A Message from Vicar Corey

Anticipation. Eagerness. These words we throw around when we talk about life events and situations. There are many times when we are required to wait; sometimes patiently, yet usually impatiently. Waiting happens in many aspects in our lives; waiting in line at the grocery store, waiting for the package to be delivered, waiting for change to happen, waiting to feel renewed.

Last year, about this time, I was waiting for a career change. I had spent numerous years working in a variety of different jobs and studying in seminary, which had prepared me for a life of ministry. As 2020 was coming to a close, I was preparing to begin the next step of ministry, a year of internship. There was anticipation and eagerness as I waited for a congregation to be willing to have an intern become a part of their mission. You, Hope Lutheran, took a chance on me as I was searching for a site to serve during my internship year. Along with me came a family hoping to stay in Sioux Falls, so not to uproot Sandy and the boys and move away from the jobs and schools. We have been grateful for each of you, as you have welcomed us into your congregation and into your lives. You have blessed us with your time and your gifts. Thank you for this past year!

As I enter the last month of my internship, there again is anticipation and eagerness for the next call into ministry, not knowing which congregation will be ready to call me and my family into their mission. Each of you have helped to prepare my call into the ministry. All of us will take something from the year of 2021; maybe hardship or grief, maybe you have found joy through a new opportunity or a new birth, but no matter your situation, we can come together with hope. Psalm 130:5 states, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word, I hope.”, this Advent season we wait with anticipation, eagerness, and hope for the Christ child to be born in a lowly stable. Together we are people of hope in Christ. Together we are Hope Lutheran. May God bless your Season of Advent.

Together with Hope,

Vicar Corey