SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA
  • Home
  • Preschool
    • Site
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Contact

Visitation Pastor Farewell

4/9/2020

0 Comments

 
​In these days of increased physical isolation, we, the body of Christ, step into new opportunities to be Christ’s hands, heart, feet and voice.  For some of us, social connection has increased through phone calls, social media and letter-writing.  For others, prayer and meditation time have lengthened and expanded to include people throughout the world who are in this with us.  A group of you are making masks; others are tending to your neighbors.  For some, the physical isolation is mostly a burden; for others, new gifts with new routines are welcomed.  For those who are spending more time than usual with pets and/or family members; for those with increased financial strain, stress can reach new levels.  We are not always our best selves in times such as these.
To all of us, the resurrected Christ breathes peace to us as he did to his first followers isolated from the world, hiding in fear, overcome with despair (John 20).  Rather than condemning them for their denial of him, their lack of faith, their loss of hope, Jesus said it again:  Peace be with you ­– until it got through their thick skulls and seeped into their hearts. We are Easter people now, who dare to hope in the midst of great uncertainty, who dare to speak, act, love, and connect knowing the final word from God is a resounding YES to life even when – especially when – we don’t know how long life will be turned upside down. 
While we worship from a safe distance, know there are some among us who are ready to hear your laments and connect with you.  Women and men from this community serve as Commissioned Visitors.  They have moved through training grounded in God’s word.  They are ready to hold safe space with you by phone when you desire a friend in Christ (and, later, in person, when COVID-19 precautions are no longer needed).
It has been my great joy to worship among you, preach from time to time, visit some of you in your homes and during hospital stays, and to work closely with the Commissioned Visitors in their formation.
My time in the role of visitation pastor has ended, and surely our paths will cross again.
I offer great thanks to Pastor Dave who welcomed me and my gifts, to the interview committee, to the Commissioned Visitors (past and present), to the amazing staff, and to you, sisters and brothers in Christ. I was warmly welcomed into the Shepherd of the Valley community from the first day, and I treasure this chapter as a great gift.
 
Resurrection Hope to you.
 
Kari Sansgaard
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017

    Categories

    All
    Children's Message
    Events
    Newsletters
    Pastor Dave
    Sermons

Office Hours
Mon-Thu 9:00-1:00, Fri 9:00-12:00
​3100 S Five Mile, Boise, Idaho 83709
Phone: (208) 362-1112
​
Sign up for our newsletter
  • Home
  • Preschool
    • Site
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Contact