Painting a Moving Train
In the later months of 2019 Emmanuel was in a season of transition. It was during that time that Melissa Giltzow was hired to resurrect and renew our children’s and youth programs. Only God—and perhaps a crystal ball—could have seen what lay ahead. Just months after she began, the world shut down, and ministry became a virtual endeavor.
Through the difficult realities of pandemic life, Melissa kept our programs going. She stayed connected to the diocese through youth work and Zoom leadership meetings. As the church began to reopen, she took on the challenging task of re-engaging children and families who had fallen out of church routines. Thanks to her efforts, we witnessed signs of new life and growth.
Even as Emmanuel continued to experience transitions—through changes in clergy leadership, new formation initiatives, evolving diocesan youth policy, and renovations to classroom and nursery space, Melissa guided our Christian formation ministries with care and creativity. Under her leadership, formation at Emmanuel continued to develop, and find its path back into the spotlight of who we are and who we long to be as a congregation.
I’ve heard ministry described as “painting a moving train.” In the post-pandemic and post-Christendom era, we find ourselves continually adapting to a changing world, while holding fast to our mission to “reflect the light of Christ from generation to generation.” And so, seasons of transition continue.
At the close of this programmatic year, on May 30, Melissa will step away from her role as Director of Christian Formation and we will begin the summer project of restructuring and organizing our approaches to children, youth, and adult Christian Formation. I am deeply grateful for Melissa’s faithful service, and for the love that she—and her entire family—share with our church. They are an essential part of the welcome and joy people experience when they walk through our church doors. I hope you will join me in offering our heartfelt thanks to a good and faithful servant.
Morris+