Pictures of the "EVENT"

Christy, our in house photographer, came by today with pictures from the ordination. We spent the whole morning going through her collection of images. Here is our pictorial study of the big day.

This is quite an event and like all such events - it starts with the procession.

Then, of course, we sang some hymns.

Then we heard the Bishop preach.

Finally the Rev is at the rail.

And here is the big moment, the laying on of hands.

Finally, it is time to move on.

And here is the Rev - wearing the stole for the very first time.

The Rev and I want to thank all of you who have helped and supported us this past seven years. There are so many names and so many pictures that there is no way I can put all in this simple blog. But please know that you are appreciated.

And as always we both wish you
PEACE.

It Is Done

It is done.

We made the trip to Ames. We marched into the hall, the bishop laid on his hands, then a bunch of us laid on our hands and it is done. The Rev is now officially an elder in the United Methodist Church.

It was a great two days. Both of our families were well represented. The Rev's mother escaped from her nursing home and joined the two sisters and the brother to be on hand. Three of my brothers made the trip and brought my parents along as well. And of course both of our daughters were in the audience and very proud of their mother. In addition, a large group from our church hopped in their cars after Sunday morning services and made the two hour journey to Ames to be there for the celebration.

I was on stage with her as well as three of our former pastors. I managed to keep it together and didn't cry even once. All I can say is that the Rev and I were both deeply moved by the support.

This has been a wonderful day in the life of our family, I hope that you too will have great days ahead in your life.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you

PEACE.

Big Weekend Ahead

We have a big weekend coming up. I will be collecting my daughters tomorrow morning and we will be off to Ames to join the Rev. Sunday afternoon is a big day for this crew. That is the day that my wife will be ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church.

This will be the culmination of seven years of hard work for her. Going back to school at 50 isn't an easy decision. But she set out and did the work. Then there was the probation. Four years as a probationary elder. Well now she has jumped through all of the required hoops. Sunday will be a big day in our family.

I can't put into words how proud I am of what she has accomplished. This was a path that I considered for myself but my phone didn't ring. I wasn't the one that was called to service. Mine is a different path. I will have to leave that to my spouse and I will be the PH (Pastor's Husband).

Actually it appears this will be a big weekend for our extended families as well. My parents and my brothers are coming in from Minnesota and Carol's mother, brother and both sisters are making the trip as well. There are even rumblings that there will be a contingent from our church as well. I don't think the Rev has any idea of the support she will be receiving. It will be a very interesting day on Sunday. I'll try to tell that story when we get back home.

Peace.