Letter to PLC

And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12.

Martin, Anne, Kyle, (Reychell) Kelsey, Justin, Rachel, and Katie

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Palisades Lutheran Church,

First, thank you for extending me the divine call to be your intentional interim pastor. Thank you for being a loving and gracious light in challenging times. From the little I have learned about Palisades Lutheran Church, you have had opportunity to witness to God’s grace and mercy in the recent past. The time God has planned for us together will be no exception. We are looking forward to the adventures ahead. Many thanks for inviting us to join you in this divine game!

Many churches between settled pastors feel lost: like God can’t see them. Many people in life transitions feel lost. Even a nation between leaders, or a world between times of calm and peace, feels lost and afraid. There is something about feeling lost that is common to all people in all walks of life. From an earthly point of view, one would argue that being lost is bad. But as you know, God works in opposites; that is, in the hidden things. Luther calls it the Divine Game, a little game of hide-n-seek. God hid in a tiny baby at Christmas time. He hid in His death on the cross. He hides in the waters of baptism. He hides in holy communion. He even hides in COVID-19 pandemics! And He wants us to find Him.

Together we will attempt (by God’s grace) to lean into some of those challenging areas of church life at Palisades. Together we will try to find God in all His secret hiding places among us. No matter how we cut it, this “between time” at Palisades will be, and already is, a blessing from God. As God’s loved, forgiven, and redeemed, we say with playful hearts, “Let the games begin!” (Palisades Lutheran Church IIM Process Map)

I can’t wait to meet you all soon!

+ Peace and Joy +
Rev. Dr. Martin E. Lee, IIP