Vicar’s Voice: Thanks for gifts gladly received

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither but water the earth…so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10a–11, RSV)

As I find myself coming to the final days of my time serving with you at Ascension Lutheran Church, the words of the prophet Isaiah seem particularly apt. Isaiah writes of the grand and abundant generosity of the Lord, manifest in simple things—which are, ultimately, the things life-giving and life-sustaining. Such is the abundance given us in the Church, in the communion of saints.

The great gift of which Isaiah writes is the generous gift of the presence of God around and within. It is a presence we share in baptism, in Communion, and in all things in the sharing of the Word—in homilies (however brief!), yes, but in the simple company of fellow Christians at tables, at study, at concerts, at bedsides and at gravesides, all.

The time of my internship has been a partnership—first with God, and with Pastor Wes, of course, to “learn the ropes,” as it were, of parish ministry and of pastoral care and formation—but with each member of Ascension as well. It’s true to say, “We applied for a vicar,” and “I was assigned to come to Cheyenne and serve at Ascension,” but, although there was no call committee discerning my being here, in the wisdom of Almighty God, I was called to this place, to serve and to learn, to walk with and to share, and it has been a call that, for all of its joys and frustrations, mistakes and trials and happy accidents—sometimes amusing in hindsight, but formative nonetheless—has been my pleasure to keep.

For the rain and snow of your kindness in welcoming me, sharing with and providing for me, even in criticizing and correcting me, God’s purpose has been wrought, in the sharing, and in my growth.
Such are the gifts given me in my all-too-brief 12 months with you; they have been gifts gladly received and gifts for which I cannot adequately thank you.

Thank you all, and may God bless and keep you, this day and forevermore.

Yours in Christ,
Vicar Katelin