This Saturday at 11am at Epiphany Lutheran Church ( 8300 Deer Lake S, Tallahassee, FL 32312 ) there’s going to be something great happening, Seminarian Tim Barber will be ordained and installed at Epiphany Lutheran. This is a BIG deal. It’s a big deal for Tim, it’s a big deal for Epiphany, it’s a big deal for the Church. An ordination is something that happens ONCE in a pastor’s life. I’m bummed that I’m going to miss it, but I’m also happy to be gone for something else that is a one-time event (the marriage of Colby Spengler to Kristin Reagin).
Even though I’m going to miss it, I’m begging you, University Lutherans – don’t miss it as well. This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate in the great gift of God as He ordains another pastor that will help keep our church going from generation to generation. Join us in rolling out the red carpet for soon-to-be-Rev. Timothy Barber. Please go and bring greetings from our church. Let Tim and his wife and his little baby know that there are people who care about him here in Tallahassee, and that the circle of people that care goes beyond just his own congregation.
When I’m preaching Colby and Kristin’s wedding service, I’m going to have Romans 12 as one of the texts. In that great chapter, Paul says “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Let us love on our sister congregation and her new pastor with genuine hearts, let us outdo one another in showing honor.
We have been saved together by the grace of Christ for us. One day, we will party in the biggest red carpet event in (and out of) human history, the Resurrection. Let’s start acting like it today as we roll out the red (or is it garnet?) carpet.