Being the Light of God: Heather O’Reilly’s Story

When asked what she looks for in a church home, Heather O’Reilly will tell you that she wanted a place where the congregation lives out the gospel, creating a vibrant culture and a place where every person can connect and help shape the ministry.

For Heather, this took the form of being an active leader in the Sunday Night Suppers when they were hosted at St. Luke’s. A self-described total extrovert who is happiest when surrounded by others, Heather took on the role of greeter. “That showed me you can reflect the light of God in the simplest ways,” she explained. “Most of the people who came to supper were there, not only for a meal, but because they wanted company and companionship. We tried to make them feel at home—learning their names, listening to their stories, giving/accepting hugs and showing them how valued they are.”

She said she carries that experience with her, even though St. Luke’s is no longer the hosting church. She said it reinforced for her the value of a congregation in caring for each other, whether asked for or offered. She appreciates the role St. Luke’s plays in the bigger church by supporting ministries like ELCA World Hunger. “The line in a familiar hymn – I will hold your people in my heart – really resonates with me and I search for opportunities to live that. I’m so grateful that St. Luke’s supports the ministries that make this possible.”