My mother rather enjoys synod events. You will find her at CRE in the spring, Synod Assembly in the summer and at the synod-wide Reformation/Ordination celebration in the autumn. A few weeks ago, I asked her if she would be coming to Dixon for this year’s ordination service. She asked for the details—date, time and place. I said, “It falls right on Reformation Day, October 31.” She said, “Well, that’s bad planning. I have to be home for Halloween.”I told Mom that I was happy that October 31 fell on a Sunday and I tried to pass the blame onto Martin Luther for the bad planning. I am sure that my mother was not the only person in the synod to express this concern. In the end, Mom left her candy with her next door neighbor and came to the service.
We did not know exactly what to expect in terms of attendance. We always hope that there will be a good representation of the ordinands’ family and friends, folks from the congregations they will be serving, others from across the synod and, of course, rostered leaders. As it was, we were very pleased.
My personal belief is that pastors and other rostered leaders do much to show their support of new pastors and the church by showing up and participating. This belief is not new. I also believe that we (rostered leaders) should attend and participate in the funerals of pastors and other rostered leaders.More than once I have attended the ordinations of individuals I do not know well. I have also attended the funerals of pastors I have never met. My intention is to honor them for their dedication and service. You will be able to tell from the pictures why my heart was glad on October 31.
Congratulations to Pastors Gwen Sefrhans and Krista Zimmerman on your ordinations! Congratulations also to Pastor Mark Luepke, who was installed as Secretary of the Northern Illinois Synod! And, sincere thanks to all of my colleagues who showed up and participated. It was a great day. Even Mom thought so.
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Krista Zimmerman says: Thank you so much for this post! It was a wonderful day and I was so pleased to see so many people there! I do feel very supported by my colleagues! Those who came from our synod and others! I know many people didn't want to leave because of Halloween, but I'm glad that didn't stop everyone!:)
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