Passionate Spirituality

Sarah Anderson is now officially Pastor Sarah Anderson. On Saturday, January 7, she was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America by Bishop Larry Wohlrabe of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod. The service took place at her home congregation, Calvary Lutheran Church, in Alexandria, Minnesota. It was a beautiful and inspiring worship service put together by Sarah. There was a brass quintet and her brother, Matt, played beautifully on the piano. Our own Deaconess Kristen Baltrum participated in the worship. Her favorite seminary professor, Dr. Karoline Lewis from Luther Seminary, presided at worship and Pastor Peterson, her intern supervisor, preached.

Nine members from Bethlehem made the trip to “Alex” to celebrate this milestone with Sarah: John and Jan Mackay, John Dickkut and Jan Baird, Deb and Neil Stewart, Kristen Baltrum, Pastor Mark and Ruth Peterson. John, John, and Deb were on her internship committee, as were Gail Schurman and Bev Berry. Those committee members shared these thoughts about the service and the intern experience.

“I wanted to attend Sarah’s ordination for a number of reasons. First, it was the end of the program that I was involved in and I wanted to see it to completion. I felt a closeness to Sarah and have taken a lot of pride in her growth. If there was anything I said or did that influenced her in any way I believe my time was well spent. It was my honor to be involved with a person with such a powerful calling.”

“Another reason for attending is that Sarah has become a very close family friend and we wanted to be there to show our support and love for her and her achievement.”

“Regarding the ordination itself, I thought it was very impressive and very touching. If you could not feel the Spirit present in the ceremony, you must be dead! I thought that the number of people present was a testament to Sarah. The opportunity to meet the pastor that baptized her was very touching. Wow, I wonder how he must have felt?”

And then some reflections on Sarah’s intern year…

“Sarah came to Bethlehem quietly; moved into the parsonage and began the year that had an impact on all of us. Her sermons got better and better. None of us will ever forget the red Corvette. The spring of 2010 came and a bird came to sing, and of course it was Sarah sharing her talent with the congregation. That is what she did, shared her depth of gifts, her devotion and her willingness to not be just a leader of Bethlehem, but also a member. Then at the Ryssby picnic she managed to become truly one of us. I will never forget her playing water balloon catch. She epitomizes the impact that an intern can have on a congregation. Bethlehem was so fortunate to have had a chance to feel that impact.”

“The interns bring such a new energy and a fresh perspective. And we help prepare them to be pastors. It was such a blessing to serve on the intern committee; to give guidance and support and a nurturing environment. BLC is a very open and accepting congregation.”

“She is one of the most coachable people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Maybe the stars lined up for us when Sarah came to Bethlehem. I believe we were good for each other and the Lord put us together at that time. I know that I am a better person for knowing Sarah!”

May God bless Sarah’s ministry!

Sarah will be installed as Pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church, 790 Corona St. in Denver, on February 5 at 10:00 AM. All are welcome!