Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Pastor John Gosswein

There is a privilege in doing ministry with people across the gulf of varied contexts and different abilities.  We may hear, learn, and proclaim the Gospel in one setting but then find renewal, appreciation, and growth when we connect it with a different environment.   For example, several of our congregation members were permitted to go Christmas caroling in the county jail. The carolers, familiar with the sacred songs in more polite settings, were moved as they witnessed tough inmates singing, “Be near me, Lord Jesus;  I ask you to stay.”   One member told me later, “That was a lullaby in a different crib!”    Those expressions of peace, grace, and love can surprise us as we explore language to share the Gospel beyond the barriers seeking to distance us.

Those of us sharing in ministry through Mosaic with persons bearing sensory, mental, physical, and emotional challenges realize weekly that we must ‘translate’ the Gospel message to connect and cultivate love with the individuals. I am grateful for the partnership with Pr. Eric Spruth Janssen, his son Micah, and my wife Judy (among others), we would agree that the struggle of finding ways to express the Gospel to our Mosaic community enriches our vocabulary for the ‘normal’ world.

Back in Christmas and Epiphany this year, our team was seeking to make Jesus’ ministry and call of the disciples more ‘tangible.’   Our hope was to bring something tactile and specific into the heavy language of Jesus beckoning “Follow me.”   Our ‘aha’ moment came as we adapted the invitation of Jesus into a game of “tag,” coupled with the American Sign Language ‘I Love You.’   During the sermon, we introduced Jesus frequently seeking disciples with the surprising announcement: “TAG: I LOVE YOU” (coupled with the ASL greeting).    Jesus ‘calls’ disciples (“Tag. I Love You”), but like a good game of TAG, it needs to be passed on and returned, with more and more encouraged to join the game.

What started as a simple one Sunday experiment has continued into the summer months;  our communities eagerly wait for the question, “What does Jesus want us to know and share?”    “Tag, I love you!” they joyfully respond, reaching out to others around them as they connect and pass on the love.  And when YOU get tagged (connected?), it is hard to stay out of the game!   You realize you have been challenged to extend the “Tag, I Love You”, to someone else.   Soon, the services become exuberant.

Connect this experience of playfulness into a ‘regular’ church community, and the love is infectious.   It also becomes a transformed exploration of what it means for us to be called, gathered, enlightened, and sanctified.  Indeed, as I have brought the story to several of my ‘supply preaching’ parishes, any initial reticence has given way to laughter and joy.

The same type of connection has occurred with congregations taking the risk of reaching out to Rejoicing Spirits ministry   Congregations are renewed through worship services that allow people with disabilities to be themselves and cultivate rich and loving connections.   Resources, support, and coaching are available for partnering with people with disabilities and those who support them to explore faith.

What a rich connection we have in our mission as we reach out in love!

Pr. John retired from full time parish work in 2021, but continues to serve as pastor for Mosaic/Bethphage Village in Axtell.