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Thanks for Your Thanks

Today’s blog is written by Pastor Jen.

Friends, this is a week overdue (where does the time go?) but I would be upset with myself if I let the opportunity entirely pass me by to say: thank you.

Last week in and after worship, you surrounded us pastors with deep appreciation, encouragement and care. While I know this effort was led by certain individuals (looking at you, Executive Board), it certainly felt like a full-church project throughout the course of that morning. Like everyone was in on it.

Your cards, and gifts, and flowers, and hugs; your kind words and even the goodie bag of leftover treats were all deeply felt and gratefully received.

I have friends and colleagues in ministry who complain that their church doesn’t see them, doesn’t recognize their work, doesn’t appreciate and validate their gifts or their ministry. And I know that is a painful thing, and lament that it is the experience of so many.

But I also have to be honest, and say: that’s not how I have ever felt here. Winnetka is a special place that way, something that my colleagues and I make no secret of: it is a place that cares well for its pastors. We know the alternative, in some cases we have experienced the alternative elsewhere, and so it is with a grateful heart that I continue to come and serve here each day.

This past Sunday, I was reflecting on a moment from very early in my time here at WCC, maybe my first or second week. I was staying with church members, waiting for my apartment lease to start, and after work one day shared this thought with them: “You know how you get to a new workplace, and get to know your colleagues, and figure out who’s filling what role, and what gap exists? What space there is left for you?

Well, the space here seems to be shaped exactly like me. Like the best thing I could do is just be myself.”

And one of those friends – he shall remain nameless – who was on my search committee, looked at me and said: “Duh.”

Then added: “If you try to be anyone else, I’m going to yell at you.”

It was a holy moment, and one I have thought of many times since. Because the truth is: he was right, and his statement has borne out in the last five years. You have let me be not just your pastor, but who I am as a person: utterly obsessed with my dog, in love with baking and reading and camping, a nerd and an introvert and a homebody. You have helped me grow and learn and also embraced me right where I am.

It’s a rare and special thing in a church, and so for all that and more, today I want to be sure to say:

Thank You.

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