Ordiversary

Today I am celebrating my seventh ordiversary!  What is that you ask?  On September 11, 2010 I was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).  A pastor's ordination is a big deal.  It's sort of like a graduation, sort of like a birthday, sort of like a wedding.  A person seeking ordination (at least in my denomination) spends three to four years in graduate school, alongside three (or more years) in conversation with presbytery committees, and must pass a series of ordination exams.  They must also have experience in multiple internship settings in order to gain practical experience in various aspects of ministry.  It is A LOT of work.  And just because you have all your ducks in a row at graduation does not guarantee you will have a call to a church right off the bat (yes, all kinds of cliché metaphors today)! Some students spend months, years even, seeking a call to the right church.  Imagine how disheartening it can be, for the candidate and the church to discover that perhaps it wasn't even God's timing or the perfect fit for them. 

I have been so fortunate in my ministry.  My dual degree and my supportive presbytery allowed me ample time and opportunities to be ready for ordination as soon as a graduated from seminary. My first call to Appomattox was met with a great peacefulness in my heart and a swell of welcome so large that I could never have doubted the intention of God for me to be present in the lives of that congregation.   My call to Covenant was different--I was no less certain that it was the right move, but this time I felt grief and joy all at once, to leave Appomattox was difficult but a new challenge presented itself.  So I thought that today I would take a few moments just to reflect on some of my favorite memories over the past seven years of ordained ministry. 

Weddings:  Weddings can be a lot of stress for a pastor but those which I have been blessed to lead have been beautiful and fun.  I've performed the ceremony for  six of my friends--one college sister (my first wedding, thank you Jeremy and Corinne) and four high school friends (Carly, Hunter, Katie, and Anitha).   One of the first communion services I did after being ordained was at my dear friends' Crystal and Zach's wedding at Three Chopt in Richmond.  Have you ever presided over communion in a full length bridesmaids dress?  I have.  It was awesome.  And just last year I was able to be a bridesmaid and officiant for my best friend Jennifer's wedding.  It was such a blessing to be able to serve in both of those special roles for someone so dear to me.  I officiated one wedding in Appomattox, for Shana and Lee.  They now have two beautiful children, one of whom I was privileged to baptize.

Baptisms:  Baptisms are such a holy experience for the pastor and the family.  The first child I baptized was also in the Appomattox Church, sweet Olivia Joy.  She was a long awaited child by her family and so adored in that congregation.  She was the first child to be born into that church in quite some time.  To have the nursery go from zero to four in my time there was truly amazing--and it made it very hard for me to leave them because I so wanted to foster the faith of those children and families.  The couple, Crystal and Zach that I mentioned from Richmond, I was honored to baptize their daughter, Hana while I was pregnant with Kemper.  I have baptized several children and youth at Covenant. It is wonderful to see families growing, and for church member's children and grandchildren to return for the sacrament of baptism.  Baptizing youth is a special gift, because you know that everyone participating will remember the moment, I know that was special for me as a youth. 

The Railroad Festival: The town of Appomattox has a festival every fall and it seems like everyone (and their brother) comes out for it.  Appomattox Court House Pres does a hot dog stand and they raise money for their yearly missions from the proceeds of their stand.  I loved this event because everyone came together and worked as a team.  You had to have people there to set up the tents and tables, people cooking in shifts and serving hot dogs hot and ready to the citizens of Appomattox.  It was just a great way to be together. 

I also loved the Saturday nights when The Swanson's & Debbie Rush would play music at Baine's Books and Coffee in Appomattox.  Such a great evening for fellowship, there was always a great church turnout.  And they always showed up on Sunday mornings too! :)  The Evergreen Lavender Festival was another of the Swanson's endeavor....such dedication in bringing enjoyment and fellowship to the community.  It is a great annual event. 

Youth Ministry:  We had one Youth Sunday at ACHPC--it was marvelous.  The youth there made a movie of the prodigal son and centered worship around the film.  It was so well done and it fit their comfort zones as much as possible.   I served as an advisor for the Presbytery of the Peaks Youth Council for about five years.  It is amazing to see youth from all over our presbytery, from churches large and small, come together and lead their peers in study, worship, recreation.  It's how I met Mary Mac!  What a blessing it was to know Mary and a handful of youth from Covenant before moving here.  Trust me, seeing their faith in actions spoke volumes about the character of Covenant.  I continue to enjoy Youth Sundays and other projects the youth lead at Covenant and I look forward to experiencing more with them in the future. 

Children's Sunday: What a risky idea--that elementary age children could lead worship in much the same way as the teens of the church.  It takes a lot of adult guidance, not only my own but the wonderful Christ Connections teachers--but what a beautiful job the children do in singing, leading liturgy, reading scripture and offering prayers.  The first one solidified my hope that this will become a beloved tradition of the congregation. 

Other, little memories...there are too many to name.  I remember Bonnie Tillotson would leave me special flavored creamers in the church fridge. Sisters in coffee, yes. And her daughter babysat Kemper for me long before he could talk or walk. Thankful for the chances she gave me to judge 4-H speeches in the local elementary school.  Visiting late into the afternoon with Cecil & Eston Harvey at their apartment in Westminster Canterbury. Going with Choir members to sing Christmas carols at the bedside of Cliff Harvey before he died of cancer.  Easter Sunrise services at the Surrender Grounds--no one else can claim that kind of special community worship.   Blessings for Jennifer & Randy, Shana & Lee as they prepared for the births of their children.  Breaking down in tears when I told the session of Appomattox I was saying goodbye.  And on the other hand of that--pulling up to Covenant with my car loaded down with books for Mark to help me move into the office.  Having Covenant members bring us dinners as we moved into our new house--especially Angie Miller, who gave us beautiful hand made bags which we use all the time! My installation service (in both of my churches) being beautiful and hitting just the right note.  The good-natured banter I have witnessed from the elders I have served, and the two incredible clerks of session I have worked with, John Redding, and now Meg Munton.  A good clerk of session is priceless! Bright Sunday--the creativitiy and fun of it--how will we ever top the Doubting Thomas musical?? Seeing the store-rooms filled floor to ceiling with craft supplies, so beautifully organized thanks to Tricia, Pat, and Mary.  Oh my, I love organization! I am blessed with a superb staff at Covenant, they make going to work in the office so enjoyable.  And all the pastors I have worked with and who have mentored me--I have been so very fortunate to have strong leadership and colleagues who believed in me.

Being a minister has many challenges.  You invest yourself in the lives of so many people--in so far as you can--without breaking down the boundaries of self-care that you must see to for yourself.  There is only so much you can do in the span of a day and often you are left feeling that you've neglected someone or something.... it isn't just being on call 24/7--it's more that ministry is a way of life and some part of your mind is always there with your congregation.  Sundays are long.  Whether you are together for one hour or six, Sundays are long.  They take more energy than I ever understood until I was living it myself.  Even if you are extroverted (I am). Even if you enjoy writing and preaching (I do)--being "on" for everyone in those hours is taxing. 

It never gets easier to visit someone in the hospital.  It never gets easier to put words to unspoken concerns and prayers for another individual or family.  It never gets easier to serve families in a Service of Witness to the Resurrection--even if you preach daily about grace and eternal life. 

But there is such beauty wrapped around all of the challenges.  There are births, baptisms, weddings, and anniversaries to celebrate.  There are milestones to rejoice in both large and small.  There is laughter in a greeting and warmth in a handshake.  There are members who truly see you and value the expansive work that you do...those moments that are taken to encourage a pastor mean so much.  So. Much.  I love the first Sunday returning for Fall events at church.  It is such a full day and so much work goes into its preparation--but seeing energy and enthusiasm is heartwarming.  Any Sunday where I don't flub a prayer, mess up a hymn, or trip over my robe is a great Sabbath.  The smiles from children who want to "help you" or just can't wait to answer during Children's Time (ask questions at your own risk) is priceless.  As are the teenagers who make their presence known in any number of ways, through participation in missions or worship services. 

The gift of being a pastor is we get to see the beauty and the chaos--as a part of it, but also separate from it.  And we are tasked--for better or for worse--with helping lift the moments of grace from every day ministry, polish them, and present them to you--so that you too can see Christ reflected in your midst. 

Some days I think it would be nice to move back to Richmond and sell children's shoes....but I'd just spend half my paycheck on shoes for myself.  I think, in the end, I'd much rather be in this crazy boat with you.