Elim Extra for Sunday September 29, 2024

Pastor’s Reflection: Comings and Goings

Thank you for the lovely farewell potluck for my family and welcome reception for our new members this past Sunday. During this time of comings and goings, I am reminded of the story of Jacob’s ladder in the Bible, when Jacob saw the angels “ascending and descending.” The two-way flow between heaven and earth reminds us that “the circle will be unbroken,” in the words of the old gospel hymn, even as we endure the temporary separations that life offers.

Speaking of separation, I want to explain to you the separation ethics that I will uphold as a departing minister, in order to support the ministry of your next pastor. I will not be providing pastoral care (baptisms, weddings, funerals, hospital visits) to Elim members after September 29th. I will refrain from conversations about Elim, nor discuss religion with Elim members, for a period of one year. I am organizing the resources I have from my ministry to leave behind for you in the office. If there are any items that come up that you need from me, please pass your requests through Peggy.

Thank you for accepting these healthy boundaries, as you step into Elim’s next era and receive all that it has to offer. Please know that even as I focus on my new ministry setting, you will be in my hearts. My memories of Elim will always remind me of two lines from 1 Kings chapter 8 – “Your servants walk before you with all their hearts” (v. 23) and “This house is for all the peoples of the earth” (v. 43). You welcomed me with open hearts when I wasn’t a Lutheran, and you have made me one. Thank you for welcoming this foreigner!

My last Sunday at Elim happens to fall on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, which is a lesser feast on the Lutheran church calendar. The Lutheran hymn “In Sacred Manner” by Susan Palo Cherwien urges, “In sacred manner may we live among the wise and loving ones/Sit humbly, as at sages’ feet, by four-legged, finned, and feathered ones.” I agree with her that “the animals will teach,” so I am very excited that people will be bringing their dogs (and cat pictures!) into church for a Blessing of the Animals at 12:15 p.m. this Sunday. Thanks be to God for our furred angels!

with love, Pr. Chelsea