July 2010
This is my story and I’m stickin’ to it!
Do you know how I came to be a staff member at Faith? I’ll bet the answer is “no.” In late 2007, Faith was looking for an administrative assistant. In January of 2008, I was enjoying hospitality with other members after the early service. Our ex-business manager approached me and shared with me that they had been having difficulty filling the administrative assistant position. I said to her “that’s too bad and quite surprising, but why are you sharing this with me?” She responded with “I thought you might be interested in applying for it?” I expressed to her that I was quite flattered, but didn’t think Faith could afford me. She asked me to think about it and we went on our way. As I went on about my day, I kept thinking how cool it would be to work so close to home and in God’s house! But, realism set in and I knew it wasn’t for me as I needed full-time work, benefits, all that stuff that goes along with making a living. In February, after it taking me almost three hours to get to work in a snow storm, on a whim I sent my resume to her. She quickly sent me the job description and salary information. Pastor Mike contacted me and we had conversations about the position. Although they were considering turning this 30 hour week position to 40, even with giving up my semi-annual bonuses, I didn’t think it’d be enough to meet my expenses. Another conversation was held with Pastor Mike and I with his apologies to me that they would be reorganizing the office structure and there probably wouldn’t be a place after all. There were no hurt feelings on my part, since I really wasn’t looking for a job. Fast forward to April of 2008...a congregation meeting to present the restructuring of the staff. After that, in May, there was another meeting that announced the reorganization and termination of employees. All of a sudden this heavy sensation came over me, I started to hyperventilate and couldn’t catch my breath. I really can’t describe the feeling. I had never felt anything like it. I could feel God’s presence over me. It was panic, fear, sadness and excitement all rolled into one. I grabbed my mom’s arm and said “Oh my gosh! I think I’m going to be going to work for the church!” About two weeks passed and I received a call from Pastor Mike to see if I would still be interested in going to work for Faith. Well, after several discussions, here I am. It was not an easy transition for me or for Faith. I was afraid to leave the backing of corporate America to work for a non-profit and a struggling one at that. I was sad for the jobs that were lost. I’ve been on that end of things. It’s hard. I felt bad that I was coming in on the tail end of all that and what would normally be a time of joy in starting a new job, was also plagued by the sadness of change.
Do I regret it? No. This job is certainly not without stress. I probably take more of it to heart because I have a vested interest here not just because I am a staff member, but because I am a member of Faith and I care about what happens to our church. I had no idea of what I was about to undertake. In just a short time, it became evident to me why I was called to be here. There was so much to be done. Despite all of our struggles these past two years, working with you and for God has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.
Why did I decide to share this with you? Because on Saturday, June 26th, I experienced that feeling again. I attended the LCMC forum hosted by Bethel Lutheran in Colorado Springs. The whole experience was amazing, even beyond the issue that brought me there. This forum was simply to learn about the LCMC. There were congregations represented from five different states. There were four members from Faith there. I only wish more had come. It was so informative and not inflammatory. To see the excitement of all the churches that have joined the LCMC and the enthusiasm of those finishing their discernment so they can join the LCMC. Throughout the discussions, I would just get these consuming waves of joy and wanted to come back to Faith and share what I had experienced. The biggest thing I came away with is the empowerment that Faith would have with regard to our church and ministry, especially in benevolence. I believe benevolence is important and I realize because of our financial constraints we have not been tithing to the ELCA. (We are out of the red in our finances, provided everyone keeps current on their offerings this summer, and we are becoming more solid, but, we’re not completely there.) Instead of sending 10% (or what we can afford) to just one entity, I like the idea of distributing our benevolence. Some to the national church, whoever that will be, and the rest to world relief efforts for national disasters and areas within our community. I’d really like to see Faith grow and the best way we’re going to do that is getting
our name and our people out there. Our worship services and style would be the same. Although congregations stated they did experience a loss of members, most of them were followed up with the addition of new members which created either a wash or overall increase in members. Because of these changes, their budgets were slightly affected but all said it was not insurmountable. Most of the people I spoke with stated their ministry teams grew and had more passion after they became LCMC. Faith is blessed with its members and I don’t want us to become stagnate and just exist. I’d like to see us become more empowered to grow and thrive! Sounds like a medical commercial, doesn’t it? Seriously, I hope that you will take a closer look at the LCMC and what it has to offer. With all that Faith has been through for the past several years, I think it’s time for a change of a different magnitude. But, most importantly, remember, no matter what affiliation we become, we will still be centered on Christ and preach the gospel. We are still a family here at Faith and our love and concern for one another shouldn’t change just because we change our church affiliation.
In Christ’s service,
Dawnee Harbach
P.S. If you’d like more information on my experience, let me know. I’d be happy to share!