Psalm 80:19
Stop.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Picture God’s face shining on you in whatever way is meaningful to you. Take a few moments to thank God for God’s love and joy in your presence.
Listen.
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved. – Psalm 80:19
Reflect.
Last week, Deacon Krista Lind joined us in worship. She preached on Psalm 80 and talked about the ways this psalm and its themes of restoration felt meaningful to her lately. Her words were especially meaningful knowing that she will be our St. Paul Area Synod representative in the call process we will soon go through to find a new pastor after Pastor Brandon leaves on July 31.
By now, I hope you have received and read the letter sent out on Friday the 17th. If you haven’t already, please wait to read the rest of this devotion until you’ve read that letter. In it, you will read that Pastor Steve is also leaving Easter Lutheran Church to take a position with Luther Seminary. He will be leaving on the same day as Pastor Brandon. This means that Deacon Lind will now guide us through two call processes through the year ahead.
This can feel overwhelming. I know it has for me. I am confident not only in the synod’s support and the strength of the congregation, but in the goodness of God and the guidance of the Spirit that will support us as we say meaningful goodbyes to two of our beloved pastors and prepare our hearts to receive two new ones.
All week, these devotions have helped us think about change. Today, we think again about restoration. Restoration doesn’t necessarily mean bringing things to what they once were, but rather, bringing us to a new place where God’s love can continue to be known among us. God builds something new, recentered in God’s mission in the world, strengthened again to serve in Christ’s name. These new changes at Easter will do the same. We will come through a time of transition, restored and renewed so that we might grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ in new ways.
Pray.
God, bless Pastors Steve and Brandon in their new calls. I praise you for their ministry here at Easter. Call our faith community together in this time of change, refocus us on your work among us, and restore us in ways we couldn’t imagine to serve to your glory. Amen.
Carry On.
While there will be a party on July 31 to celebrate Pastors Brandon and Steve, you are welcome to share with them what their ministries have meant to you. Send them a card and share one thing that’s meant the most to you about their time at Easter.