11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
We are in uncertain times at Salem. A Pastor we have loved dearly and
prospered under has been called to the greater church to use her gifts for
the good of the entire Christian church.
Though we know we need to share her, our instinct is to want to hold on
and keep her here among us.
I am reminded of what happens when love stifles someone: a parent who
holds the reigns so tight on their child they never develop responsibility
or begin to act out in protest; a spouse who crushes a relationship when
there is no freedom or trust.
In college my Dad and I were partners in caring for my handicapped mother.
I couldn't imagine leaving her and commuted to NIU from home. Then one
day I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Austria for a year on
scholarship. A friend was going and when my mom heard about it she
encouraged me to apply as well. I could see the sacrifice this would be
for both my parents to let me go, but they did it out of love and what
was best for me….allowing me to spread my wings and grow. Their blessing
and godspeed helped me to step forward into the unknown and take another
step into who God made me to be, and I have always respected them for
their sacrifice.
Pastor Janet's call to the Mennonite Peace Center in Lombard came as a
surprise to me just as to the whole congregation. When I first heard it I
was shocked and immediately fearful of what was ahead and who would next
lead us, as well as so sad to be losing her as our pastor and my colleague
and friend. But soon experience and faith trumped my emotions and I knew
in my heart it was the right thing for her, and so for us. God is growing
her into even more of a gift for others, and we are privileged for having
been a part of that. And God will not and has not forsaken us. Our next
leader may not look or sound or act the same, but will be God's messenger
and servant among us to grow us, too.
The next few months may feel a little like we are Israelites wandering in
the wilderness. We will engage in the call process, working our way
through discerning priorities and looking at our strengths and weaknesses
as a congregation. We will need to be patient, learn from our interim
pastor, and trust that God's hand is at work.
I am a born planner. I love calendars and organizing. I feel best when I
can see the way ahead.
But I have also learned to put most things in pencil, for life can change
in an instant and new priorities emerge. As we move together into the
future, let's take time first to support Pastor Janet in her new calling
and shower her with love and appreciation for all she has done and who she
is. Then may God keep us calm and steadfast in prayer and mission as we
wait to see who will lead us next.
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church
Salem Reminders:
9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour this weekend will be hosted by the church
council; Pastor Janet and Council President Ken Reinhardt will share
content of the exit interview at this past Tuesday's council meeting.
RENEW Vacation Bible School will be held every morning next week from 9
a.m. to noon for children in Kindergarten through 4th grades. Please
remember all the leaders and participants in prayer and thank you for your
own gifts of time, talent, and supplies.
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