Thursday, August 5, 2021
Connecting
John Heinl
Connected in Christ are words we often use to describe this faith community called St. John’s. Connected not only to each other but also to those we touch in our ministries to the community. As we look at our own journeys of faith, we realize how connections with others have been so important.
Growing up, my family did not go to church. My mother and father never went to church when I was a young kid, although my mother did start going later in her life. None of my extended family went to church either; it just wasn’t a priority.
Who knows if my journey of faith would have ever started if it weren’t for two teenage girls who lived in the apartment above ours in the building we managed in Chicago. When I was 10 or 11, they decided I needed to start Sunday School. So off I went with them where my introduction to Christian faith was through the 4th grade Sunday School teacher – Lillian Behrends. Now I don’t remember any of the lessons at all. But I have never forgotten her vibrant and joy-filled faith. It surrounded and nurtured you. It was from her I caught the spirit of Jesus that has nurtured me to this day.
Lillian started me on my journey of faith. All because of a couple of teenage girls who took a kid to Sunday School. We never know what a seemingly simply act or word can set into motion. And from that first connection, thanks to many people and a number of congregations that continued to nurture and inspire my faith, I went on to spend my life in service to the Church, serving congregations in Wisconsin and Minnesota as well as working in Development and Alumnae Relations for the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Now in retirement, my wife and I are blessed to be connected to St. John’s community. What drew us here was the spirit of love that welcomes all and the constant vibrant emphasis on sharing that love and welcome, and meeting needs beyond the church walls. And I’m really excited for the new connector to be finished because I need the elevator!
As you think about your own journey of faith, who have been the connectors for you? Was there one in particular who embodied the loving spirit of Jesus? How did you find this community of faith? May we be mindful and grateful for all the faith connections in our lives.