O Day Full of Grace

Those of you who've been readers for awhile may remember that we are members of a small mission church, begun about four and half years ago. We haven't had our own, called, pastor for a little over two years now. We've had an interim pastor and many dedicated, faithful supply pastors (one whom we shared with another congregation) over these many months; but not a pastor to call our own. This past Sunday, all of that changed. Our little congregation, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the tireless efforts of a call committee, welcomed a new pastor! By the grace of God he accepted the call; he's only recently graduated from seminary and was both ordained and installed at Grace Lutheran Church this past Sunday. It was truly a day for celebration!

Quiltkeemosabe and I made him two stoles-- a red one for his ordination service and a green one for these many Sundays after Pentecost to come. Since the "green season" is a long one, we made that one reversible.

The reverse side, being batik, is a little more organic and contemporary if he feels like a "change". 

This picture* was taken following Sunday's service, glad smiles all around! Our new pastor is in the center, his custom-made stole was made to his specifications; at 6'8" (he stands head and shoulders above the rest) we knew that a standard length stole just wouldn't work. With an eye to the future we're already thinking about what his next stole will look like, we've got plenty of time to plan the next one. For now we're all taking time to reflect on our blessings and thanking God for answered prayers.

"O day full of grace that now we see

appearing on earth's horizon, 

Bring light from our God that we may be

Replete in his joy this season.

God, shine for us now in this dark place;

                                                      your name on our hearts emblazon."    -Danish folk hymn, Gerald Thorson

♰

Life is Good!

*Church service photo credit: Rusty Bates