Pastor Roger Gustafson
December 2005
Advisor Article

       "Pastor, I hate to bother you, but..."
       "Pastor, I know this sounds silly, but..."
       "Pastor, you're gonna think I'm weird, but..."
Yes, the season of Advent is upon us, including preparations for Christmas and jammed schedules at schools and within families. It's a time when the words "wonderful" and "frantic," not normally connected, fit particularly well together for many people. It's a time when "minor" issues and problems don't need much poking to barge their way to the surface and demand attention.

So get our attention. We're your pastors. Use us.

You might feel that your particular issue is trivial or foolish, or that we just don't have the time for you. However, one of the joys of our calling is visiting and sharing God's grace and hope with members and friends of Advent.

So when should you call us? What follows are some examples of when we would encourage a contact, not only now during the holiday season but in general:

• When you experience loneliness, anxiety, depression or fear (this can be a major difficulty during a holiday time);
• If you would like spiritual counsel or want to develop a program of intentional faith development;
• When you need to confess and hear God's word of forgiveness and wholeness;
• If you would like to pray with a pastor;
• When there are transitions in your life -- death of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, contemplating a move or a career change, facing difficulties in your primary relationship;
• When you're hospitalized (call before, if possible) or in serious legal trouble (call as soon as possible).

And when you consider calling one of us, please remember that your conversations with Pastor Susan, Vicar Joel or myself are strictly confidential.

So go ahead: bother us. You'll feel better.

– Pastor Roger