History of LCR

This history of Resurrection's fifty years, gleaned from newsletters and
other papers, contains stories of joy and sadness, purpose and
confusion, success and failure.  That is exactly what one should expect, for, although the church is "called, gathered, enlightened, and sanctified" by the Spirit, it still pursues its mission in this world.  The story of Resurrection is rooted in and reflects the world of which it has been a part.

The congregation's growth paralleled the postwar growth of the inner-ring suburbs, which peaked in the late 1970's, about the time the "Resurrection Connection" was completed.  As the growth moved north and the "nests" of those who built this church began to empty, the congregation had to deal with shrinking numbers and resources, as was true of the schools and other institutions of the neighborhood.  While shrinking numerically, however, the congregation benefited from the economic growth of the period and began to reflect the prosperity of the area.

Resurrection's fifty years can also be read as ecclesiastical history.  Begun as a mission of the English District of the Lutheran Church -- Mo. Synod, it chose to follow the progressive, ecumenical spirit of the English District rather than the more conservative spirit of the Mo. Synod.  Its move first into the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches and then into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America happened thoughtfully and with relatively little conflict, due to competent leadership, both clergy and lay.  The membership today is very pan-Lutheran in its origins and increasingly welcomes people of non-Lutheran backgrounds.

The congregation also grew in inclusivity during these years, accepting the full equality of women in ministry and dealing in a positive way with the issues raised by the ELCA's document on human sexuality.  While lacking diversity of class or color, due mainly to the homogeneity of the suburbs, Resurrection has reflected Lutheranism's move towards a greater social consciousness in its study of issues and its volunteerism in projects like Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and Loaves and Fishes.  Its most significant contribution to the common good, of course, was the establishment of The Residence, in the face of much social and political pressure.

These fifty years have seen great changes in worship and Christian nurture.  The adoption of the Lutheran Book of of Worship brought with it a renewed emphasis on Baptism in the life of the faithful and on more frequent communion.  The separation of confirmation from first communion resulted in earlier communions and more flexibility in the age of confirmation.  The increasing pluralism of our society, the influence of the media on the culture, and the call for variety in worship have led to the use of a supplemental worship source, With One Voice, and to a continuing study of how best to inculturate the faith in a pluralistic, secularistic society.

Read this way, it could seem that the life of the congregation has simply been driven by forces outside its control.  It is our belief, however, that the Holy Spirit has been guiding us on this worldly pilgrimage and has brought us to this place.  At times we have negotiated our challenges well; other times have been marked by very human failings, disagreements, and cross purposes.  Especially painful was the congregational conflict of 1989-90, a time of great pain and loss for all.  But the Spirit did not give up on us.  The Spirit helped us to regroup, heal, and develop a unified mission.  Now it is with great joy and thanksgiving that we celebrate this jubilee.
                                                                                        - Robert A. Hausman, Pastor (May 1997)

Highlights of our history