Bloom Where You’re Planted
Posted on Sep 03, 2020 by Heather Lewis
I’m a proud Army brat, which means I’ve moved A LOT. When my dad was a student, we moved every year, and when he became a company commander, we moved every 3 years. We moved to Germany when I was in 5th grade, and in that year I had 3 different teachers in 2 cities. I’ve had 13 different piano teachers.
And I loved it! It taught me to make friends quickly and keep them by sending Christmas cards. I don’t wait for opportunities to present themselves, but instead seek them out so I don’t miss them. I find diversity exciting, as I grew up with every economic status, surrounded by many races and cultures. I adapt to whatever situation I’m in, and typically choose to Pollyanna my way through life. But my mom says the key is to “bloom where you’re planted.”
Salem has produced many varied and lovely blooms in its 135 years. In Sunday’s service we gave a litany of thanksgiving for the many blessings we’ve received, as we look with excitement toward our future:
- For the 10 charter members who organized Salem Lutheran Church in 1885, and dedicated its first wood-frame sanctuary in 1888, complete with hitching posts, we thank you, Lord.
- For the dedicated congregation of farmers, who in 1922 rebuilt the sanctuary after a fire, bringing stones from their own fields, we thank you, Lord.
- For all of the Sunday school teachers, Vacation Bible School volunteers, Confirmation leaders, and all those who selflessly give their time to walk with and guide our children and youth in their faith journeys, we thank you, Lord.
- For all of the Council members and team leaders, and those with visions and dreams for our congregation, who have inspired us to serve our community, we thank you, Lord.
- For the 23 pastors who have answered their call to preach the gospel at Salem Lutheran Church, and in turn have encouraged us to follow our call to encounter God, grow in faith, and serve the world, we thank you, Lord.
- For the countless volunteers who have served faithfully each Sunday, leading with song, reading scripture, serving communion, and encouraging us to be an inviting and welcoming community of faith, we thank you, Lord.
Gracious God, as we celebrate our past and rejoice in our present, we also look forward with eager eyes to the future. We pray that You would continue to make Your love known among us. Give us a passion for mission. Help us to look beyond our walls to those who do not know You. Make this church a blessing to those around us, and inspire us to move forward with strength toward what lies ahead.
And all the people said, Amen!
In Christ's love,
Heather Lewis
Director of Music and Worship