There are as many reasons to run a marathon as people who run them. Pastor Trudy Stoffel of Geneva Lutheran Church attributes her decision to run the Fox Valley Marathon on September 16 to a higher power.
“Our spiritual life is not so different from a marathon. There are miles where you feel energized and there are miles when you think you can’t go another step. That is why it is so important to have a community where you can feel God’s support.”
The 26.2 mile race will also be a lesson for the people of Geneva Lutheran Church on how to be community in the face of challenges. There will be two special worship services that weekend to illustrate the lesson.
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Saturday night will include a blessing of those from the congregation running in races on Sunday; Sunday will include updates from the race course. Both will feature hymns and readings that speak to the stages (or miles) of our faith lives.
Many members will be out on the course on race day; cheering for all the runners and pacing their pastor in various places. Every member of the congregation will be able to contribute that day; even if they will never run in a race.
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“Every one will be a part of the race; whether through prayer, worship or running. I think this is a beautiful model for how we come alongside each other in the challenges we face in our lives; just imagine in times of illness or job loss or just the busy-ness of life what it would mean to have someone come and run a few steps with you or cheer for you. We can’t run a race for someone else, but we can encourage them. That’s what Jesus did for the people who were weary.” Stoffel says.
Geneva Lutheran Church member Danni-Lynn Korpela is a tri-athlete who will be running her third full marathon. She says, “I found myself overwhelmed by the spiritual nature of completing such a long distance race. Getting your mind, body, and spirit all in the same place is challenging, but when you accomplish that the peace you feel is like no other.”
The church has been ‘In Training’ since mid-July and is beginning a year-long focus on running the race that is set before us.
The race steps off at 7 AM in downtown St. Charles and is mostly run along the scenic path next to the Fox River. The day also features a half-marathon and a 20-mile race especially for those preparing for other marathons. More information can be found at: http://fv26.com/
Geneva Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Third and Franklin Streets in downtown Geneva. Everyone is welcome to worship on Saturdays at 5:30pm in the church’s chapel and on Sundays at 9:00am in the sanctuary. The Sunday Education Hour for all ages begins at 10:15am on Sun., Sep. 16. The building is ADA compliant, and air-conditioned!
