January
Preached Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 at Lord of Life
John Lear Memorial Service
West Chester Community Martin Luther King Jr.
February
Valentine Dinner at Lord of Life
Anne and Jon to Minnesota
Bible Institute at Trinity Lutheran Seminary
Preached Feb. 14 at Lord of Life
Prepare/Enrich Training
March
Chrism Mass at St. Luke & Meeting with Bishop Stuck
Preached March 7 at Lord of Life
Preached Palm Sunday March 28
April
Seder Meal, Tenebrae Service and Easter Vigil at Lord of Life
Preached April 11 & 18
Trip to Minneapolis with Anne and Jon
Internship Cluster Retreat with Pastor Deb
May
Preached May 9 & 16
Southern Ohio Synod Assembly at Wittenberg
Confirmation Banquet and Rite
Benson Family Reunion
June
Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly in Covington, Ky.
Summer Lunch Program in Butler Co.
Preached June 13
Rained Out at Dave Matthews Band Concert
Baobab Blast VBA at Lord of Life
Anne and Jon to MSP
Hero HQ VBS at St. Luke
July
Approval Essays due
Preached Jully 4 & 18 (Big Butter Jesus) & 25
Forms A, B, R due
Vacation in Wilmington & Holden Beach, N.C.
August
Approval Panel & Candidacy Retreat
Ye Olde Tymey Photoes in Nashville, Ind.
Bless the Beasts at Lord of Life
Last Sunday at Lord of Life
Mom and Dad's 40th Anniversary
Back to School
September
Sweet Corn Festival
Trip to Cleveland to visit Bethany Lutheran Church
Debriefed Internship Once, Twice, Thrice
"The Draft"
Trinity Days
October
Augsburg Fortress Warehouse Sale
Third Anniversary
Fairfield County Fair
Millersport Class of 1992 Reunion
Fall Break at 'Our Old Kentucky Home'
JPB Get Together
Trick or Treat in Crestview with Jon & Company
November
Jon's First Birthday Party in Columbus
Phone Interview with Congregation in MN
I Group Worship Week
Thanksgiving Break in Minnesota
Thanksgiving Dinner with Jason's Family
Scenic Tour of Minnesota
Interviews at Congregations in MN
December
Official Last Day of Class--"Senior Skip Day"
Moving back to Kentucky
Snow Days!
Christmas
PreChristmas with 'Grandma' Peggy and 'Grandpa' Roy
Christmas Eve morning at home with the kitties
Christmas Eve evening with Grandpa Fred, Grandma Lyda, Uncle Mike and Uncle Rick
Christmas Dinner Chinese Buffet with the Pairans, Knauffs, Manesses, and Jon's girlfriend
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Friday, January 1, 2010
2009 Rememberies
January
Holiday Open House
Mom & Dad in Hawaii
J-term Class: Independent Study
LOST Season 5 Premiere
Snow Days 2009
February
Spring Semester Classes: New Testament 2, Biblical Poetry, Theology of Mission, Building Parish Music Programs
We're Pregnant!
March
Spring Break Trip to Minneapolis
Spring Semester Class: Christian Ethics
April
May
Benson Family Reunion
June
Summer Online Class: Acts of the Apostles
Summer Work Study: Transcribing Joseph Sittler lectures
ROME Vacation Bible School at St. Luke
Visit with the Hartmanns
It's a boy!
St. Luke Mission Trip
July
Shopping at Yard Sales
August
Knauffy Holden Beach
Began Internship at Lord of Life
September
October
November
Birth of Jonathan Thomas
Thanksgiving with the Lexington Grandparents
December
Visit from Aunt Karen
Jon's Baptism & First Communion
Christmas Around the World at LOL
Helping Grandma Sue move to Minnesota
Christmas Eve Services at Lord of Life and St. Luke
Christmas Day with the Templemans, Grandpa Fred & Grandma Lyda
Tom & Jon preaching at LOL
Christmas visit with Grandma & Grandpa Pairan & Uncle Scott
Boar's Head & Yule Log Festival & Reunion with Louisville Friends
We Hardly Knew Ye: 2009 Deaths
Patrick Swayze
Ted Kennedy
Walter Kronkite
Gidget the Chihuahua
Billy Mays
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Ed McMahon
Dom DeLuise
Bea Arthur
Paul Harvey
Ricardo Montablan
Holiday Open House
Mom & Dad in Hawaii
J-term Class: Independent Study
LOST Season 5 Premiere
Snow Days 2009
February
Spring Semester Classes: New Testament 2, Biblical Poetry, Theology of Mission, Building Parish Music Programs
We're Pregnant!
March
Spring Break Trip to Minneapolis
Spring Semester Class: Christian Ethics
April
May
Benson Family Reunion
June
Summer Online Class: Acts of the Apostles
Summer Work Study: Transcribing Joseph Sittler lectures
ROME Vacation Bible School at St. Luke
Visit with the Hartmanns
It's a boy!
St. Luke Mission Trip
July
Shopping at Yard Sales
August
Knauffy Holden Beach
Began Internship at Lord of Life
September
October
November
Birth of Jonathan Thomas
Thanksgiving with the Lexington Grandparents
December
Visit from Aunt Karen
Jon's Baptism & First Communion
Christmas Around the World at LOL
Helping Grandma Sue move to Minnesota
Christmas Eve Services at Lord of Life and St. Luke
Christmas Day with the Templemans, Grandpa Fred & Grandma Lyda
Tom & Jon preaching at LOL
Christmas visit with Grandma & Grandpa Pairan & Uncle Scott
Boar's Head & Yule Log Festival & Reunion with Louisville Friends
We Hardly Knew Ye: 2009 Deaths
Patrick Swayze
Ted Kennedy
Walter Kronkite
Gidget the Chihuahua
Billy Mays
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Ed McMahon
Dom DeLuise
Bea Arthur
Paul Harvey
Ricardo Montablan
Monday, January 5, 2009
Christmas Letter 2008
The Twelfth Day of Christmas
Monday, January 5, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
My grandfather has a file folder full of every Christmas letter he’s written since 1961. It is fun to read them and remember the years gone by. 2008 has brought “blizzards” and blackouts, blunders and blessings. Following in the footsteps of Grandpa, this is my recap of the year…
As of this writing, I have finished three semesters at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. I am working toward becoming ordained as a Lutheran pastor, like my grandfather, and my wife, Anne. During the middle part of the week, I stay with my brother Scott near campus. On the weekends I am at home in Crestview, (Northern) Kentucky, just south of Cincinnati.
Anne and I have settled into our house. When we are both home, we enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking for each other, watching movies, and playing on our computers. This summer we attempted to plant a garden—I was quite proud of our harvest of 34 green beans. Anne had more success with her flowers, which beautified our landscape during the spring and summer.
Our house got a little more crowded in May, when we adopted a new cat from Anne’s Mom (who in turn had adopted Tacko from Anne’s brother). Tacko is the most affectionate cat in the world. (Any typos found in this letter can be blamed on Tacko, who is sitting on my laptop keyboard as I type.) Tacko enjoys eating my homework and other important papers, going outside to eat grass, and helping make the bed in the morning. Our other cat Josie, who has a more subdued personality, takes naps on the guest bed and talks to the birds outside.
During the first eight months of the year, I worked part-time at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Crestview Hills, Ky. In addition I spent the summer months working as a student chaplain at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in nearby Fort Thomas, Kentucky. I ministered to the nursing home patients who reside there, including one World War II veteran. During the last four months of 2008, I have been supply preaching at congregations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. When I’m not preaching, I enjoy worshipping at Anne’s congregation, St. Luke Lutheran Church.
The biggest event of 2008 for Anne’s congregation was the move to the “new church.” St. Luke’s final worship service at 3917 Alexandria Pike was in February. During the seasons of Lent and Easter, worship services were held Sunday afternoons at a Baptist church. In May, the first services were held at St. Luke’s new home at 4800 Alexandria Pike. The new building has accessible restrooms, classrooms, a nursery, and an office for the pastor. Anne has ably and gently led the congregation the past four years, during times of anxiety and trust, times of tradition and change.
Anne and I are blessed to have our parents living within a two hour drive north (Tom) or south (Anne) of Cincinnati, but we wish our other family members were closer. We have been able to travel beyond the Commonwealth this year: to Minnesota for Spring Break (complete with snow) to visit Anne’s sister Karen and her family; to Ohio’s Amish Country for a week-long retreat for pastors; an overnight in Hocking Hills in celebration of our first anniversary; a trip to New England with Scott during Fall Break; and a short trip to North Carolina to visit Grandma and Grandpa after Christmas.
We wish you blessings as this Christmas season comes to an end, and as 2009 begins.
Tom and Anne Pairan
Monday, January 5, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
My grandfather has a file folder full of every Christmas letter he’s written since 1961. It is fun to read them and remember the years gone by. 2008 has brought “blizzards” and blackouts, blunders and blessings. Following in the footsteps of Grandpa, this is my recap of the year…
As of this writing, I have finished three semesters at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. I am working toward becoming ordained as a Lutheran pastor, like my grandfather, and my wife, Anne. During the middle part of the week, I stay with my brother Scott near campus. On the weekends I am at home in Crestview, (Northern) Kentucky, just south of Cincinnati.
Anne and I have settled into our house. When we are both home, we enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking for each other, watching movies, and playing on our computers. This summer we attempted to plant a garden—I was quite proud of our harvest of 34 green beans. Anne had more success with her flowers, which beautified our landscape during the spring and summer.
Our house got a little more crowded in May, when we adopted a new cat from Anne’s Mom (who in turn had adopted Tacko from Anne’s brother). Tacko is the most affectionate cat in the world. (Any typos found in this letter can be blamed on Tacko, who is sitting on my laptop keyboard as I type.) Tacko enjoys eating my homework and other important papers, going outside to eat grass, and helping make the bed in the morning. Our other cat Josie, who has a more subdued personality, takes naps on the guest bed and talks to the birds outside.
During the first eight months of the year, I worked part-time at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Crestview Hills, Ky. In addition I spent the summer months working as a student chaplain at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in nearby Fort Thomas, Kentucky. I ministered to the nursing home patients who reside there, including one World War II veteran. During the last four months of 2008, I have been supply preaching at congregations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. When I’m not preaching, I enjoy worshipping at Anne’s congregation, St. Luke Lutheran Church.
The biggest event of 2008 for Anne’s congregation was the move to the “new church.” St. Luke’s final worship service at 3917 Alexandria Pike was in February. During the seasons of Lent and Easter, worship services were held Sunday afternoons at a Baptist church. In May, the first services were held at St. Luke’s new home at 4800 Alexandria Pike. The new building has accessible restrooms, classrooms, a nursery, and an office for the pastor. Anne has ably and gently led the congregation the past four years, during times of anxiety and trust, times of tradition and change.
Anne and I are blessed to have our parents living within a two hour drive north (Tom) or south (Anne) of Cincinnati, but we wish our other family members were closer. We have been able to travel beyond the Commonwealth this year: to Minnesota for Spring Break (complete with snow) to visit Anne’s sister Karen and her family; to Ohio’s Amish Country for a week-long retreat for pastors; an overnight in Hocking Hills in celebration of our first anniversary; a trip to New England with Scott during Fall Break; and a short trip to North Carolina to visit Grandma and Grandpa after Christmas.
We wish you blessings as this Christmas season comes to an end, and as 2009 begins.
Tom and Anne Pairan
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Seminary Notes: December 2008
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
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
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
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Heinlein
I’ve been reading a lot of Robert Heinlein this summer. He is a famous science fiction writer, best known for Stranger in A Strange Land. I’ve read Space Cadet, Rocketship Galileo, Time for the Stars, The Day After Tomorrow, and Spaceman Jones. I liked them all, though Rocketship Galileo was pretty slow. The Day After Tomorrow is a story that reminds me of Moses & Pharaoh from Exodus.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
My Birthday
My birthday was July 3, and I was off work for the 3rd and 4th. Anne and I went to Ohio to see my parents and Scott. Scott made me a birthday cake that looked like the American flag, with red raspberries for the stripes and blueberries for the blue part. I got a new drawing pad that connects to my laptop from my Mom & Dad. Scott gave me a variety of presents including a percussion instrument called a "Donkey Call," but Marlowe always called it a vibra-slap. I got birthday wishes on facebook and myspace from most of my former youth group girls—Morgan, Emily, Shelley, Kenna, Brittney, Erica, even Julie Thompson. The boys didn't do as well, but John and Justin called to say hello. One of the high points was meeting my friend Jon (from school) for breakfast at Bob Evans. I love being at home for the summer, but I miss my friends from school too.
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