Dave Drewes, and Bill Mains).

So, here I was – a young pastor with a busload of kids from Minnesota, packed into the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, with thousands of youth from around the country. It was the ’94 National Youth Gathering, under the theme 2BAlive!  And we’re singing this song together in worship entitled: One Spirit, binding us all together, and how “in God’s family we all belong.” I circled the song in my bulletin, stuffed it into my backpack and we were off to the Atlanta Underground.  But that same Spirit had stowed away in my backpack through this simple song.  18 years later I still can’t shake it.  I came back to it at campfires and youth events, and occasionally in worship.  Was Glenn ever surprised when I contacted him a few months ago, about recording his song!  And now it’s on the album, reminding us all:

There is nobody just like you
Do what you do best and I will too
This world is big and deep and broad
There’s more than one way to serve God

Though he didn’t know it, Glenn helped inspire a new generation of pastor-singer-songwriters (like me!). And it’s an honor to have him on this project!  Glenn is currently the senior pastor at Saint Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN.

Photo credits: Jim Denham Photography