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Message from the Vicar...

Dear Community of Immanuel Lutheran,

This June I was privileged to attend my very first Synod Assembly and was impressed with the gathered community of ELCA Lutherans from across Southwestern Texas Synod. We focused frequently on the idea of Holy dis-comfort. Proclaiming the Good News is not always a comfortable action, frequently disciples must step outside our comfort zones in order to proclaim. While those comfort zones vary greatly according to the person, it is the stepping outside that we honored at Synod Assembly.

As residents of the beautiful and historied town of Comfort, this idea had special significance for me. Comfort is one of those special places where many find a comfortable pace of life. Our Chamber of Commerce even sells bumper stickers that read "I found comfort in Comfort, TX". With the world continuing to be such a challenging place, the idea of finding an oasis of comfort is, well...comforting. So why encourage Holy dis-comfort?

Because Jesus' example showed us that there are always those who are excluded and in need of care. When disciples are mentally and physically comfortable, it is reasonable to forget that others are not. Jesus led the first disciples into places of mental and physical discomfort to share the Gospel message of love and forgiveness. They crossed boundaries and ignored cultural "norms" to love and care for their neighbors.

The community of Comfort, Texas is one of those special places where love and care of neighbor can be witnessed daily. Called to proclaim the Gospel in all ways, I invite you into reflection this summer on the Holy dis-comfort that disciples experience. My own reflection questions are: Where am I too comfortable? And What does it mean to experience Holy dis-comfort.

May your reflections be life giving,
Vicar Katie