September 16 is an important day across the Moravian world for those serving in ministry. It’s known as Cup of Covenant. Those in ministry have the opportunity to renew their ordination vows or their commitment to service.
It’s been a significant day in my life for close to 27 years. While serving in South Jersey the clergy in South Jersey would gather together for a brief time of worship and the sharing of the cup of covenant. When we came to NC we gathered with others in Winston Salem to reconsider our ordination vows and recommit to ministry. Then came our time in Georgia where we were the one and only. Joe and I would spend some time intentionally reflecting on September 16. And then came our return to NC where I was excited to be a part of cup of covenant with more of my colleagues and having the knowledge that those in involved in ministry around the world we likely being something similar.
Then Covid hit, we tried zoom – that wasn’t the same for me. There is something about being gathered together with those whose spoke those same vows at their ordinations and similar commitment statements at installations. A bond of sorts.
However, this year I found myself alone at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Welcome contemplating my ordination vows, my commitment to ministry and in this season my deep commitment to serving an ecumenical partner church. I love serving at Our Saviour’s. Yet the reality is I was there alone on September 16 in our beautiful sanctuary because we chose to do things differently now in the south and for everything their is a season and sometimes that may mean change, even when I do not understand or like it.
The sun shone through the stain glass at Our Saviour’s on September 16 and there I recommitted myself to the service of my Lord as I have done for 27 years.
Gathering the Gleanings: Reflections on Life in the Ministry 
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