Some of you may not know this, but I grew up in a family full of ministers. My father, my grandfather on my mom's side, my uncle and cousin on my dad's side are all Lutheran pastors. Needless to say, church life has been an integral part of my upbringing. Like Rebecca said in her message Tuesday, being a family member of the pastor can be difficult at times, but also very rewarding. I remember fondly all my church parents growing up leading me by example and not letting me get away with too many shenanigans! That family experience here at Second is what has kept me here since college. It’s hard to believe that I have been here since around 2002ish, but just joined last year! I feel that I have been a part of the family the whole time though. Especially in the choir family here.
Music and nature is how I personally commune with God. Specifically choral music. There is just something special about a group coming together to make something greater than the sum of its parts. I find the same awe when I get to take time to explore the beauty of nature around our historic city. I have been blessed with many great musical opportunities in my life. I have sung in choirs with various symphony orchestras and am a founding member of our local professional choir, the Taylor Festival Choir. Music is not my entire life though. I spent 13 years working in special education and before that many years working outside of education with people with various disabilities. I also love to exercise, cook (I have a big green egg that I love to make everything from cake to brisket in), and have a slight addiction to the xbox!
I love that our "Second Family" slogan is not just words on paper. It is truly exemplified by everyone here, welcoming all regardless of where they are on their own personal journey of faith, and also orientation or ethnicity. While we are not perfect, we do strive to follow the accepting and loving example of Christ. Not only do we have an amazing church family, but an incredible historic sacred building to worship in. Doing God’s work is not easy. It requires sacrifice in all aspects of life. Time, talents, and finance. As a former schoolteacher I can't help but grade myself as I write this reflection. I give myself an B for sharing my time, and A for talents, but I must admit I find myself failing when it comes to tithing. I am going to endeavor to fix that. I truly believe that for all churches to succeed in our mission of sharing the good news of Christ, they must be supported in all ways by all members to the best of their abilities. I encourage us all to reflect on how great or not so great we are doing in that mission and to recommit ourselves to continuing to do all of God's work that makes life at Second so special!
-Lee
