Pastor Steve Keiser became the 18th Lutheran pastor to be extraordinarily ordained since 1990, and the 10th since 2006. This is the first extraordinary ordination in the eastern time zone. The huge Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion sanctuary was filled–estimates place the crowd at about 500 with nearly 40 vested clergy participating. It was a truly amazing day. Pastor Steve has been serving at Holy Communion for 8 years as a pastoral associate and has been called as pastor to the congregation. He will serve with Pastor Kari Hurt.
The Rev. Jay Weisner placed a stole which has been worn by every ELM ordained since Anita Hill on Steve’s shoulders during the service and the oldest member of the congregation read the final words proclaiming Steve a called and ordained pastor. It was magnificent!