There is so much craziness in my life right now: I am entering my second year of internship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Healthy, I am preparing to submit my annual evaluations to the synod and the seminary, my classes are fully underway for the spring, and I am preparing for my synod approval, which is the next step in my ordination path. Things are beginning to move quickly, and it feels like I am speeding to what feels like something of a finish line.
My path to ordination is winnowing down. A lot has happened since January of 2022. I have grown, found my ministerial voice, and am looking forward to Approval and First Call. Everything in my life is pushing me forward, and that is so very exciting. I feel like a high school senior seeing my time in one season of life wind down as I enter the liminal space of preparation for my next season.
Just like high school seniors, I am also looking forward to Homecoming. This isn’t a Homecoming that involves a dance or a football game or a cheesy way of asking someone to be my date. For me, Homecoming will be returning to you, returning to Lord of Life. I had the joy of being able to get together with Pastor Lowell last week for coffee and left that morning with an invitation to return to Lord of Life as a guest preacher, so I will be coming home to see you all on Sunday, March 30. Mark your calendars!
In the spirit of that homecoming, I’ve been thinking about Mark 5:19, where the healed man from Gerasene is sent by Jesus, with him being told, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” I feel very much like the Gerasene man, coming to share with you how I have been transformed, how the Holy Spirit moves within me, and how I have come to feel the Holy presence in my life.
These last three years have been amazing, life changing, and remarkably challenging. While the process of seminary has resulted in my having to step away as a regular presence at Lord of Life, please know that you all are a regular part of my daily thoughts. You are all in my prayers, and I will always be grateful for the support and love I receive from you. You are my HOME church, and I am extremely excited to be coming home to you all.
See you in March!
Rick Ponton
Pastoral Intern, Trinity Lutheran Church, Cincinnati