For Guidance in Our Calling

The time when we wait for our vicarage assignment or call can be...well, tough. We know that the Lord truly knows our inmost thoughts and desires, but sometimes (we are human - and He knows that) we still worry. All of the unknowns. All of the questions. There is fear. There is excitement. Anxiety. And prayer. 

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

The following is a prayer from the Treasury of Daily Prayer (p. 1,315) that helps keep our focus on Him.  Graphic design is not in my repertoire, but I turned this message into a printable. It is hanging in our home where we can see it and be encouraged. There are two versions you can right-click, save and print for yourselves. (I insert this jpg into a Word document to get it evenly spaced on the page.) Enjoy, friends!

Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

         

"For Guidance in Our Calling" full size printable in black and white:

"For Guidance in Our Calling" full size printable in color:

It is the Lord who goes before you...

The other day a certain verse in Deuteronomy caught my eye. It's a verse that's found amidst a time of transition in the Old Testament, when Joshua succeeds Moses.  

Moses tells all of Israel, "Be strong and courageous... it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you" (Deut. 31:6).

Then Moses tells Joshua in front of  the Israelites: “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it.  It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deut. 31:7,8).


Note the peace and comfort that is given: "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Transitions can be tough, whether it be receiving a new leader, switching schools, moving 1,000 miles away for a year or coming back to a certain place in Indiana once called "home." Our Heavenly Father knows that transitions can be difficult, that's why the Israelites were given those sweet words of encouragement. Our Lord knows our hearts and sees our tears. That's why He gives us the comfort and confidence that He is with us, He won't leave us, we needn't fear in what lies ahead because "It is the Lord who goes before you."

Exciting!

Tonight is the night for vicarage assignments! 

At 7pm est, the vicarage assignment service at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Waye, IN 

can be watched live here: www.ctsfw.edu

Tomorrow evening at 7pm est, the call placement service can be watched live here: www.ctsfw.edu

{It's hard to believe that just a year ago we were sitting in the chapel at seminary, anxiously awaiting our vicarage assignment...hearts racing, sweaty palms, smiling at our friends who had just received their vicarage assignments...and eagerly awaiting our own assignment. Thankfully, "J" is near the front of the alphabet! ;-)}

Here we are on vicarage assignment day. 

This picture was taken just an hour or two before the service began.

Anywho, back to today and tomorrow's events. Friends, we are so excited for all awaiting their assignments and placements. Our prayers are with your, dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

Over a Month

We have been in Wheaton, Illinois for about a month and a half now. 

Our time here thus far has been full of  adventures already! 

-The church has moved across the street from their old building into their new building and sanctuary {please see (camera phone quality) pictures below of the new sanctuary}.

-Family has visited not once but twice and another visit is in just a couple weeks!

-We have been approved to be parents...parents of a doggie, that is! The adoption process is underway to adopt a dog named "Sooner," a german short-haired pointer.

First Impressions & the Fish Bowl

Definition of first impression:
the initial information received about and impressions formed of an individual, which can be difficult to forget, even when they are contradicted later

Definition of fish bowl: 
1. a state of affairs in which you have no privacy
2. a transparent bowl in which small fish are kept

As church workers and families of church workers, we are familiar with these terms.  We experience this during field work, vicarage and call. We are being watched from every angle.


There are preconceptions for church workers and their families. These expectations can range from how a child is disciplined, whether the wife works, the pastor's hair style and which vehicles they drive. Most of us are people pleasers. And, naturally, we want to make a good impression. This can be stressful.


Here are a few bits of advice from fellow fish bowl dwellers:


In a new place, sometimes we may draw inward because of shyness, knowing we will be living in a certain place for a short time, or we're afraid of losing further privacy: "Think about what you will miss out on if you don't put forth the effort to get to know people." Embrace where you have been placed and embrace the people.


~~~


We had been here a few weeks and the paper had just published a simple article about us -mostly my husband's education background and from where we originated. That morning I walked into the thrift store and got a "Wait- aren't you from the paper!?" 
Then I went into the grocery store and a little old lady snapped, "Hey! You 'guys' have to eat too?!!!" 
I calmly replied with a smile "Yes! Incredible, Aye?" and she continued "Not only that, but I LOVE it!" she cackled. Yea- it was a cackle.
I felt really uncomfortable. Of course I eat. I'm not a Kranken from the sea. If she did come to that stark realization right then and there I'm thankful she just announced it- because that is an important realization- vicar's/pastor's families ARE human. But- if she was being snarky, I feel feel that's too bad.
I shared this story with you because I think we all are going to have that 1st moment (and 2nd and so on) where we are set back with realization of how powerful these preconceptions are. 
In fact- I have caught MYSELF- a vicar's wife- battling my own preconceptions about these positions. Now you know they must be powerful if I have preconceptions about my own position! HA!


~~~


In my mind I had a vision of how a vicar's wife or pastor's wife is supposed to be. Nearly perfect. (Shouldn't be too hard, right? ;-)) And my mission was to meet and exceed that ideal. Well, just days into vicarage, something I said to the pastor wasn't perceived as I had intended it to be understood. And then it happened again.  I feel like a failure. My stint of feeling like the ideal vicar's wife lasted only a few days. So much for perfection. My enthusiasm deflated as a sense of failure took its place. My husband said with an encouraging smile, "Just be yourself and do your best." Seeking the Lord's forgiveness and guidance, I look onward with a different perspective. There are no cookie cutter vicar's/pastor's wives out there, we're all different and we all have different talents and character traits to offer. We're human, we mess up. And really, from a parishioner's point of view, I think a vicar's wife is be more approachable if I saw that she had imperfections - just like me. :-)


~~~



A woman came up to me after church and said, "Hi, I haven't met you yet. My name is Barbara.* What is your name?" I responded with my name, mentioning that I was the new vicar's wife. Barbara smiled shyly and said, "Ohh, well, I'm just one of the people in the pew." Giving an empathetic smile, I said, "Aren't we all?" She blinked and said with a glowing smile, "Yes, I suppose that's true."
*Name changed for privacy.


~~~


I try to remember advice I was given by a seasoned pastor's wife: "Let them love you".


~~~


I've discovered that there are ALWAYS expectations of the pastor's wife (esp in regards to what the last one did). BUT most parishioners either do recognize that you are a different person or they will after you gently explain that you don't play organ or don't feel comfortable leading LWML, etc. (unless, of course, you do or want to!) A kind word and gentle response from you usually helps to clear up misconceptions best - and just be patient. Also - former pastor's wives can also be pushy about what you should be doing, depending on their personality. (I had adult organ lesson books left here for me as a not so subtle hint that I should learn organ...) And you may find items left behind in the parsonage, like we did. Make your home and your church involvement your own and don't feel bad about it! :) Parishioners love you for who you are, so don't feel like you have to fit a mold of any kind. Just love them back! :)

Dear sisters in Christ, be yourself. Be a God pleaser, not a people pleaser. (When you're a God pleaser, you'll be pleasing the right people anyway.) Reach out to the people of your congregation and let them love you. Bloom where you are planted.

Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

John 13:34 ...Love one another...

Where do I, "Mrs. Vicar", fit in?

Over the past two years in Fort Wayne, Adam has been attending classes. I've been working 40+ hours a week. We were both quite busy and have been in that familiar higher education routine for 6 years.

And now that routine has changed. Adam has begun his full-time+ job as Vicar. And I'm not working full-time, which is an odd feeling.

{So what did I do today, my first day in a long long time without a job? I went to IKEA (surprise, surprise :-) ;-)) and had a "Sarah Day" to chillax after the busy weekend.}

While putting dishes away this afternoon, I thought to myself, Where do I fit in? What am I to do? What is my role? What will this creature of habit's new routine be?

I then remembered a SWA (student wives association) event I attended. The vicar and pastor wives panel event came to mind...this certain get together consisted of questions and answers; the newer wives sought advice, encouragement and direction from the more experienced wives.

Here are some of the things that I remember from this event and I pass these onto you, fellow wives, who, like myself, may need a bit of encouragement as we adjust to our new environment and role.

Your role as wife is to make the house a home, a sanctuary, a place of rest and rejuvenation. 
Support your husband's ministry by supporting him with encouragement, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on.
His church is your church too. Get involved and join the church family. 
The Lord has placed you and your family in this congregation - trust in Him and His plan. 

Remembering these pieces of advice give me a sense of resolve, encouragement. Thank you to those wives who shared their experiences. Your words lessen the "odd puzzle piece" feeling, for as wives, we too have a vital role in the ministry. We are an important piece of the puzzle.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Transition

Dear sisters in Christ, wives of seminary students,


For many seminary families, there are times during the seminary journey when the insecurity of transition can be....well, "uncomfortable."


Summer, after seminarians have received their vicarage assignment or call, is one of those times when hundreds of questions and uncertainties may arise in our minds.  And anxieties of moving away from our dear friends...or them moving...or both of us moving!


Concerns I've heard over the past few summers at sem:


"All my friends left for vicarage! They will be back in a year, but then we'll be leaving for our vicarage....hopefully our paths cross next summer."
"My good friend has moved away...and it's for her husband's call. They won't be coming back to seminary. I may never see her again."
"We move for vicarage in a matter of days and I'll be leaving the friends that are more like family. What if I don't make friends during vicarage.... I'll only be there a year....  w h y  make friends?"


Dear sisters in Christ, this seminary journey is such a great adventure! Yes, it has its sorrows and frustrations, but we are so blessed to have this opportunity and privilege of supporting our husbands through this trek and further the Gospel. The seminary community is rich with support, encouragement and comfort. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us, the Lord will provide.


During this time of transition (and always), let us count our blessings and keep our eyes on Jesus. Close friendships can be maintained (thank you email, Facebook, Skype, texting, phone, etc). Embrace where you have been placed...whether it be at seminary, vicarage, or call. Bloom where you have been planted and trust in His plan - He loves you and will always take care of you, even through the heart-wrenching pain of leaving beloved friends.


Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."


Hebrews 12:1,2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Next Week!

Hello, dear readers! Sarah here! :-)

The moving date is drawing near {next week!}....cardboard and white walls seem to be the decor of our apartment these days. {Just add some stainless steel side tables, bright red contemporary throw pillows and you've got a modern industrial theme going on.}


A few months ago {Februaryish} I began packing boxes. Some thought this was funny. However, I'm glad I kept packing despite the chuckles because between our work schedules, there isn't a whole lot of time to pack. Today I picked up the last of our boxes to pack (hopefully), bubble wrap should be delivered on Thursday (yay Amazon) and we hope to reach near "camping" status by Sunday evening. You know, paper plates, bare essentials, furniture wrapped and ready to jump into the moving truck. {Er, gently frolicking into the truck, that is...}


Along with packing, another activity we've been involved in lately is couponing. Inspired by TLC's new hit show, we've done some research of our own and have found couponing very worthwhile. If you're interested in saving some mega mullah for your family, check out the following links:

http://www.howtoshopforfree.net/

http://thekrazycouponlady.com/

Our Vicarage Destination

Well, it is official.  This August Sarah and I will be heading to Wheaton Illinois.  That's right this is Adam and this is my first post here on "The Glory of our Pilgrimage."  It was a pretty intense night this past Monday.  As my fellow brothers went on before me to receive their vicarage assignments, I was praying that wherever I was sent it would be the best vicarage for me.  My prayer was answered when Prof. Nuffer announced that I would be serving at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois.

So where is Wheaton you might ask.  Well its about 30 minutes west of Chicago but north of Joliet and Lockport.  From what my documents tell me there are 56,000 residents in Wheaton, but there are numerous towns that surround us.  The church itself is very large with over 1,000 members, and three pastors.  Pastor Scott Bruzek will be my supervisor.

There is a twist to this story though.  I know my supervising pastor.  Pastor Bruzek was the pastor at Our Savior Lutheran in Momence Illinois.  During his time there around 18 of my relatives passed away (yes I have a large family).  During that time I was under Pastor Bruzek's care, but now I will be under him as a vicar. I look forward to learning more from him now that I am twelve years older.

I will be writing here periodically, checking in with those who are following our vicarage and updating you all on our progress.  If you would like to hear more about where we are going check out: http://www.stjohnwheaton.org/

In Christ our Risen Lord and Savior,

Sem. Adam E. Jacobsen

One week!

One week away until the vicarage placement service!

And we're excited to see where the Lord sends us for this year long adventure.

I'm praying for our vicarage congregation as well as all congregations that will be receiving a vicar this year. My prayers are also for the vicars and their families - the vicars and families coming back to Fort Wayne and those leaving Fort Wayne. Transitions can be tough at times but I pray that all continue to look to our Heavenly Father for guidance and peace.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; 
   the LORD blesses his people with peace.



Toodly doo,
Sarah

Moving Organization - Box Labels and Moving Checklist

Hello, dear friends!

I am aware that many of you {i.e. seminary families} will be moving soon whether it be to vicarage, back to Fort Wayne, or to your call. Here are a couple handy dandy resources I've come across that I thought I'd pass along.  Happy packing! :-)

Box Labels
Take a peek at this link and read the comments - more helpful info.

Moving Checklist

 page 1

page 2

page 3

Vicarage Announcements

Take a peek at these modern vicarage announcements {created to match this blog}. Some of these vicarage  announcements will be sent to our supporting congregations.  The cards are currently blank, but with a little help from picnik.com here are some examples of what these vicarage announcements may look like after May 2nd, 2011:

 

Blessings, 

Sarah

An Encouragement of Fellowship

Today SWA (student wives association) hosted an informational event for wives of the seminary students. This event had great speakers (professors and placement directors) from the seminary who not only explained the vicarage and call process but also answered the wives' numerous questions. Everything from how the process begins to how it concludes, moving logistics to insurance, furnished vicarage to bringing a pony....

This event was informational and an encouragement from the placement directors to the wives. The meeting was also a wonderful fellowship opportunity for the wives as we prepare for yet another chapter of this seminary adventure.

Blessings,
Sarah

{Now where is my packing tape....}

9 Boxes

As of today we have now packed 9 boxes.

We will lose count eventually as we excitedly get closer to May 2nd. May 2nd is when we will receive our year long vicarage assignment, which will direct us as to when and where we shall move beginning this summer.

Blessings in Christ,
Sarah