Discovering God's Presence: A Story of Service and Accompaniment

The Lutheran tradition has a deep passion and tradition of service. Serving and accompanying one’s neighbor provides a deeper understanding of God’s presence in our lives. Pastor Troy Pflibsen, a member of GLLM’s Board of Directors, shared what service meant for his son and his family:

“My son was in college when I asked him which high school experience was most important to him, the ELCA National Gathering or the service trip to the St. Louis area. He quickly came back with “the service.” I later unpacked this with him and learned that for him it was a ‘both and’: The service day at the National Youth Gathering and the service trip to St. Louis.

His response named in his own experience the key biblical teaching that the other, service to the other, brings the greatest joy. So much self-help literature focuses on caring for oneself. We are to “put ourselves first.” Yes, self-care is important, even essential, but so is service to others. 

Service is where we find meaning.
Service is where we find purpose. 
Service is where we find connection. 

This constant refrain appears in the Old Testament. In a very dramatic way, service is where the story of Joseph ends. It is the heart of Esther’s story. It is central to Jesus’ teaching. It is clear in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25 and elsewhere.

My son named service when reflecting on his high school experiences. Scripture names it as well. How is God calling you to serve others?”

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries is proud to provide this educational and spiritual opportunity for youth through Serve Boldly. On Serve Boldly trips, youth are given opportunities and exposure to organizations and ministries that provide direct, indirect and advocacy support for our neighbors in partner communities. Experiences with Serve Boldly not only nurture the faith development in youth, but empower them to lead and compel them to practice justice and kindness in their own communities. What could be better than that?

Thank you to Pastor Troy Pflibsen, GLLM  Board Member and Director for Evangelical Mission, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA for sharing! To learn more about Serve Boldly, visit www.gllm.org/serveboldly

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