By Rev. Aaron James Lauer | Lead Pastor – United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale
Growing up, I was never much of a morning person. I was a bigger fan of the nighttime, because it offered much more excitement and opportunities to be social and have fun. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve started to appreciate the mornings a lot more. I’ve stopped dreading the sunlight shining through my window and forcing me to rise from my sleep. Instead, I’m a lot more appreciative of what the morning brings me: a new opportunity to rise, be grateful, and serve my community.
As a pastor, Sunday mornings are the highlight of my week, with worship, fellowship time, and more often than not, some sort of gathering or meeting after church is done. But I’m finding that mornings throughout the week are just as busy. I get to have breakfast with members, give a call or a visit to someone in need, and hopefully get a little bit of study-time in for my sermons.
I moved from Miami to Broward County back in September to become the lead pastor at the United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale. In these past few months, my position at the church has offered me so many opportunities to not only connect with the members of my congregation but also to be out in the community, building relationships with the people of this county as well as serving those who are in need.
Our church has a community outreach program called Ruth’s Ministry that serves over 150 people each week with a hot meal, clothing, showers, and more. We hosted an interfaith Thanksgiving service in November, as a way of building peace among people of all faiths. And we’ve welcomed a number of LGBTQ+ organizations into our space for collaboration around trans equality, LGBTQ+ health, and music.
I am so inspired to rise each morning and work alongside the people of UCC Fort Lauderdale as well as the many community organizations that call Broward County home. I treat every day, every moment, as an opportunity to spread God’s love and create a more just world for my neighbors. There is something special happening right now in Broward County. Maybe it’s always been here, and I am just noticing it because I’m new! But I definitely feel a sense of community, service, solidarity, love, and hope are rising up and I am so glad to be a part of it.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Lamentations 3:22-23. It reads, “The steadfast love of our God never ceases. God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.” I truly believe this and have started reciting this to myself each morning as I rise and start a new day of work in this community. I look forward to sharing love and joy with this wonderful community for many years to come!
