When the Wilderness Rejoices

The Rev. Zach Croonquist
Written By The Rev. Zach Croonquist

The prophet Isaiah foretells of a time when all people will be drawn to the “mountain of the Lord” (understood as the place where the temple of Jerusalem once stood), to sit under his teaching, and discern judgement between nations at war and people in dispute. For centuries, the people looked longingly towards the day when the temple would be restored, God’s judgement would be delivered, and lasting peace would come. Paradoxically, the fulfillment of this would come when God moved from the mountain in Jerusalem to a humble manger in Bethlehem. Soon, the nations would learn that the judgement of God actually looks like reconciliation, healing, and life-giving mutuality between creation and its Creator.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

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The Rev. Zach Croonquist

Zach began his role as curate in June 2023. The main goal of a curacy is to work closely with and be mentored by our church’s deacons and priests to gain experience and training under seasoned clergy. Since his curacy started, Zach was ordained to the diaconate in November 2023 and then into the priesthood in October 2024.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Zach attended Gustavus Adolphus College, a small liberal arts college with a Swedish Lutheran heritage in St. Peter, MN. In June 2019, he graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Religion. After a gap year serving as a missionary volunteer in Belgrade, Serbia, Zach felt the Lord was clearly calling him to further theological education and a vocation in ordained ministry. In May 2023, he graduated from Duke Divinity School with an M.Div. and certificates in Anglican Studies and Worship.

In his free time, Zach enjoys drinking coffee (bonus points if it’s at a cool local coffee shop), craft beer (especially at breweries), hiking, bingeing Netflix shows, most any activity on or around water, and spending time with friends and family.

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Christ’s Upside Down Kingdom