Today was my first official day of Ministry in Context, one of the requirements of my degree program at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. The program involves working in a local church or other setting. My site is Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Crestview Hills, Ky., which is within driving distance of our home.
However, today I was invited back to the congregation where I grew up, Grace Lutheran in Thornville, Ohio. Throughout the year Grace has been celebrating its 170th anniversary and inviting former pastors back. Today's celebration recognized others who have served beyond the walls of Grace.
I served as assisting minister at both services. It was an enjoyable experience and I tried to incorporate some of what I've been learning at school about presence, voice, intoning, movement. One of the most nerve-racking parts was that three of my fellow Trinity students were there, Shawn, Chris and J.J. Serving at Grace was a unique experience, because there are people who remember my as an "ornery" child crawling under the pews.
My family and wife and I went back to Grace this evening for a spaghetti dinner and a music festival held in honor of Marlowe Brainard, my band director from 5th to 12th grade. Many ensembles played. My mom sang in the choir and my brother played in a trumpet trio.
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