Pastor Brian's Ordination

Ordination Service for Brian Ward In the midst of record down-pouring rain in Southern Minnesota (as much as 12 inches in less than two days), the newest pastor in the Pacifica Synod and the ELCA was ordained last night (Thursday) at St. John Lutheran Church in Mapleton, Minnesota, south of Mankato. The ordination of Pastor Brian Ward took place in the same congregation where he was baptized and confirmed. Joined by his wife, Kira, (they were married several weeks ago) his parents, grandparents, brother, sister-in-law, former and current pastors of St. John's, and many friends, it was a wonderful evening as the people of God gathered for good food, fellowship, celebration, and sacred worship. Before, during, and after the service, the rains poured and the winds blew. Unfortunately, some friends were unable to attend as they were dealing with flooding in their basements and on their property. The surrounding fields, still filled with standing corn, were saturated with inches of water that had no place to go. In the midst of it all, the Spirit of God was moving in Mapleton and a faithful new pastor and the Body of Christ came together to give thanks and praise. Pastor Ward has been called by St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton to join the staff and share in the ministry of that congregation, now also formerly connected with Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Whittier..