Opportunities to serve

Dear 2PC Friends -

As a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA), we are not members of a local church, but we are encouraged to participate with a particular congregation.

Five and a half years ago, in the middle of a global pandemic, I chose Second Presbyterian Church. Now on the eve of departing this community of faith, I recognize it not so much as a choice, but a special place. A place that has held my story and experiences of both joy and sadness, triumph, courage, disappointment, and resilience the folks of 2PC have have allowed me to hold and carry your experience as Children of God at the same time.

You all, across generations, have allowed me to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in pews to worship and praise our God, laughed and shared meals together, studied and reflected on the scriptures, prayed for and with me, cooked award-winning chili, played with a little green puppet and doll, and wondered about life.

From silent arms that held this chaplain in a sacred place after a school shooting, to a sung prayer with meaningful lyrics and hand motions, to At Table groups, deep theological reflection, building houses for others, breaking bread and preaching, and co-creating a place where I was invited to be fully and authentically myself.

I do believe this is not goodbye, but so long for now as I have found the Presbyterian Church to be an expansive, yet small world. You never know when our paths may cross again.

For all of this and to count Second Presbyterian and its most important resource — the people, from the youngest to the oldest — as a part of my story, I am grateful.

As I continue to live into God’s calling to accompany others across generations, as a Staff Chaplain in Morgantown, WV, thank you for touching my life and allowing me to be a part of yours.

With love for the now and hope for our collective futures I remain —

Rev. Lisa C. Hermann, MDiv, BCC and “Succotash,” friends of 2PC and Minister Member of PMT