a long time coming
wow...its's been forever since i have last blogged- and a lot actually has been going on. last week i was in chicago for the elca's mission development training. it was a very humbling and empowering week where i was able to meet some great colleagues from all over the country (and even a few canadians and germans). we learned the hard truth that mission development, like all pastoral ministry is a lot of work (duh). we also learned that there is no way in hell that we can do this alone- and if we think we can than we better begin packing because the mission start is sure to fail. the division for outreach folks were wonderful in their presentations and conversations- stating all the time that we must depend on God to lead the way in this endeavor as well as seek the support of others around us. there has tended to be a mindset in the past for many mission developers to be a lone-ranger, and all to often these pastors tend to burn out, bringing the church with them. the final worship service was very moving- ending with a commissioning service where my mission director prayed for me and i for him. i prayed simply to let go- let go of all things that bind me down, let go of any thought that i control this development, let go of the anxiety, the worries, etc. etc. i continue to pray this prayer in order to remind myself daily to die to self and to come to the cross seeking forgiveness and guidance. what a great job we pastors have eh? i mean seriously- we get to spread the love of jesus christ to all we meet and that is our job-wow, how cool.
now this week, as i continue to seek god's guidance and wisdom, i approach my ordination on wednesday. i have watched many of my friends already take this step and now it is my turn. i am looking forward to this with great excitement. many of my dear friends will be there, and it will be a great chance for me to see many of the folks from my home church who helped cultivate my faith. bill and darla (anna's folks) presented me with a stole for the occasion- a beautiful hand-woven multi-seasonal stole. i was greatly moved by this gesture as well as their on-going love and support. there is no doubt in my mind that without all the love and support of friends and family i would not be getting ready for this day. so again, i say thanks to all of you-near and far.
so...a brief catch up on what's been going on. i miss my friends dearly- love to all.
thank you god for the good people who have touched my life in so many ways.
now this week, as i continue to seek god's guidance and wisdom, i approach my ordination on wednesday. i have watched many of my friends already take this step and now it is my turn. i am looking forward to this with great excitement. many of my dear friends will be there, and it will be a great chance for me to see many of the folks from my home church who helped cultivate my faith. bill and darla (anna's folks) presented me with a stole for the occasion- a beautiful hand-woven multi-seasonal stole. i was greatly moved by this gesture as well as their on-going love and support. there is no doubt in my mind that without all the love and support of friends and family i would not be getting ready for this day. so again, i say thanks to all of you-near and far.
so...a brief catch up on what's been going on. i miss my friends dearly- love to all.
thank you god for the good people who have touched my life in so many ways.
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