Rev. LuAnn Rourke, superintendent of the Heritage District, invites us to reflect on how we can better serve as a temple of the Lord, creating space where God’s glory can be revealed.
LUANN ROURKE
Superintendent, Heritage District
Every once in a while, you find yourself in a “right place, right time” moment. That is what happened when I snapped this picture of the sunrise through the morning mist. A few moments earlier, it was different, less brilliant, less captivating. A bit later, as the sun rose, it changed again. But this moment, this photo captured at just the right time, put me in mind of Psalm 27:4:
I have asked one thing from the Lord — it’s all I seek:
to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life,
seeing the Lord’s beauty
and constantly adoring his temple. (CEB)
The temple is the place where the Lord is. As a superintendent in our connection, I have the opportunity to visit and adore so many temples. And I’m not talking about church buildings or sanctuary settings. I’m talking about the people — the people in whom the Lord dwells.
There are so many creative people out there who are guided by a vision to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in the particular place where they are. Community connections that make space for people to encounter the glorious presence of the Lord are happening! It is so encouraging to see people try new things, partnering with community organizations, building relationships, and beginning to see the people behind the need.
Often, our window of opportunity to bring light and hope to someone who needs it is just one of those “right place, right time” things. It is by making ourselves available, being present, and paying attention to the prompting of the Spirit that we can make a difference in someone’s life.
We achieve this through food pantries, community meals, support groups, and rummage sales. We do this by adopting a teacher, hosting online Bible journaling, providing pastor’s office hours outside the church building, attending school board meetings, visiting nursing homes, and simply taking a walk through the neighborhood. You never know when the light will break through the fog and the glory of God will be revealed. What a blessing to be there when it does!
Consider how you can do things differently as a temple of the Lord to make space for the glory of God to be displayed. What new thing might you try? It has been said that unless you change something, nothing ever changes. If you’re looking to experience a bit more glory, you might need to be part of the change!
It can be a simple thing, too. Hang up a banner. Add a new plant. Clear out some clutter. Park in a different spot. Move to a pew closer to the front. Serve on a different committee. Try a new restaurant after church. Learn to crochet. Host a parking lot potluck.
If you want things to change, change something. You might discover that God wants to use you in a “right place, right time” moment to reveal hope, light, and glory to a person who desperately needs it. And maybe that person is you.
Last Updated on October 23, 2025