Everyday, Ordinary Moments

The last time I visited our brothers and sisters at the Uswaa parish in Tanzania I: attended a funeral, taught confirmation, delivered quilts to new babies, preached at worship, served communion, visited families, prayed, sang and laughed.

These are many things that I do on a daily and weekly basis here at Southwood in Lincoln, Nebraska.

In Tanzania, those ordinary, everyday activities were anything but ordinary, and I knew before I got on the plane to return to Nebraska that I would go back. I found out that when you participate in ordinary, everyday activities with people halfway around the world, people who seem to be so different, that the differences are not so obvious. Jesus said, "who ever does the will of my father in heaven are my brothers and sisters." When we do those everyday, ordinary activities in the name of God they are not just ordinary, they are extraordinary. They are not just moments, they are sacred moments, they are sacraments. The sacred presence of God can turn strangers into siblings.

You won’t see me at Southwood this summer. I’ll be on sabbatical for 12 weeks. I’ll spend these days in Tanzania at our sister church, the Uswaa parish. I’ll teach and preach, visit families and pray with people, I’ll work with confirmation students and small group leaders, I’ll attend funerals and weddings, and I’ll worship, sing, and pray. Most importantly I believe that God will use this time to strengthen Southwood’s partnership with Uswaa in ways that will deepen our relationships with God and with each other.

I wait with great excitement and anticipation for the time that will be spent in Tanzania. I will be so grateful for your prayers for this trip and for the partnership we have in Tanzania. Please know that I will look forward to those everyday, ordinary moments spent with each of you when I return.

Pastor Sara Spohr

 

This spring and summer, teams from Southwood will be traveling to Honduras and Tanzania. The Lent and Easter offerings will support this mission work by aiding in the construction of Christ homes, providing medical and dental care, education opportunities and vacation bible school. For more information regarding Southwood’s Global Mission work or to get involved, contact Nicole Mroczek.

Comments

[Invo Makyao]

Pastor Sara!

You are "a gift" to most of us here.

I remember the way you lived, worship and even ate with us.
I still have memories of your humor that we were always laughing and smiling just because you were making us happy.
I still hear your sermon at the Church, I hear you talking about three sisters (Uswaa, Honduras and Southwood churches) and many more relations that we can strengthen in the Church family. I can still see you visiting homes, and Uroki School, encouraging me and the other teachers, sitting together taking lunch. I give glory to God for all these.

I am really excited to know that you are coming to spend your sabbatical live with us here. What a wonderful gift and a valuable moment. This is a really Christian life in a application.

Although I am now at Zimbabwe and I won't be around I AM sure my kinsmen will receive you as " a special gift" for another time.

Thank you for the partnership we have with South-wood Lutheran Church.
Thank you all brothers and Sisters at the South-wood Lutheran parish.

By Agape love we are bound together and let us tie ourselves in all spheres. I openly read you warm hearts and brotherly care to us. Thank you all.

Karibu sana Pastor Sara our pastor (Mchungaji wetu).

Your brother in Christ,

Mwl. Invo

[Pastor Rickenson Moshi]

Dear Pastor Sara once again i welcome you to your home place where you have been before, shared with us your gifts and talents you have been given by our father thou art in heaven. now the days are numbered few days to come we will see you there. but may be another Pastors. I will be just far from uswaa Parish just a ten kilometers from Uswaa.to Karanga Parish. you are warmly welcome
Rickenson Moshi
Associate Pastor
Karanga Lutheran Parish