Friedrich Family in America: Stephen's Ordination

Here's Stephen showing off his very pastoral suit and Betsy her best "pastor's wife" outfit. They were very excited and ready to head off for the ordination.

These are the pictures I took during the Ordination. I figured since I had a front row seat that I should take advantage of the close up perspective. This first one is of Jacob with Leah and Sarah Crowley. All three of them assisted in the worship. Jacob and Sarah were confirmed in the church the next day.

Many members from our church have entered the ministry and their pictures are displayed on a wall leading into the sanctuary. Prior to the ordination a new frame had been positioned, ready for Stephen's ordination picture.

Jacob and Sarah lit the pew candles.

After lighting all the candles, Jacob was ready to move to the back of the church for the processional. I caught him in front of Stephen's red stole, which Betsy created.

Jacob carried the cross to lead the processional, and then faced the congregation as the choir and ministers moved to their positions.

Bishop Kevin Kanouse greeted the gathering and explained what the ordination service was about.

For a "high mass" like this service, there is a Gospel procession, where the Bible is led by the cross and the torches, and then the Gospel message is delivered from the center of the main aisle, in the heart of the congregation.

This is during the Rite of Ordination where the ministers read a number of Bible verses to Stephen.

Here is Pastor Eric Murray from Messiah Lutheran, which is the church where Stephen was baptized and Nancy and Jim were married.

Stephen served communion to all his relatives, including his Grandpa Roland.

Jacob led the procession out of the sanctuary.

After the service Grandma Joan, Nancy's mother, worked hard to wipe away her tears of joy. Nancy's sister Mary Sue and Maggie assure her that all will be well.

Betsy and Stephen breathe a big sigh of relief after the service.

Then it was time for formal pictures. I don't think I've seen so many pictures taken since our return from Indonesia.

This is a view of all the ministers who participated in the service.

Here is Stephen and Bishop Kanouse, with Senior Pastor Steve at the far left.

Stephen with all the St. John's ministers (Steve, Amy, John).

Here's the Friedrich family ready to strike a pose.

And strike a pose they did!

Our boys, with Jacob giving it his best Hollywood glam pose.

Stephen with his Grandparents Roland and Mitzi (Jim's parents).

Stephen with Grandma Joan (Nancy's mother).

Stephen with Karen and Wally from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Amarillo.

Stephen with Katha and Jim O'Hatnick, family friends who presented him for ordination as part of the service.

This beautiful cake was served during the reception. For the record it was both white and chocolate under all that white icing.

Afterwards the family gang gathered at our house. Jacob gave an impromptu marching band demonstration in the back yard. You can see by the jackets that the temperature was getting cold.