In the ongoing narrative of my momentous times, March 24, 2009 shone brightly.
The warm California sun and the clear skies from the previous day’s rains made for one of those rare OC moments where one could stand on the pier in Newport Beach and see the snow capped mountains in the distance to the east. It was one of those days where everyone from cold climates forgets about the smog, crime and traffic in OC and thinks: man I want to live there! In fact, I think I overheard a few friends wondering if it is possible to be called by God to start a church in OC…or if I sold my soul to the devil!
Ordination in Orange County
My ordination day was truly one of the most special days of my life—but not because of me. I actually really dislike being the center of attention. It was special because of all the various people who came. Starting with my mom—I’ll bet she’s glad to see that her rambunctious son has found something useful to do with his life! And Dallas Willard—my beloved friend and mentor who preached the sermon. But I was so nervous about being the center of attention I’m not sure I really heard it. Thankfully it was recorded, so when I have a few peaceful moments I will listen to it again.
All my local siblings were there—a big shout out to them! We didn’t plan it this way; in fact the thought never crossed my mind, but there were friends from every era of my life there. Hal Baggot, my first Sunday School teacher at the Methodist Church in which I grew up, and his family were there. There were friends from each of the churches and organizations I have led—Calvary Chapel, The Vineyard, Christ Community, Alpha USA, The Anglican Mission, etc. A week later, I am still really blown away by everyone’s generosity.
Momentous…significant and meaningful…these really are my times…and all by God’s grace. I did not see any of this coming. But Debbie and I often say to each other that it seems as if God is leveraging everything else we have done in our lives for this last run of planting 200 contemporary, missional, spiritual formation Anglican churches on the West Coast.
I am clearly on a ride…and I am just as clearly not driving…there is a Reality behind my reality pulling me onward in Christ Jesus.
April 5th, 2009 at 2:03 am
wow! A big congrats. I’d be interested to hear about your journey to where you are at now, and where you are headed in the future!
April 6th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Congratulations Todd!!!! Your a blessing as well as your family!