Chad as Vicar

Wow!  What a journey it has been since “Fall Greek” two years ago.  I am thrilled to be done with the official school work at the sem.  I certainly enjoyed the learning process (even if I was one of the old guys in class ;-).  The seminary education certainly opened my mind to the rich theological and liturgical history of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.   We have an incredible history, especially here in America.  My learnings have fueled my desire to help Holy Cross reach its full potential to be both a missionally vibrant and confessionally faithful church, which more than ever I believe is possible. 

My situation this year as a Vicar who has been around for 17 years is highly unusual.  While I am starting fresh in some ways, I am in reality returning to many things as well.   With our staff transitions in the last year it has been really magical to see how God is bringing great people around the ministry of Holy Cross.  I am so thankful for our Youth and Family lay leaders who have really stepped up to help.  CLHS teacher and coach Brian Loesel has gone above and beyond to continue leading our high school youth group.  Craig Gerbers has been an extraordinary help with our middle school youth.  We are also excited to announce Akasha Kinley (daughter of Dan and Stephanie – our Deaconess Intern) will be stepping into leadership with our Kidwise children’s ministry.  God is good!   
Along with directing family life ministry, I will be stepping back into some of my former duties like leading Confirmation and co-leading some of our Faith Stepping Stone events.    Being back into the office more regularly I will also help inner-ministry coordination and communication (especially with things like Equipping Hour and some of our outreach events (including things at the Garden), clarifying ministry infrastructure and leadership roles, all while trying to best utilize our church management tools to continue moving us forward.  I will also be much more involved in the school, particularly with middle school mentoring (which I am looking forward to). 

Then, of course, as Vicar, I will be more involved in worship as a liturgist and preacher.  I will also be more active in helping with care visits (hospitals and shut-ins) – things required of all vicars.  I am thankful to have a great team around me and a Supervisor like Pastor A (suck up moment ;-) with not only so much experience in parish ministry but also a variety of ministry experiences as well.  We really have something unique and special here at Holy Cross; I can’t wait to see what God will do. 

Lesa and I will be celebrating our 26th anniversary this August.  Roman will start his Junior Year at Valpo with a History and French major.  Chyim is a senior at CLHS.  Miela will be starting her big Junior year.  Meanwhile Evie will be an 8th grader and Julian a 7th grader at Holy Cross.  Where did the time go?  Wow!  In all it will be a great (but crazy ;-) year.  I know God will provide. 

Please continue to pray for me, my family, and our ministry leadership here at Holy Cross to stay alert, be on our guard against the devil’s schemes, and to be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace.  God bless you as we all entrust ourselves and our work to the strong hands of our Lord Jesus!