home | contact

Messages from our Pastoral Residents | 2006-2008

They came into our lives in July 2006. Three young first-call pastors, with enthusiasm, teachable spirits, and openness to growing into a lifetime of pastoral ministry. As they prepared to say farewell and grow into their next pastoral calls, they shared their thoughts —

Elizabeth

Surprised by Joy | Pastor Elizabeth L. Hiller

So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. — Romans 12:5

Gracie Allen, the late comedian, once said, “I was so surprised when I was born I didn’t talk for a year and a half!”

These two years at St. Paul have indeed been full of surprise and have been a birth of sorts into congregational ministry. I came to Iowa from seminary, unsure of what to expect in the whole realm of being a pastor. Immediately, I was surprised by congregational life. First and foremost, this congregation was generous with grace and generous with its welcome. Friendly greetings, notes of encouragement, and invitations to watch or run the Bix showed this congregation’s commitment to growing young pastors. The grace and welcome of this place even more importantly showed and continues to show its faith in Jesus Christ who calls strangers together and makes them into one people, the church.

Part of what has made congregational life at St. Paul so exciting is the element of surprise. The blessing of Sharpie markers during the construction of the new sanctuary, confetti cannons celebrating the resurrection at Easter, and pastors in animal costumes during Vacation Bible Experience have expanded my pastoral imagination. Yet I’ve been most surprised and delighted by seeing the depth and variety of ways that people shape their lives around faith. As a confirmation leader, I’ve been awed again and again by 7th- and 8th-graders sharing kindness with each other even when it goes entirely against the grain of middle-school logic. The words of one young woman who quietly and strongly stands up for others and sets the tone for the other kids around her gives me hope that these kids are taking Jesus seriously. This young woman is also a model for me to persevere in sharing Jesus’ love in every situation.

One of the greatest gifts I’ve received from this place was also a surprise. I have been truly surprised again and again by God’s goodness that is so visible here. As one man stated at an All St. Paul Reads event during my first year here, God continually says, “Yes, I love and choose you.” Both my husband Tim and I are so thankful to have heard these words through this congregation these past two years. Thank you.

— Pastor Elizabeth L. Hiller

Lowell

What a Journey! | Pastor Lowell Michelson

The Boundary Waters at dawn.
The Charles Bridge in Prague at night.
New England in autumn.

Tera and I enjoy traveling. Even though we set out with a goal in mind, the thrill of the journey together is much more exciting than an arrival at a destination. Our travels have given us opportunities to see new views, learn about history and cultures, sample area foods, and share in meaningful conversations with other travelers.

What a journey, this time with you! We had no idea what a wild ride we were in for when we said “yes” to an adventure in ministry with St. Paul. Worship. Community. Learning. Conversation. Meals. Prayer. Each has been a wonderful part of our journey.

Travel can be exhilarating as well as exhausting. We make detailed travel plans, but then a flight is delayed, a hotel reservation is lost, or a whole state is flooded. Our careful planning is met by the unexpected. In this journey of faith together, you have taught me to have flexibility and shown a sense of adventure and joy no matter what life brings. Most importantly, we’ve been in it together, encouraging each other as we sought to respond faithfully to God’s leading.

A journey changes us. This bizarre series of hellos and goodbyes, comings and goings, reminds us where we come from and detours us into something bigger than our own little trip. Birth and death. Marriage and divorce. Baptism and commissioning. Sorrow and joy. Each changes us and invites us in the journey of humanity.

So now, at this time in our journey, it is time for me to wave goodbye. Thank you for all the ways you love God, this church and community, and each other. Your life and faith are a beacon of hope that shines to the Quad Cities and to the world.

The Michelsons will never be the same.

— Pastor Lowell Michelson

Lorin

Gratitude | Pastor Lorin Darst

If there is one thing a couple of years at St. Paul Lutheran Church can give you, it is a sense of gratitude. Of course, if you have spent even a couple of Sundays here, you know you can find much more than just that. Even so, gratitude is the first thing that comes to mind as I look at the work of God in my own life and in the life of this congregation.

I am particularly thankful for the many people who made this Pastoral Residency so important for me and Tiffany. That the people at the Lilly Endowment had the vision to develop such a network of programs is amazing. Also amazing is the way the people of St. Paul embraced the residency concept and brought it to life in this very place. Your support of the three of us with such zeal has been out of this world.

The first two years as a pastor have engrained in me a deep desire to continue learning throughout the rest of my life. Intentional times of reflection on life and ministry with Pastor Marty, Tammy Hermanson, and the other residents have provided a grounding point for such learning.

The bulk of taking in new knowledge, however, has come from spending time at the sides of many people in a daily sort of way. Learning in intentional ways, such as during Sunday morning Bible studies and Sunday evening confirmation gatherings, has been very important. But, I have also found that it is impossible not to gain something new by interacting with kids while wearing a crazy costume and hamming it up. The same goes for spending time with a couple getting ready to commit their lives to each other in faith. Or, by meeting new people while serving at the Salvation Army mealsite.

The end product is not necessarily what matters most when learning and serving together — though that is certainly important. Most enriching for the life of this world is the building of relationships with God and each other. Come to think of it, that must be why Jesus said loving God and loving neighbors are the most important things you can do to live a life that honors God. To do so brings joy not only into our own lives, but into the lives of other people.

Thank you, St. Paul Lutheran Church, for your partnership in life and ministry. May the Holy Spirit continue to enrich your lives and the lives of those you encounter.

— Pastor Lorin Darst

More on the Pastoral Residency Program>>

  ::