Cross Generational parts of Pilgrim Lutheran
Once I entered the building and took some photos, then I had the joy of visiting with Sr. Pastor Carol Tomer who has been at Pilgrim for 19 years, and the new pastor they just called, Pastor Jen Rome. Pilgrim has been praying and planning for quite some time and felt called to grow in calling a second pastor, Jen. Jen’s title is “Pastor of Next Generation Ministries.” Jen is one of the leaders in cross generational ministry, She has a chapter in Rich Melheim’s book and was a speaker at the Cross Gen conference I attended in Colorado in 2017.
Pilgrim members describe this church as having very few young people ages 0-18, 14 years ago. And now, on a Sunday when the kids are singing, members have counted over 50 bodies. I asked some lay people how they explain this growth: Here are some answers: “Children are cherished and loved here. They are not hidden away. They usher, read, chant. Toddlers have a rug space within the worship area. We are very tolerant of child noise. Everyone is accepted here, no matter who they are, or what they believe. My children like coming because they have two opportunities weekly to see their friends: Sunday morning Sunday School and also WEdnesday night is when we have a meal and choir practices or play practice. Our youth will be doing a play on Sunday April 29, so they are in full practice right now. The kids who are not acting, are helping design the set. A few kids said they like: the meals, the plays, a place to hang out. One said he likes Pilgrim’s Christmas Eve service. The 4pm service is run by youth.
Pilgrim members describe this church as having very few young people ages 0-18, 14 years ago. And now, on a Sunday when the kids are singing, members have counted over 50 bodies. I asked some lay people how they explain this growth: Here are some answers: “Children are cherished and loved here. They are not hidden away. They usher, read, chant. Toddlers have a rug space within the worship area. We are very tolerant of child noise. Everyone is accepted here, no matter who they are, or what they believe. My children like coming because they have two opportunities weekly to see their friends: Sunday morning Sunday School and also WEdnesday night is when we have a meal and choir practices or play practice. Our youth will be doing a play on Sunday April 29, so they are in full practice right now. The kids who are not acting, are helping design the set. A few kids said they like: the meals, the plays, a place to hang out. One said he likes Pilgrim’s Christmas Eve service. The 4pm service is run by youth.