Kathy and I were getting comfortable in our “empty nest” situation by February 2020. We had a good balance of going to work, attending church together, and going to choir practice and meetings at St. Luke’s. The disruption of COVID-19 suddenly had us working at home full-time and no longer going to the church building.
Keeping connected to the Kingdom of God in a new way started with the wonderful online services from St. Luke’s. Kathy and I participate by singing and praying together at home and feeling the grace of Christ coming through the screen from all the wonderful staff and members of our church!
Beyond that, I have been blessed with connections I have through Stephen Ministry and the Senior Pastor Call Committee at St. Luke’s. By meeting via the Zoom electronic meeting tool with the whole Stephen Ministry group, I have participated in learning opportunities, as well as a small group of Stephen Ministers where we confidentially share our experience of one-on-one care given by telephone.
The Call Committee has also met both in person (masks and social distancing) and via Zoom, which has been such a wonderful experience of learning where God is leading St. Luke’s and listening and growing together as a committee. Both of these wonderful groups have spiritually uplifted me through the sharing of faces and encouragement through hearing their voices. We share scripture and faith stories with each other that build each other up and help us to see our way through this tough time.
Kathy recently participated in the Women’s Ministry Zoom gathering and enjoyed the lively discussion and getting better acquainted. We have recorded parts of a song for online worship, thanks to Jeff Rohlwing who has been such a blessing with electronic media leadership!
The ability to stay connected to the wonderful people of St. Luke’s that make this congregation special has truly been a gift of the Spirit. We thank all of you for being our faith family and being a foundation ‘rock’ that keeps us supported!
Steve Luecke
