Category Archives: ideas, thoughts and pictures
Bob and “A” stop for decaf coffee (I do not know why)
04-24-08_1049
Originally uploaded by Pastor Lake
Madie starts the day with her tongue leading the way
04-25-08_1926
Originally uploaded by Pastor Lake
A Letter to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Dear fellow sojourners,
Almost five years ago you opened your arms wide and called me into the ministry at Prince of Peace Lutheran church. It was a joyous and amazing moment to be ordained here with so much potential and so many possibilities before us. There was also the reality that a day would come when I would leave Prince of Peace. After carefully listening to God and prayerful conversation with you, I am writing to tell you that time is near. I know that for some this brings a sense of relief and for others a sense of unfairness, but in either case, it simply needs to be understood that the decision was ultimately mine to make. I leave here with a joyful heart for the ministry that we were able to accomplish together while mourning the relationships that will come to a close as I prepare to leave.
I know that over the past several months some of you have had a frustrating feeling of being left out of the loop. Unfortunately, this could not be helped as the council and I discerned what was the best course of action for the church and for the future ministry of our congregation. It was difficult and painful work, and the leaders of this church should be deeply respected for stating their opinions even if they were not always popular. In short, what transpired were conversations that addressed mistakes made on both sides and struggles created as a result of those mistakes. In many ways the bishop was correct in having me stand before you during my ordination when he said, “Church meet your imperfect pastor and pastor meet your imperfect church.” However, this is not the reason that I am choosing to seek another call. Instead, it is the reality that I have completed my ministry here at Prince of Peace and Fillmore county.
This news may invoke a strong response from many, but as your pastor I ask you to take seriously the words of Paul to the Hebrews starting at chapter 10, verse 19:
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we willfully persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
Frankly, I and the council have chosen the way of new life. We are seeking hope for the future by working hard to bring things to a healthy and promising end. Therefore, I would ask you as your pastor to please contribute to this atmosphere of hope, which includes supporting and working with the current leadership in this time of transition. Personally, I am thankful for the opportunity to have started here in Geneva, and I hope that as we close our time together that it will be one of both sadness and joy. All things die and become the dust from which it was created, but as the church of the resurrection, we should seek new things in the soil and anticipate new crops to be produced.
I have begun the call process. While I listen for where God is calling me to serve next, the church council has agreed to be in prayer and to support my family and me. We will be staying in the parsonage serving the church until such time as I take my next call. The hope of all of the leadership is that we will use this time to heal while demonstrating to the community that we are a church that knows how to forgive, love, and show God’s grace in both its actions and word.
God’s peace be with you,
Pastor Chris Lake
The baptism of Kolby Daniel Coon
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Originally uploaded by Pastor Lake
It is not every day the Assistant to the Bishop assists a pastor in a baptism but today was not a common day (just ask Kolby!). Thank you Connie Stover for some very fine work today. You can assist me any time you want!
The bride and her mother
04-19-08_1502
Originally uploaded by Pastor Lake
Madie (my 6 year old daughter) asked if they were both teenagers.
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