4 years

I rejoice in the company of saints, I have been blessed to know many who have joined this miraculous group. I have been inspired (and continue to be inspired) by those who have died and gone before me in this road of faith, some I selfishly think have died far to early and long for just one more day or one more hour with them. I trust in the Triune God who gives me hope and strength every day and I trust and believe in the resurrection of the dead.

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God"

One Month

     Today marks one month until graduation, I (and my classmates) are graduating from seminary!!! While yes we have always known it is coming and yes it is true that the castle is a place along the journey not a final destination (unless you are faculty or staff) the castle is a place in which we learn and grow and pass through. We grow, we are transformed, we are formed into leaders for the world, we develop relationships, we ask hard questions, we are affirmed, we question some more, and finally we are sent out into the world to live as the heart, hands, and feet of Christ in the world. While I do count down to graduation I also know that I will deeply miss my friends here at the castle and some of the routine. I am done with all my course work which is beautiful so that I can hang out with people and enjoy Dubuque as often as possible.
     All that being said, there is a call on the horizon for me, I am excited and anxious, and so many more feelings all rolled into one. I have been assigned to the Northeastern Minnesota synod and am beginning to look more and more forward to moving somewhere and finally living somewhere longer than a year.
     The photo above is my senior banner made by my internship site, Abiding Hope Lutheran. I post the photo today because in many aspects it does reflect my call to ministry very well. The dove and rainbow symbolize God's promises to all people in which I cling so tightly. The Haitian dancer represents not only my brothers and sisters in Haiti but also my call to the global church. The person on the left is suppose to represent youth/children and the ways in which they grow into their faith and my call to serve the younger generations. The bread and wine represent the sacraments.

Inauguration

Matthew, Bishop Hanson, and Sarah

     This past weekend here at WTS the new president finally had his inauguration. The event was highly celebrated and we all rejoiced in the new leadership at the castle. As part of the festivities, Bishop Hanson (the presiding Bishop of the ELCA) was present. While here we all kept him on his toes, not only did he preach at the inauguration and speak a couple other times but we as students asked him to take lots of photos (as seen above and even one with a cardboard cutout of a student who was not able to be at the festivities), sign a cast, and put up with our groupie-ish behavior. We all were so excited to have Bishop Hanson with us for the day. It was a fabulous time and a celebration for WTS and the church as a whole as we called a new leader.
    Wartburg did podcast both the Bishop's sermon and the presidential address if anyone is interested in hearing them, they can be found at: http://wartburgseminary.podbean.com/