A Church Update

Recently a story was printed in Christianity Today naming that a well-known author who was a former LaSalle St Church member, Philip Yancey, admitted to an eight-year affair with a married woman and is stepping away from any remaining writing, speaking, and ministry. A statement from his wife also shared the devastation and betrayal she is now working through after 55 yrs of marriage, and her intention to keep her vows and work to trust in God’s forgiveness of her husband. While at LSC in the 1980s-90s, Janet was very involved in volunteering and leading outreach ministries, and Phillip wrote his book “The Jesus I Never Knew,” with material taken from a well-loved adult ed class he taught here.

Even though it’s been many years since their family was at our church, I want to encourage us to keep Janet and Philip and all those impacted by this painful news in prayer. I also want to check in with those in our church community who have a personal and ongoing connection with them, who may be working through a range of emotions and grief after this revelation. Know that we are praying for you, and I/our pastoral team welcome talking further and hearing how to best support you moving forward. There may also be others in our community for whom there is no personal connection to this news, but are feeling triggered or pain in some way; please know our pastoral team is mindful of this as well, and welcome hearing how to support you too.  

As we face these places of loss, I want to close with a simple reminder that we are not alone. God is with us, able to hold all of our reactions, questions, anger, or grief; and our community is strongest when we lean toward one another, make room to heal, and walk through these storms together. With much love – Rev Liz