Preaching In The Public Square

Kurt Fredrickson

Sometimes we are called to proclaim good news in settings outside of a local church.  These situations are a unique challenge and opportunity for a preacher.  I was recently involved in such a circumstance.

The Context:

With just half an ear tuned to the evening news I heard the story of a Burbank police officer killed in the line of duty. Then I heard the name, Pavelka. That name is unusual enough for me to worry. I rushed to the television set; I saw the picture of the fallen officer, and my worry became sorrow and anger. One of the children of the church I had recently served was dead. Matthew Pavelka had been killed in the line of duty.  Matt was shot as he arrived as the backup officer on a traffic stop in an area of Burbank known for drug activity.  Matt had just been with the Burbank Police Department for ten months.

Matt along with his parents and brother were part of the Simi Covenant Church family.  Matt was a regular participant in the Junior High and Senior High groups at church.  Matt was a part of my Confirmation Class when he was in 9th grade.  I baptized Matt as he affirmed his allegiance to Jesus Christ.  After he graduated from Simi Valley High School, I officiated at his wedding.

Soon, I got the call from Matt’s parents, Mike and Sue Pavelka. They wanted me to speak at the memorial service for Matt.  I had just recently left Simi Covenant Church after serving eighteen years as senior pastor to direct the doctor of ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary.  I told Mike and Sue that I was available to help anyway they desired.  Being a chaplain with the Simi Valley Police Department, I knew that this would be an (larger than life) event.  I met with the chaplain at the Burbank Police Department who had the overwhelming logistical job for the service.   I began to put together my thoughts what would I say at this service ? mostly civil ceremony, but at the same time very personal for Matt’s family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. What word would I bring?

The day of the funeral was surreal.  The motorcade snaked from the Burbank Police Department to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery.  The procession was lead by scores of motor officers with ligh

ts flashing.  Along the route to the cemetery, California Highway Patrol motor officers blocked off every intersection. On the way, looking out the window of one of the family limousines, I saw people standing still, saluting, or placing their hand over their heart, some crying, some holding signs saying: Thank You Burbank Police Department. A Burbank public works employee stood at attention in his bright orange work shirt waving an American flag.  A whole elementary school emptied out and stood on the sidewalk to give tribute to this officer.