Honoring A Sacred History
I've been re-reading our church's history recently in the book "The Church That Takes on Trouble," as an its-almost-summer reading treat, and in preparation for our Hall of History and 140th building anniversary next year. I've also watched a documentary and clips from a membership class and a welcome video, and in all this and the book, saw many realities of my own life and ministry story within its pages. I learned that former Pastor Bill Leslie and I both did our PhD work at Garrett-Northwestern, his wife Adrienne taught at Disney Magnet School where my eldest now attends, one of his sons played violin just like our own, and the urban seminary classes, leaders, and institutions named that shaped LaSalle mirror so much of my own formation! But beyond noticing how much of my own story intersects, the threads of a creative, courageous, urban church getting involved in whole-person, embodied faith are deeply evident. It is astounding to me how much of our church's identity has stayed the same - and how much has changed. And it somehow makes the project we're undertaking of redoing our floors and updating the sanctuary this summer take on a deeper dimension.
In some of the historic videos and photos of the church sanctuary, there are maroon walls, a cream ceiling, and two pulpits up front, one centered in the middle. In others there is choir seating up front, Bible verses written on the walls, and banners hanging high above candlelabras. The lower level often has slippery white floors, folding metal chairs with "LSC" stamped on the underside, and scores of kids sitting there. And I've spotted many of our current members, and their families, in the videos and photos from the past. The building decor and details have changed, but so many of the truths about LaSalle's identity have not.
In the conclusion of one documentary made in 1969, voices share why they go to LaSalle, while the video shows young adults walking in through the double front doors to worship. They name things like enjoying freedom, creativity, flexibility, an openness to new ideas, relevant messages, a church that lives like we are really One in Christ Jesus, and a place people feel welcomed and cared for. At this stage the church was mostly made up of people under 30, many students and creatives, and Cornerstone wasn't even a dream yet - but this church known then as Elm-LaSalle was making room for people to experience faith, community, spaciousness, and justice in new ways. It was not perfect, but it was faithful and hardworking, serving it's local neighborhood, drawing visitors from near and far, and impacting the wider church landscape as people worked to understand race and politics and community in light of the civil rights struggles in our country.
The work in front of us in this generational moment is different - and yet, there are echoes all around us of this same story. The neighborhood and congregation have both changed, while some aspects remain the same. The Good News and creative spirit willing to try new things, intent on embodying freedom and justice, certainly remains. So as we prepare to move out our pews, pull up the flooring, clean and restore the floors and stage, I keep thinking of all the feet that have walked up those stairs and between those pews. All the hymns and gospel songs sung, the tutoring and laughter shared, the meetings and debates over how to keep the lights on, the prayers spoken and encouragement proclaimed, the bread and wine spilled, the art and creativity embodied, the building of friendships and the community that has shaped so many lives... this space is truly sacred ground. What a gift to care for it, and to refresh it, with all those echoes from the past joining us in that same chorus of being the church in our day and age.
"The larger the foundation, the bigger the building," Bill Leslie was quoted saying. Our foundations, our story, the ground we're on, is solid. Our future, the people and vision God is building and bringing to this chapter of LaSalle, will thank us for our leadership and care as we take our turn stewarding this story and church identity.
I hope you will consider joining us in the Foundations and Flooring Campaign going on this month into June. We've received several gifts already and are so grateful for those giving at whatever amount they're able. If you haven't yet given, and if you're able, if this story of the Church that takes on trouble has touched your own in any way, or if you believe in its potential in the future, I encourage you to give toward this project of restoring our sanctuary this summer. Thank you for your part in this remarkable story of a creative, making room, Jesus and justice-minded church, known as LaSalle!
Head to lasallefoundations.org to learn more and take part!