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Trio of First Impressions

By our pastoral residents

Making home

My little black travel bag. Perhaps you have one, too. They’re usually about a foot long, half a foot wide, and half a foot high. One of those handy things in which you pack important things such as shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, etc. For the last 10 years — ever since I left for college — my little black travel bag has been full.

Every night for the last 10 years, I have gone to my little black travel bag to retrieve my toothbrush and toothpaste. I haven’t been on the road every day for the last 10 years, but I have moved frequently enough that I never deemed it worthwhile to unpack it. During college it traveled with me down the hall to the bathroom daily. My little black travel bag went with me for summers on staff at Bible camp. It came with me to Minneapolis-St. Paul; to Tennessee, California, and Texas; and even as far as Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, and India. I took my little black travel bag everywhere I went, far and wide, away and back home. It got a little dusty at times, but it always did its job.

On Saturday, July 12, 2008, for the first time in 10 years, I completely unpacked my little black travel bag and put its contents in my new bathroom. After many great years of moving and wandering, I have come to rest here in Davenport, Iowa, with you, with St. Paul Lutheran Church, and make a home. God has, indeed, been faithful in my years of traveling — molding me, teaching me, carrying me, and preparing me to serve God’s people as pastor. God has now called me here, and called you here, and we trust that God will be faithful in our shared life and ministry together.

Making a home with you,
Pastor Matthew Poock,

‘We’re glad you’re here!’

It is the sentence that I have been hearing over and over again during my first days at St. Paul. “We’re glad you’re here!” Four words that capture the spirit of this place. This phrase encompasses what you as a congregation are about: hospitality, generosity, kindness, friendship, faithfulness, service. These are values that I am impressed by; values that you are already teaching and impressing upon me.

From the day that I moved to Davenport, I have been amazed at the outpouring of welcome and support by you, people of St. Paul. You have delivered meals to me, helped move furniture, helped me to get my bearings around the Quad Cities, or just stopped in to visit and chat and ask how my transition is going. I am so grateful for your open embrace of me. You have gone beyond hospitality; you are genuinely glad that we, the new residents, are here.

That short phrase means so much. Thank you for your unconditional acceptance from day one. Your gladness makes me so very glad to be here. I cannot wait for the two years of adventure that are to come! And I’m glad you’re here too, by the way, joining our new trio on this exciting journey. We would not be here were it not for you, and we will not make it without you.

Here’s to the journey,
Ann Rosendale, pastoral intern,

Now an ‘Iwin’

Upon first hearing the term “Iowan” at the local DMV, I was confused as to exactly what I won. I thought to myself, “I win, what did I win?” After a few short days at the church, I have a little clearer answer of what it is to be an “Iwin,” especially one from St. Paul Lutheran Church.

This place breathes relational ministry centered in Christ. With about 3,200 members, I am simply amazed that so many in this community know each other by first name. What a witness to a God who calls us each by name, that each of us can gladly do the same.

I am also inspired by the love and concern that shapes this community. Just a few days ago, at staff meeting we prayed through the A’s in the photo directory. People who journey together at St. Paul are not just a number or a face. Each has a story with a name and all are invited to share joys and struggles in our common lives together. This place of belonging and welcome is one of hospitality, creativity, and adventure. There is an open spirit of acceptance, grace, and a “come as you are” attitude.

I am deeply grateful to be an “Iwin” in this community. I look forward to hearing more of your stories as we are grow in our love toward Christ and each other.

In Christ,
Pastor Heather Geest,

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