The Big News
Yep, that’s right. The day is finally approaching in which I will be ordained in Word & Sacrament in the ELCA! The story leading up to this day is long, most of my life really. So after decades of waiting on myself and the church, here I am saying “yes”!
Attend Ordination Online
You are welcome to attend my ordination online on the YouTube Channel, “GatheredByGrace.”
Called to a Congregation
The good people of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Island, Illinois called me to be their pastor on January 8, 2023. I began ministry among them immediately (the very next day). This amazing community of Christians is loving and missional. Their tag line is “a place for all people.” And they work at it! They also look outside their walls to see the deep needs of the world. Then they get involved out there in the world, working toward being part of God’s kingdom here on earth.
An Excerpt From Something I’m Writing
I love Jesus who is with God and the Holy Spirit. But not Jesus alone. Not Jesus the metaphor for a godly, dystopian superhero who shows up in Disney-style miracle scenes. Not Jesus the fictionalized character in a story I don’t want to read because it causes me and others harm. Not Jesus the caricature, the gross distortion of who and what God is. Not Jesus allowing human all-knowing-ness of God to obliterate the mystery of God.
Upcoming Events
My public schedule slows in this season of my life.
Thursdays find me teaching a pastoral care class in listening, caring, and assessing for Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Teaching like writing is a love of mine and I am grateful for this unexpected return to the classroom.
Spirit fills me each Sunday when leading worship and preaching at St. John’s.
July sends me flying to very hot Phoenix, Arizona to present a workshop in trauma pastoral care at the ELCA’s Rostered Ministers Gathering.
Some things are swirling for fall. Stay tuned.
© February Newsletter, 2023: All rights reserved by the author.
Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez 
Jennifer – Sorry we will not be able to attend your ordination (it is a bit far from Saint Louis, and Ed has an interim gig which would make it very difficult to get back). I am glad it will be live-streamed, and I will try to catch it there. I am so glad that you will be serving the church in a new and expanded way in the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. May God continue to bless you as you share the good news of Jesus Christ in all that you do.
Congratulations!
Love, Kim, Teri, a d the Taylors
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