On Saturday, August 13, former Bethany vicar Michael Beery and his wife, former Grace vicar Lisa Blackorby Beery were ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.
Pastor Sarah Lang (formerly of Grace, now at St. Matthew's in Charleston, SC) was Lisa's ordination sponsor, and Pastor John Bollinger was Michael's sponsor.
Pastor Lang gave the sermon, and Bishop Lawrence Wohlrabe, of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod, was the liturgist and presiding minister.
Probably the most moving part of the Rite of Ordination is the laying on of hands, where all of these pastors and the Bishop crowded around to lay hands on the person being ordained as this prayer was prayed over first Lisa and then Michael:
Eternal God, through your Son, Jesus Christ, pour out your Holy Spirit upon Michael and fill him with the gifts of grace for the ministry of word and sacrament. Bless his proclamation of your word and administration of your sacraments, so that your church may be gathered for praise and strengthened for service. Make him a faithful pastor, patient teacher, and wise counselor. Grant that in all things he may serve without reproach, that your people may be renewed and your name be glorified in the church; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and regins with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lisa and Michael have been called to serve two churches in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod. Lisa has been called to serve Moe Lutheran Church, and Michael has been called to serve Messiah Lutheran Church of Roseau, Minnesota. We pray God's blessings on their ministry.
Congratulations Pastor Lisa and Pastor Michael!
