Our Church | holyspirit622

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church was started a quarter of a century ago is Savannah on a foundation of faith and hope. During and from this time, its people have sought to build a church that would reach across uncertainties to reveal the power of God at work in the community. In this building process, Holy Spirit has had a dedicated fellowship and capable leaders. Pastor-developer James M. Capers began the process of starting a new congregation in a changing neighborhood in 1982. He held many prayer sessions and knocked on many doors. About a year later, on September 25, 1983, Holy Spirit became an officially recognized congregation of the Lutheran Church in America. The multi-talented family, including Mrs. Barbara Capers, initiated many programs and brought many community groups into the church’s embrace under the motto “Empowered to Serve.” Members who joined in the early years of the church remain among its most loyal parishioners, bridging the days from past to the present, and looking beyond. Pastor Capers left in 1988 to join the national headquarters of the newly organized Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. His contributions to the church and the people of Savannah are still felt and remembered with love.

Pastor Jack C. Wray was the second outstanding leader of Holy Spirit, serving between 1988 and 1993. The church became more visible and effective in Savannah and elsewhere during his ministry. Mission Partners brought new friends and new funds into the church. The church building was refurbished inside and out, and reciprocal visits were made with congregations in other states. The Trinity Room is named for the congregation in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Sharing-a Meal for those in need was initiated. Other denominations participated in the Reformation Services in Savannah.

In May of 1993, Pastor Harold Campbell became the third pastor of Holy Spirit. The Detroit Mass was chosen for the worship service and computer technology was brought in to enhance learning in the Vacation Bible School. Mrs. Irene Campbell trained groups of liturgical dancers and sponsored activities of STAR-Serious Teens Acting Responsibly. During Pastor Campbell’s ministry, the practice was begun of having a revival before the anniversary services.

Between January 1999 and April 2000, the church was without a pastor. While serious discussions and decisions about the church were being made at the highest church levels, Sunday worship and Bible study continued every week along with varied community activities and the after school study program. Pastors from different Lutheran and various denominations encouraged the congregation and through sermons and other counsel kept it centered on faith, hope, and work. The records of the ELCA, the Southeastern Synod, and the local church give the details of the “new start” the congregation received. Challenges were made and accepted, as bridges to the future were newly constructed and old ones effectively strengthened.

Pastor Nelson provides community leadership as the President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, board member of Step-Up Savannah, member of the Emancipation Association of Savannah and vicinity, the chairperson for the Back-To-School Campaign that serves over 5, 000 children in the greater Savannah community, advisor to the Southeastern Synod Multicultural Commission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and member of the GA African-American Lutheran Association. Opportunities for songs and testimonies have been increased during worship service. Pastor Nelson is especially known and loved for his pastoral care for the church members and their families.

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church has reached an important milestone in its history. For thirty years it has used obstacles as building blocks for constructing bridges. Through faith, hope, and love, it pledges to continue making connections, from people to people, and from people to God.

Pastor W. James Nelson, the present pastor, was installed at Holy Spirit on May 7, 2000. He and his wife, Dr. Karen (Kay) Nelson, have brought vitality and an emphasis on youth participation to the church. Young people have taken a larger role in the church services and are encouraged to take part in musical, youth, and ethnic activities in the city and throughout the Synod. Pastor Nelson’s interest in and focus on obtaining a good education has inspired several young adults of the congregation to enroll in college. Currently, there are fourteen young adults actively attending a college or university. To date, nine people have completed their bachelor and master degrees. Also, Pastor Nelson has led the church in involvement with other denominations and social concerns throughout Savannah while sharing in fulfilling the mission statement: “Coming together in Faith, Hope, and Love for the Empowerment of All People regardless of Race, Color or Creed.” Through Pastor Nelson’s leadership, the congregation was able to purchase their church, and burn the mortgage within twelve years and implement upgrades to the facility. Pastor Nelson provides community leadership as the President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, board member of Step-Up Savannah, member of the Emancipation Association of Savannah and vicinity, the chairperson for the Back-To-School Campaign that serves over 5, 000 children in the greater Savannah community, advisor to the Southeastern Synod Multicultural Commission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and member of the GA African-American Lutheran Association. Opportunities for songs and testimonies have been increased during worship service. Pastor Nelson is especially known and loved for his pastoral care for the church members and their families. Holy Spirit Lutheran Church has reached an important milestone in its history. For thirty years it has used obstacles as building blocks for constructing bridges. Through faith, hope, and love, it pledges to continue making connections, from people to people, and from people to God.