An agitated woman stepped into the front door of the church recently, and asked if there was a pastor or church leader who could bless her husband’s ashes. When I introduced myself, she said that her husband’s ashes were in her purse and just wanted to make sure that they were “blessed properly.” I said, “Absolutely,” and invited her to sit down in my office for some conversation, but she wasn’t interested in any small talk and requested that we go in the sanctuary and have me bless his ashes. So we moved to that space.
Before I could lead into any of the ritual and language frequently used for memorial services and funerals, she took charge of the moment and launched into the Lord’s Prayer – “Our Father, who art in heaven…” After our “Amen!” I said a prayer of thanks for her husband’s life and for the promises of God that hold us in this life and the next. With a handshake and word of thanks, she was gone.
I don’t know what brought her to Lord of Life or why she was drawn to this place for this ritual, but we are a beacon of peace and hope in the community. I say we, because even though you might not be on the property at a certain time, your life and prayers are poured into this space and sustain ministry and that doesn’t stop when you leave the church campus after worship on Sunday.
There’s a running joke that pastors only work one day a week and I like to say that “even on that day, people are asking me to keep it short!” We chuckle, but all know that ministry isn’t confined to a few hours on Sunday mornings.
I have the privilege of being part of this beautiful ministry for my life’s work, so I’m in the office many days and experience all kinds of folks who drop in. Not only do many of you pop by to say “Hello,” drop off food, or ask an office question, but there are people who don’t name this as their faith home who wander in for every imaginable reason and occasion.
Family strife has led them to the breaking point and they need to talk to someone. They are down to their last $5 and need to pay the rent by tomorrow or they’ll be evicted. A family member died suddenly and they are looking for a clergy person to lead a funeral. They say, “Mom used to be a Lutheran, back in the day.” They are 30 days clean and are curious about stepping back into faith, but wonder whether God – and the church – will welcome and accept them.
And it doesn't only happen on the Lord of Life campus. Last week, I visited one of our members who will not be able to join us for worship any longer because of physical limitations and I mentioned in a social media post that “you, the community of Lord of Life, and your prayers go with me.” An old Sunday School song reminds us that we’re all in this together:
I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus, all around the world!
Yes, we're the church together!
You know well that I am not the only one involved in pastoral care, offering guidance, praying for others, and “living, sharing, and celebrating” with others what God is doing. You are also the vibrant light of Christ, shining everywhere you go, which is why coworkers seek advice and confide in you, family members ask you to pray for them, and random strangers approach you and share their deepest struggles.
Do not be afraid. God is using you for God’s purpose. One day, one action, one prayer, one small act of kindness can change the trajectory of someone’s day or life.
Serving with you,
Pastor Lowell
Words and music by Donald S. Marsh and Richard K. Avery ©1972 Hope Publishing Company