Ordination class is prayed over by Bishop Peggy Johnson

Last weekend was the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference- our yearly gathering of clergy and laity to talk all things United Methodist happening on the Delmarva Peninsula. I’ve come to enjoy the weekend of fellowship, worship, and Holy Conferencing- though I would love to see some changes (another blog post).

This Annual Conference will always be special to me because I was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in The United Methodist Church. This is the culmination of nine plus years of work. To break it down- 2+ years of exploring candidacy and getting licensed, 5 years of seminary part-time, 2 years of Provisional Status- which leads up to Ordination. I think throughout the journey of the past 9+ years I wished it would go by faster- but in the end, I am right where I am supposed to be.

Overall, the Ordination service was very moving. Retired Bishop Violet Fisher preached at the service. (And by preached, I mean preached as only Bishop Fisher can- it was a great message!) Bishop Fisher preached on our calling and how before any Bishop can lay hands on us and appoint us- we need to be anointed by God.

I was told by a friend who was ordained years ago that ordination weekend would be a blur- and it was- and that future ordination services would create opportunities to reflect and be thankful for the journey. One that is truly just beginning.