So, as I reported earlier, as I near a congregational vote, I sent out a one page summary to all the members of the congregation. The original idea was to print that resume in the bulletin for the two weeks prior to the vote. That seemed a little too basic to me. Instead, I asked to create something new. I wanted to showcase another side of me and my love for writing devotions and other such things. The idea is to continue to expand their experience of me. Here’s what I wrote for the front of the insert. A slightly modified version of my resume appeared on the back. What do you think?
A Note from the Candidate:
Did you ever have a time in your life when going to church just felt weird? When I returned to church after being away for a long time, the whole experience just felt strange. I would slide into service late, find an open pew or chair in the back, and keep my eye on my neighbors, waiting for cues to stand up, sit down, and sing. The flow of the service, from song to word, offering to announcements, bread to prayer, was something that wasn’t a habit for me. I knew I needed to be here but I needed to relearn what it was like to worship, pray, listen, and be where Jesus is present and proclaimed. I needed to be taught, embodying the words of Psalm 25: “Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.” Sunday mornings became a way for me to not only learn how the church worships but also how to embed God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in my life. Songs on Sunday became the tunes I hummed while commuting to work. The bread we ate together became the foundation for the brunch I shared with friends after service. The prayers we prayed became the prayers for loved ones, friends, family, and strangers that I carried with me throughout the week. Sunday morning showed me ways to breathe, eat, and live in the Lord all day long.
I’m grateful and looking forward to being with you as we see how the Holy Spirit is moving through _______ Lutheran Church. If I am called to be your pastor, I can’t wait to be taught by you, to learn your stories, struggles, and how Jesus has made his presence known in your life. With the Spirit’s help, I’ll teach, preach, lead, and engage with you what it means to be Lutheran Christians in __________ and Northern New Jersey. We’ll have fun being Christ’s community together and seeing what God is calling us to do and to be!
I invite you to bring your questions, thoughts, and comments during the congregational meeting and vote after worship on the September 28. Turn the page over to see a snippet of my own story as we engage with the next stage of ________ Lutheran Church’s story. I thank God for bringing us this far and can’t wait to see to see what the Spirit has in store next.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Marc