Look at the picture accompanying this article. What happens is you take the leg labeled “Bethany” away? The stool ceases to function, doesn’t it? The Goodridge Area Lutheran Parish works and witnesses in this place with three unique congregations. Each has its own history and character. Each has its own ways of gathering in worship and praise. Each has its own ideas about how to move into the future God is creating. Yet Bethany, Ekelund and Faith work together to support the Parish and one another.
The three legged stool is a wonder. It doesn’t rock on an uneven surface the way a four legged stools sometimes can. By design is a powerhouse of strength. Each side takes the weight of the seat that it might function the way it was designed to.
Years ago the members of Bethany, Ekelund and Faith made a decision to work together and the Goodridge Parish was founded and a Parish Council was formed. The Parish was entrusted to tend to the Pastoral needs of the congregations. It oversees Confirmation instruction and pastoral care. It supports the Parish Office where the secretary manages records, prepares mailings like this newsletter, and makes sure we have communion bread and wine.
The formation of the Parish was both practical and financial. Why have three secretaries when one can serve all in a timely and efficient manner? With respect to pastoral services and the costs associated with calling a pastor, could a congregation in the Goodridge area call a pastor to serve only one? One circuit rinding preacher made sense and continues to be the model we use.
Recognizing the work we do together, the Goodridge Parish celebrates with joint Sunday services about 4-5 times a years. These gatherings are a way for us to come together to support the whole Parish. These days are important for all of us because when we are tempted to only consider worship “in our own church” and dismiss to larger gatherings of the faithful, we fail to recognize the call we have to the larger church, not only the Goodridge Parish but to the world.
If one leg falls, the whole collapses. We get to celebrate one another and the unique characteristics of the congregations of the Parish. We get to share in a ministry that is unique. I encourage you to consider ways that you can love, support, and care for all the congregations of the Goodridge Parish. We are truly stronger together.
Peace, Pastor Kristin
Comentários