Immanuel Lutheran’s Pastor Ericson lives with tears of joy
Pastor Jack Ericson of Immanuel Lutheran Church was in his office on a sunny morning recently, talking about all the non-profit groups who use the church’s facilities. When he described the group sewing pillows for cancer patients in his church’s fellowship hall that day, he became slightly overcome. Not embarrassed for a moment, he said matter-of-factly, “Tears are a part of my life.”
Tears have been part of Ericson’s life for a long time, but not tears of sorrow. Ericson attended seminary right after college, was ordained in 1968 and has enjoyed a long, joyful life in the church.
Now 59, Ericson spoke of the imperative, both for his church and for himself, to be involved in the community.
“We say in our baptism service, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven,'” said Ericson. “Good works are important. We need to be stirred by what’s in the community.”
Ericson is pleased and excited about all the outreach his church does, and all the non-profit groups that use the church facilities.
“It’s hard here, though, since people often live in one city and work in another,” he said. “We get a disconnect in interest and knowledge of local issues in this suburban environment.”
Immanuel Lutheran has about 230 worshippers each Sunday over three services. The newest service is contemporary and has been celebrated at 9:15 a.m. for about five years. “That service has a certain amount of what I call ‘pink noise,’ with the kids of all ages, but if you don’t mind that, it’s great,” said Ericson, smiling. “I’m never casual about services, but I try to be lighthearted and formal at the same time.”
Ericson spoke of the weddings, baptisms and deaths he has been involved with. “In times of sadness, my job is helping people take the next step,” he said. “Sometimes people are down in the valley of the shadow and all I can do is be there with them.”
Ericson has been married 35 years. He and his wife have two children and one grandchild. Since they can’t go away spontaneously for a weekend, they carefully plan the weekends and vacations they do have. “I don’t mind, though,” said Ericson. “This job is one of the most joyful things in the whole wide world.”
For more information, contact Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1715 Grant Road, Los Altos, 967-4906.
