It’s Never Too Late

25 years ago I met a sweet young woman who started coming to our church. She worked in the science field and was quiet and kind. She volunteered with the youth group and was a faithful member of our church.

At some point she decided her lab job was not for her. She eventually was hired by our church to work with the youth. She had a giant Great Dane that was more like a small pony that often came to work with her. She did this a while. People at church felt like she could do more in church. She was not as sure, but eventually left the area under the idea she might go to seminary.

Our church is very supportive of members who decide they are called to seminary. I can think of seven people we have supported through seminary and probably the number is higher.

Today this young woman, Rebecca, was ordained at Westminster 25 years after she first joined our church. It was a lovely celebration of her sometimes slow journey. She has been called to be the pastor of a church in Jonesboro, Tennessee. They are very lucky to get her. She is not a normal fresh out of seminary young pastor. She is a person who has spent years exploring her faith and finding many ways to serve it.

I am so happy she has completed this part of her walk. I have no doubt she will be an excellent pastor. As she is an extraordinary human being with many gifts and a generous heart.