Companions in exploring matters of the Spirit

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The blog post below was written the day before the shootings in Aurora and was to have been released that day. Given the tragedy that unfolded in a movie theater – at a film that my own children would be very likely to see – and the fact that the accused perpetrator is a young adult the same age as my own children, my hope that it provides perspective on why I believe our commitment as a church to a deepened relationship with youth and young adults – and the realities they face every day – is so essential.

Beloved in Christ in the Rocky Mountain Synod,

One of the primary intentions of this blog during the transition period leading up to my official start in office of the bishop on August 1 is to share with you some of the influences and experiences that have shaped me over the years. Given that the ELCA National Youth Gathering just concluded in New Orleans, it only feels right to use today’s blog as a chance to share with you the way I’ve been shaped by several specific young people, namely my children.

If you’ve spent any time at Sky Ranch in the last five years or so, there’s a good chance you’ve run into one or more of the three Gonia siblings. A quick thumbnail: 

n  Caroline, 26, is a 2008 graduate of Pacific Lutheran University (English) and lives in Ft. Collins.  An avid biker, hiker, and all around outdoorswoman, Caroline recently became a certified EMT and serves as a volunteer with Larimer County Search and Rescue. 

n  Mallory, 24, is a 2010 PLU grad (Anthropology) and lives with Caroline in Ft. Collins. Mallory is a gifted singer and an amateur photographer. She currently works at Larimer County Humane Society as she contemplates the “what next” of life.

n  Peter, 22, graduated in May from California Lutheran University (Religion) and is working at Sky Ranch this summer.  A musician and lover of outdoors sports, Peter will be headed to Chico, California to serve in youth and household ministry at Faith Lutheran Church. He also plans to work part-time at an organic farm related to the church. 

As MKs (missionary kids), double PKs (pastor kids), and soon to be BKs (bishop kids) our children have been immersed in the milieu of the church from a young age. It began in Madagascar and grew in Colorado during the years I served as Associate Pastor at Atonement Lutheran while Kim worked at the Rocky Mountain Synod office, went to seminary, and then served as a diaconal minister at Holy Trinity Lutheran in Littleton. It was a tremendous gift for me as a pastor to have my kids so engaged in the life of the congregation I served. The church became their second home, their adopted family. We were able to experience important moments together from weekly worship, youth groups and confirmation to immersion trips, retreats and several National Youth Gatherings. At the same time, my kids served as truth-tellers whenever it came to my tendency to put ministry before family. To this day, they remind me of the priority of my vocation as a husband and a father.

Today my young adult children have varied relationships with the institutional church, but they remain companions with Kim and me in exploring matters of the Spirit from multiple vantage points. They each model for me critical aspects of my life of faith. Caroline models for me the importance of God-given passion, not to be exchanged for the sake of simply making ends meet. Mallory models for me the way in which embracing our uniqueness allows us to live authentically rather than behind masks designed to please others. Peter models for me the centrality of community, reminding me that only in true relationship do we discover the fullness of our own identity.

Everything that I continue to learn from my own children makes me eager to experience the insights and wisdom of the many young people of our synod – whether it’s hearing about their God-given passions, discussing their unique sense of identity or celebrating the relationships that help foster their lives of faith.  I would love nothing more than to explore with our youth – as I’ve done with those embarking on our ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program – how our Lutheran way of understanding the world resonates with deep spiritual practices that nurture the soul.  Of one thing I am certain: to the extent that I stay vitally connected with the youth and young adults of our synod, my experience of serving as bishop of our synod will be immeasurably enriched!

Yours in Faith,
Jim Gonia, Bishop Elect

Comments

Dena Williams said…
As a parent of young adult children who likely attend movies in theaters, please address the fear, sadness, and anxiety raised by the recent massacre in Denver. Please offer words of comfort and hope for all affected by this tragedy. Thanks.
4:27 PM
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