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A
Network of Christ-Centered, Outwardly-Focused, Faith-Growing
Communities for the Sake of the World
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The
Light of Christ. Thanks be to God.
by Tracey Breashears
Schultz, Bishop’s Associate for Leadership
In mid-September 2024, Pastor Gary Morgan-Gohlke retired after 31
years of ordained ministry. For over 15 of those years, he was
pastor of Light of Christ in La Porte, TX. Pastor Gary’s call had
been unique as it was bi-vocational. While shepherding Light of
Christ, he was also self-employed as the owner of GMG Marine
Services. The congregation was accustomed to Pastor Gary’s work
responsibilities, and although they would call on him for pastoral
emergencies, they learned to be the church, caring for members and
strangers, whether or not their pastor could be present. For many
years, I heard Pastor Gary speak about the beloved community at
Light of Christ. When he invited guest preachers to cover services
for him while he took time away, he would say, “You’re
the one who’s going to be blessed!”
I first met the Light of Christ community when I participated in
Pastor Gary’s exit interview, and then, in early October, I served
as their guest preacher. Pastor Gary was right! I was the one who
was blessed by my time with them and their welcome of me. This
congregation numbers about 20 people when they gather for worship.
Some members are housing insecure. At least one lives in their car.
Many have found the congregation through their journey of recovery
(as Light of Christ is home to multiple AA and Al-Anon meetings).
Some members are well-educated and career professionals, and others
have not had the same opportunities. Some are members of the LGBTQIA+
community, and others have family members who are, so the welcome
is wide, and the acceptance is real. The more I got to know them,
the more I wanted to find them a good pastor; but, how does one
fill a part-time bi-vocational call?
Read more...
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Lisa’s
Pieces: Creation Care Tips from the Synod Lutherans Restoring
Creation Team
by Lisa
Brenskelle
The mission of Lutherans Restoring Creation is to
promote incorporation of care for creation into the full life and
mission of the church, working in five areas: worship, education,
discipleship, building & grounds, and public ministry/advocacy.
Read more...
February
Creation Care Events
- Living the Change –
February-May, date/times individually scheduled, online
- Earthkeeping in a Faith Community: A
Case Study – Sunday, February 2, 3 p.m., online
- Climate Solutions 101 –
Mondays, February 3-March 10, 6 p.m., online
- Faithful Resilience: A Study on Climate
Resilience for Faith Communities – Thursdays,
February 6-March 13, 6 p.m., online
- Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation: Stewardship in Our Choices: How Everyday
Decisions Shape a Greener World - Sunday,
February 23, 6 p.m., online
- Cool Congregations Cohort –
4th Mondays throughout 2025, 7 p.m., online
Contact gcs.lrc@gmail.com for details on
any of these events.
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