When we returned to the US two years ago for our first Home Service, there were obviously a lot of places and people we couldn’t spend enough time with. The nature of a short six weeks of time, when most everyone wants to see you on a Sunday morning, necessitates a rotation of sorts. Some people we won’t be able to visit with – not because we (or they) don’t want to, but simply because schedules don’t work out. When that happens, we try our best to ensure we give priority to those on our next visit.
So it is that we worshiped with Peace Lutheran, Camarillo this morning. Camarillo is the first place I was called to serve after finishing seminary, though it was at another congregation that went through many changes before, during and after my brief time with them. Peace Lutheran was the other, larger Lutheran church in town. I became friends with one of their vicars, and learned the nature of pastoral collegiality with their other staff. Their pastor at the time has since retired but worships there still. Their Director of Christian Education who eventually went through ordination and became their next lead pastor recently retired because of health concerns.
So this morning we were welcomed by their new pastor, as of Fall 2025. Rev. Jonah Domenicelli and his family were gracious in extending the invitation to us to visit, allowing us to fulfill our promise from two years ago to Peace by coming on a Sunday morning this time. We had a wonderful time presenting a bit about our life and my work before worship to 20-30 folks, and answering at least some of their questions! I was blessed to preach at worship afterwards, and then there was a potluck so we had more opportunity to meet and interact with people.
A wonderful, warm community who have been staunch partners for the past five years.
The Nelson Family Indonesia 