Marks of Community

Greetings Everyone!

In the past month I have on two occasions spent time with a graduating UDTS senior. What a blessing it was for me to hear about how everyone is doing. To have someone tell theological jokes and laugh at the stories I told. Both times were great fun.

The second such meeting found me at a Presbytery Assembly meeting voting on the ordination of a friend and classmate. I sat in awe of the journey that God has allowed me to witness in that student. And while I will not share their news I am happy to report that there will be another UDTS grad in our presbytery.

I discovered at this Presbytery meeting that we all bear marks of the UDTS community. When our classmate was standing before the body for examination I heard the echoes of professors voices and echoes of conversations we have all had in the classrooms, hallways and cul-de-sacs. For a moment I closed my eyes and I was back in the comfort of our community. I heard words like trinitarian and community. The icing on the cake was when our classmate was being escorted out and I heard the person walking with them say "Have you had Professor E.C.?" I chuckled.

Life here is going great. I am still amazed each time I receive a paycheck. How is it that I get paid for doing something I love so much? I officiated at my first funeral EVER last week on Ash Wednesday. It was a powerful experience. I am still exhausted.

Congrats to Matt & Emily on the baby! Welcome to parenthood - it is a heck of a journey. Matt, do you have a free Friday or Saturday to come down and play in June?

Be sure to stop by if you travel our way we are only one mile off the interstate.