Dear Brothers, Sisters and friends of Immanuel,
On June 19th, Pr. Amy Fallon, Campus Pastor at Northern Illinois University, was your supply preacher, as I had a prior commitment. Unless something unusual happens, I do not hear from supply pastors as far as what may have transpired while they were here. But this time I did – and I want to share it with you – not because it was ‘unusual’, but because it was just plain awesome….
“I wanted to let you know that I had a fabulous time with the people of Immanuel yesterday. Sam was a delight to work with. He was on the look out for me, figured out that I was the car parked way across the lot in the shade and came out to my car to greet me. Talk about hospitality!
I visit a lot of congregations in the Synod and Diocese so I see a good cross-section of congregations. I see a lot of older, sad congregations where people are constantly lamenting what is lost. I did not see that at Immanuel. People were engaged and enthusiastic, happy to see one another and happy to see me. Sure, the congregation is on the older side, and they wish they had more families, but they did not seem caught up in remembering the past.
I know the congregation is in a search process and that can be grueling and make a congregation doubt itself. But the energy and enthusiasm I saw yesterday is a huge asset in their favor. I hope that they stress that in their parish description and are able to show it to potential candidates.
Thanks for inviting me to visit with Immanuel.”
As a congregation, you all have come a long way – you are a positive, vibrant, faithful, assembly of people. While the past is always important, you have not let negative events define you.
There is always more work to do – and there is much more to be done at Immanuel – but you are truly walking in the light – not the darkness…
Have a great summer – and I’ll see you in worship….
Peace,
Pr. Vicki