“Together….a dwelling place for God.”

by Rev. Elaine L. Miller, Conference Deacon

Rev. Elaine Miller from the beginning of my start as Conference Minister, reached out, welcomed me and made herself available for any assistance I needed. I have truly appreciated Rev. Elaine for her commitment and gifts that she has brought forward as Conference Deacon. I am sorry to see her leave, and yet happy that Rev. Elaine is looking to spending more time with her spouse, Bob in their retirement. Gracias Rev. Elaine on behalf of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences staff, with much gratitude, I thank you for all you did for the local churches you served in the three conferences, you will be missed.

Below is Rev. Elaine’s farewell reflection.

Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto

17 “So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to God. 19 So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone; 21 in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.”     Ephesians 2:17-22 NRSVUE

Morning came earlier today than what I prefer in retirement but in this current time there is often much to ponder….and the mind was ready to begin before the body! Today’s pondering though has been a delight in deciding how to best say “Thank You!” as my time as a Conference Deacon is completed on Aug. 31. New Deacons have been selected so this vital ministry of connection continues!

These past two plus years have been such a joy and a privilege in serving Pastors, Churches and Conferences: twenty-two communities in the Nebraska Living Waters Association; thirteen in the northwest corner of the Iowa Northwestern Association; and eight in the southeast corner of the South Dakota Two Rivers Association. The responsibilities seem to fit what I believe to be one of my strengths – pastoral care. Deacons were tasked to reach out and offer support of local churches of the Conferences and the wider United Church of Christ; help local churches and authorized ministers receive resources and information requested; to coordinate with the Conference Minister and Staff to facilitate a Conference presence at church anniversaries, events and special days; and the all important fourth directive, “other tasks as assigned by supervisor.”

My home is in Beresford, S.D. which proved to be well located to serve each of these three Conferences. Contact was aided through texts, emails, Zoom and regular phone calls. It was a pleasure to share greetings and stories between them. Our relationships were able to form a bond of trust, and spirits were lifted while we gave thanks for one another “as saints and also members of the household of God.” There were sacred times while honoring a pastor’s final worship with a congregation, a monthly lunch gathering with a clergy women’s group, hearing to the witness rededication of a church with a long history of actions for justice and peace. And one late winter Sunday, riding with a pastor on her ATV through the rutty cornfield in search of the mother of an abandoned newborn calf. (She was found!)

The blessings were multiplied every time we checked in and chatted. I now know your presence (and your names!) as an engaged part of the Body of Christ, here in this region of the Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota Conferences and beyond. I’ve observed you be the encouragement needed for brothers and sisters to stay the course of our faith’s journey, personally and communally. I give thanks for your outreach as you share God’s grace and love in creative and unique ways. You have given me hope for the future of the United Church of Christ as together we can and do have the courage to “be one in Spirit with God,” wherever we are….wherever we go. Peace, grace and love to each and everyone of you, my Friends!

In peace,
Elaine