WHAT’S MISSING

Dear Faithful people of Christ the King Lutheran Church,

You might think that I should be asking “who’s missing?” given the number of staff departures we’ve endured over the summer, culminating with Pastor Sergio Rodriguez’ acceptance of a call to serve Abiding Love Lutheran Church in Austin. But as we go forward into this new year of worshiping, learning, caring, and serving together, the question of what’s missing, what’s not being accomplished, what need is not being met is most important. Our answer to that question will help us determine the kind of additional staff we will need.

From my perspective, the essential ministries ─ worship (including presiding, preaching, and music); faith formation (for children, youth, and adults); “pastoral” care (offered by LEMs, Community of Hope chaplains, Deacon Ben and me); and church administration and communication ─ are all being served well by our current part-time staff of Herlinda Torres and Lena Zahlan, nursery attendants; Robert Walp, brass band director; and Martin Jones, associate organist; and full-time staff members are Santiago Callejas and Arturo Ortega, custodians; Ben Kerswell, cantor; Maribel Haro, director of communications; Cheryl Gaspard, executive administrator; Ben Remmert, deacon for children, youth, and family ministry; and me, serving as interim senior pastor.

If you agree, what’s missing? Please let the members of our congregation council and staff know. Your response, and your hopes and dreams for our congregation, will help our leaders address our immediate needs and begin to consider those which are long term.

There’s a biblical precedent for this. In Matthew 11, John the Baptist, imprisoned, sends his disciples to ask a “who” question:  3b‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’

Jesus responds with a “what” answer: 4b‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’

So, as over the next several weeks, I’m asking you to tell us what you see and what is missing. I promise, when guided by the Spirit, you say what’s missing, we will “take no offense;” and will seek to fill that need.

Peace and Joy –and Courage!

Amandus J. Derr

Interim Senior Pastor