Our Ambassadors went on vacation in August and split up. One subgroup of Ambassadors visited a church in Upstate New York. The Evangelical Lutheran Church at Hartwick Seminary reminded our ambassadors of Redeemer. The summer Sunday had 22 in worship, which was led by an Associate In Ministry. We visited for a good while with parishioners before worship began. What we learned was very refreshing.
Redeemer Ambassadors visit Hartwick Seminary in upstate New York.
There was no talk of disillusion or discouragement. All conversation was focussed on mission. Hartwick is small but they share with three churches in neighboring towns (which aren’t that close by Philadelphia standards!) Hartwick members spoke of the other churches with knowledge of and regard for their ministries.
Four churches share the same pastor, who does not visit every church every Sunday. In fact, Pastor Messner was not in attendance at our visit. The service was ably led by the AIM, a deacon, and an organist. Worship was delayed slightly as the organist arrived from playing for another service, but all was taken in stride as comes to people accustomed to sharing. The congregation was confident in their purpose and mission and seemed to feel no threat from their judicatory which apparently was working with them in ministry and mission. How refreshing!
Hartwick Lutherans spoke with knowledge and support of their neighbors in ministry many miles away. The congregations were planning a joint picnic in the near future.
In contrast, SEPA congregations seem to be only vaguely aware of what the churches within a mile or so are doing. They work in isolation, which we can see breeds distrust and fear. In SEPA churches, we sense disconnection with other Lutherans, including their judicatory. They speak timidly of their ministries, perhaps in fear that their efforts are being judged and any failure might become grounds for seizure.
We encourage SEPAsynod to build on positives in small communities, find ways to support them with the resources they have. Stop analyzing and dwelling on negatives. Every church has positives which deserve attention and support. It can be done!
