Some Scattered Thoughts Before Ordination

Everything, therefore, in the Christian Church is ordered to the end that we shall daily obtain there nothing but the forgiveness of sin through the Word and signs, to comfort and encourage our consciences as long as we live here. Thus, although we have sins, the [grace of the] Holy Ghost does not allow them to injure us, because we are in the Christian Church, where there is nothing but [continuous, uninterrupted] forgiveness of sin, both in that God forgives us, and in that we forgive, bear with, and help each other.
- Martin Luther (From the Large Catechism explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed)

In the Rite of Ordination the Church celebrates the work of the Holy Spirit to call ministers of Word and Sacrament who proclaim the forgiveness of sins available in the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The service acknowledges the preparation and commitment of the candidate, but it is not a celebration of the candidate. The clergy wear red stoles and the paraments in the church are all red in recognition that the same Spirit of Pentecost is present in Ordination.

Personally, I have a lot of the same feelings I felt before my marriage to Kateri. This is a huge commitment! It is a commitment I hope lasts the rest of my life. I am certain I want this to happen and that it is the right thing to do, but it is still a bit frightening. I will hold in trust the Office of the Keys and this is a tremendous responsibility. With Pastor Fran I will be responsible for teaching correct doctrine and preaching Christ crucified and resurrected for the sake of His people. We will shepherd people living and dying; in joy and tears, through life and with the grace of God we will be used as mouthpieces of God’s saving Word.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Mt. 11:29-30). I rest secure in this Word-at least I try to.

Hey Everybody,
The monthy Youth Praise Services are kicking off once again. They will be the first Sunday of the month. The first one is on October 1st at 6pm. Pastor Otto from Cornerstone Church in Ramsay was kind enough to offer hosting the first one so that this new guy could see how things are done.

Christ Parish Youth are in charge of putting together a skit and we need some musicians to show up an hour before festivities begin. Come one, Come all!

PS- For those in confirmation: 2 of your 20 church attendances must be Youth Praise Services. See you there!

Thanks to all you who helped with the Roofing Bee at the Parish House this Saturday. The roof looks great! Come by and see the new roof on the Parish House garage. There is a new paint job coming soon. It really takes all kinds of time and talents to make this Parish work and there is no limit to the talents we can employ in the service of spreading the gospel. Thanks to joint efforts like these it is clear that we can work together with Christ in the building up of His kingdom.

Also, it was wonderful to see so many different faces at the St. John's Pie Social on Sunday. We are just beginning to learn all the names, but I know for a fact that I saw Zion, Salem, and St. Paul members supporting their brothers and sisiters at St. John's. Keep it up!