Pastor Craig - July 2018

 The day was a Sunday morning. On that day I kneeled at the altar rail at Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota made confession and promises to God, received a cross, a Bible, the stole was placed on my shoulders by my parents, a representative of the church that had called me confirmed that I was to be their pastor, the Bishop’s representative (my hometown pastor) as well as other pastors laid their hands on me with a blessing and when I stood I had become a Called and Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

 First of all, I have trouble believing that it has been 30 years since that day. I don’t feel that old. It is only in looking back and seeing where God has led me and the people that have touched me and hopefully those through God’s grace I have made a difference in their life. I know that some pastor’s keep a “tally” card. On that card they keep track of their “pastoral” acts. They record, how many baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals they have done up to this point. I know that there is a reason for it, but I have not seen that as part of my calling. My calling is to keep doing what I do in planting and nurturing seeds and let God figure out the harvest.

 One of the rewards is that every once in a while, God lets me see some of the growing of the seeds. It has happened now a few times, where I have officiated at the baptism of the child of one who I had done the wedding for and who I had confirmed. I have had the privilege to witness former youth group members, become youth group leaders in their own congregations. I even had the honor of laying hands on a young person as he too confessed and promised to be an ordained pastor in the Lutheran church.

 One of the highlights has been sharing the ELCA Youth Gathering with kids. Watching them gain an understanding of how large the Lutheran church is and that they are a part of this family of God that extends around the world. As you read this, we are in or have just come back from the National Gathering in Houston. I still remember the first time that I went in the summer of 1976 between my 9th and 10th grade year. To stand with 32,000 people, more than my hometown, and recite the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer was powerful.

 Who would have guessed where God would take me in answering the Call to serve these past 30 years. I really thought that I would be a pastor serving congregations in the Midwest. It made sense for that is where the most Lutheran churches are. Yet, God had other plans.

 I feel so privileged to be a part of the people here at Mount Zion. To have a partner in ministry like Pastor Dan, who lets me be me, and yes we do really get along. To have Suzanne by my side, supporting me in more ways than I can count. And to you, for we are called to do ministry together.

 Here’s to another 30 years.

In Christ,

Pastor Craig