Dazzle/WOW



Ordination to the Priesthood was one of the most amazing experiences in a very blessed life. After fretting and fuming in ways I usually do not (but whose idea was it to make Ordination at the end of finals week??) it was perfect, perfectly wonderful and I am still floating--in fact I missed a meeting yesterday. [oops.]

There were either 90 or 93 people there, and it was everything I wanted it to be, both for St. Mark's and for myself. It was very simple and the word people keep writing to me is sweet. They hasten to assure me that they do not mean cloying or trite, but rather that old-fashioned sweetness of Spirit. The people who made the trek through the awful weather were treated to a beautiful falling snow outside the clear windows of St. Mark's. The people of St. Mark's, used to 20 in church on a well attended Sunday, got to be surrounded by love and singing and a most powerful Presence. Everyone sang, and prayed and laughed together. Graff was a wonderful Crucifer and the fact that we had no Deacon was just swept aside (no one could come that far.) But I am particularly grateful that Case and Hillary and Erik and Ann made long drives just to be there.

The moment of Consecration is really too powerful for words on a blog--but call me and I may gush endlessly! ;-)

The Blessing at the end was almost as powerful.

There were so many blessings in the day though that it will take me a while to recount them! It was amazing to have Gary and Kathy Hall there from Seabury, and the sermon was phenomenal--all I could have hoped for and more. Lauren's safe arrival courtesy of Molly and Joyce was another great joy. (Thank you Chicago Ordinands for your sacrifice in this regard!)

And my heart is so full of the gracious love of families--both my own and St. Mark's, who made the sanctuary so beautiful, and the reception at City Hall so incredible, that the memory will be a bright and beautiful one for always. Shannon and I had time alone in the church in the afternoon as we polished the brass--such a treasured gift to have him with me on this day.

My Godmother's stole, safely arrived from England, was so beautiful. The Bishop was very gracious to the clergy that made the effort to come! I was so grateful too, because the ones who attended are such special people and brought great joy with them to lay on hands.

So now begins the rest of the learning! Two sermons and my first Holy Eucharist right around the corner. . . better sign off for now.

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