Although the Lutheran Church is among the largest of Protestant bodies, Living Word itself is a small and intimate congregation.
For more than 50 years Living Word has included a special community of people brought together by God’s grace who have committed themselves to the mission of: LIVING THE WORD – SPREADING THE WORD.
As a congregation, we have been on quite a journey. We started in the Raleigh area of Memphis but left our home there in search of the new community for which God was preparing us to serve. After more than a decade of experimentation and discovery we have put down roots in Arlington, confident that this is where we are intended to be.
Pastor Gordon and his wife Mary came to LIVING WORD in August 2016 from Durham NC.
They have two adult children, Audrey who lives in Colorado Springs and Philip who lives in Seattle. Their house here in Arlington would be kinda quiet if it weren't for Scooter, (a 18 yr old Senegal parrot), and Petey, (a 1 yr old parrotlet) who manage to provide a running dialogue and commentary on life.
Mary is an RN with a background in Oncology and is currently engaged in clinical research. Her work requires frequent travel to visit sites where new drugs in development are being tested.
Pastor Gordon has served congregations in Houston, Durango Colorado, Atlanta, and North Carolina prior to arriving in Arlington. He has also been instrumental in the creation and leadership of two community service organizations; Bay Area Meals on Wheels and Manna, the Durango Soup Kitchen. His ministry has included the development of innovative communication tools and learning experiences for both young people and adults, effective cross-cultural ministry, and recognition for his leadership in mobilizing people of faith to respond to the needs of their communities in ways that "look like Jesus" .
Not all of Pastor Gordon's life experience has come within the context of serving congregations as a Pastor. He has also; sold women's shoes, put himself through college and seminary working as a Store Detective arresting shoplifters in a downtown Chicago department store, been a principle partner/creative director in a small advertising agency, a social ministry activist, and a clown's assistant.
All of which he claims have contributed to making him a better Pastor.
Pastor Gordon always enjoys meeting new people. Please feel free to contact him if there is any way he might be helpful to you.