By S.A.M. Devlyn Brooks
Greetings Faith Lutheran Family! … Today, I offer up a smorgasbord of things as I know this will be the last pastor’s article until September when we will be rocking and rolling with a fresh new start to the programming year!
A new appreciation for patience
As I sit to write this article for the newsletter, my Luther Seminary career has ticked down to about seven weeks remaining. After more than five years of work, all I have standing between me and my official graduation is seven measly weeks! In some ways, it feels like I could blink and they will pass by. And then in some moments when I realize all that I still have to accomplish in those seven weeks, I wonder if it will ever get done!
I was trying to find a metaphor to describe the state that I am in. And I think the best analogy I came up with was being a kid and waiting those final few agonizing days before Christmas to get over with. Much like when I was young, and sat transfixed staring at that Christmas tree which towered over those presents, I feel like I am now transfixed on the calendar, anticipating Aug. 31, which is the last day of this summer semester.
It’s taken a lot of patience to get to this point, after thousands of hours of lectures, reading, homework, paper writing, Bible study and everything else that has gone into obtaining my master’s of divinity degree, it’s now down to just a few more weeks of one class. But, I’ll tell you what, the patience that is required to get through these next seven weeks seems exponentially more than what it took to get through the previous five years.
It’s certainly teaching me a new appreciation for patience. But I would certainly appreciate a prayer or two to help me get through the final backstretch. Because it’s all about just running on faith now!
Summer Wednesday services
It wasn’t without trepidation that I walked into the Sanctuary to prepare for worship about 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16. I generally try to be in the Sanctuary about 15 minutes before service starts to tidy up any loose ends with those helping with service, and to just get my own bearings.
But on this night when I walked in it seemed strangely quiet. Just 15 minutes before service and there was only the low hum of a few voices talking. As I looked up at the clock affixed on the west wall of the Sanctuary behind the parishioners heads, I thought, “Oh boy, is this going to work?” … And then I got busy preparing for the service to come.
Lo and behold, just at 6:30 p.m. struck and Mike Nelson finished playing his prelude, there were still a few stragglers hustling in the double doors to find a seat. And by my quick count, we had more than 30 people who turned out for our first summer Wednesday night worship service! There was a buzz all around, and you could feel the Holy Spirit’s electricity crackling through the air.
And what a joyful night that turned out to be! The members in attendance were ecstatic to see each other, and we had a fun-filled hour of fellowship afterwards, complete with tasty hors d'oeuvres served up by our Men’s Group.
The following week, we had more than 50 people in attendance, bolstered by the fact that we had the triple baptism of the Kratzer boys that night.
All in all, it seems the summer Wednesday night services have been working and providing an impactful worship experience for our congregation. What a joy to see! … Thank you to all of the folks who continue to help make it happen by participating in the service or helping to host the fellowship time after the services. Thank you for your dedication!
Also, thank you to the Faith Lutheran Church Council for being willing to take a look at our situation and take a risk about how we continue to adapt to our realities so that we can remain a vibrant congregation!
And finally, I offer up a hearty thank you to the entire congregation for being willing to consider the unconventional and give it a chance to play out. We’ve talked many times about the fact that it is going to take an innovative spirit to continue to keep our church vibrant for the future. And you all are offering up your support! Thank you from the bottom of my pastor’s heart!
Adult education for next year
Finally, as I wrap up this article for the joint July/August newsletter, I am reaching out to seek opinions. It’s been the FLC Council’s and my goal for some time now to reboot an adult education component to coincide with our youth education and confirmation classes. With my graduation becoming an actuality, and with the start of a new programming year coming upon us, I am beginning to think of what that adult education component might look like.
So I am soliciting opinions from the congregation. What would you like to see in an adult education component? Would you participate? Under what circumstances would you participate? And what type of format would be fulfilling for you?
My planning is still in the early stages. I’d like to hear from anyone who’s interested in participating in an adult education program, and especially from those who might be interested but never did so previously for whatever reason. My ears are open! Let’s talk!
I hope you all have a blessed summer, as I do believe we’ve all earned a summer filled with joy and relaxation! … Until September, blessings to you all!
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