The Lutheran Review

Conant: "Running the Gauntlet"

I often regretted  that I don’t have much time to visit after the service.  The pastor has to hurry off for a 10:00 service in Pinckneyville .  The members gather again following church to discuss the events of their lives.  In good weather many line either side of the ramp leading from the front door. So I grab my robe and sermon and “run the gauntlet” as we bid each other goodbye.  I leave hoping that the next time pastor Smithley needs someone to fill in; I will be free to return to Conant.

 

When I completed  the vacancy in July, 2003, I received a drawing of the organ complete with the pump handle, now only a memory of the past.

 

By Rev. Ronald Jansen

Conant: "The Gathering"

When the weather is warm several members gather outside on the left side of the church.  During the winter the gathering moves inside under the balcony, still on the left side.  Shortly before the service begins everyone takes their seats, some go up to the balcony and others stay on the lower level.  I knew it was soon time to start when Brian Mayer came back to light the candles.  

Conant: "Nostalgia"

When we came to the intersection with Lion Mountain Rd we saw the little white church a half mile to our right.  Pulling up in front, Becky immediately noted the outdoor toilet.  “It’s probably just for the sake of nostalgia,” I opined.  I was right, but only by a few months.  Flossie Schrader informed us that an addition to the church had been just dedicated that fall. 

Finding Conant

Becky and I thought it a good idea to do a reconnaissance run lest I end up chasing around the southern Illinois on my first Sunday morning.  We had no trouble finding the church in Pinckneyville.  Map questing Trinity, Conant hadn‘t helped.  Furthermore, most of the young people working at McDonald’s knew nothing of Conant.  Finally, someone provided directions.  We eased west out of town along state hwy. 154.  Six miles later a sign pointed left to the town of Conant.  Near a set of railroad tracks we saw a sign for the town of Conant. However, we did not see any sign of the town of Conant.  Later, we learned that a 1982 tornado destroyed what the strip coal mines had not crowded out.  Now, a cell tower and a few houses occupy the area.

Conant: "The Lord Provides"

We are going to start an ongoing series written by my father, Rev. Ronald Jansen.  The series is a collection of short pieces reflecting on his experience working at Trinity Lutheran Church in Conant, IL.  Enjoy.

The Lord Provides

            When I retired in January 2003, I made an appointment with Herbert Mueller, Southern Illinois District president.  He said, “I just received an opening for a vacancy pastor at a small dual parish in Pinckneyville and Conant.”

 I spent my whole ministry in large churches and had wondered for the last few years if I could do a small congregation.  Now the Lord had provided an opportunity.