02/22/2025
Bishop's writeup on his visit with us last week:
February 15-16 found me traveling west to one of the most unique two point parishes not just in the NT-NL Synod, ELCA or the ELCA but likely in the church in America. The people of St. Paul-Levelland, TX and Trinity-Clovis, NM are served by the Rev. Eric Saed who was raised up by and ordained at Shepherd King-Lubbock in 2020.
These congregations are separated by 91 miles. St. Paul has worship at 9am on Sundays, Trinity at 11am. So how does Pastor Saed make the 1.5 hr trip after St. Paul ends worship at 10am? He time travels.
Pastor Saed leaves Levelland and 80 miles into his trip he crosses the Texas-New Mexico border in Texico, New Mexico and at that moment he moves back one hour in time. Crossing into the Mountain Time zone. Making it possible to arrive well in time for 11am worship at Trinity.
Both of these congregations are small. Dealing with the realities of changing economies, family situations, declining populations on air force bases, many of the same realities we see across our territory. But they are ELCA communities proclaiming a welcoming gospel in the midst of challenging times. Serving and caring for their communities and seeking new ways to do ministry. I was grateful for the time with them and to take part in this unique parish arrangement. Another way we are being creative to serve our congregations. Because the local congregation is the reason to church exists.
