by Pastor Ron Drury

I am grateful for the opportunity to begin serving as First Lutheran’s Visitation Pastor and to become part of this community of faith.

I was born, raised and, as I like to say, brainwashed in Cleveland, Ohio, as the oldest of four children with three younger sisters. My journey eventually brought me to Nebraska, where I graduated from Concordia University in Seward with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in psychology and counseling. I continued graduate work in counseling and social work at UNL and UNO before receiving my Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, in 1985.

Throughout my life and ministry, I have been blessed to serve people in many different settings. My background includes work as a social worker at Madonna in Lincoln and Martin Luther Homes, now Mosaic, in Beatrice; youth ministry in Nebraska and Ohio; drug and alcohol rehabilitation counseling; hospital chaplaincy; and parish ministry in Montana, Iowa and Nebraska. Most recently, I served Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Hickman.

Most importantly, I am blessed by my family. I am married, with three caring children and three grandchildren in Millard, Nebraska, along with a foster grandchild and grandson in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.

Through all of those experiences, one thing has remained especially meaningful to me: the opportunity to connect with people.

Visitation is one of the great gifts of ministry. When we take time to sit together, listen to one another and share our stories, we often discover the many ways our paths have crossed—or may cross again. I believe Christians serve best in communion with other followers of Jesus. Building relationships with one another strengthens us as individuals and as the Church, and through the Holy Spirit we continue growing in our relationship with God.

When I visit with people experiencing illness, grief, transition or other difficult seasons of life, I try to come alongside them with a compassionate, quiet pastoral presence. Sometimes ministry is conversation. Sometimes it is prayer. And sometimes it is simply being present with another person and reminding them that they are not alone.

As I begin serving at First, I also look forward to meeting new siblings in Christ and serving alongside you in the many ways ministry happens here. While visitation will be at the heart of my role, I am especially excited for opportunities to support First’s youth ministry. Youth ministry has been an important part of my own faith journey for more than 40 years. I have had the blessing of volunteering or serving on staff at every ELCA Youth Gathering—even before the ELCA itself was formed!

Service outside the church has also always been important to me. I believe our Baptism calls each of us to serve others in Jesus’ name, and volunteering has been one way I have tried to live out that calling. Over the years, I have coached high school football in three states, coached my own children and their friends in a variety of sports and activities, and been involved in radio ministry as both a host and music director. One of those ministries, E-Rock on KIBZ 104.1 FM, is now in its 32nd year.

There are many stories behind those experiences and I hope there will be opportunities to share some of them as I get to know you—and, even more importantly, to hear your stories.

I am thankful to be here at First and look forward to discovering where God leads us as we serve, connect and grow together.

Special Note: Meet Pastor Ron this weekend as he preaches during worship and joins us for fellowship following the 9:30 AM service. We’ll gather in the Activity Center to welcome him and celebrate the beginning of his ministry with us at First. You can also send him a welcome message at visitation@flclincoln.org.

Who says growing older means slowing down? Certainly not the Seasoned Adults of First Lutheran!

Adults age 65 and beyond are invited to gather on Sunday, August 23, at 2:00 PM at First Lutheran for an afternoon of refreshments, fellowship and a little surprise fun. We are not revealing all the details yet—but expect plenty of laughter, good conversation and proof that age is only a number.

Bring your youthful spirit—and bring a friend along, too! Your guest does not need to be a member of First Lutheran.

Got a favorite children’s book and a little time to share?

Beginning after September 1, we’re looking for volunteers to read with children at Las Abejitas Bilingual Education Center at First on a weekly or biweekly schedule.

A good story does more than entertain—it builds vocabulary, strengthens language and listening skills, sparks imagination and helps children grow into confident readers.