As I write, there is only a week and a half left in the fall semester. Much of this semester has been review, since I took Old Testament and Systematic Theology while I was in Louisville. My preaching class, however, has been a new and wonderful experience. Throughout the semester, we compose five sermons and a poem and present two Bible readings and a testimony. The class of 33 students is divided into preaching labs; there are four others in my lab. Each week we preach and listen to each other and offer feedback. Afterward we can download videos of our sermons and watch our own work. In addition to preaching in class, I have also served as a supply preacher at five congregations in Kentucky and Ohio.
When I’m not preaching, I am enjoying attending Anne’s church, St. Luke Lutheran. I am doing a little bit of youth ministry and little bit of Christian Education. Right now Anne and I are working on a St. Nicholas Day “Reindeer Games” event and the Sunday School Christmas program, “Christmas in Any Language.”
During the month of January, I’ll be working on an independent study in the area of Christian Education. I’ll be developing an outline for educational experiences for infants through adults about the Sacrament of Holy Communion. I will be drawing on many of my experiences at Christ Lutheran as I work on this project.
I am also looking forward to spring semester, which begins in February. I will be taking New Testament 2, Theology of Mission, Christian Ethics, Building Parish Music Programs, and Biblical Poetry. I am especially excited about the Biblical Poetry class—Dr. Barbara Kaiser, one of my professors from my undergrad program at Wittenberg, will be teaching the class.
Blessings to you all in the new year!
Tom & Anne Pairan
Showing posts with label Seminary Notes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seminary Notes. Show all posts
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Seminary Notes: August 2008
Seminary Notes
Long before I began working at Gloria Dei, I sat in your sanctuary for a workshop introducing the new ELW hymnal. As I sang new and old songs of faith from the hymnal with the other leaders and lay people, I felt God’s Spirit calling me to become a pastor.
I began seminary last September. My journey toward ordination continued as I began working at Gloria Dei and began my Ministry in Context work as well. Over the school year, I was able to observe the workings of a multiple-staff congregation, gain experience in leading worship, and observe the capital campaign and building program.
My journey will take me in new directions this fall. My resignation from Gloria Dei will allow me to focus on my seminary studies during the week and spend more time with my wife on the weekends, as we begin our second year of marriage.
I would like to thank everyone at Gloria Dei who made me feel welcome in a large congregation and those who affirmed my gifts for ministry. I am grateful for the experience. I ask you for your continued prayers and support.
In Christ,
Tom Pairan
Long before I began working at Gloria Dei, I sat in your sanctuary for a workshop introducing the new ELW hymnal. As I sang new and old songs of faith from the hymnal with the other leaders and lay people, I felt God’s Spirit calling me to become a pastor.
I began seminary last September. My journey toward ordination continued as I began working at Gloria Dei and began my Ministry in Context work as well. Over the school year, I was able to observe the workings of a multiple-staff congregation, gain experience in leading worship, and observe the capital campaign and building program.
My journey will take me in new directions this fall. My resignation from Gloria Dei will allow me to focus on my seminary studies during the week and spend more time with my wife on the weekends, as we begin our second year of marriage.
I would like to thank everyone at Gloria Dei who made me feel welcome in a large congregation and those who affirmed my gifts for ministry. I am grateful for the experience. I ask you for your continued prayers and support.
In Christ,
Tom Pairan
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Seminary Notes: May 2008
I have finished my first year of seminary at Trinity! It has been hard work, but I have learned so much this year. I have written papers and presentations this semester on the history of Associates in Ministry in the ELCA, the understanding of God in Islam, and the use of anointing with oil in biblical times and in healing rites today. When I return to seminary in the fall, I’ll be taking Old Testament 2, Church History 1, Systematic Theology, and the Ministry of Preaching.
This summer I’ll be living at home in Northern Kentucky and working with the chaplains at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fort Thomas, Ky., to complete my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit.
This summer I’ll be living at home in Northern Kentucky and working with the chaplains at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fort Thomas, Ky., to complete my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Seminary Notes: February 2008
Some good news since my last seminary update: I passed through the “Entrance” part of the candidacy process in November, the first of three sets of essays/interviews. In addition, I received a semester’s worth of advanced standing in my degree program due of my previous seminary experience. While this probably doesn’t mean I’ll graduate early, I will have a lighter course load during my second and final years at Trinity.
This semester, however, I have a very full and unusual course load. I’m taking “Care of Souls” with the second-year middler students; “Ministry of Worship,” with my junior class; “Intro to World Religions,” with the Methodists and Roman Catholics at the Catholic seminary; “Being Lutheran in America,” with the seniors; and another biblical language, Hebrew.
This semester, however, I have a very full and unusual course load. I’m taking “Care of Souls” with the second-year middler students; “Ministry of Worship,” with my junior class; “Intro to World Religions,” with the Methodists and Roman Catholics at the Catholic seminary; “Being Lutheran in America,” with the seniors; and another biblical language, Hebrew.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Ministry in Context Week 1
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.
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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