“Now, we send you, Laura. We encourage you to continue to receive and share God's gifts in Kentucky and the world, united with us in the body of Christ and the mission we share.”
Our celebrations for Pastor Laura last weekend were mingled with joy and heartbreak as we bid farewell to a central member of our ministry team. Many thanks for all the ways you surrounded her with love and encouragement over the last year of serving and learning with us. It is exciting to think about how her time with us will continue to shape her ministry for years to come and impact lives wherever she serves.
In the coming weeks, we’ll welcome Pastor Nicole Kiefer and embrace her for two years of formation among us. I’m already thinking about the beautiful ways that she will be molded by the Lord of Life community and how we’ll be transformed by her gifts and leadership.
As I think about these two student pastors, I am exceedingly grateful for the investment you make in our seminary interns. We are the living classroom where most of their book learning is put into practice and they begin to discover their voice as preacher, teacher, chaplain, worship leader, and presence of God in the community. Internship provides the most extensive opportunity for practical application of theological studies in a ministry context.
Often, when we think of investing, we think about committing money with the expectation of achieving a profit or material result. God’s economy operates in a different way. When we put money in the offering plate or give a gift online, we don’t expect a cash dividend or payout. Instead, we contribute to Lord of Life with the confidence that our dollars help fuel God’s mission as we seek to live, share, and celebrate the love of Jesus with all people.
Something else happens, too. When you share your talents, energy, finances, time, and prayers, it not only makes a difference in your own communal life now, but it is an investment in the future. Your gift creates a lasting legacy of grace and hope.
The apostle Paul speaks about how crucial this care for and investment in one another is in Romans 12:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.”
I am eager to see what this renewing mindset looks like among us. Where is God leading us? How are we being shaped for greater love and care for one another? How is the Spirit of God equipping us to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer? How will we strive to live in harmony with one another?
I pray that every moment in worship, learning, serving, and conversation will be a vibrant catalyst, not only for our own growth and edification, but also for Spirit-filled occasions that empower others in powerful and mighty ways.
Thank you again for the intentional ways you contribute to ministry at Lord of Life. Each one of your gifts make a difference. As our Southern Ohio Synod mission says, “We are better and stronger together: joining Jesus in the restoration of the world.”
In hope and expectation!
Pastor Lowell Michelson