Next week would have been my father’s 100th birthday. I started thinking about how he influenced my life. Like many men raised in the south during the depression, he had a strong sense of family responsibilities paired with a guiding faith and a commitment to the communities in which he lived and worked. He instilled those values in me. I can’t remember if I ever said “thank you” to him for the way I was raised, but I know that how I live now, following his examples, he would be proud.
The church was important to my father. He proudly gave his time, talent, and funds to support St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Blacksburg, Virginia and its many activities. This was where I was baptized, confirmed, and married - and where our first child was baptized. Growing up, I watched him give his weekly offering envelope to financially support the ongoing church missions and commit to the growth of the physical space. I can close my eyes and see him ushering on Sunday mornings, mowing the church lawn, counting offerings, leading church council, repairing the church parsonage, serving on search teams, and welcoming incoming pastors and their families. These are examples that I look to emulate in my commitment to Lord of Life.
As I look back on those memories, I see how others express their thoughts about fathers and ‘father figures’ in their lives. On Palm Sunday, Pastor Alec reflected on how when he was young he would attempt to emulate his father in various ways. As we traveled in the Holy Land, I saw the father-child relationships played out not only within our group (a father-son from LOL and also two families from Advent Lutheran that brought their children on the journey), but also in the daily lives of those living in Israel. Back here at home, I see the fathers at soccer games, encouraging their sons and daughters. I see them holding their small child and consoling them. I hear them proudly talking about the successes and achievements of their children. I watch them singing with their children during worship services and I see the patience as they teach their children.
Just like my father, all of us are called to serve in many different ways. As we move out of the COVID-19 worship and learning environment and begin the tasks of holding regular services, opening our facilities to various community and outreach organizations, and completing the planned community space, we have work to do. Look around, see what needs to be done, and find your way to contribute to the Lord of Life mission to Live, Share and Celebrate with All People God’s Love in Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your contributions to this community. We wouldn’t be the same without you and all that you have to offer. Your generosity changes lives and makes a difference now and in the future.
Yours in Christ,
Denise Krallman, Council President