Twenty eight years

Twas twenty-eight years ago today that this poor miserable sinner was ordained into the office of the holy ministry at the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew in Silver Spring, Maryland. In those years, I've had but three calls: Redeemer in Burlington NC, St. Paul's in Hamel IL, and now to the IC as Chaplain and LCMS Director of Worship. It's been an unspeakable privilege to serve in the holy office. I ask God's merciful forgiveness for my countless failings in His service; and his blessings upon whatever good He was pleased to work through those years of ministry. Franzmann's hymn remains my prayer and the prayer of all who (used to) sing it every call day at Concordia Seminary:

Give us lips to sing Thy glory,

Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim,

Throats that shout the hope that fills us,

Mouths to speak Thy holy name.

Alleluia!  Alleluia! May the light

Which Thou dost send

Fill our songs with alleluias,

Alleluias without end.