Monday, June 04, 2007

Ordained

As of June 2, 2007, Andy Bryan is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and a full member of the Missouri Annual Conference!


I honestly cannot describe the power, emotion, energy, passion, and depth of that evening. I will write more about it later. For now, suffice it to say that it was one of the absolute highlights of my life, just after my wedding day and the birthdays of my children. Surrounded by my family, 40 members of my church who made the trek from North Kansas City to Springfield, dear friends, colleagues of the conference ... wow. Tears started up as soon as I knelt. The hands of my grandfather, my father, Bishops Schnase and Palmer, Reverends Sarah Evans and Steve Campbell laid on my head were heavy - literally and figuratively. Reverend Barry Freese said, as I stood before him to receive the stole, "Here it comes!" And I was ordained.

I'll write more about it, I'm sure, but for now about all I can muster is ... wow.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! It was a long-time coming. We are proud of your dedication and service and how you lead by example. Way to go, Andy!

Roger, Shelly, Willa and Isa :)!

DogBlogger said...

Congratulations, Andy! and Blessings to you!

Anonymous said...

Woo-hoo !!!!! Way to go, Andy!!!!!

Nancy said...

Congratulations, Andy B.!

TN Rambler said...

Congratulations Andy! May God continue to bless you, your family and your ministry.

Susan Cox said...

Andy
Blessings, buddy! Seeing Rabbi Monk lay hands, and hearing him read one of my family's "signature scriptures" (...."My name is Cana, the daughter says, "not Canna...I'm a miracle, not a bulb")...was worth the price of admission to ordination. oh, the places you will go....SKCJ

Anonymous said...

Wish I could have been there. The folks from your congregation had many wonderful things to say about the service. God Bless and Congratulations!! See you Sunday. Kathryn

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!

Adam said...

nice work my friend.

Beth Quick said...

Congrats, Andy. A long journey ended, and a new one beginning!

David said...

hard work, and a long road, bring you to the way-station. the mountain top is long ahead, but enjoy a cool drink of water, and may you find blessings on the rest of your journey. Congratulations friend.
Peace,
DC

gmw said...

congrats, Andy. a "high and holy moment" as one friend of mine called it. blessings.

Art said...

Congratulations, Reverend Bryan!

John said...

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

What a night Saturday night for you and all your family. I was so moved by the entire Ordination Service----the red stoles and the red on the stage---set the tone for the night and oh the music.

When I drove home on Sunday morning early I was still humming and singing HERE I AM LORD.

It was good just to say hello to you and also to your Mother and introduce myself as the Helen that writes on here.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Rev!

Anonymous said...

Congrats and welcome to a whole new set of hoops. You will do well. Amen and Amen.

Pastor Dave said...

I think all everyone there was moved by the significance of apostolic succession and the family relationship. I personally found it to be a wonderfully significant day as father, son, and grandson proved that the faith can and will be continued through the generations to come. May God continue to bless your ministry and may you be found fruitful and faithful.

Melissa said...

Congratulations!

Ken L. Hagler said...

Big time congratulations! Next Monday I'm scheduled for the same. I appreciate your reflections.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Reverend Bryan!

Blessings,
Joseph

Keith H. McIlwain said...

Welcome to the Order of Elder! May God continue to bless your journey!

kc bob said...

Congratulations Andy! Need to put your picture on the sidebar ... now that we all know what you look like :)

Theresa Coleman said...

Yeah!
and Woo-Hoo!

Anonymous said...

Andy,
Congtats... You have always been a good word of God and now the rest of us finally say AMEN.
Your AC post is right on target my friend. I do hope things get better as time goes by. I really believe they will, cause the cause of Christ will prevail.

mandyc said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! I was so glad I got to be there and share in that service. Bishop Palmer's sermon was one of the best I've heard in years! It was the first time in a long time that I haven't felt second class for NOT getting ordained. I know that you have great things ahead of you and am glad that you have the position within the institution to make them happen!

gavin richardson said...

i'm a bit late in the congrats, but here it is. very happy for you andy and blessings to you, your fam, and the congregations you will serve.