Dear Partners in the Gospel,
One of my favorite theologians, Soren Kierkegaard, once expressed a thought about New Year’s Day that I would like to alter a bit to introduce myself to you as we begin this new venture as Peace Lutheran, the ELCA congregation in Tomah:
Today, on the first day of this new year, when thoughts of the future obtrudes itself upon me, I will not glut my soul with all sorts of expectations nor split it up by imaging all sorts of things. I will collect myself together, hale and happy…praise God, and I will go to meet the future. Let it bring what it will or may. But there is one expectation that will not be disappointed, and that is the expectation of faith in God. And this is victory!
During this season of transition from one church home to another, there is indeed one expectation that will not be disappointed and that is the expectation of sharing our faith in God , our trust in the Holy Spirit who calls us together and then equips and sends us forth to live out that faith in daily life.
A wise seminary professor once told me,“that out of conflict and pain comes our greatest growth.” I am aware that many of you have been hurt by the church, during the conflicts this past year. This has been a difficult season at one level or another for all who gather under this new name as we strive to maintain an ELCA presence in Tomah. Together we will acknowledge and to address these issues of hurt, betrayal, and loss. Yet, at the same time we celebrate a new day, a new beginning, in a church community whose very name reflects the deepest desire of your hearts, a house of prayer, a house of praise, and a house of peace for all who enter here.
By way of introduction I am Rev. Susan Sheffer-Meyer (Pastor Sue). I have served as an ordained minister for 28years, first in the ALC and then the ELCA. The first parish I served was Olivet Lutheran Church in La Crosse. I served there until the formation of the ELCA when I was called to serve as Assistant to Bishop Dennis Anderson of the Nebraska Synod. After Bishop Anderson resigned to serve as President of Trinity Seminary, I then served as Senior Pastor at congregations in Brookfield, Madison, and Marion, Wisconsin. I have also served as Interim Pastor at St. Stephen’s, Rogersville, and most recently at Living Hope in Ettrick.
My husband of 20 years, the Rev. Tom Meyer, serves as Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran in La Crosse. He accepted that call in February 2009, so it’s a delight to be back in the area where I began pastoral ministry. We currently reside in Onalaska. Our hobbies include reading, gardening, fishing and camping.
As we gather together to birth this new ELCA congregation, it will be my joy to serve among you. My passions in ministry include worship and music, children’s and youth ministry, education ministry, and the ministry of presence.
Prior to seminary I worked in the nursing field. I currently serve on the Synod Hunger Sub Committee, La Crosse’s Causeway Interfaith Coalition Board of Directors, and consult with congregations interested in exploring Rotation Model(experiential)Sunday School for which I also produce curriculum.
My home phone number is 608-519-0206 and cell phone (608)797-4687. Do not hesitate to call if you need pastoral assistance. I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday evening, July 4th at 6:30 p.m. at our host church, First Congregational United Church of Christ at 115 La Crosse St. in Tomah.
In Service to Christ,
Pastor Sue
