October 6, 2008

Greetings from the Searles of Lodz, central Poland, where that northwest wind is beginning to whistle over the flatlands and right into our bones!

We’re still newly arrived, visiting churches, and getting settled, jointly appointed by Global Ministries (Christian Church/Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ) and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

It’s great to be where worship matters—really matters. Here in Poland, attending worship has in the past been a very political and sometimes dangerous act. Recently, we celebrated the 120th anniversary of the founding of Lodz Evangelical-Reformed Church, originally planted in Lodz by the Warsaw congregation. Over mounds of grilled sausages, we learned at the feet of the man who headed the church board right after World War II. It was as if the very stones spoke the past.

One April during the Nazi occupation of Lodz, then called Litzmannstadt, Pastor Jerzy Jelen was forbidden to preach in Polish or English. So the following Sunday, Easter Sunday 1942, Jelen preached in Czech. Early the next morning, soldiers literally wrested him from the arms of his newly wed and pregnant wife. Lidia miscarried soon after. Transported to Dachau, Rev. Jerzy Jelen died on December 26, 1942. He was number 29703.

During the communist era, worship was a political act. And things are not always easy even now. The Evangelical-Reformed Church is a marginalized denomination in a country where fewer than 4 percent are Protestant. It is a diaspora church, having lost members to shifting borders, repatriations, marriage, and emigration for a better life. The “diaspora pastor,” sort of like a circuit rider, visits a family here and a few people there to share the Word.

It has been said that: “To be Polish is to be Catholic.” This means that the patriotism of those who worship in other churches may be called into question. Reformed kids can feel very lonely and different at school, where most students attend catechism classes. Church camps and youth events are critically important to the future of the Evangelical-Reformed Church in Poland. Growth is slow.

Przimek checks his "camp stew."

Yet, Lodz church is in its turn nurturing a new church start in Wroclaw, where about 12 people gather once a month to worship in a small, rented chapel. A young professional organist fills the space with glorious music. A stunning soprano showers down sound from the rear balcony. Most of these 12 worshipers travel over an hour to this central point. The bulletin is lovingly written and assembled. The candles are lighted. Rev. Koroza of Lodz church circles the block twice to find a parking place, then strides down the aisle just after 4:00 p.m. The mighty organ swells.

Soup for all!

After worship, we fellowship over home-made Moravian buns and instant coffee made in the back aisle. So much effort and energy go into this act of worship for 12 people. And it really matters. They want to add another service each month, but can’t afford to rent the space.

In their worship, care and commitment flow from recognizing that worship is a privilege and a political act, as well as a cosmic statement of faith.

We are awed by the history and commitment of believers in our partner church. We are humbled to be called and sent by you to walk with them on their journey of faith. Thank you, each of you, for making this critical presence possible.

• Your prayers are the most important contribution you can make to our ministry.
• We hope you’ll keep those prayers rising!
• And please put us on your church’s “Joys and Concerns” or prayer list, won't you?
• And email us with your church and personal news. We always love to hear from you, and it helps us stay connected to our home culture.

Ever looking up!

Liz and Doug Searles in Lodz, Poland