On Friday, April 21, 2017, a group of Our Saviour members traveled to Advent Lutheran Church in Charlotte for the Ordination Service for Pastor Meghan Richter. While there we had the privilege and responsibility before God to stand behind, support, nurture, and defend  her during the service.

Mark Nelson, volunteered to drive the OSLC bus so that a group of our members were able attend the service. Trudy and Bill Blake, Travis Alfrey, Emily Colman, Jen Lilyquist, Laurel Stanell, Joe and Rolene Stewart, Annemarie Loeser and Irmi Wahner all had a great bus ride to Charlotte. Tom Adams, Terry and Amy Hill also attended the ordination and met the OSLC group at Advent.

The service was a beautiful event and Pastor Meghan included a number of her friends and family in the ceremony. Pastor Meghan chose the gospel of John 15:1-17, I am the Vine and my Father is the Vinegrower. Travis Alfrey, being a Charge, read a Bible verse in the program. Bishop Tim Smith presided over the service and gave a heartwarming sermon inter-mixing the Lion King's circle of life theme.

Elias, Pastor Meghan and Eric's son, seemed especially pleased with this, as he sweetly sat through the service with a smile on his face. Elias is known to have, on occasion, a healthy set of lungs!

A beautiful red and green reversible stole was presented to Pastor Meghan by her parents, Diane and Mark Large, and Meghan's husband, Eric and son, Elias. After the service, a small reception was held and all enjoyed cake while meeting Pastor Meghan's family and friends. The OSLC group also visited with Kai and Lauren Thurow, Meghan's sister and brother-in-law, which was an added treat for all of us!

Tom Adams, OSLC Council President said, "The Church Council feels blessed that we are able to be a part of the beginning of Pastor Meghan's career as a minister in the Lutheran Church. We are lucky to have someone with us during our time of reformation who fits in so nicely with our congregation. We wish her the very best as she rises in the years ahead."

Although it was a late night and a long bus ride home, everyone commented on what a wonderful service it was and how very glad they were to have had the opportunity to attend. 

Congratulations Pastor Meghan! 

We are so blessed to have you as part of the Our Saviour family!