Church Family

“I don’t want to be alone when I die.  I want a church family.” This was the revelation that Susan Lux experienced during the illness and death of her father, who was a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Sandyville, OH.  Susan witnessed the compassion, care, and love that the congregation and especially its pastor shared with him.  She too wanted to experience that connection the church had afforded her father.

Susan and her family joined Shepherd of the Valley shortly after the funeral.  She could not have been happier with the family’s decision as her new church family welcomed them with open arms.  As time progressed, Susan, a health insurance sales broker, was asked to share her business skills with the congregation by serving on the church council.  Several years later she was selected to be the congregational vice president, a position that she felt would not be too stressful.  At the time, she explained, “the president, an attorney, was well equipped for the job and I really didn’t have much to do”.
 
Susan’s “comfortable” position took a sharp turn with the sudden departure of the pastor and in unrelated circumstances the church secretary and janitor as well.  As the congregation struggled with the loss of their pastor, the council president unexpectedly passed away.  A few short weeks later, a beloved council member, who possessed all of the knowledge regarding the church’s technology, died in a tragic auto accident.
 
“Suddenly, I found myself serving as the president of a congregation that was reeling with shock, grief, and confusion.  I felt everything was in chaos.”  The church family that she had come to know and love was in peril and she needed help.
 
“While standing in my kitchen, sobbing with despair, I called the synod office.  I was immediately able to speak with the bishop.  I was provided guidance and calming words.  Next, our congregation was connected to a supply pastor who was so beautifully gifted with his ability to address our grief and sadness.  Over the next several weeks, he helped us cry, think, learn, and work through our grief.  We were healing.  With guidance from the assistant to the bishop, we started to rebuild.  I will be forever grateful for all that the synod did to help me and our congregation.”
 
Today, Susan continues in her role as president of her congregation and is giving back to the synod by serving as a member of the Northeastern Ohio Synod Council.  Susan’s leadership role with the assistance of her current pastor and the Northeastern Ohio Synod ensures that the church family who cared for her father will be there to do the same for Susan, her family, and others for many years to come.  Your Mission Support dollars enable the Northeastern Ohio Synod staff to support member congregations, like Shepherd of the Valley, during challenging events.  Like family, the synod remains a steady presence during both the good and difficult times.