October 4, 1998

Today is the 25th anniversary of my ordination as Minister of Word and Sacrament. It has been 25 years of joy and sorrow, celebration and consolation. I have been privileged to be part of weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion. Countless church meals; hundreds – maybe a thousand – sermons; home and hospital visits. Gifted partners in ministry. Blessings too numerous to know. Some heartbreak, some disappointment, some conflict. But the overall feeling is joy – all joy. I am so grateful for this blessing, for these years, for this ministry.