Fifty Days of Gratitude: Day 48

Some of you know that when I left my job/call at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and we moved back to the PNW, I didn't have another call waiting. It was an uncharacteristic move on my part and, I must note, not easy. I learned a lot about myself in that six month time span, some of which I need to continue to sit with and work with.

What you may not know is that when we moved I was in a conversation about a potential call that was, well....complicated. It involved multiple congregations from different denominations and that was scary for them. But it sounded exactly right for my gifts and skills. We thought it was what would happen next. Until that partnership idea just couldn't take root and the idea was gone.

In the meantime, our Assistant to the Bishop introduced me to the idea of serving as Senior Pastor at a large congregation in the state's capital. I had heard of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia, WA, but knew little about them. Call processes are not quick, nor should they be. That time offered me the chance to re-imagine what God might be calling me into. To ponder anew what the almighty can do, as the hymn says.

And so it is that seven months ago I landed among the saints of God at Gloria Dei. What a joyous time this has been. They are faithful followers of Jesus. They are eager to be and do more. We are embarking on some exciting ventures in the coming days and months. They have a joyous spirit and love spending time with one another. They show great care for one another. Given pie or cake, and of course, a cup of coffee, they will spend a looooong stretch of time after worship sitting around tables talking. This is a place filled with children and families and wise elders. And music. Oh, the music. It's an embarrassment of riches. An incredible organ and organist, a worship band, an orchestra, handbells, an amazing choir, multiple children's choirs, many soloists and musicians. In one place.

It's been seven months. We are still getting to know one another, but oh, how I am grateful for this congregation. For the joy of the Lord that burbles up. For the ways they serve others. For the willingness to imagine that God is calling us to more.

One of the call committee members always reminds me, "You told us you could do hard things." The interesting thing is, he never elaborates. Some day I'll ask him what specifically he has in mind. But for now, I take his refrain as affirmation. It's been a time of deep learning and listening and as we do these new things, it will not always be easy. But I have faith that this remarkable community of Jesus followers already knows that and is ready just the same.