By Sue Hamre, Office Manager

Thinking it would be safer than flying, Pastor Todd Hawkins drove from Boulder, Col. to the family lake home this year. So he needed a place to give his July 26 sermon.
 
His father, George Hawkins, is a member at LNL and Todd has memories of worshiping here when visiting him, and at the celebration of life for his late mother, Aletha. Pastor Todd thought it was a natural fit for him to record his sermon from our sanctuary – and we were happy to be able to safely accommodate his request.

Pastor Todd shared the video with his congregation, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Denver, with these words, "Grace and peace to you all! I hope your summer is going well. I write to you this week from Minnesota, where I'm 'quarantined' with my father at the lake. But, I'm excited to share a video message with you, recorded at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
 
“The videos recorded there serve as a reminder that we're part of the body of Christ that exists far beyond the walls of our own sanctuary. So, please watch the readings and sermon with gratitude to the larger body of Christ of which we are a valuable part.”
 
You can watch Pastor Todd’s sermon here if you’re interested.
 
I appreciate Pastor Todd’s words about not being limited by sanctuary walls. We have had so few people in our LNL sanctuary and building since mid-March, but I know we’re still connected. We’re still part of the church. And I continue to treasure the relationships I have with many of our members, even though we’re physically apart.
 
As I write this, I’m fortunate to be enjoying a week at my own northern ‘lake place.’ In a way, this place is my own kind of sanctuary. All it takes is the sight of one silvery blue dragonfly landing on a sunny rock nearby to give me a sense of peace. Twittering on its tiny legs, its iridescent wings seem almost to wink knowingly at me in the breeze. Pastor Todd is right, I suddenly am reminded. We are all a part of something much larger than we are individually.

By Pastor Chris Hagen
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On June 28th the members of Lake Nokomis called the Rev. Sara Spohr as their next senior pastor. Amid the challenges of quarantine and social unrest and election year rancor, this development marks a new era of hope and energized ministry. Pastor Spohr will strive to serve to the best of her gifts and passion.
 
However, each member of this church also has a part in seeing that this ministry succeeds. It is not only up to Pastor Sara, each LNL member has a role in building this church. I offer some realistic actions that members can practice for the best possible future of this church.

• Be patient. Pastor Sara will need time to get to know members personally, to build relationships, to understand the uniqueness of this congregation, to hear where God is leading this church. The first months will be overwhelming for her as she learns names, catches up on church issues and plans programs, along with all of the regular pastoral duties.
• Take up the slack. Pastor Sara will be juggling a lot of urgent tasks at the start. As she gets up to speed, members can help by taking on some of the load.
• Give the benefit of doubt. Pastor Sara will be learning the ways of this congregation and will make mistakes along the way. Strive to understand where she is coming from. Assume she has best intentions at heart. Differences of opinion are learning opportunities and provide moments to build relationships.
• Take initiative in getting to know each other. Pastor Sara wants to know each of you personally. It is a gracious gesture to take the lead in personally welcoming her and building a relationship with her.
• Be curious. She will bring fresh ideas. A pastor engaging members and the community will generate fresh ideas. Explore with God and with each other the possibilities of new ways.
• Support the rest of the staff. The pastor and church staff are a team. The morale and health of the team supports the pastor in her service to the congregation. Supporting and caring for staff allows the pastor to function at her best.
• Pray thanks for this pastor. God brought Pastor Sara as gift to this congregation. Gratitude changes everything, especially when you may not see things the same way. Thanking God for this person sets the whole conversation and relationship in a different place, in a holy place.
• Care for the pastor. Check in on how she is faring. It makes a world of difference in knowing that members care. The role of pastor can be lonely. Receiving card and notes reminds a pastor that she has your support.
• Choose to love. This will be easy, at least at first. Your pastor is called out of God’s love for this church and God’s love for each person. The Call Committee recommended this person because she is easy to love. In times of change, times of disagreement, times of growth, the strongest foundation for success is love.