Dear Partners:
“Having a great time! Wish you were here!” How many times have you received postcards from some exotic place while you were languishing in your normal routine? Now tell the truth: How many times have you written those same words while you were relaxing on some beach or enjoying some exciting new place to some bloke whom you knew was just plodding along at home as usual?
Well, this is my turn to write them to you. In March we had our quadrennial review for campus ministry. It was a very good review of affirmation with some helpful and interesting suggestions for the future. I wish you were here when those words of affirmation were spoken. I wish you were here for those words, because it is to you those words are directed. WE are doing a good job with our ministry. That especially means YOU are doing well. Just over a year ago we merged our ministries into one ministry: following Christ as a community together. This affirmation says we are on our way. Thank you so much for your part!!
I also wish you had been here when ELCA Deployed Director for Campus Ministry asked the 20+ students assembled for dinner, “Why do you come back here?” The sum of their answer was because of YOU. Because of the welcome they receive here. Because we have old and young alike gathered around Christ’s table. Because we have a choir. Because they can serve in worship and/or Sunday School. Because of good food and good friendship with all ages. Because of YOU! Our goal in the merging of our ministry was to move from a community where students were welcome to a community where students were a part. It would seem we are on our way to doing this.
These words also come as challenge. Such ministry is never finished. Ours is constantly a work in progress. Following Christ means always being open to where we are led. And this Christ always leads us into new places. Thank you for your willingness to continue following and doing the work of ministry.
It was a very good review. I wish you had been here. Above all I am glad you are here in this place called University Lutheran Church/Lutheran Campus Ministry!! I’m also very glad that I’m here! Thank you for your partnership!!
Gratefully,
Gary N. McCluskey
Pastor