Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The Rite - Full Text, Video and Photos
See the bulletin (pdf)
The procession begins.
The people are sprinkled by the presiding ministers, the assisting ministers and the confessors as the solo is sung.
Photo by Stephen Lawson
Solo Voice: "O quam mirabilis" (Hildigaard von Bingen) sung by Rebekah Wu, soprano
The Word of new life!
Photo by Stephen Lawson
Musical Response "Selah" by Steve Green, Judith L Dancer - Minister of Embodiment - Ebeneezer/herchurch Lutheran, Oboe - Gregory Jahnke, Soprano Sax - Don Pender, Piano - Tim Zerlang
New Testament: Romans 9:20-30
‘And in the very place where it was said to them, “You are not my people”,
there they shall be called children of the living God.’
Thanksgiving
The presiding minister leads the assembly in giving thanks.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,
we bless you for your infinite love in Christ our Lord,
in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sins
according to the riches of his grace.
We thank you that by his death your Son overcame death,
and that, raised by your mighty power, he gives us new life.
We praise you that, having ascended into heaven,
Christ pours out his gifts abundantly on the church,
making some apostles, some prophets, some pastors and teachers,
to equip your people for their work of ministry for building up the body of Christ.
Solo: "Tantum Ergo" (Louis Vierne) organ with Rebekah Wu, soprano
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o'er ancient forms departing,
newer rites of grace prevail;
faith for all defects supplying,
where the feeble sense fail.
To the everlasting Father,
and the Son who reigns on high,
with the Holy Ghost proceeding
forth from Each eternally,
be salvation, honor, blessing,
might and endless majesty. Amen.
Photo by Pamela Diane Gilbert-Snyder
The presiding minister lays both hands on the head of the ones being received. Other ordained pastors who are participating in the laying on of hands place one hand on the person being received.
Following a time of silent prayer, the presiding minister continues.
Eternal God, through your Son, Jesus Christ,
as we receive name into the ordained ministry in this church,
pour out your Holy Spirit upon name
and fill name with the gifts of grace for the ministry of word and sacrament.
Bless name proclamation of your word and administration of your sacraments,
so that your church may be gathered for praise and strengthened for service.
Make name a faithful pastor, patient teacher, and wise counselor.
Grant that in all things name may serve without reproach,
that your people may be renewed and your name be glorified in the church;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Photo by Pamela Diane Gilbert-Snyder
An extemporaneous prayer for Ross accompanied by the laying on of hands.
Blessing
The presiding minister addresses the ones being received.
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make you complete in everything good so that you may do God's will,
working in you that which is pleasing in God's sight;
through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Acclamation by the Assembly
The presiding minister and the one being received face the assembly. The presiding minister addresses the assembly.
Will you, assembled as the people of God, echoing the voices of others and speaking for the whole church, receive Paul, Jeff, Craig, Dawn, Megan, Sharon, and Ross as messengers of Jesus Christ, sent by God to serve all people with the gospel of hope and salvation? Will you regard them as servants of Christ?
We will, and we ask God to help us.
Will you pray for them
help and honor them for their work's sake,
and in all things strive to live together in the peace and unity of Christ?
We will, and we ask God to help us.
The presiding minister presents those being received to the assembly.
Let it be recognized and acclaimed that Paul, Jeff, Craig, Dawn, Megan, Sharon, and Ross are called and ordained ministers in the church of Christ. They have Christ's authority to preach the word of God and administer the sacraments, serving God's people as together we bear God's creative and redeeming love to all the world.
Amen. Thanks be to God.
The assembly may offer acclamation with applause.
Peace
The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may say Peace be with you or similar words.
All return to their places. The assembly is seated.
The service continues with the offering.
Offering and Setting the table - Join in our offering online.
Our offering today will be devoted entirely to the The Joel R. Workin Memorial Scholarship which supports openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seminarians following a call to service as a rostered leader in the Lutheran church.
Joel Workin was one of the first openly gay Lutheran seminarians at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Because of Joel's courageous act, his approval for ordination was vacated when ELCA bishops refused to place his name on the roster of approved candidates waiting for call. Joel was never ordained, but he lived a life of faithful ministry and service to people with HIV/AIDS until his death from the disease in 1995. The Joel R. Workin Memorial Scholarship was established by the generosity of Joel's family, colleagues and close friends and is administered by Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries.
Photo by Pamela Diane Gilbert-Snyder
Offering Song: Oakland East Bay Gay Men's Chorus"How Can I Keep from Singing" arranged by Gwyneth Walker
The assembly stands
Offering prayer
God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you, and you open your hand in blessing. Fill us with good things at your table, that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer.
Amen.
Great Thanksgiving
Our Blessing at the Table was composed especially for this liturgy by Sara Miles & Paul Fromberg of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, San Francisco. Copyright 2010 Sara Miles & Paul Fromberg.
Photo by Stephen Lawson
God be with youAnd also with you.
Lift up your hearts.We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to our God Most High.
It is right to offer thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise, God of love, through your son Jesus Christ. As your life blazes forth from the empty tomb, you pour your Spirit upon us to burn away divisions. And so with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join in their unending song:
Sanctus - Image not displayed here.
Creator of the universe, you speak to the chaos,
bringing song out of silence,
dance out of stillness, life out of death.
Sustainer of the covenant,
you send messengers in every time and place
giving voice to your love:
You speak through thirsty women, broken men, the poor and impure.
You choose what is despised to make us whole.
A servant girl bears Jesus, your blessing,
who turns the old world upside down.
He forsakes the temple, laughs at the powerful
kisses sinners and heals the unclean.
He breaks open prisons, frees slaves and captives,
feasts with the outcast and celebrates strangers;
Loving each one entirely,
he teaches us the way of compassion and peace.
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for them to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Once more we gather at your table in thanksgiving
to share this bread and wine
Now show us his body alive in your children
as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
ELW Setting 1 Acclamation "Christ has died...."
Forgiving Father, you race toward us in the midst of our shame
to cover all enemies with your garment of love.
Now reconcile us, rise in us and make us one body
that we may live as Jesus lives and love as Jesus loves:
Amen. Come Holy Spirit
Life-giving Mother, you make a home for us in the midst of our fear
you wipe away every debt and every tear.
Now heal us, free us and give us your power
that we may share your gifts with a hungry world:
Amen. Come Holy Spirit
Merciful God, fill us with your blessing
and embrace us in communion
with saints and sinners,
the hurt and the hurting,
with Mary Magdalene, Peter the Fisherman,
Seminarian Joel Workin, Pastor Phil Knutson, Pastor Michael Pozar, and Pastor Jim Lokken,
with friends and strangers everywhere
as we give you all glory and honor and praise, now and forever,
ELW Setting 1 Acclamation "Amen, Amen..."
Holy things for holy people!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
Hymn & Recessional: "Light dawns on a weary world" (ELW 726)
Ordained in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Pastor Paul Brenner has 30 years of leadership in the hospice movement and 10 years experience as an inner city parish pastor. Paul's notable achievements include developing an innovative national program of All Inclusive Care for Children and Their Families; the the first Palliative Care program for Persons living with Alzheimer's Disease; the first hospice program for the Deaf; and the first Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care in a Medical Center.
A graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and ordained along with Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zilhart on January 20, 1990 with a call from First United Lutheran Church, Pastor Jeff R. Johnson is currently the pastor of University Lutheran Chapel in Berkeley, on the Steering Committe for the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, is facilitating the East Bay Interfaith Immigration Coalition and is a member of the Syond Council. Jeff's notable achievements include helping to found the predecessor bodies of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries; serving two terms as Dean of the San Francisco Conference; and as member of the Steering Committee for Religious Witness with Homeless People.
A graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and ordained in 1978 in the Lutheran Church of America, Pastor Ross D. Merkel is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland, CA. Prior to being called to St. Paul in 1982, Ross served as a Refugee Resettlement Coordinator with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest in Phoenix, AZ and prior to that as Associate Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix.
A graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and ordained February 18, 2001, Pastor Craig Minich is currently serving the East Bay Lutheran Youth Program with calls from St. Paul Lutheran and United Lutheran, Oakland.
A graduate of Lutheran Seminary and ordained on June 16, 2007, Pastor Dawn Roginski is the former Associate Pastor and Director of Parish Programs at St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco. Dawn's notable achievements include serving in leadership roles on the Lutherans Concerned/North America board, on the leadership team for the ELM roster, serving for 10 years at a residential treatment facility for seriously mentally ill patients at Boston Health Care in Minneapolis and then as a chaplain at a residential treatment center for children in Kansas City, MO.
A graduate and candidate for the Doctorate of Ministry degree at the Pacific School of Religion and ordained on November 18, 2006, Pastor Megan Rohrer is the Executive Director of Welcome with calls from St. Francis Lutheran, Iglesia de Santa Maria y Marta, herchurch and Christ Church, in San Francisco, the Project Manager of Project Homeless Connect's Growing Home Community Garden and a board member of the Sojourn Chaplaincy at San Francisco General Hospital. Megan's notable achievements include serving as the Director of Candidacy for Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, on the Steering Committee for the San Francisco Trans March, as an author for the Human Rights Campaign's Out In Season: the Church Year Through Transgender Eyes and winner of Out History's Since Stonewall Local History Competition.
A graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and ordained on May 12, 2002, Sharon Stalkfleet is the former chaplain of the Lutheran Ministry to Nursing Homes where she was called by St. Paul Lutheran, Resurrection Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran in Oakland and Trinity Lutheran Church, Alameda.
Ordo of the Liturgy
A festival Eucharist celebrating the reception and reinstatement of pastors
from the roster of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries onto the roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with prayer and the laying on of hands
The holy spirit calls us together as the people of God
As people gather for the liturgy, music is offered, beginning before the start of the service around 3:30ish...
- from Dixieland Dykes & San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band
- Sonata in C Major: I. Allegro, by J.B. Breval -- Emily Gee, cello
- Oakland East Bay Gay Men's Chorus"Do you hear the people sing?" (Les Miserables) Music and lyrics by Claude Michel Schoenberg and Herbert Kretzmer
"Live your dream" Lyrics and music by Greg Gilpin
- Prelude and Fugue in G Major, Opus 37 No. 2Felix Mendelssohn
At the sound of a bell, the congregation stands and turns toward the cross and the font.
Pause for reflection and confession.
Friends in Christ as we gather, we seek to speak the truth of the difficulties we have witnessed in our church.
Friends in Christ as we gather, we seek to speak the truth of the difficulties we have witnessed in our church.
Our church of the reformation has been too long captive to bias and misinformation.
We have not spoken up.
We have betrayed fellow members of the body of Christ because of cultural prejudice.
We have misused Scripture as a tool of discrimination.
We have forced celibacy upon too many, a gift God grants to only a few.
We have not remembered the life giving words of our own Confessions.
We have not respected the gift of sexuality, nor the joy, delight and vulnerability sexual intimacy creates among loving partners.
We have not honored faithful and loving promises, marriages, and covenantal relationships.
We have not acted quickly enough for some who have died and have not made it to this day.
We have not spoken up.
We have betrayed fellow members of the body of Christ because of cultural prejudice.
We have misused Scripture as a tool of discrimination.
We have forced celibacy upon too many, a gift God grants to only a few.
We have encouraged silence and complicity.
We have promoted invisibility and dishonesty.
We have hardened our hearts with bitterness and condescension.
We have intimidated and disciplined, censured and expelled.
Our actions have destroyed faith and have led people away from the gospel's call to love and justice.
A bell is rung. A shofar is blown. Silence is kept.
Absolution is proclaimed in the words of the prophet Isaiah. Water is poured into the font.
But now thus says the Holy One who created you, who formed you: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.
Do not fear, for I am with you; Thus says the Holy One who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,... Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Do not fear, for I am with you; Thus says the Holy One who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,... Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Through Christ, God has indeed done a new thing and is continually doing a new thing through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Shower us with your Spirit. Renew our lives, and our life as your people, with your forgiveness, grace and love.
Amen.
The people are sprinkled by the presiding ministers, the assisting ministers and the confessors as the solo is sung.
Photo by Stephen LawsonO how magnificent
Is the foreknowledge of the divine heart
which foreknew all that is created.
For when God inspected
The face of the human being he had formed,
He perceived all his works
within this same human form.
O how magnificent is the inspiration
which thus awakened man.
Is the foreknowledge of the divine heart
which foreknew all that is created.
For when God inspected
The face of the human being he had formed,
He perceived all his works
within this same human form.
O how magnificent is the inspiration
which thus awakened man.
Processional Hymn: "Christ be our light" (ELW 715)
Called to freedom in Christ: grace, mercy, and peace be with you all.And also with you.
Prayer of the Day
Let us pray. Draw your church together, O Living One, into one great company of disciples, following together our redeemer Jesus Christ into every walk of life, serving together your mission to the world, and proclaiming together your love wherever you send us, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
II. Word
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song
Photo by Pamela Diane Gilbert-Snyder
Here might be offered an extemporaneous word of greeting from the Host Pastor.
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 45:4-15
Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come closer to me.’ And they came closer. He said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither ploughing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, “Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.” And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honoured in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.’ Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.
Assisting Minister: This is the Word.The Word of new life!
Photo by Stephen LawsonNew Testament: Romans 9:20-30
But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God? Will what is moulded say to the one who moulds it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one object for special use and another for ordinary use? What if God, desiring to show wrath and to make known power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath that are made for destruction; and what if God has done so in order to make known the riches of glory for the objects of mercy, which God has prepared beforehand for glory— including us whom God has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? As indeed God says in Hosea,
'Those who were not my people I will call “my people”, and the one who was not beloved I will call “beloved”. ’ | "Aquellos que no eran mi pueblo los llamaré 'mi pueblo,' y aquel que no era amado le llamaré 'amado.'" | “那本來不是我子民的、我要稱為我的子民．本來不是蒙愛的、 我 要 稱 為 蒙 愛 的 。” |
‘And in the very place where it was said to them, “You are not my people”,
there they shall be called children of the living God.’
This is the Word.
The Word of new life!
The assembly stands.
Gospel Acclamation: "Canticle of the Turning" (ELW 723, stanzas 1& 2 by solo; congregation sings the refrain only)
A gospel procession brings a gospel book into the center of the gathering, with cross & fire (torches)
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew! Glory to you O Holy One.
Photo by Stephen LawsonSermon: The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver
Photo by Stephen Lawson
Presentation for Reinstatement
The assembly stands. The presiding minister says: The Rev. Ross Donald Merkel, has been examined and approved by the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has been reinstated to the roster of ordained ministers. That call to the ministry of word and sacrament is on this day affirmed and renewed. Thanks be to God.
With Prayer and the Laying On of Hands
Presentation
The assembly stands. Those being received to the roster of ordained ministers are presented to the presiding minister and to the assembly with these words.
We present for reception onto the roster of ordained ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Rev. Paul Richard Brenner, the Rev. Jeff Robert Johnson, the Rev. Craig Michael Minich, the Rev. Dawn Marie Roginski, the Rev. Megan Marie Rohrer, and the Rev. Sharon Sue Stalkfleet, who have been prepared, examined, and approved for this ministry and whose call to the ministry of word and sacrament is on this day affirmed and renewed.
Thanks be to God.
The presenters move aside.
The assembly is seated.
Address
The presiding minister addresses the one being received.
All baptized Christians are called to share
in Christ's ministry of love and service in the world,
to the glory of God and for the sake of the human family and the whole creation.
According to apostolic usage and for the sake of this ministry in which we share,
some of the baptized are entrusted with the office of word and sacrament
in the one holy catholic church by the laying on of hands and by prayer.
We are gathered this day by the Spirit of God
to affirm your call to the ministry of word and sacrament
and to receive you with gratitude and joy as an ordained minister in this church.
The following or other appropriate scripture passages may be addressed to the ones being received.
A reading from Ephesians. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For Christ is our peace; who made both groups into one and has broken down the barrier of hostility that has kept us apart. In his own flesh, Christ abolished the Law, with its commandments and ordinances, in order to make the two into one new humanity, thus establishing peace, and reconciling us all to God in one body through the cross; thus putting to death that hostility between us. Christ came and "announced the good news of peace to you who were far away and to those who were near"; for through Christ, we all have access in one Spirit to our God. (Ephesians 2:13-18)
The presiding minister addresses those being received.
When you were entrusted with the ministry of word and sacrament, Pastor Brenner on the Feast of Pentecost, 1966, Pastor Johnson on January 20, 1990, Pastor Minich on February 18, 2001, Pastor Roginski on June 16, 2007, Pastor Rohrer on November 18, 2006, Pastor Stalkfleet on May 12, 2002, and Pastor Merkel on June 8, 1978, you committed yourself to this office, asking God to help you and believing that the church's call is God's call to this ministry.
This church confesses that the holy scriptures are the word of God
and are the norm of its faith and life.
We accept, teach, and confess the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds.
We also acknowledge the Lutheran confessions
as true witnesses and faithful expositions of the holy scriptures.
You promised to preach and teach in accordance with the holy scriptures
and these creeds and confessions.
You promised to be diligent in your study of the holy scriptures
and faithful in your use of the means of grace,
to pray for God's people, nourish them with the word and sacraments,
and lead them by your own example in faithful service and holy living.
You promised to give faithful witness in the world,
that God's love may be known in all that you do.
Before almighty God and in the presence of this assembly, I ask:
Will you Paul, Jeff, Craig, Dawn, Megan, Sharon, and Ross live and serve according to these promises?
Response: I will, and I ask God to help me.
Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things,
graciously give you the strength and compassion to perform them.
The assembly responds: Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
The assembly stands for the prayers of intercession.
An assisting minister invites the assembly into prayer with these or similar words.
With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus,
let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God's creation.
Into your loving embrace, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy and grace. Amen.The Word of new life!
The assembly stands.
Gospel Acclamation: "Canticle of the Turning" (ELW 723, stanzas 1& 2 by solo; congregation sings the refrain only)
A gospel procession brings a gospel book into the center of the gathering, with cross & fire (torches)
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew! Glory to you O Holy One.
Jesus said: For the realm of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into the vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Praise to you O Christ. "Canticle of the Turning" (ELW 723, stanzas 3 & refrain sung by congregation)
The assembly is seated.
Photo by Stephen LawsonHymn of the Day: "The love burning deep" (Iona Abbey Worship Book, p. 80)
Photo by Stephen LawsonPresentation for Reinstatement
The assembly stands. The presiding minister says: The Rev. Ross Donald Merkel, has been examined and approved by the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has been reinstated to the roster of ordained ministers. That call to the ministry of word and sacrament is on this day affirmed and renewed. Thanks be to God.
With Prayer and the Laying On of Hands
Presentation
The assembly stands. Those being received to the roster of ordained ministers are presented to the presiding minister and to the assembly with these words.
We present for reception onto the roster of ordained ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Rev. Paul Richard Brenner, the Rev. Jeff Robert Johnson, the Rev. Craig Michael Minich, the Rev. Dawn Marie Roginski, the Rev. Megan Marie Rohrer, and the Rev. Sharon Sue Stalkfleet, who have been prepared, examined, and approved for this ministry and whose call to the ministry of word and sacrament is on this day affirmed and renewed.
Thanks be to God.
The presenters move aside.
The assembly is seated.
Address
The presiding minister addresses the one being received.
All baptized Christians are called to share
in Christ's ministry of love and service in the world,
to the glory of God and for the sake of the human family and the whole creation.
According to apostolic usage and for the sake of this ministry in which we share,
some of the baptized are entrusted with the office of word and sacrament
in the one holy catholic church by the laying on of hands and by prayer.
We are gathered this day by the Spirit of God
to affirm your call to the ministry of word and sacrament
and to receive you with gratitude and joy as an ordained minister in this church.
The following or other appropriate scripture passages may be addressed to the ones being received.
A reading from Ephesians. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For Christ is our peace; who made both groups into one and has broken down the barrier of hostility that has kept us apart. In his own flesh, Christ abolished the Law, with its commandments and ordinances, in order to make the two into one new humanity, thus establishing peace, and reconciling us all to God in one body through the cross; thus putting to death that hostility between us. Christ came and "announced the good news of peace to you who were far away and to those who were near"; for through Christ, we all have access in one Spirit to our God. (Ephesians 2:13-18)
The presiding minister addresses those being received.
When you were entrusted with the ministry of word and sacrament, Pastor Brenner on the Feast of Pentecost, 1966, Pastor Johnson on January 20, 1990, Pastor Minich on February 18, 2001, Pastor Roginski on June 16, 2007, Pastor Rohrer on November 18, 2006, Pastor Stalkfleet on May 12, 2002, and Pastor Merkel on June 8, 1978, you committed yourself to this office, asking God to help you and believing that the church's call is God's call to this ministry.
This church confesses that the holy scriptures are the word of God
and are the norm of its faith and life.
We accept, teach, and confess the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds.
We also acknowledge the Lutheran confessions
as true witnesses and faithful expositions of the holy scriptures.
You promised to preach and teach in accordance with the holy scriptures
and these creeds and confessions.
You promised to be diligent in your study of the holy scriptures
and faithful in your use of the means of grace,
to pray for God's people, nourish them with the word and sacraments,
and lead them by your own example in faithful service and holy living.
You promised to give faithful witness in the world,
that God's love may be known in all that you do.
Before almighty God and in the presence of this assembly, I ask:
Will you Paul, Jeff, Craig, Dawn, Megan, Sharon, and Ross live and serve according to these promises?
Response: I will, and I ask God to help me.
Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things,
graciously give you the strength and compassion to perform them.
The assembly responds: Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
The assembly stands for the prayers of intercession.
An assisting minister invites the assembly into prayer with these or similar words.
With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus,
let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God's creation.
This text will NOT be spoken, but will be PRINTED in the bulletin: (Spanish) O Morning Star, we awake to this new day with celebration and joy in our hearts. Bless Paul, Jeff, Craig, Dawn, Megan, Sharon, and Ross as they are welcomed onto the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and bless our church as we receive them more fully into partnership with us in our proclamation of the Gospel. Most Holy One. Hear us we pray.
(Mandarin) O Gracious One, open our eyes to the delightful diversity of your creation. Open our hearts to your loving kindness. Open our lives to the grace we are called to share with all your human family. Most Holy One. Hear us we pray. O Sophia, Wisdom and Mother of us all, you are One with many names and images. May we see in all who are gathered here today your multiplicity of blessings. Today we honor your unlocking systems and practices that devalued and demeaned us for so many years and by putting your way of honoring people in its place. Most Holy One. Hear us we pray.
Most Holy One. Hear us we pray. (German) O Beautiful Savior. Gather us to your body that we may open ourselves to each other and share in your inclusive, generous, and caring family. Most Holy One. Hear us we pray. | This text will be SPOKEN and not printed in the bulletin, but ONLY in the script. O Estrella Matinal, nos despertamos a este nuevo día con celebración y regocijo en nuestros corazones. Bendice a Paul, Jeff, Craig, Dawn, Megan, Sharon, and Ross conforme reciben la bienvenida a la lista clerical de la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana de América y bendice nuestra iglesia conforme les recibimos más plenamente en asociación con nosotros en nuestra proclamación del Evangelio." Most Holy One. Hear us we pray. (Mandarin) 有 恩 惠 的 神 啊, 把 我 們 的 眼 睛 打 開, 讓 我 們 看 到 你 豐 富 的 創 作。 把 我們 的 心 放 開, 讓 我 們 進 入 你 的 慈 愛。 把 我 們 的 生 命 放 開, 讓 我 們 進 入你 的 恩 典, 你 叫 我 們 分 享 這 個 恩 典 給 傳 世 的 家 庭。 Most Holy One. Hear us we pray. O Sophia, Wisdom and Mother of us all, you are One with many names and images. May we see in all who are gathered here today your multiplicity of blessings. Today we honor your unlocking systems and practices that devalued and demeaned us for so many years and by putting your way of honoring people in its place. Most Holy One. Hear us we pray. (Swahili) Oh Bingwa wa Maskini na Wanyonge,tunajiunga katika kazi yako kuondoa fujo na vita na katika kampeni ya kulisha wenye njaa na kuleta uhuru kwa wanao nyanyasika. Tunasikia wito wako wa kuongea kwa upendo na kwa matendo ya juhudi na haki kwa kila tufanyalo. Most Holy One. Hear us we pray. (German) Liebster Herr Jesus Christus, bring uns zusammen als dein Leib auf Erden, dass wir uns einander öffnen und gemeinsam an deiner gerechten, großherzigen und liebenden Kirche teilhaben. Most Holy One. Hear us we pray. |
Thanksgiving
The presiding minister leads the assembly in giving thanks.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,
we bless you for your infinite love in Christ our Lord,
in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sins
according to the riches of his grace.
We thank you that by his death your Son overcame death,
and that, raised by your mighty power, he gives us new life.
We praise you that, having ascended into heaven,
Christ pours out his gifts abundantly on the church,
making some apostles, some prophets, some pastors and teachers,
to equip your people for their work of ministry for building up the body of Christ.
Solo: "Tantum Ergo" (Louis Vierne) organ with Rebekah Wu, soprano
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o'er ancient forms departing,
newer rites of grace prevail;
faith for all defects supplying,
where the feeble sense fail.
To the everlasting Father,
and the Son who reigns on high,
with the Holy Ghost proceeding
forth from Each eternally,
be salvation, honor, blessing,
might and endless majesty. Amen.
Photo by Pamela Diane Gilbert-SnyderFollowing a time of silent prayer, the presiding minister continues.
Eternal God, through your Son, Jesus Christ,
as we receive name into the ordained ministry in this church,
pour out your Holy Spirit upon name
and fill name with the gifts of grace for the ministry of word and sacrament.
Bless name proclamation of your word and administration of your sacraments,
so that your church may be gathered for praise and strengthened for service.
Make name a faithful pastor, patient teacher, and wise counselor.
Grant that in all things name may serve without reproach,
that your people may be renewed and your name be glorified in the church;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Photo by Pamela Diane Gilbert-SnyderBlessing
The presiding minister addresses the ones being received.
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make you complete in everything good so that you may do God's will,
working in you that which is pleasing in God's sight;
through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Acclamation by the Assembly
The presiding minister and the one being received face the assembly. The presiding minister addresses the assembly.
Will you, assembled as the people of God, echoing the voices of others and speaking for the whole church, receive Paul, Jeff, Craig, Dawn, Megan, Sharon, and Ross as messengers of Jesus Christ, sent by God to serve all people with the gospel of hope and salvation? Will you regard them as servants of Christ?
We will, and we ask God to help us.
Will you pray for them
help and honor them for their work's sake,
and in all things strive to live together in the peace and unity of Christ?
We will, and we ask God to help us.
The presiding minister presents those being received to the assembly.
Let it be recognized and acclaimed that Paul, Jeff, Craig, Dawn, Megan, Sharon, and Ross are called and ordained ministers in the church of Christ. They have Christ's authority to preach the word of God and administer the sacraments, serving God's people as together we bear God's creative and redeeming love to all the world.
Amen. Thanks be to God.
The assembly may offer acclamation with applause.
Peace
The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may say Peace be with you or similar words.
All return to their places. The assembly is seated.
The service continues with the offering.
III. Meal
God nurtures us with the presence of Jesus ChristOffering and Setting the table - Join in our offering online.
Our offering today will be devoted entirely to the The Joel R. Workin Memorial Scholarship which supports openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seminarians following a call to service as a rostered leader in the Lutheran church.
Joel Workin was one of the first openly gay Lutheran seminarians at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Because of Joel's courageous act, his approval for ordination was vacated when ELCA bishops refused to place his name on the roster of approved candidates waiting for call. Joel was never ordained, but he lived a life of faithful ministry and service to people with HIV/AIDS until his death from the disease in 1995. The Joel R. Workin Memorial Scholarship was established by the generosity of Joel's family, colleagues and close friends and is administered by Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries.
Photo by Pamela Diane Gilbert-SnyderThe assembly stands
Offering prayer
God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you, and you open your hand in blessing. Fill us with good things at your table, that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer.
Amen.
Great Thanksgiving
Our Blessing at the Table was composed especially for this liturgy by Sara Miles & Paul Fromberg of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, San Francisco. Copyright 2010 Sara Miles & Paul Fromberg.
Photo by Stephen LawsonLift up your hearts.We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to our God Most High.
It is right to offer thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise, God of love, through your son Jesus Christ. As your life blazes forth from the empty tomb, you pour your Spirit upon us to burn away divisions. And so with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join in their unending song:
Sanctus - Image not displayed here.
Creator of the universe, you speak to the chaos,
bringing song out of silence,
dance out of stillness, life out of death.
Sustainer of the covenant,
you send messengers in every time and place
giving voice to your love:
You speak through thirsty women, broken men, the poor and impure.
You choose what is despised to make us whole.
A servant girl bears Jesus, your blessing,
who turns the old world upside down.
He forsakes the temple, laughs at the powerful
kisses sinners and heals the unclean.
He breaks open prisons, frees slaves and captives,
feasts with the outcast and celebrates strangers;
Loving each one entirely,
he teaches us the way of compassion and peace.
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for them to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Once more we gather at your table in thanksgiving
to share this bread and wine
Now show us his body alive in your children
as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Forgiving Father, you race toward us in the midst of our shame
to cover all enemies with your garment of love.
Now reconcile us, rise in us and make us one body
that we may live as Jesus lives and love as Jesus loves:
Amen. Come Holy Spirit
Life-giving Mother, you make a home for us in the midst of our fear
you wipe away every debt and every tear.
Now heal us, free us and give us your power
that we may share your gifts with a hungry world:
Amen. Come Holy Spirit
Merciful God, fill us with your blessing
and embrace us in communion
with saints and sinners,
the hurt and the hurting,
with Mary Magdalene, Peter the Fisherman,
Seminarian Joel Workin, Pastor Phil Knutson, Pastor Michael Pozar, and Pastor Jim Lokken,
with friends and strangers everywhere
as we give you all glory and honor and praise, now and forever,
The Prayer of Jesus
Now in union with our friend and lover Jesus, and in the language most familiar to you, let us pray:Our Father in heaven, Hallowed by your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins As we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. | Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven. The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth! With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen. | Our Mother who is within us your will be done, within us. and we let go. the dwelling place within us, |
God, lover of us all, most holy one, Help us to respond to you To create what you want for us here on earth. Give us today enough for our needs; Forgive our weak and deliberate offenses, Just as we must forgive others when they hurt us. Help us to resist evil and to do what is good; For we are yours, endowed with your power To make our world whole. Amen. | Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu nombre. Venga tu reino. Hágase tu voluntad en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder y tuya es la gloria, ahora y siempre. Amén | Pater noster qui es in caelis Sancitificur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie. Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in temptationem, sed libera nos a malo. Quoniam tibi est regnum et potestas et gloria in saecula. |
Holy things for holy people!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
Canticle: Lamb of God
Music during distribution
Christian Jennert
Hymn: "There's a wideness in God's Mercy" (ELW 587)
Solo: "Jesu Joy" (J.S. Bach) organ with Rebekah Wu, soprano
Hymn: "For the Bread" (ELW 494)
Once all have communed, the communion servers place their elements on the credence tables and return to their places.
The assembly stands.
Post communion prayer
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
God blesses us and sends us to be at work in the world
Way of Truth and Light, Bless us as one people drawn together by your love and forgiveness.
Way of Peace, Strengthen us to follow Christ into every walk of life.
Way of Hope, May we always live with your future promise today.
In the name of the Creator, + Redeemer and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Hymn & Recessional: "Light dawns on a weary world" (ELW 726)
Go in peace. Live the truth. Accompany the poor. Serve with joy!
Thanks be to God.
Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV J.S. Bach
Leaders of the Liturgy
Presiding Ministers
The Rev. Mark W. Holmerud, Bishop, Sierra Pacific Synod
The Rev. Nancy Nelson, Bishop's Associate, Sierra Pacific Synod
Preacher
The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, pastor, House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver
Assisting Ministers
Maria Anderson, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, University Lutheran Chapel, Berkeley
Brian Richards, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco
Musicians & Dancers
Rebekah Wu, soprano
The Rev. Christian Jennert, oboe
Oakland East Bay Gay Men's Chorus, Michael Robert Patch, Artistic Director
Dixieland Dykes
Emily Gee, cello
Judith L Dancer - Minister of Embodiment - Ebeneezer/herchurch Lutheran
Gregory Jahnke, oboe
Don Pender, soprano sax
Timothy Zerlang, organ & piano
Clergy Marshalls
The Rev. James Delange & The Rev. John Frykman
Crucifer
Travis Van Horn, Ascension Lutheran, Medford, OR
Thurifer
Rev. Tommy Dillon, St. Aidan's Episcopal
Gospel Bearer
Jordan Ward, Co-President of St. Paulus Lutheran
Torch Bearers
Maurie Hamilton, member of the East Bay Lutheran Youth Program
& youth representative on Sierra Pacific Synod Council
Molly Calhoun, President of the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee
& youth representative on Sierra Pacific Synod Council
Molly Calhoun, President of the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee
Greeters, Vergers, & Mentors (St. Mark's Lutheran Church & others)
Liv Beck, Chuck Lewis, Nate and Kacie McDonald, Roberta Brouhard, Marge Jencks, Marge Okuley,
Jan Charter, Mary Carlton Lull, Dale Loepp, Megan Buckingham, Linda Jackson, Sharon Reinbott,
Ralph and Charlene Loen, Suzanne Smith, Whitney Wolfe, Pattie Fulmer, Steven Krefting, Rachel Hoobing
Jan Charter, Mary Carlton Lull, Dale Loepp, Megan Buckingham, Linda Jackson, Sharon Reinbott,
Ralph and Charlene Loen, Suzanne Smith, Whitney Wolfe, Pattie Fulmer, Steven Krefting, Rachel Hoobing
Gathering Confession
Dr. Margaret Moreland, Covenant Circle, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
Amalia Vagts, Executive Director, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
Lectors
Hebrew Scripture: Rabbi Reuban Zellman, Congregation Beth El, Berkeley
New Testament: The Rev. Dr. Ev Kalin, ELM Candidacy Panel, Professor Emeritus at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Gospeler: Nicole Bohn, First United Lutheran Church, San Francisco
Intecessors
The Rev. Chuck Witschorik, ELM/SPS Transfer Candidate and member of Christ the Good Shepherd, San Jose (Spanish)
The Rev. Christian Jennert, St. Mark's Lutheran Church (German)
The Rev. Lucy Kolin, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Oakland (Swahili)
The Rev. Stacy Boorn, Ebenezer/herchurch Lutheran, San Francisco
Sam Tia, University Lutheran Chapel, Berkeley (Mandarin)
Pastor to be reinstated (and presenters)
The Rev. Ross Donald Merkel
Paul Basting, Robert Broughton, & Joilee Webb
Pastors to be received (and presenters) The Rev. Paul Richard Brenner Rob Byrne, Mari Irwin, Jeanine Janson The Rev. Jeff Robert Johnson Robert Wohlsen Jr., Sam Tia, & Martha Backstrom The Rev. Craig Michael Minich Pr. Dave Bringman, Pr. Adisa Armand Miller, Carolyn Carpenter, Beth Munsterman, Lu Pearson, & Nancy Hughes The Rev. Dawn Marie Roginski Jo Chadwick, Donna Simon, Brandee Marckmann, & Elaine Whitney
The Rev. Megan Marie Rohrer
Bobby Lane, Michael Carreiro, & Michael Norton
The Rev. Sharon Sue Stalkfleet
Ms. Larell Fineren, Ms. Mary Gotelli, & Rev. Mary Rowe
Bulletin Design
Gretchen Rauch, Grace Lutheran Church of Palo Alto
Photographer
Vince Donavan
Videographer
Dann Cantrell
Florist
Monica Riner
Sign Language Interpretation supplied by "Say-Hey"
Healing Prayer (outside prior to the service)
The Rev. Gabrielle Schroeder, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, South San Francisco
Planning Coordinators
The Rev. Jeff Johnson & The Rev. Sharon Stalkfleet
Media
Amalia Vagts & Megan Rohrer
Reception
The Rev. Ross Merkel & Martha Backstrom
Clarissa Flores, Caterer
Dean Atkinson, Coordinator
Don Pender, Jazzberry Patch
Logistics & Processions
Kyle Schiefelbein, The Rev. Paul Brenner, & The Rev. Dawn Roginski
The Rev. Ross Donald Merkel
Paul Basting, Robert Broughton, & Joilee Webb
Pastors to be received (and presenters) The Rev. Paul Richard Brenner Rob Byrne, Mari Irwin, Jeanine Janson The Rev. Jeff Robert Johnson Robert Wohlsen Jr., Sam Tia, & Martha Backstrom The Rev. Craig Michael Minich Pr. Dave Bringman, Pr. Adisa Armand Miller, Carolyn Carpenter, Beth Munsterman, Lu Pearson, & Nancy Hughes The Rev. Dawn Marie Roginski Jo Chadwick, Donna Simon, Brandee Marckmann, & Elaine Whitney
The Rev. Megan Marie Rohrer
Bobby Lane, Michael Carreiro, & Michael Norton
The Rev. Sharon Sue Stalkfleet
Ms. Larell Fineren, Ms. Mary Gotelli, & Rev. Mary Rowe
Bulletin Design
Gretchen Rauch, Grace Lutheran Church of Palo Alto
Photographer
Vince Donavan
Videographer
Dann Cantrell
Florist
Monica Riner
Sign Language Interpretation supplied by "Say-Hey"
Healing Prayer (outside prior to the service)
The Rev. Gabrielle Schroeder, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, South San Francisco
Planning Coordinators
The Rev. Jeff Johnson & The Rev. Sharon Stalkfleet
Media
Amalia Vagts & Megan Rohrer
Reception
The Rev. Ross Merkel & Martha Backstrom
Clarissa Flores, Caterer
Dean Atkinson, Coordinator
Don Pender, Jazzberry Patch
Logistics & Processions
Kyle Schiefelbein, The Rev. Paul Brenner, & The Rev. Dawn Roginski
Host Parish, St. Mark's Lutheran Church of San Francisco
The Rev. Elizabeth Ekdale, Host pastor
The Rev. Christian Jennert, Host pastor
Dr. Timothy Zerlang, Director of Music
Richard Boyle, Sacristan
Kyle Schiefelbein, Liturgy CoordinatorFinancial Sponsors
Sierra Pacific Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oakland
Sierra Pacific Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oakland
University Lutheran Chapel, Berkeley
LutheranTrueconfession.org (underwriting the wine for the reception)
St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
Trinity Lutheran Church, Alameda
Trinity Lutheran Church, Oakland
East Bay Lutheran Parish
Lutherans Concerned/San Francisco-Bay Area
Jazzberry Patch (music during the reception) is sponsored by
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans San Francisco Peninsula Group -- Gregory R Jahnke, ChFC. Let the celebration continue!
Notes & Bios
LutheranTrueconfession.org (underwriting the wine for the reception)
St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
Trinity Lutheran Church, Alameda
Trinity Lutheran Church, Oakland
East Bay Lutheran Parish
Lutherans Concerned/San Francisco-Bay Area
Jazzberry Patch (music during the reception) is sponsored by
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans San Francisco Peninsula Group -- Gregory R Jahnke, ChFC. Let the celebration continue!
Dr. and Mrs. Dale and Betty Johnson
The Rev. Stacy Boorn
GLBT Task Force of St. Paul Lutheran Church
Kaye & Ray Fitzsimons
Nancy Heastings & Colleen Vermillion
Bob Wohlsen & Miriam Casey
Paul & Pamela Gilbert Synder
Nancy Ulmer & Steve Schultz
Steve & Jan Hitchcock
Nancy Nielsen
Pr. Mert Johnson & Pr. Mary Rowe
Mary Gotelli
Donald & Karin Mai
Jeff Pennington
Steven Gates & Mac Barbee
Paul H. Basting & Rob McHugh
The Rev. Ross D. Merkel & Robert D. Broughton
Joanne Schultz
Robert & Grace Eacret
Beverly James
Brian Knittel
Mary McEwen
Rosalie Tilden
Joilee Webb
Hans-Christian Kasper & The Rev. Dr. Diane Bowers
Randy & Kathy Gee
Tom Ray & Son Ly
Judy Turley and Duane Anderson
Andy Bouman
Notes & Bios
The Oakland East Bay Gay Men's Chorus performs a wide variety of music, from Classical to Broadway, in three seasonal and numerous church, community and outreach performances every year. Under the artistic direction of Michael Robert Patch, OEBGMC is the most active and well known Gay Arts organization in the Oakland and East Bay region of California. Centrally located in Oakland, it serves many communities, with members from San Jose to Napa. Join OEBGMC for their Summer Pops Concert and Fundraiser on Saturday, August 7th. It's the perfect combination of music fine food and wine and the gathering of good friends, being out and proud and celebrating life and laughter. More information at www.oebgmc.org.
Ordained in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Pastor Paul Brenner has 30 years of leadership in the hospice movement and 10 years experience as an inner city parish pastor. Paul's notable achievements include developing an innovative national program of All Inclusive Care for Children and Their Families; the the first Palliative Care program for Persons living with Alzheimer's Disease; the first hospice program for the Deaf; and the first Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care in a Medical Center.
A graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and ordained along with Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zilhart on January 20, 1990 with a call from First United Lutheran Church, Pastor Jeff R. Johnson is currently the pastor of University Lutheran Chapel in Berkeley, on the Steering Committe for the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, is facilitating the East Bay Interfaith Immigration Coalition and is a member of the Syond Council. Jeff's notable achievements include helping to found the predecessor bodies of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries; serving two terms as Dean of the San Francisco Conference; and as member of the Steering Committee for Religious Witness with Homeless People.
A graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and ordained in 1978 in the Lutheran Church of America, Pastor Ross D. Merkel is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland, CA. Prior to being called to St. Paul in 1982, Ross served as a Refugee Resettlement Coordinator with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest in Phoenix, AZ and prior to that as Associate Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix.
A graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and ordained February 18, 2001, Pastor Craig Minich is currently serving the East Bay Lutheran Youth Program with calls from St. Paul Lutheran and United Lutheran, Oakland.
A graduate of Lutheran Seminary and ordained on June 16, 2007, Pastor Dawn Roginski is the former Associate Pastor and Director of Parish Programs at St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco. Dawn's notable achievements include serving in leadership roles on the Lutherans Concerned/North America board, on the leadership team for the ELM roster, serving for 10 years at a residential treatment facility for seriously mentally ill patients at Boston Health Care in Minneapolis and then as a chaplain at a residential treatment center for children in Kansas City, MO.
A graduate and candidate for the Doctorate of Ministry degree at the Pacific School of Religion and ordained on November 18, 2006, Pastor Megan Rohrer is the Executive Director of Welcome with calls from St. Francis Lutheran, Iglesia de Santa Maria y Marta, herchurch and Christ Church, in San Francisco, the Project Manager of Project Homeless Connect's Growing Home Community Garden and a board member of the Sojourn Chaplaincy at San Francisco General Hospital. Megan's notable achievements include serving as the Director of Candidacy for Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, on the Steering Committee for the San Francisco Trans March, as an author for the Human Rights Campaign's Out In Season: the Church Year Through Transgender Eyes and winner of Out History's Since Stonewall Local History Competition.
A graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and ordained on May 12, 2002, Sharon Stalkfleet is the former chaplain of the Lutheran Ministry to Nursing Homes where she was called by St. Paul Lutheran, Resurrection Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran in Oakland and Trinity Lutheran Church, Alameda.
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