About Lutheran Grilled Cheese

Why Lutheran Grilled Cheese?

First why Lutheran?

I have been a Lutheran my whole life. I was baptized at a Lutheran Church in Danville, PA. I grew up going to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rutland, Vermont. I attended Camp Calumet — a Lutheran Camp and I even went to Luther College in Decorah, IA.

There was a time in college when I challenged my Lutheran beliefs. I did not know if I continued in the Lutheran Church because I was comfortable or because it was safe and familiar. I decided (through much prayer and discernment) that I do love Lutheran theology and the Lutheran church (even though it does have its flaws)

Second Why Grilled Cheese?

Who doesn’t love grilled cheese? When I think of comfort food I think of something that has cheese in it. I think of something that is simple to make and something that most anyone can love. When I think of comfort food I think of Grilled Cheese.

Grilled Cheese also connects me to Camp Calumet.

Calumet is a Lutheran camp in Freedom, NH. It is a big part of my life and my call to ministry.

One of the traditions at Calumet is to have Grilled Cheese, tomato soup and tator tots on Monday’s for Lunch. Let’s just say that is one things EVERYONE looks forward too. There have been many Grilled Cheese eating contests over the years and I hope they continue.

Why is Calumet so special?

It feels like only yesterday that my parents were taking me to the pool when I was eight years old and they asked if I would like to go to sleepover camp in New Hampshire. They said it was a place called Calumet. I cannot remember thinking that this was going to be a big deal. I said yes and my brother said yes and that was the start of what I would like to think is a beautiful relationship.

I knew after my first year that I wanted to go back again and again. I brought friends alone with me to have them experience the same thing I did. They thought it was fun but they did not feel the same way I did.

I remember sitting on the platform of Boys Tent three with my counselor. We each had our guitars and we were jamming away. It was more him playing and me in awe of what he could do but we still had a good time (at least I did).

Another fond memory as a camper was playing double dare during a wide game. All I really remember is that it was fun and it made me want to come back.

Calumet has been one of the places where I have never felt like I needed to be someone or act a certain way.

Over the years I have worked on the summer staff (10 summers) and the year round staff (three years).

As an Official seminary graduate the first place that I preached was at Calumet. It was a very special time for me because in many ways that is where I first felt the call to go into ordained ministry.