Today, one part of my journey is complete and I start on the next adventure! For me, it has been a journey from Z to A! There are so many who have loved and prayed and supported me along the way.
Zion Lutheran, Lima, my home congregation: It was in the warmth of your love that I began to discern a call to ministry. From you I learned about grace and God’s abundance. Thank you for your support and prayers, for your love and generosity.
Trinity Lutheran Seminary: The faculty and staff taught me all the things a budding pastor needs to know -scripture, theology, pastoral care, preaching. But I also learned about community and bearing one another’s burdens. Thank you for the lessons taught – I continue to learn each day from your wisdom.
Christ Lutheran, Bexley, my ministry-in-context congregation: You opened your doors and your hearts to offer me a chance to observe, to teach, to be a part of your community. You answered my many questions, endured my very first attempts at preaching. Thank you for a welcoming place for my family in those early seminary days.
Ascension Lutheran, Columbus, my internship congregation: You willingly offered to serve as guinea pig to my uncertain attempts to be a pastor to you. You offered encouragement and criticism with a loving hand, and I grew in confidence and skill in your midst. Thank you for helping me grow from “student” to “pastor.”
My family has been a haven for me as I travelled this journey. Thank you Tim for being so open to God’s call despite the changes and demands it also put on you. You’re my rock! Thank you Tristyn and Bryce – I know it’s not easy being a seminary kid. I love you bunches and bunches! Thanks to my brother Dallas, your open hospitality offered us a place to “get away from it all.” Thanks to my sister Renea for your unwavering support and being there for me. Thanks also to Lynda and Scott for advice and support, a place to vent and pray, and the “Dunbar B&B.”
Today I also remember family whom I miss. My mother Sue, whose grace, courage and practical advice have shaped me into the person I am today. My mother-in-law, Shirley, who unreservedly embraced me as daughter and loved me as her own. My Grandma Moser, who took me to church, taught me the scriptures and prayed unceasingly for her family. And my father, Dallas, who didn’t always understand me, but was proud of me anyway.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the congregations of Pollock Lutheran, Pollock SD and Peace Lutheran, Herreid SD. I am humbly grateful that you have chosen me to be your pastor. I look forward to our ministry together.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making my ordination an event to remember! Those who prepared the bread and the worship space, the musicians, those who led worship and read scriptures and sang and prayed. To Pastor Kent, Tammy Lehman and Bishop Dave who helped plan and answered lots of questions. To everyone who helped plan the reception and prepare the food. And especially to each of you present today – you have made this day even more joyful!
To God, in whom we live and move and have our very beings, all praise and honor and glory now and forever! Amen.
