A letter from James Brooks, Grace's Youth Ministry Coordinator

To my Grace Community,

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of taking a wonderful course called “The Urban Ministry Field Experience.” Going into this class I thought that it would be a neat experience, plus it would give me some additional elective credit hours toward my MDiv degree. This class was not only amazing; it challenged me to really seek God’s direction and call at this point of my life.

Each morning we had devotions led by Dr. John Perkins, with readings from the book of Isaiah. It seemed as though every passage was talking directly to me and solidifying what God was calling me to do.  For the last couple of years I have been wrestling with whether I should walk in my father’s footsteps and pastor Harmony Community Church, or if God is calling me somewhere else.  The people of Harmony voted unanimously to have me as their pastor, but there has been apprehension on my part to “let go and let God.”  I am in a tough, but exciting stage of life right now. In many ways I feel like Peter walking on the water, knowing if I keep my eyes on Christ I will be fine, but if I take my eyes off him, I will definitely sink.  However, I am assured that ultimately Christ always has his eyes on me. 

Harmony Church is in the heart of Chicago’s Lawndale community. Approximately 150 people attend worship on a Sunday morning. Many of the worshippers come from the Lawndale community or surrounding areas.  A demographic study has not been done of the congregation, but I would safely assume that 40 percent or more of the parishioners live at or below the poverty line, 85 percent witness violence on a weekly basis, 10 percent suffer with HIV/AIDS, 40 percent have suffered with substance abuse, and 30 percent have been incarcerated.  With statistics such as these the call as pastor will be demanding in a myriad of ways, and some have even advised me not to accept it.  My prayer has been “Lord, please make it clear to me that this is where you need me to serve.”  But I have often thought, “I am so comfortable right where I am!”

I guess you can say I had an epiphany moment. While trying to figure out how I was going to pay for the field experience course, I was told about the John Perkins Fellowship offered by Northern Seminary.  The fellowship would pay my entire tuition for my MDiv/DMin degrees, allow me to be mentored by the leader of a thriving urban Christian community, and would require me to serve at an urban church (which, of course, would be Harmony).  Wow! This seemed perfect and an answer to my prayer. I applied, and last week I was informed that I had been chosen to be one of the recipients. 

I immediately started to ask questions such as, would Jackie and my girls be okay if I took this offer?  What about Pastor Modahl and Grace Church? I was so excited that I had been selected, but I was so nervous about the sacrifice that this would require.  Jackie and I decided that we would pray and ask God to give us direction in what should be my next step. The scripture that kept coming to me was Isaiah 58:12b, “You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.”  It became more and more evident that God was calling me to take this step of faith, so that I can allow my “Christ light” to shine bright in the Lawndale community.  With that said, I am both saddened and excited to share with you that I will be starting full-time at Northern Seminary in the fall and serving as the Senior Pastor at Harmony Church exclusively.  Honestly, I am concerned about the potential strain on my family’s finances, but I am reminded in 2 Corinthians, “He who has promised, is faithful.”  I am assured that God will make provisions.

Grace has truly been a blessing in my life and to my family.  The many wonderful experiences here at Grace have helped me develop my leadership skills and articulate my theological convictions, and allowed my family and me to develop some wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime. It has been an honor and a privilege to walk alongside so many young people as they have matured in their faith.  However, it is now time for me to say “yes” to the next thing that God is calling me to do.  

I pray that the partnership between Grace and Harmony will grow stronger. I look forward to hearing from you and I pray that all of you in the Grace community will walk this journey with me.

In Christ,
James

From Pastor Bruce Modahl

Dear Fellow Members of Grace,

Eight years ago we welcomed James and Jackie Brooks and their children, Jaylah and Janay, to our congregation. Eight years ago James began ministry among us as Youth Ministry Coordinator. James sought always to nurture each young person’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Youth workers seldom stay in the job longer than three years. James has been a faithful servant among us for eight.

James saw his main role among the staff to be that of encourager. He encouraged us and lifted our spirits with his joy, his friendship, his deep faith, and his ready reliance on God’s Word. We will all miss him very much. I know God brought him to us, and I am confident that James is faithfully answering God’s call to him now to pursue this new direction in ministry. One part of our life together is over. However, God will open up new avenues for ministry between Grace Lutheran Church and School and Pastor James Brooks of Harmony Community Church.

We will say farewell to James on Sunday, September 5. James will preach for both services. A picnic lunch will follow the late service.

The staff and lay leadership has been at work making plans for the transition. I will detail these plans in the weeks to come.

In God’s grace,
Bruce K. Modahl