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The next few months of my life will be big. As many of you know, I have spent the past four years studying at Luther Seminary to become a pastor. I am now nearing the end of my journey with some big milestones ahead.
The first was many months ago as I interviewed with faculty at Luther Seminary. Last March, we discussed my studies and my goals for ministry. On this day, I received “Faculty Approval” to become a pastor.
On August 2, I met virtually with a committee from our Eastern North Dakota Synod of the ELCA. They agreed with the faculty at Luther Seminary. Not only am I academically prepared, the synod committee “Approved” me as a person of character and Child of God suited to this holy task.
The next few milestones will come quickly:
- On Sunday, September 6 I will finish my year-long internship with Galchutt-Emmanuel Ministry near Abercrombie, ND. I plan to remain with them full-time until my other milestones pass.
- On Thursday, October 1, I will be assigned to a region of the country where I will look for my First Call. (Who knows where we will go? We could be as near as eastern North Dakota or as far as Florida or Maine!)
- Then, I look for my First Call as a pastor.
- Once I have found and accepted that Call, I graduate from Luther Seminary in December and will be ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament (service details pending)!
Whew!
Indeed, it will be a very full season of milestones. I am so grateful for all the various opportunities at First Lutheran to learn and grow while serving all of you. I praise the Lord for all the work we have done together!
As I think on these milestones, I feel gratitude. This is not a professional path I considered as a youth and I am grateful for those who pointed me in this direction. I am grateful that I have still been able to pursue these goals despite a pandemic. And, mostly, I am grateful to God who keeps guiding and equipping me to serve all God’s people.
But also, as I reflect on these milestones, I remember that a pandemic is a very hard time for people honoring special events in their lives. I think about those planning funerals, planning weddings, celebrating birthdays, graduating from school, moving, or having babies. As you celebrate with me on these upcoming milestones and perhaps even reflect on major events of your life, would you join me in prayer for all of those whose celebrations have been made hard by the pandemic?
Gracious Lord, the world is a confusing and tumultuous place these days. Each day is full of questions: where can we go? Who can we see? How many people will be there? To mask, or not to mask? God, especially today we pray for those who long to celebrate with gatherings: those planning funerals or weddings; graduating from school, moving, or having babies. We pray especially for schools in our area and across the country as they begin. Lord, hold these milestones close and wrap your loving arms around those experiencing these events. Remind us that, even when we cannot gather with those we love, we are always loved by you. Amen.
Because my fall will be so busy, this will be the last devotion you receive from me for a while. By all means, keep in touch! I still plan to be around First now and again, as I am able. And, please, keep me in your prayers! You will certainly be in mine.
Peace,
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