New Around the Mission

Warm Hearts Melt Winter’s Chill in Wisconsin

January 27, 2011

On January 9, the Rt. Rev. Sandy Greene dedicated Light of Christ Anglican Church, installed their Rector, Eirik Olsen and confirmed nine confirmands inside the traditional Kemper Center Chapel in Kenosha, Wisconsin, just yards away from the shore of Lake Michigan.

Bishop Sandy Greene, with Deacon Jan Anderson and Fr Eirik Olsen, leads the first Eucharist of the newly dedicated Parish.

Over three years ago, several of the leaders of Light of Christ gathered on the front porch of the boxy yellow house across the street from the pristine chapel. The house is home to Deacon Jan Anderson and wife Michelle; it is also the site where seeds for the new work were first planted and then grew into a small group in their living room. Today that same genuine, hospitable front porch atmosphere resonates with newcomers.

“Visitors often comment about the immediate sense of warmth, family and hospitality they feel at Light of Christ,” admits Rev. Eirik. “People who have been hurt in the past for different reasons find the atmosphere comfortable and appealing.”

Another hallmark for this congregation of mostly young families - the majority of which parent a special needs child - is their flair for the creative arts found in a plethora of painters, iconographers and musicians. Rich, vibrant worship and aesthetically pleasing visual arts are a common component of regular gatherings.

Gordon Stewart leads the children in procession and in praising God with "pipes" (Psalm 150:4)

“It is kind of bizarre but almost every single family at Light of Christ has a special needs child,” reports Rev. Eirik. “It brings an aspect of vulnerability about who we are. We have a weekly living lesson on having a heart like Jesus, to know what it is to be poor. Actually, more kids go up for prayer than adults. Their spirit of authenticity is opening the hearts of the adults.”

While a frosty wind blows off Lake Michigan, swirling around the brilliant stained glass windows of the chapel, hearts find warmth inside among the family of Light of Christ Anglican.

Read more about Light of Christ Anglican.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Faith in Action