Everything is in motion for mission this week at Lord of Life.
One of our newest members has been trying to figure out how she wants to plug into ministry at Lord of Life. Standing with her in the gathering space after worship recently, she flipped through the Lifeline newsletter and said, “There’s just so much going on. How do I choose?” She’s reviewing her calendar, hoping to make room for a Bible study or serving opportunity as she eases into community here.
All week long, there has been a flurry of volunteers unloading, sorting, and pricing items as they come in for our annual rummage sale – our largest youth and mission fundraiser of the year. What a delight to see a variety of ages from different Sunday morning services interacting and connecting, while sifting through kitchen items, sporting goods, books and movies, furniture, toys, and a myriad of other treasures.
Everyone is adapting. Because rummage sale tables have claimed many of the common areas, preschool children have had to wind through the corridors to their classrooms in new ways. 12-step programs and Scout groups have been meeting in different spaces than usual. Our Wednesday morning Bible study met while encircled by wicker patio furniture, dressers, and bicycles. Shifts in our patterns can help us experience life differently.
Another exciting shift is happening! Following the earlier-than-expected departure of our seminary intern in August, I wondered how we would cover all the pastoral duties of our growing congregation. I am thrilled to announce that this Sunday, we’ll welcome Pastor Tracy Paschke-Johannes in worship, but she isn’t only here for a guest preaching spot. This former campus pastor at Wittenberg University in Springfield will be joining us on a part-time basis while she is in between ministry calls. During the coming months, Pastor Tracy will be filling her time with preaching and teaching at various churches, writing projects, and other creative endeavors.
We are excited that Pastor Tracy has agreed to be with us two Sundays a month, leading worship and teaching as part of Sunday morning learning. In addition, she will be helping lead Bible studies and take part in pastoral care in hospitals, rehab centers, and home visits. We’ll be using funds available from the seminary intern account to cover Pastor Tracy’s compensation.
Pastor Tracy preached at Lord of Life on Reformation Sunday in 2023, just as we were finishing up our Share the Light campaign and construction of The Point and additional spaces. She’ll be preaching again on Sunday, October 12 at all services.
In addition to her most recent time serving as campus pastor, Tracy has served as parish pastor, hospice chaplain, university professor, and more!
In his letter of encouragement to the followers of Jesus in Rome, the apostle Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God” (Romans 12:2 NRSVUE).
While violence and fear swirl around us, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to shape our hearts, minds, and lives to the patterns of Jesus, shifting our mindsets to a vibrant community seeking to love God and neighbor with our whole being. Thank you for being a powerful force of God’s presence. You are changing the world.
Come Lord Jesus,
Pastor Lowell Michelson