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Madison Pastor Continues to Minister to his Flock

Along with other churches in the state, the Lutheran Church of Madison (LCM) reluctantly shut its doors on March 17 for an indefinite period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pastor Volker Heide, temporarily without his flock, immediately found ways to continue to be their shepherd. On March 18, he began a timely, daily email Bible study, “The Lord Is My Rock,” featuring 21 Psalms by David. He has also posted “Sermons of Hope,” which are available to all, along with the daily Bible study, on the church’s website www.lutheranchurchofmadison.com. Heide has authored eight books of sermons, all available on Amazon.

March 22 was the first Sunday that LCM was unable to hold worship services since its founding more than 70 years ago. However, Heide continued to reach out to his congregation. By email, he announced “a drive-by and a blessing” for that Sunday between 9 and 11 a.m. Members were instructed to drive into the church parking lot and pull up to a table with altar paraments and a cross. Through each car’s open window, and standing six feet away in his clerical robes and wearing disposable gloves, the pastor handed out a printed copy of that week’s sermon, then read selected Bible passages, offered a prayer, and delivered a blessing to each car’s occupants.

With his usual sense of humor, Heide had added a personal touch to his formal clerical garb. A native Texan, he completed his ensemble with a cowboy hat to keep his head warm. That brought a much-needed smile to those who participated in the drive-by.

A hopeful message for all was posted on a sandwich board at the parking lot entrance: “This too shall pass!”