A Message From Our Moderator
As we continue to journey together in this season of new rhythms, of setting the table, of looking around to see who needs us to make some space for them, I have been careful to look back, as well…to review the recommendations our consultant set before us, and to ensure that we are still walking the path we committed to.
In October 2022 I shared with you that we were clear on the five key areas of focus for LaSalle Street Church:
1. Leadership
Seek and hire a new senior pastor who embodies the preaching and visionary skills needed for the future of LaSalle.
Thanks to the work of a dedicated and prayerful search committee, supported by members of the staff and elder board, we welcomed Reverend Liz to lead as our senior pastor. This work was an important first step in building towards our future.
2. Identity
Weave together the elements that have historically made LaSalle the unique place it is, with a clear vision for a church that can serve the needs of today's neighbors.
Expansive Faith. Generous Community. Invested in God's Justice. This is both who LaSalle has been and who it will evolve into. Yes, I believe both of those things can be true at the same time. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community, where there is more than enough room at the table for those who are already here and those who are yet to be invited. You heard from Rev Liz this past Sunday that our current series will focus on identity. Each of us in the pews and online are part of the history, the fabric and the story of LaSalle, and there are new threads to be woven in as we lean into abundance and making room.
3. Worship
Reimagine a service that will consistently nourish the congregation, bringing the vitality of God's word through music and preaching.
We are experimenting with new ways to worship as we kick off our Banquet, Belong, Service and Sabbath Sundays this month. We can experience together how the Spirit might enter these spaces in new and unexpected ways. Perhaps, like me, you already felt some of that this past weekend. I’ve been playing, “Jireh” on repeat since I left the building on Sunday!
4. Staff
Evaluate staff roles and responsibilities and realign to meet current and future needs. Carefully consider the best use of time and talents.
Rev Liz and the staff have been focused on connecting the gifts of our staff with the needs of our church and more broadly, The LaSalle Foundation (TLF). Our identity and our ministries do not only happen in the church building on Sunday mornings and aligning staff to meet all the needs of our community, while keeping our budget in mind is something Liz, the board, and the P&F committee are reviewing with a sense of care and intention.
Pastor Pam’s retirement was the first shift in our structure, and staff alignment is a continued area of focus. In the week ahead we’ll be bringing you further information related to reorganizing around two key ministry areas - children/family/formation and outreach/neighborhood ministries. We are committed to having the right leaders in the right places to create impact at God’s table.
5. Elders
Assess the current ways of working and committee structures. Strengthen the focus on pastoral support.
The work of the board has been this and more. We have been focused on both stabilization and innovation. Bringing a sense of business as usual during all of the transition LSC has experienced, while inviting challenge and curiosity to how things might need to be different. A keen and kind observer recently pointed out that I can invite more of God’s hand into our work. I tend to lean on my business background and team management skills when there is a job to be done. I look forward to getting out of the way a bit more and asking God to show us where we are being led.
I hope these reminders will bring you a sense of connection to all that you are seeing unfold. Sometimes in the middle of a journey I know I’ve got to pull out the map (or these days check my phone) to make sure I’m still on course. Good news…we are! Of course, there is work ahead and I am excited to see who God has invited to the banquet and how we might invent new, creative ways to greet them when they arrive.
Grace and peace for the journey-
Kari