Faith Story: Kurt Reichardt
This is an "end of life" story. Of course it has a beginning, too. Just as the "no one lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel" (Matt 5:15) doesn't start there, but rather with "You are the light of the world." WOW! In Baptism, marked with the Cross of Christ forever, be THAT!
Well then, the beginning is this: as with many of you, we came upon Holy Trinity with a relocation. However, it wasn't for the kids or the neighborhood, but for that final room to light our flickering lamp. We were looking for authentic, reverent liturgy, great music, preaching that was forward looking and theologically sound, people who valued diversity (we are a mixed race family) and yes, where social ministry outreach blossoms, the poor and anguished are fed, and where LGBTQIA+ and "straight folks" worship and work side by side. Moreover, we wanted to realize that "impossible dream" before my spouse would suffer the end ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Good luck.
But you are not surprised that we found that congregation, that staff, those welcoming people who understand that the charge to be "the light of the world" means "Us. Here. Now." We found it because our daughter and son-in-law met our skepticism with Philip’s advice to Nathanael: "Come and see!" Joyce joined the choir, I prepared the Altar and we began to repeat that invitation just as others here do. There isn’t a supplied Evangelism program here. People come because they are compelled to tell others what they have found – what we are privileged to experience. That is why we return thanksgiving not only in service, but by financial support of Holy Trinity’s Word and Sacrament gathered hospitality, service and outreach ministries.
Since our second location’s genesis in the South Loop, you will most likely find me there with my family worshiping late each Saturday afternoon along with 30-50 members and seekers, perhaps reading a lesson or sharing hospitality. Joyce was committed in burial there almost two years ago, as she was commended to Eternal Life in a full Eucharistic Choral Service at our Lakeview site three months later. I’m now one of our oldest members; that is why I said "This is an end of life story." For we came here committed to this being where we will light our lamps to shine along with yours in the Winter of our earthly lives. It is where I implore you to join me in affirming Isaiah’s call (Is. 60:1) in a musical cacophony: "Arise shine; for your light has come..." – as a first cadre in support of those next century Holy Trinitarians, witnessing that "the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." Come and See.