Being a parent is weird. 

Being a parent who happens to also be a seminarian called to ministry in Word and Service makes things even weirder. 

Yesterday, Grant, our 6-year-old, said, "I wonder why blonde hair exists." What ensued was a discussion on genetics and God making us all different. Grant justified this as good because "it would be boring if we all looked alike and couldn't tell each other apart." 

As we continued to make our way home from the park, we met two young women walking down the sidewalk, one helping the other. As we got closer, it was apparent the woman being helped had physical differences. She stopped me as I walked by, and I smiled and said my name was Sarah. She began signing my name to the other young woman, and I said, "Yes! You just signed my name!" Grant was fascinated. The encounter was brief, and as we continued on our ways, I could tell his head was spinning. I spoke up and said, "Sometimes it can be uncomfortable meeting people who are different than us." He lit up because I was able to name what he was feeling. Then came the question I knew was brewing but was also hoping I could avoid: "Why did God make her not be able to talk and her face look funny?" I tried to circle back to genetics and it wasn't as easy as asking why blonde hair exists, but the truth is ... I don't have that answer. My personal faith and understanding tells me that life happens and God doesn't make things happen—they just do because we are human. And then he made a connection we all have made at some point: "I wish Jesus was around to heal her like he did the man who came through the roof." Thank you, Ms. Laurie, for that Sunday School connection! 

We all wish it were so easy for Jesus to be here and tell us to pick up our mats and walk. I wonder, how can we reach out to those who need us and help them walk or speak or see this week? 

On a separate note—a special thank you to all of our wonderful Sunday school teachers as our Sunday School ends for another year this Sunday, May 22. Thank you for answering those hard questions, too, and helping our children ask them. 

God's peace be with you this week and always, 
Sarah, Director of Youth Ministries

Sunday, May 22

• 9am traditional worship (see bulletin) (also streamed on YouTube)
• 11am contemporary worship (see bulletin)

Readings

COVID Safety

LMC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of those who attend worship. Given the rise in COVID cases and the contagiousness of current COVID strains, we encourage anyone who attends worship to consider using N95 or KN95 masks. We will provide masks for those who do not have them. The city of Chicago COVID advisory level is currently yellow. When the city moves the advisory level back to green, we will invite everyone to be mask optional in the sanctuary. 

Summer Schedule: Combined 10am Service

Christopher Drummond to Intern at LMC

LMC organist Christopher Drummond is a candidate to be a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA, which means he is on the road to becoming an ordained pastor in the Lutheran church. We’re delighted to share that the Chicago Metropolitan Synod has recently endorsed Christopher for ordination, and he will begin his pastor internship this summer under the care of the local Lutheran seminary. Christopher will have an internship split between LMC and another area ELCA church. He will continue to direct the traditional music at LMC. We look forward to Christopher beginning his internship with us in August!

Prayer Chain

Sundays

• Sunday School at 10am (May 22 is the final Sunday School of the program year)

Wednesdays

• Confirmation Class at 7pm in the Multipurpose Room (May 25 is the final day of Confirmation)
• Youth Group at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall