A True "Hell's Night"

It was in the wee hours of the morning (actually about 9:20AM) when I approached the front door of the church. Nothing seemed out of place until a notices a preschool partition lying on the floor, and a banner that seemed to be removed from its bar. Getting a bit annoyed I unlocked the door and took my first steps into the building. Turning the corner I noticed a glimmer...moving closer, I noticed glass strewn everywhere. The window to the office was broken. The doors to all of the mailbox cabinets for flung wide, and the closets and cabinets were spewing their contents.

Indeed this was a sight to see as I walked into the office today. The church was broken into last night (along with two other churches in a 3-5 mile radius.) We thought things were stolen - money from the cabinet, money from the preschool office, etc..., but most of that has been uncovered in the clean-up process. There was great damage to doors and windows, but everything else remained in place. I guess the intruders, while appearing to be looking for money, were in such a rush and well, left much of it behind.

Me and several other parishoners spent most of the day today (truly two are still working now) cleaning up the horrific glass shatters, and door destruction, and office spew.

We thank God that the preschool was not in session today (field trip to the Pumpkin Patch) and nothing in the worship space was damaged. We also thank God that no one was here when the break-in took place and that all are safe.

We pray that the other congregations that were hit are safe and that these folks can be brought to justice so that other congregations and families need not sit on pins and needles in fear or anticipation.

The Night My Dad Kissed a Pastor

OK - as promised.

On October 20 @ 7pm there was a gathering at Bethel Lutheran Church in Manassas, VA. The gathering was to celebrate God's call in each of our lives and to ordain me into the ministry of Word and Sacrament in Christ's Church. Those who gathered were family members, friends, mentors, neighbors, and colleagues - some from just around the corner, and literally some from the other side of the continent. There were people there who brought me to tears, and people there who made me laugh. People who I haven't seen in over 10 years, and people who just saw me hours before.

It was overwhelming, and it became more overwhelming as we processed into the worship space for a time of prayer, word, sacrament, a laying on of hands, and singing. I sat in the front row (for you Lutherans, that in and of itself was a miracle) with the rest of the vested pastors. My family sat behind me - my parents and grandmother immediately behind me.

My former seminary advisor and preaching professor, Henry "Hank" J. Langknecht, preached that day - a gift, I think, for all who were there. God's word was preached in its fullness, and the Spirit was moving amidst the gathered.

The newly installed bishop, Richard H. Graham, was present and presided over the ordination. When he spoke the words echoed in my mind - with only a few of them actually being fully taken in. The emotion and reality of the day was too much at times.

Then the gathered clergy came around me and placed their hands on my head as the bishop prayed. The weight (literally and spiritually) was intense, even with Rebbekah, my friends' little girl, pushing another clergy out of the way so that her mother could lay her hand on my head (you go girl!). I was shuddering, although honestly I tried to 'hide it' and look strong. I don't think I succeeded.

My parents came forward and placed a stole on my shoulders as the bishop said another prayer. The weight of that stole was just as intense as the hands.

The bishop asked me to face the congregation as they made commitments to me and my call and I started to cry. I was overwhelmed, looking at all of those who were standing with me as I made this commitment in my life and as I embraced my calling.

Afterwards there was a reception and the quick, 2-3 minute hellos with everyone began. I was overwhelmed and wanted to spend more time with each person.

Then my dad came over and gave me a kiss. He chuckled, trying to hold back tears and said, "That's the first time I have ever kissed a pastor." Well, that was the first time this pastor has ever been kissed!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. To all who gathered in body or spirit that evening and the gathering the next day at my parent's place. To those who affirmed me in my call throughout my life - Kenn, Mikey, Kyle, Joyce, Jane, Hank, Shirla, Kate, Lee and Clara, Marcia and Jerry, Theresa, Millie, mom and dad, Mark, and all the rest - you know who you are. Thank you to those who keep my feet on the ground and remind me of who and whose I am. Thank you for those who make me laugh - both at life and at myself. Thank you for those who trust me to be a leader in their community - Epiphany - we pray together to follow God's call to us as a community. Thank you to God for your incredible and unbelievable love, your call, your gifts, and your being.

It was October 20th the night my life changed...and yet in some strange Lutheran oxymoron, was nothing more than it had ever been.

Just over a full week in....

Well, I am still breathing, smiling, sleeping, and coming into the office ready to jump in. It has been a joyous time - lots and lots to learn, this will go on forever, but great people and great opportunities to be open to who and what God is calling Epiphany to be as a Lutheran church of disciples in the metro area.

Just a fun little bit - for the last month or so I haven't had much time to wander around to various blogs to check in. But I just ran across and old post by a mutual Lutheran blogger and it is jsut funny and a great reminder for me as I am now in this first call...check it out...PERFECT PASTOR.

Postings from Prairie Hill

LWF - 60 years!

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is celebrating 60 years this year, and tomorrow ELCA churches are invited to reflect and pray together for its continued mission and ministry. For the children's time tomorrow I have taken a world map and marked all of the Lutheran Churches in the world that are members of the LWF, as well as the location of LWF programs and centers. The image is quite incredible for there are many, many dots, but I have noted another thing. There are entire regions (especially North Africa and the Middle East) where there are neither churches or programs. Not surprising per say, especially because of the regions and area they are and the predominate faiths in those areas, but it is a bit eye-opening.

LWF is a great collaborative organization and the multitude of communities that are a part of this group is inspiring. After looking over this map, I have decided to include 3 of the 140 member churches and their mission and work through LWF in my prayers each week. The connections are great and the opportunity to join in the continued work through prayer is the least I can do. I encourage you to check out their site.

Day 1

I am exhausted! So why am I still up typing this brief bit now? Well, I think exhausted and excited don't always mix well.

I began my call at the congregation in Dale City, VA today. I spent about 70% of the time unloading boxes of books and trying to figure out where the heck I am going to keep all my books, while still have room for more. I think I need, once I move into my new place later in the month, to do a sifting and bring more of these books home. Maybe on a rotating basis or something (gosh, I am sick!)

The administrative assistant came in on her day off, God bless her, to help me get some things inline and on the calendar. Great support and help, she is a blessing.

The preschool kids would walk by the office and say, "Who's that?" It was really cute, and I will meet up with the preschool director tomorrow to plan out some time with the kids.

Dave W. stopped by to drop off a gift of a book and a cube (interesting thing to play with) and to pray with me. A great guy and a faithful and passionate brother in Christ.


I am eager to clear off my desk and start to meet with the folks of the congregation and do a lot of listening and watching. God, continue to make yourself known to all of us amidst the change and the movement you have called us to.

---Notes from last night---
Last night, when I was hoping to 'slip in' unnoticed I met the pastor of the Hispanic Pentecostal congregation that uses the space several times a week - seems like a really caring and happy guy. I spoke with him about my desire to learn Spanish and he smiled. I like him a lot.

I also 'bumped' into the confirmation teachers, and was invited to join them for dinner, with the kids. This was their first night of confirmation and what better way to begin than by being the first ones to meet the new pastor, who is standing there in an old t-shirt and jeans, all sweaty from moving in too many books. They were all quiet and I know this will change once things get moving for them and for me.

As I was leaving I walked by the sanctuary to hear the beginnings of a worship service of another congregation that uses the space once a month. Very high energy - lyrics that I struggle with - but an very interesting multicultural/multi-aged group.