Many years ago, a former Children’s Ministry Director, who was a seminary student at the time, shared a Sunday message with us. Of the 4,000 or so words she spoke, I remember three. Those three little words took root and transformed me—and if you’ve been around me for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me repeat them: struggle is opportunity.
At first, I welcomed these words with enthusiasm—“Welcome your trials as friends!” as James 1:2 exhorts us. But as time went on, they kept tugging at me, asking me to think more deeply. I realized I agreed with them in theory, but I didn’t really want them to be my reality. We live in a culture that avoids struggle at all costs, that views difficulties only as obstacles to be eliminated. Suffering is something to cure, fix, numb, or ignore—not to see as opportunity. Yet Jesus shows us another way: one where all of life’s circumstances become invitations to trust in the goodness, faithfulness, and loyal love of the Father.
Our little faith community recently walked through a chapter of struggle that brought this truth to life. In 2023, when our former pastors could no longer continue in their roles, we faced a season of uncertainty. Yet even that hardship became an opportunity to pause, reflect, and seek God’s guidance together. We said “yes” to the invitation to trust his love for us, to lead us into this next chapter, and to provide for us. And what a joy it has been to see how faithfully he has answered our prayers!
As I complete my three-year term on the elder board, I am so grateful for the privilege of serving our church in this role. Along with Cathy Loftus, who is also finishing her term, I want to invite you to prayerfully consider who God might be calling to step into this important work of serving Platt Park Church as an elder. Please join us in nominating those who come to your mind, knowing they are free to accept or decline. Most of all, take time to ask God whether this might be a season where He is inviting you to serve in this way.
Looking back on these three years, Psalm 126 captures my heart well:
“When the LORD restored our fortunes, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
With gratitude and joy,
Carol Schmidt
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From the staff of Platt Park Church:
We want to extend our deepest thanks to both Carol Schmidt and Cathy Loftus as they complete their terms of service on the elder board in the next few months.
Carol has faithfully stepped into this role many times over the life of our church, bringing wisdom, encouragement, and steady leadership. Beyond the board, she pours herself into the fabric of our community—leading a weekly small group, making coffee on Sunday mornings, volunteering with kids, and offering a million other quiet acts of service. Her daily ministry strengthens and cares for both the staff and congregation in ways too numerous to count.
Cathy has also been a vital part of this last three-year chapter. She faithfully walked with the church through the departure of our previous pastors, supported the staff and congregation with grace, and took on big projects with energy and skill. From renovating the parsonage into the Youth Hub home of the Motsenbockers and Conners, to leading and managing our all-church yard sale this past May—fundraising for both the church budget and the France trip—Cathy has blessed our community in tangible and lasting ways.
Cathy and Carol, we are so grateful for the many ways you each have served, and we celebrate the unique gifts you have brought to this season of leadership at Platt Park Church. Thank you so very much!