A conversation with Rev. Lorraine Brock
Rev. Brock organizes our spiritual development program, membership classes, and is available to our congregation as a certified spiritual director and grief recovery specialist. She plans worship services, and preaches often. Clearly, it takes focus, a desire to fulfill God’s purpose and love of King of Peace to accomplish these ministries. Lorraine openly shares some of this with our interviewer.
Q: What is your favorite part about our church?
LB: The diversity of ministries. The faithfulness of people, their generosity and good hearts. The spiritual development they’re trying to do for themselves by attending services and classes. Watching people grow and change.
Q: What role does spirituality play in your own life?
LB: Spirituality has played a great role since I was 19 and entered a convent. Within the 10 years there I developed a strong sense of spirituality. I’m very Trinitarian at heart. My personal spiritual journey led me to come to MCC, then to the Haden Institute to become a certified spiritual director. Serving here at the Thursday night services has instilled a greater appreciation of corporate worship. I’ve been able to blend my personal spirituality with the worship services of King of Peace.
Q: When do you feel closest to God?
LB: Wow. It doesn’t have to be just one place, does it? At personal retreats. When serving people. At church, meeting and listening to people. During grief recovery, watching people heal and being a part of that process. Being part of a great worship service. In the mountains, at the beach.
Q: Who has been the most important person or event in your own self-development?
LB: The person — my therapist. The event — the two-year program at the Haden Institute. Those have enabled to look at and evaluate myself, to get to know my strengths and not play up to my weaknesses. To be aware that I have weaknesses and find people to fill in those areas.
Q: What kind of books do you read?
LB: Spiritual books and murder mysteries.
Q: What things annoy or frustrate you?
LB: The number one thing is gossip. People may have important things to say, but rather than go to that person they just go on and gossip about it. Nothing gets worked out. Not only does it frustrate and annoy me, it makes me angry.
Q: Although you’re just getting started — do you have any goals for your new position at King of Peace?
LB: Yes. I’d like to see more people involved. I’d like to see the church move out beyond our four walls. To continue to develop our contemporary service. To do or create groups within the church to enable people to give care giving to each other. One in the works is a men’s Bible study (I won’t be teaching that one). I’d like to give people the opportunity to come with new ideas — see if they’re viable and workable and give ‘em a try.
Q: What can the congregation do to support you?
LB: Continue to be real. If you really enjoy a worship service or program, let us know about it. If you have concerns, go to the correct people and know you can feel safe in doing that. Allow me to be myself and grow, because it is new and I need to grow with the position.
