CTGS Send-off Sunday

The time is here.  Our last Sunday at CTGS before departing for seminary. I wanted to make sure I saw everyone possible before we left which required me going to both services. I’ve done it from time to time before. Always fun to wake up early for a 8:30a service.  I enjoyed the service and getting up early took me back to my roots from Cleveland.

Driving to church was hard as every trip has been dating back to the fateful day I informed the church I was accepted to seminary.  Every drive to a meeting, bible study, church event, or service became a reflection period. From the day we came to CTGS it has been like a home away from home.  Our nuclear families are in lower Minnesota, Ohio, and Indiana so they admirably stepped when ever needed to support us through bumpy and winding roads of our journey in life.

At the end of the first service our Head Elder (Jim Cooley) and Pastor Pollatz had me come up to the front and sit down so the congregation could pray over me.  I remember seeing so many folks in tears and myself become overwhelmed with tears.  The prayers that followed were another testament that God puts people in your path to prepare you for the mission ahead.  After the prayers finished we finished with a song.  I sent a message to the organist asking if we could finish out service with a Onward Christians Soldiers.  One of my favorite hymns and one that was most appropriate for the day.

Since our Chairman was out of town it was left to me to lead our Cafe Bible Study with the assistance of Jim. I had a number of things prepared, but felt I would just open it up for what was going through everyone’s mind.  Try to answer anything about the journey ahead to the best of my knowledge.  We talked about the calling.  I explained when I heard the calling and the similarities to when my father felt the calling.

I talked about how much the setup of the class has helped me to prepare for the road ahead. Just preparation for class week end and out required me to think about every conceivable question or tangent the discussion may lead us down. I walked away from the Cafe Bible Study with renewed vigor for “Knowing What I believe” and “Why I believe it”.  It is my hope that my seminary education will strengthen my knowledge in teaching others these things while spreading the Word of the Lord.

Just before the second service, Linda and the kids showed up. Also in attendance were some friends from St. Matthew Church/School in Julie M, Renee L, and Joanne S. Concordia University (Ann Arbor) was also represented by my dear friend and former professor Glenda Waterman.

I must say looking around I was very distracted during the service. Looking around to see who was there and who wasn’t. Fortunately, I had heard the sermon earlier.  So, finally I was able to get back to meditating and preparing for the sacrament of Holy Communion. Suddenly, Linda gets my attention as I’m being tapped to assist with the distribution of the sacraments.  I figured I was going to sit back and try and hold it together.  Luckily, I was able to hold it together during communion until Lyndsey came up to me and smiled. Insert tear.

One of the communion songs for some reason brought Linda and I to tears. The ending was much the same of the first service, but this time we had Linda and the kids present up there with us. Children’s church finished early so everyone could be in the church together. Everyone is crying now or weeping (that one is for you Julie W.). Very emotional service and honestly I don’t think we would have had it any other way. Neither Linda or I would be able to address the congregation properly.  So many friends, experiences, and events.  It was there I stopped fighting God’s calling.  It was there I realized my gifts. It was there that my relationship with God grew to something I never would have thought. 

The service ended with everyone standing around us singing Onward Christian Soldiers. The words echoing through my mind and explaining what was ahead for us and for CTGS.

“Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before. Christ, the royal master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle See His banners go!”

“Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod. We are not divided, All one body we, One in hope and doctrine, One in charity.” LSB 662

Be Strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

 

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Father’s Day

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Normally, this would be section where someone would rave about them being a wonderful father.  Well, if that is what you’re looking for might as well close this browser now.

It isn’t everyday I get to share the admiration I have for my fathers.  Notice the plural there.  Father’s Day is so focused on the human aspect of giving thanks for the fathers that do what they’re supposed to do.  Very rarely, do we reflect on God, Our Father and say a special thanks for his infinite love he has for us.  So, this blog will be split into two to recognize my father and God, Our Father.

God, Our Father

He who loved me first before I was ever a twinkle in my parents eyes. He loved us so much to do send his only begotten Son to die for forgiveness of our sins.  The same Father who has been there since the beginning of time and patiently stayed by our sides during all of our mistypes.  The Father whom when I need encouragement, I turn to His Word for guidance. The Father that has blessed me with wonderful family, friends, fellow Christians, unbelievers, enemies, co-workers, etc to stimulate my growth as a man.  The same Father of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, John the Baptist, and Paul.  The same Father who protected his people wandering for 40 years regardless of their missteps.

A Father’s whose credits can’t be put on paper because they still continue at this very moment.  The Father who was, is, and is to come.  As I know the Father isn’t depended on my existence, but I am dependent entirely on his existence. Hear my prayer, Father, that we not forget all you’ve done for us without so much of a petition.  We thank you Father for all you did, do, and continue to do until the end times. If you’re reading this you only know of some of the blessings you have reaped. I assure you, those don’t even scratch the surface of what he has done for us.

My attempt is not to dummy down God’s work, but to provide yet another view of how he has affected our lives.

My Dad

Many call him Pastor or Mister Ekong, but I will always know him as daddy.  Our relationship early can best be described as misunderstood, but always mutually respected. The son of a Chief who later became a founding father of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria.  He always had large shoes to follow in and as such he worried if his life would be his own and not that of what others assumed and directed. The shadow of his father still follows him today.  The example his father set was improved on by him and passed down to me.  I always was taught about respect and carrying myself the correct way.  Learning that as his son I was a direct reflection on his leadership and abilities of a father. My father is a quiet man who leads by example.  Husband to one wife and father to two children. 

Teachings as a child that have stuck with me throughout my life.  Keep your eyes opening and listen before speaking.  Be observant of your surroundings and the people you associate.  Lessons he taught me without specific instruction was caring about others feelings and positions in life.  Never to forsake anyone and to always put my best foot forward are examples of timeless lessons. We had a rough time during my teenage years for obvious reasons.  Boy trying to grow into a man long before it was his time.  Even when I disappointed him, he stayed firmly by my side guiding me with the Words of God.

He has always been a man of God, but for a time there we knew he was meant to be a pastor. It was true lesson watching his transformation into what God has always meant for him.  Boy, did God give him some serious clues that this was his path.  See, this is important because as I got older I saw the same signs and direction from God and I was able to recognize it when it was my time to take the steps to follow suit.

Our relationship since I left college has only grown and reached a level neither of us would have ever thought.  We turn to each other to discuss church issues, The Great Commission, life, family, the ministry, etc…

My father called me the week before graduation upset about the scheduling of after graduation activities. I had been so selfish, that I had missed just how proud he was of me for that accomplishment and the steps I would be taking later this summer.  His words literally brought me to tears.  We aren’t men of many words… okay that’s a lie. We often say a lot, but what we say means a great deal.

It is only now at 33 years that I realize at my core I am my father’s son.  I’m proud to say I’m his son and I strive to improve on the example he has set for me and pass that example on to my children.

QUOTE:

“Father only means that you are taking care of your children.  That’s what it means to be a father. It doesn’t mean having babies. Anybody can make a baby, but a father helps to raise his children. There is another word for fatherhood. It’s called RESPONSIBILITY!”  -Malcolm X

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When people ask who is your hero?  I don’t say a superstar, artist, actor, etc… It is my God Our Father and my parents. 

Linda’s Farewell Luncheon @ the Michigan District

It isn’t everyday I get to attend one of the Michigan District’s farewell Luncheon. Even more so does a husband get the chance to see how loved his wife is in her place of employment. I can’t say enough about the MI District staff and their leader in President Hoesman.  Many tears were shed this day not only for Linda, but for our family. That may be what distinguishes the MI District from other Districts.  It is a very large family in which they all suffer through the trials and tribulations and join together to celebrate the triumphs and blessings.

It all started with announcement in Divine Shepherd, LCMS (Ann Arbor, MI) service bulletin. Linda may have ignored me the first two weeks. By the third week she had setup a interview. The rest is history.  We listened to heart felt words from President Hoesman, Chad Woltemath, and Debby Fall.  Linda has always shared her stories the work of the district, but it was somehow different to hear everyone sharing stories about my wife.

I know we aren’t supposed to be prideful, but I sat their absolutely proud of my wife to the point I too was in tears.  If you haven’t figured it out, I can shed a tear or two if I’m moved. Linda isn’t the only one who made lifelong friends. The strength and desire of the MI District staff serves as a example to all in the District and outside of it. We love you all and we will miss you while away following God’s Direction.

Technorati Tags: Michigan District,Lutheran,LCMS,Farewells,Luncheons,Family,Dedication

Family Reunion Weekend in Cleveland, OH

 

My side of the family got together for the Wright Family Reunion and this year it was in Cleveland, Ohio. I won’t cover much about the family reunion here, I’ll cover that in my reflections blog.  I will say being around family with two weeks to go before leaving for seminary was a very uplifting and energizing experience.  I had missed the previous two family reunions. The last one I was able to attend was back in 2003 (Atlanta). In 2005, I had just gotten out of the hospital after being diagnosed with Lupus (Chicago Reunion).  In 2007, we were in Indiana participating in my sister-in-law’s wedding while the reunion was in (Kentucky).  Nevertheless, I feel blessed to have been surrounded by family in fellowship to take my mind off the impending move quickly approaching.

On Sunday, my parents accompanied Linda, the kids, and I to church at St. Philip in Cleveland.  This was bittersweet as the weekend had been dubbed by myself as the first stop on the farewell tour. How fitting that the church where the foundation and growth began for both my father and I.  It also was more than likely the last time we would all be able to sit down to worship as a family.  However, my sister was absent due to the need to get a family member from the family reunion to the airport.  It felt like a thank you from our family to the church. For the church the feeling was another sign of God’s work in full view.  Very emotional as we shook hands at the end of service and exchange information on the upcoming weeks, months, and years.

St. Philip may not be filled like it once was during my youth, but the Spirit is alive and working through its members.  Seemed like the service went by so fast, but the feelings shared was much needed.

Technorati Tags: Cleveland,Ohio,St. Philip Lutheran,LCMS,Wright Family Reunion,Farewells,Seminary,Family,Journal

Final Elder Meeting @ CTGS

The title is misleading.  It was probably my last Elder Meeting @ CTGS given the upcoming Sunday would be our last. Pretty standard Elder Meeting with a new attendee in Pastor Pollatz.  Pastor Pollatz is currently serving as CTGS’s Intentional Interim Minister (IIM) during our vacancy. 

We discussed the future of the church and re-assigning the folks under my care to a new Elder. So, if any my folks are reading this know that you are now assigned to some spiritual and strong men.  God is definitely working through them and their families.  We also discussed potential new elders.  One of those potential gentlemen is near and dear to my heart with so much potential. 

The ending of the Elder ended like most Elder Meetings do with prayer as it should. I was asked to close, but told not to say amen.  All the men in attendance offered up prayers/petition for the Lord to keep me on the path he has set forth for me.  I have to admit their prayers had me tearing up. I considered it an honor to have served with these men as Elders as CTGS. I remember us all reading the “Caring Elder” and 1 Timothy 3 wondering if we would all be able to lift up to our own interpretations of an Elder. Could we quote scripture off the top of our head if the need arose? Would we be seen as leaders?  Would we be able handle situations as caring Christian like Jesus would?  Would we fall under the scrutiny?  We all asked those questions in addition to the why me thoughts.

However, as time went on I think we all grew into our roles. While growing into those roles we got into the Word deeper with a new dedication.  Maybe first it was due to the role, but then it became a part of us. We took on duties in the liturgy, bible studies, and teaching young confirmands.

I just want to take this time to extend a special thanks to my Elder brothers; Jim Cooley, John Marasco, Viggo Tordrup, Kevin Kreis, Jason Whitman, and Scott Catallo.

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Father’s Day

Technorati Tags: Fatherhood,Father's Day,Love,Respect,God,Father,Life,Children

Normally, this would be section where someone would rave about them being a wonderful father.  Well, if that is what you’re looking for might as well close this browser now.

It isn’t everyday I get to share the admiration I have for my fathers.  Notice the plural there.  Father’s Day is so focused on the human aspect of giving thanks for the fathers that do what they’re supposed to do.  Very rarely, do we reflect on God, Our Father and say a special thanks for his infinite love he has for us.  So, this blog will be split into two to recognize my father and God, Our Father.

God, Our Father

He who loved me first before I was ever a twinkle in my parents eyes. He loved us so much to do send his only begotten Son to die for forgiveness of our sins.  The same Father who has been there since the beginning of time and patiently stayed by our sides during all of our mistypes.  The Father whom when I need encouragement, I turn to His Word for guidance. The Father that has blessed me with wonderful family, friends, fellow Christians, unbelievers, enemies, co-workers, etc to stimulate my growth as a man.  The same Father of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, John the Baptist, and Paul.  The same Father who protected his people wandering for 40 years regardless of their missteps.

A Father’s whose credits can’t be put on paper because they still continue at this very moment.  The Father who was, is, and is to come.  As I know the Father isn’t depended on my existence, but I am dependent entirely on his existence. Hear my prayer, Father, that we not forget all you’ve done for us without so much of a petition.  We thank you Father for all you did, do, and continue to do until the end times. If you’re reading this you only know of some of the blessings you have reaped. I assure you, those don’t even scratch the surface of what he has done for us.

My attempt is not to dummy down God’s work, but to provide yet another view of how he has affected our lives.

My Dad

Many call him Pastor or Mister Ekong, but I will always know him as daddy.  Our relationship early can best be described as misunderstood, but always mutually respected. The son of a Chief who later became a founding father of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria.  He always had large shoes to follow in and as such he worried if his life would be his own and not that of what others assumed and directed. The shadow of his father still follows him today.  The example his father set was improved on by him and passed down to me.  I always was taught about respect and carrying myself the correct way.  Learning that as his son I was a direct reflection on his leadership and abilities of a father. My father is a quiet man who leads by example.  Husband to one wife and father to two children. 

Teachings as a child that have stuck with me throughout my life.  Keep your eyes opening and listen before speaking.  Be observant of your surroundings and the people you associate.  Lessons he taught me without specific instruction was caring about others feelings and positions in life.  Never to forsake anyone and to always put my best foot forward are examples of timeless lessons. We had a rough time during my teenage years for obvious reasons.  Boy trying to grow into a man long before it was his time.  Even when I disappointed him, he stayed firmly by my side guiding me with the Words of God.

He has always been a man of God, but for a time there we knew he was meant to be a pastor. It was true lesson watching his transformation into what God has always meant for him.  Boy, did God give him some serious clues that this was his path.  See, this is important because as I got older I saw the same signs and direction from God and I was able to recognize it when it was my time to take the steps to follow suit.

Our relationship since I left college has only grown and reached a level neither of us would have ever thought.  We turn to each other to discuss church issues, The Great Commission, life, family, the ministry, etc…

My father called me the week before graduation upset about the scheduling of after graduation activities. I had been so selfish, that I had missed just how proud he was of me for that accomplishment and the steps I would be taking later this summer.  His words literally brought me to tears.  We aren’t men of many words… okay that’s a lie. We often say a lot, but what we say means a great deal.

It is only now at 33 years that I realize at my core I am my father’s son.  I’m proud to say I’m his son and I strive to improve on the example he has set for me and pass that example on to my children.

QUOTE:

“Father only means that you are taking care of your children.  That’s what it means to be a father. It doesn’t mean having babies. Anybody can make a baby, but a father helps to raise his children. There is another word for fatherhood. It’s called RESPONSIBILITY!”  -Malcolm X

Technorati Tags: Fatherhood,Father's Day,Love,Respect,God,Father,Life,Children

When people ask who is your hero?  I don’t say a superstar, artist, actor, etc… It is my God Our Father and my parents. 

How Great is Our God? Do we really know?

Every morning I transport a few Christians of the churches future (aka my children) to school.  Along the ride the kids and I listen to contemporary music so they can sing songs about God.  Well, it just so happens on Monday I switched and put all Chris Tomlin in the cd changer.  He has an album “Live from the Austin Music Hall” that stood out.  I’m always a fan of anyone’s live performances.  Well, track 7 is called “How Great is Our God”.  Towards the end of the song he incorporates “How Great  Thou Art” from the LW 519.  Well, this morning I just felt the need to hit repeat a few times and listen to the words.  Why do you ask?

I have the privileged to be surrounded by very strong Christian folks in my life as well as those that are working on realizing God is calling them to be closer to him.  All that really means is I’m blessed to see the various ways God works through each and everyone of us. I don’t know if God has just opened my eyes to the things happening around me more so than ever before or what, but let me tell you God is one busy bee.  Ask any Christian if their God is Great and without a doubt, the answer will be YES.  Now ask them just how great is their God.  We all can testify and say how much HE has blessed us with family, work, friends, etc.  Or we should be able to….

That leads me to the question do we really know how Great God is?  I could tell you stories of healing, comfort, shelter, guidance, forgiveness, and strength just in my life in the past 4 months.  Do I really know how Great God is?  Do any of us know how Great God is?  I have to be honest I must be underestimating God’s power or there is some sort of disconnect someplace.  I’ll be the first person to say put it in God’s hands and that he is always with us through our trials, tribulations, and transgressions.  And mean it with my whole heart and soul.

I now wonder how it is we short change God’s power.  To deliver a fleeting congregation looking for a pastor, to warm the heart of his lost sheep, to comfort a nation/world in this economic climate, and to raise up those in HIS flock working through them to witness and evangelize the Word to the nations.  We know from stories/teachings in the bible that God can do away with world, prosper a people, and raise up HIS followers to do great things in HIS NAME.  I think the one that stands out to me more so than anything is pointed out in John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. NIV

God is so Great that HE chose to save you/me long before we were blessed to be on this world.  HE loved us so much that he sacrificed HIS own for our sins.  All the blessings I have seen or experienced still pale in comparison to HIS Greatness to save us from eternal damnation. 

How Great is our God? I don’t know if I will ever really know completely.  I do know each second, I experience something new and realize that God has yet again surpassed my understanding of just how great HE is.  For my fellow Christians realize the just How Great God is on a daily basis and don’t hesitate to share HIS greatness with all you come in contact.  God works through us via the Holy Spirit to plant the seeds for HIS lost sheep (those who have strayed and those who don’t yet know of HIM).  Don’t be afraid share God’s love.  There is work to be done. 

My God is Great.