A Day in the Mission of First
by First’s Interim Pastor, Michael Rehak
Following the Epiphany Star, we are called to carry the light of Christ into the World! My immersion in your mission on this day started with the preschool and pre-kindergarten students who grace our congregation with their joyful voices. Mission starts with bringing the little ones to Jesus. I then greeted the quilters whose mission it is to bring warmth of a blanket, the warmth of love, to people around the world.
Through First and the interfaith community Christ’s Light brightly shines in Eau Claire. Robbie Joern introduced me to Sojourner House (homeless shelter for single men and women), and then we crossed the street to Beacon House – a shelter where I observed small children playing together, a couple of dads pouring over want ads, and moms supporting each other. I learned the average age of the homeless is a person whose years of life can be counted on the fingers of one hand – the average age! The little ones are the most vulnerable and they have a right to life, to love.
We then drove by B-Side (I had been there Sunday afternoon for their worship and Bible study) and went out to Feed My People Food Bank. On the “tour” I saw the pallet container full of children’s sack lunches assembled on Saturday by members of FLC, scanned the timeline noting FLC was integral in the formation of the food bank 30 years ago, and I recognized FLC names whose generous donations have supported it. Then, off to The Community Table where Robbie tickled the keys of the piano as members of the community gathered for a common meal and volunteers from two local congregations put the final touches on the barbecued chicken.
I am greatly encouraged by this congregation’s history of service and mission in this community and the world. May First Lutheran be renewed in the light of Christ’s love that we might continue to carry the Light of Christ to those in need.
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Ruth